A Sensible Buying Guide
Purchasing binoculars that best suit your needs can be a challenge. Simply spending the most you can afford and selecting the strongest strength available in your top price range isn't necessarily the best approach. We aim to simplify that challenge and help you decide on binoculars you'll be super happy to use.
Depending on where you are in your selection process, you may want to skip this short overview and jump straight to our product rankings. If you are just getting started selecting binoculars and would like a little guidance, there are a few physical characteristics you should consider.
If you have already purchased your binoculars, you might want to take a few minutes and read up on how to properly focus your binoculars.
Quick Pick Guide
Physical Factors
Size and Weight
This might seem fairly easy. If you don't want to carry a large pair of binoculars, then perhaps a compact model might be your best bet. However, a larger pair even though they will be heavier will typically have a better focal clarity, wider field of vision and larger objective lens size. Without jumping too far ahead, a larger objective lens will typically work better in low light situations and viewing situations that require a broad field of range.
Durability
Depending on your use, this may be the most critical factor. Several brands offer waterproof models. Additionally, a model with a rubber coated surface could be a good choice if you will be using your binoculars extensively in outdoor environments. A side benefit of binocular models with rubber coating is they typically are more comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
Magnification
This factor is likely the most important in your decision. The magnification of a particular model is represented by the first number before the X. When you see the notation of 10 x 50, it means that objects will appear ten times larger when viewed through those specific binoculars. Stronger magnification is not necessarily better. A binocular with a magnification strength of 15+ can be hard to hold steady enough to keep the viewing object within the objective lens. If you want a pair of 15+ binoculars, they will certainly enable you to see objects from significant distances, but you may want to consider models with either a tripod or some other device to stabilize them will viewing.
Objective Lens Size
The objective lens is the lens on the end of the binoculars opposite the smaller viewing lenses. The size of the objective lens dictates how much light it can capture and how wide the field of vision will be. A large objective lens will work better in low light conditions such as observing the stars or hunting at dusk. However, the trade-off is that a pair of binoculars with a larger objective lens size will weigh more and will take up more space. A larger objective lens will be appreciated when viewing objects and events in large open areas where the objects might be moving and difficult to track. Think hunting, sporting events, etc. A smaller objective lens might meet your needs better for smaller environments with more stationary objects. Think theaters, concerts, zoos, etc.
Common Uses of Binoculars
In addition to physical characteristics, it is super important to consider how you will normally use your binoculars. Certain binoculars work well in certain situations, but not so well in others. To help guide your decision process, it may be helpful to consider these categories.
- General Use (Outdoor Exploring, Star Gazing, Sporting Events, etc.)
- Wildlife Settings (Bird Watching, Hunting, etc.)
- Events Venues (Opera, Plays, Concerts, etc.)
- Marine Activities (Sailing, Kayaking, Navigating, etc.)
General Use (Outdoor Exploring, Star Gazing Sporting Events, etc.)
This category is broad and the most common. Most people want to buy binoculars for a variety of uses. I find it useful to have a general purpose pair of binoculars in my daypack or the glove box of my car. You'll be surprised how often you use them if you have them readily available. With that, it's important to consider a few things when purchasing binoculars for general use. An all-purpose pair is a good choice. The 10x26 BluHorizon binoculars from Steiner are a great example of this category of use.
Wildlife Settings (Bird Watching, Hunting, etc.)
This category of use usually is best suited for binoculars with stronger magnification and also a larger objective lens. The trade-offs are that you will find that many of the binoculars well suited for bird watching, hunting, etc. are that they will be on the larger and heavier end of the range. A solid choice for this category are the Bushnell 10x42 Green Roof Trophy binoculars.
Event Venues (Opera, Plays, Concerts, etc.)
Attending a wonderful performance in the first twenty rows or so can be a spectacular experience. Unfortunately, you can't always either find small venues where everyone can see perfectly or its just impossible to get your hands on the great seats. A nice solution is to carry a compact pair of binoculars to events. One of the best binoculars for viewing opera's, concerts, plays, etc. are these Occer 12x25 compact binoculars are a good choice both for function and price.
Marine Activities (Sailing, Kayaking, Navigating, etc.)
Not all binoculars are waterproof. Nothing will ruin your binoculars faster than a few drops of water finding their way inside resulting in foggy lenses that are near impossible to ever return to their original clarity. The Bushnell H2O waterproof roof prism binoculars are well suited for use on the water.