How to Choose the Right Binoculars You'll Love

The sheer number and type of potential application of binoculars make them an essential piece of gear for many professionals and hobbyist alike. People use them to get an insight (short and rare) into wildlife behavior (bird watching, whale watching, safari). They are also useful as a navigational aid for spotting objects within immediate line of sight (ship, boat, kayak, outback trail). Having a good pair of hunting binoculars is almost central to catching game. The foreknowledge gained through the visor can make the difference between success and a stalk void of any encounters.

Knowing what lies ahead greatly aids decision making. It serves to calculate (both literally and metaphorically) your next steps. Why go head first into an area you haven’t surveyed visually when you can scout the distance instead of going blind? You can easily find binoculars online and they come in so many models. So take a good look at the features before reaching for your wallet.

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Optics

Binocular optics is of great importance. Those that are not tech savvy might struggle reading the optical specifications of a given model. The primary features to identify a set of binoculars by are their magnification power and objective lens diameter. This is expressed in numbers (9x42 for example). The first number relays the magnification power. So looking through these binoculars will make objects appear 9 times closer than what the naked eye can see. The second value (42) refers to the diameter of the objective lens expressed in milimeters. Objectives are the largest element in a binocular (aside from the housing itself) and they will dictate the overall size, grip and weight.

Large objective lets more light into the lens and this translates into clearer and brighter images. Other factors determine this as well, but more on them later. In terms of magnification power – the higher this value is, the smaller your angle of view will be.

Angle view (or field of view) refers to the amount of horizontal scenery visible through a binocular. It is the section of a full 360 degree view you can encompass when looking outward. So if the owners manual says 6.5 or 7.5 angle of view on the binoculars, that is the part you can see without applying any magnification. If this number is in the dozens (58.5 or 67.5) than it refers to the Apparent Angle of View which comes as a result of magnification. The Apparent Angle of View is practically the angle of view multiplied by the magnification (6.5 x 9 in the example above). If you go for large apparent field of view, you will get wide view regardless how high your magnification is.

These were some of the basics you would require when shopping for binoculars. Advanced optics can certainly get far more elaborate.

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Tough build

It is very likely your binoculars will be used in outdoor environments and sometimes in adverse or extreme conditions. If you want it to have a long service life invest in a high quality option that is able to handle the beating. Make sure it has rubber armour exterior that allows reasonable degree of shock protection. And while impacts are not guaranteed, water ingress is a risk you have to take seriously into consideration. Go for waterproof case  that ensures wet outback conditions don’t ruin your agenda for the day. Last but not least, look for fog resistant binoculars. You might easily forget this if you don’t wear glasses, but difference in temperatures quickly fogs up lenses. 

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Ergonomics

Having a good grip of the binoculars is very important. Even if you use a tripod when looking at far distant objects or through great magnifying power chances are the binoculars will spend most of their time in your hands. Look for non slip finish on the case so you can focus your undivided attention to the task at hand. Handling with gloves or in damp conditions should be taken into account and proper design solutions shortlisted.

Speaking of solving issues – do you wear prescription glasses? Depending on the exact dioptre of your lenses this may limit the benefits of having binoculars in the first place. The eye cups are usually placed to provide the optimal distance for appropriate eyesight, however they take into account only viewers with regular eyesight. If you wear glasses make sure to double check whether the binoculars allow additional focus. It depends on the model, but sometimes this is available only on one eye, sometimes for both and at times – for none. Look for binoculars that have dioptric adjustment dial to match individual optical prescriptions with ease, especially if you share them between several team members.

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Portability

Sighting from a sailboat deck or during a hinterland hunt definitely precludes binoculars that are designed to provide convenient portability. They are an accessory that should serve not to slow you down but to get a glimpse of your target and then get going right away. Needless to say, having a pouch, case, and adjustable halyard that is accessible but can be quickly tucked away is essential.

Warranty

The type of support you get from your supplier after you’ve purchased their goods speaks volumes on the integrity of their product. It is time tested practical wisdom that models with life time warranty are superior. Keep an eye on this aspect to buy high quality binoculars that will be in use for a long time to come.