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Buying binoculars should be a well-considered decision so that the new pair of binoculars does not become a disappointment. There are many types of binoculars available in different sizes, for different areas of application with different properties and optical performance. The prices are also very different.
If you want to buy binoculars, you have to ask yourself: What Type of Binoculars is the right one for me? To answer this question you need to know a bit about the different types of binoculars.
What Type Of Binoculars Should I Buy
Binoculars come in many types for all sorts of purposes. From the opera to birding, from hiking to seafaring, and from daytime observations to night use. Each type of binoculars is suitable for a specific purpose, but for which one? Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of the various kinds of binoculars:
Travel and Hiking Binoculars
When traveling and hiking, compact dimensions and low weight are critical considerations for selecting hiking binoculars. A wide field of view is beneficial for scanning the landscape and scenery, and strong magnification is desirable if you want to see far away objects in detail
And since you are hiking or traveling, you might get into misty weather or find yourself in shady and dark terrain so you would appreciate enough light-gathering power to enjoy sufficiently bright images.
All these criteria above are best met by 8×30 or 8×32 binoculars. Instruments with those specs have a wide field of view of good 400yard at 1000yards distance, an exit pupil of around 4 mm which provides enough brightness so you can still use the binoculars in dense woods and on cloudy days, and they are light and compact weighing no more than about 20 ounces.
Hiking binoculars should be as robust as possible to cope with hard bumps or being dropped. Nitrogen filling is desirable so they are really waterproof. The instrument must not fail in cold weather either, good handling and easy operation are a matter of course.
Advantage: Lightweight and compact, good optical performance, wide field of view
Disadvantage: Weak in low light conditions
- Whether you're looking at wildlife or scenery, two things are important: color and clarity The PROSTAFF 7S brings you both, thanks to Fully Multilayer Coated lenses and Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms
- Even eyeglass wearers will enjoy looking through the PROSTAFF 7S The turn-and-slide rubber eyecups allow anyone to adjust the space between their eye and the binocular's eyepiece, ensuring a full field of view
- The PROSTAFF 7S is comfortable to hold, even in wet conditions, thanks to its rubber armored body The rubber armor also protects the binocular in case it is dropped or handled roughly
- 8x30 Inches
Last update on 2025-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Compact binoculars
These binoculars are highly popular, they are available in all qualities from supercheap china glasses to high-end models from the best binoculars makers. They are so small that many people have one “just in case stashed away somewhere” so they can get it out if there is a need to quickly observe some distant objects.
Compact binoculars are extremely lightweight often below 10 ounces /300 grams. Such a lightweight construction naturally comes at the expense of observation comfort. The lens diameters of compact models are usually between 20 and 25 mm. Small entrance pupils lead to small exit pupils, which means that compact models are only suitable for daylight observations.
Magnification is usually 8 to 10 times. The small lens diameter typical for this class of binoculars means that the exit pupil is small too, usually between two and three millimeters, depending on which model you choose. So these models are really only suitable for daytime observation and you will quickly see that you will reach your limits if you try to observe at dusk. Some expensive models with high-quality coatings still get something out of the additional transmission and you can see the difference between cheap and premium manufacturers.
The short, compact design of these types of binoculars requires shorter focal lengths of the lenses. A short eyepiece focal length inevitably leads to a shorter eye relief which limits the suitability of compact lenses for glasses wearers
Advantage: Very light, small compact design, fit in any pocket
Disadvantage: Only suitable for daytime observation in good lighting conditions. Not very suitable for wearers of eyeglasses due to short eye relief
- Lightweight rugged magnesium chassis
- Ergonomically designed double hinged closed bridge
- Close focus distance 6.0'
- 10x magnification, 25-millimeter objective compact folding roof prism binoculars with premium carry case, neckstrap, microfiber lens cloth, and deluxe binocular harness
- Exceptional optics with BaK-4 prisms, ED Prime Glass, Ultra Wide Band Coatings, and RainGuard HD water-repellent lens coating
Last update on 2025-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Allround Binoculars
Binoculars with objective lens diameters of 42 mm are the most versatile. In combination with a magnification of 8x or 10 times do they cover a wide range of application areas and are the favorites of birdwatchers, hunters, rangers, and other professionals.
The large objective lenses allow a lot of light to enter and ensure a high twilight factor and with a magnification of 8 or 10 times, the exit pupils of around 4 to 5 mm are large enough to use the instruments even in low light conditions and in the twilight.
The larger design allows longer lens and eyepiece focal lengths, which reduces optical distortion, field curvature, and edge blur and consequently results in better optical performance. Size matter in optics! No wonder space telescopes keep on getting bigger.
Longer eyepiece focal length also goes hand in hand with longer eye relief, so these types of binoculars are generally very suitable for glasses wearers.
Advantage: Good for low light observation, long eye relief makes them suitable for eyeglass wearers, high optical performance.
Disadvantage: The 10×42 has a smaller field of view than the 8×42 models, and the 10×42 is less suitable for low light use than an 8×42 model because of the smaller exit pupil.
- This powerful binocular features a well-balanced lightweight polymer frame, extra low-dispersion (ED) glass, and fully multi-coated lenses for an exceptionally clear, bright, high-contrast image with excellent color reproduction.
- Because of our direct-to-consumer, no retail-markup business model, you know you’ll be getting the best binocular for your buck.
- The C.1 binocular features crystal clear extra low-dispersion (ED) glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and a durable, yet lightweight polymer frame. Near focus at 5.9 ft.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and scratch resistant lens coatings will ensure unimpeded field use.
- Maven optics are made with a commitment to you, our customer. All Maven optics come with an unconditional life-time warranty. If your optic becomes damaged or is at all defective (not including deliberate or cosmetic damage that does not hinder product performance), contact us immediately for repair or replacement. We don’t care where or when you bought it or if it was your fault or not – if it's Mavenbuilt, we will take care of it.
Last update on 2025-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Type Of Binoculars Are Best For Bird Watching
Good binoculars for bird watching have to meet high demands. Most bird species are particularly active at dawn and dusk. So in addition to the ideal magnification, bright images, contrast, and high color fidelity are particularly important for animal and bird watching.
The Allround Binoculars described above with 42 mm objective lenses can capture a lot of light so they are a step in the right direction regarding Twilight performance. However, the lens diameter is only one factor in relation to the actual brightness of the image displayed. The kind and the grade of the optical glass used for the lenses and prisms are much more important than just large lenses.
When buying, pay attention to special extra-low dispersion glass with fully multi-layer coatings. This along with phase-corrected high-quality BAK-4 prisms in roof prism binoculars enhance light transmission, resolution, contrast, and color fidelity.
Advantage: Quality binoculars provide crisp, contrast-rich images of high color fidelity, precisely recognize the plumage color and the pattern of a bird, simplifies the determination of the species.
Disadvantage: Cheap binoculars will not do, the purchase price is rather high.
- 8x magnification & 42mm objective lenses, these Diamondback HD binos are optimized with select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration and provide outstanding color fidelity, sharpness and light transmission.
- Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. Dielectric coating provides bright, clear, color-accurate images. Armortek coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt.
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. Center focus wheel adjusts the focus of both binocular barrels at the same time. Diopter (located on right eyepiece) adjusts for differences in a user's eyes.
- Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip, and durable external protection. Binoculars are tripod adaptable allowing use on a tripod or car window mount.
- Argon purging and o-ring seals provide water and fogproof performance in all environments. Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact. Includes GlassPak harness.
Last update on 2025-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Binoculars for Hunters
Hunters are demanding when it comes to the quality of binoculars. Hunting is often done in adverse conditions, at low temperatures, and the weather can be very unfavorable. Binoculars for hunters must be built to be particularly robust so that they can withstand snow, rain, and fog. Reliable and high-quality binoculars that work under all these environmental conditions are what hunters need.
The type of binoculars also depends on the type of hunting. If you’re still hunting and stalking game through the woods, a model with around 8x magnification and a 32mm or 42mm lens is recommended. It is bright enough and a larger field of view is useful in an environment where there are often many hiding places. When long-range hunting or sitting on a tree stand, a higher magnification of 10 or even 12 times may be advisable. A tripod becomes essential for binoculars with high magnification.
And it is different again if you hunt at dusk or at night. Then you would need binoculars with a large aperture for their higher light-gathering power. The favorite low-light binoculars amongst hunters are 8×56 or 10×56 models.
As the different kinds of hunting suggest, every hunter would actually need several binoculars. Personal preferences are very different, but 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars are a good compromise to start with. However, skilled hunters often have several binoculars that they have acquired over the years for different hunting styles
An additional feature that is worth considering is a rangefinder feature.
Advantage: High optical performance, good transmission, wide field of view
Disadvantage: Might need 2 or 3 binoculars, as there is no one model for the various types of hunting
- HIGH-CONTRAST OPTICS - Delivers bright, high-contrast images, high contour sharpness and brilliant, 3D viewing experiences with natural colour reproduction up to the close range of 2 m
- TECHNICAL DATA - 10x magnification, 42 mm objective diameter, field of view at 1000 m: 108 m
- FAST-CLOSE-FOCUS - Minimal, stepless focusing on the centre focus wheel for fast, absolute sharpness from close range to infinity Comfortable and easy focusing
- XL FIELD OF VIEW - Allows you to keep track and allows comfortable viewing
- NITROGEN PRESSURE FILLING - fogging or the formation of condensation inside the binoculars is completely impossible with this high-tech solution from STEINER Thanks to the 2-way valve technology, the binoculars can be maintained at any time, even after many years
- 10x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, this Crossfire is a quality, performance driven binocular perfect for your next hunt. Fully multi-coated lenseses promote excellent light transmission and clarity for impressive views.
- A wide field of view and enhanced depth of field help you quickly find what you were looking for when scanning your environment.
- Twist-up eyecups, a smooth center focus wheel, and right eye diopter give you precise functionality.
- Rubber armoring with clean, sleek styling provides a durable non-slip grip.
- With nitrogen purging, you will be ready for all weather conditions with fogproof and waterproof barrels. Field of View: 320 feet/1000 yards|6.1 degrees.Close Focus: 9.8 feet
Last update on 2025-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Low Light Binoculars
Binoculars with objective lens diameters of 50mm or even larger are often referred to as low light or night binoculars. They are great at dusk and at night for wildlife viewing or hunting. Such wide lenses allow large amounts of light to enter the binoculars. And theoretically, the more light goes in, the better the twilight performance and the better the viewing in low light conditions.
The magnification power 7x, 8x, or 10x of these binoculars seems quite low for such a large and bulky instrument. But how well binoculars perform when there is only little light, depends also on the magnification. The larger the magnification, the smaller the exit pupil, thus the weaker the twilight performance. A large collecting lens and low magnification result in a large exit pupil.
This is particularly important so that as much light as possible reaches the retina. As the eye adapts to the night, the pupil widens depending on the age of the observer to 6mm, in young people 7 mm or just over. The larger the exit pupil of the binoculars, the more light arrives at the eye and the brighter the images will appear.
An exit pupil of around 6mm is desirable in these types of binoculars, to allow as much light as possible to reach the human eye. For the best optical performance of a night glass, transmission is a critical factor. In the best binoculars, special glass with high transmission, and high-quality multilayer coatings are used to cut out reflection and keep light losses low. So much optical high tech has its price.
Advantage: Best for night and twilight observation. Very contrast-rich and bright images
Disadvantage: Quite expensive.
- All MONARCH 5 binoculars are now built with Nikon's legendary ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lenses, which correct chromatic aberrations across the furthest limits of the visible light range and effectively compensate for color fringing.
- Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings are applied to all lenses and prism coatings to provide high-contrast images and accurate color reproduction.
- Massive 56mm objective lenses provide superior light gathering ability for overcoming less than ideal lighting conditions.
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens Diameter: 56mm
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 7.0mm
- Twilight Factor: 21.2
- Field of View at 1000m: 125m (410.1')
- 90% LIGHT TRANSMISSION: Higher definition glass produces 90% to-the-eye light transmission, great low-light performance and excellent target resolution across the entire magnification range.
- ZEISS T* COATING: Guaranteed brilliant, high-contrast images, particularly in adverse light conditions and twilight. The coating is tuned to each lens individually for maximum clarity.
- A CLEAR VIEW IN ANY WEATHER: There are always exciting things to be seen in the world of nature, even in wet weather. ZEISS developed LotuTec as a coating for binoculars and scopes that enables a clear and unhindered view in all weather conditions.
- COMPACT & ROBUST: Compact size, low weight and robust body construction guarantee readiness for use in all conditions. Ergonomics plays a major role too – compact size and lightweight, modern design, truly comes into its own.
- OPTIMIZED OPERATING ELEMENTS: The comfortable focusing system with a large focusing wheel ensures easy handling, optimum grip and precise focusing - even with gloves. The slightly slanted eyecups are carefully and ergonomically aligned for extra comfort.
Last update on 2025-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
So, What Type Of Binoculars Should I Buy
There are many good reasons for purchasing high-quality binoculars. A pair of binoculars is an optical precession instrument that will be with you for many years. To really have fun with it, you have to buy the right type depending on what you are going to use it for. As a seafarer, you will hardly be able to cope with compact binoculars.
The first criteria to consider are:
Magnification, objective diameter, weight, the field of view, the exit pupil, and the eye relief.
These are a few selection criteria that allow you to narrow down the options. The actual quality depends largely on technological factors such as:
Type and quality of the optical glass, whether surfaces are fully multi-coated, type of prisms – Porro or roof (are they phase correct), precision workmanship and harmonizing of the optical elements, good processing and smooth operation of the mechanical components i.e. focusing, diopter adjustment, waterproof housing, nitrogen purged.
As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider. Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why many people that use binoculars professionally own a selection of binoculars.
