1. What kind of binoculars do you want?
There are four types of binoculars: compact, complete, medium and giant.
Compact binoculars are good to keep in a small bag or pocket and can be handy to have on a hike or at a concert or show.
Medium and large binoculars are good for hunters who want a better quality of binoculars.
Giant binoculars are more popular with astronomers. You can also see them at scenic spot visitor centers. The military and police also make use of these great optics.
2. What power and goal do you want?
All binoculars are labeled with a power and target number. 8x32mm. The first number is the power, the second is the objective or diameter of the objective lens (the large lens opposite where you place your eyes).
Powers start at 4 and go up to 32 or more. Higher does not necessarily mean better in this case. If you have the power too high, the closest images can become blurry. In order to choose which power is best for you, you will need to determine what you are using the binoculars for. Hunters often want a power of 10 if they need to look at great distances. Bird watchers will not normally need as high a power as their objects are usually closer to them. Serious astronomers will need the most power since their objects are at the greatest distance.
The lens can range from about 20mm to over 150mm. A larger lens will let in more light, improving your visibility at dawn and dusk. Once again, a higher number is not always better. The most popular target size among hunters is 42mm. Optimum objective sizes vary greatly depending on the use of binoculars.
3. What field of vision do you want?
The field of view is the range of area you will see around the object you are pointing the binoculars at. Binoculars with a larger field of view will allow you to see a larger area on either side of your point of focus. You’ll want a larger field of view if your use of binoculars requires you to see a greater distance range.
4. Do you need them to fit a tripod?
This feature may not apply to you, but if you plan to set up a tripod to observe a certain scenic area, you’ll want binoculars that can accommodate that tripod. You can also use a tripod if your hands are shaking or you are concerned that your binoculars are not stable and level.
5. Do you want waterproof binoculars?
Getting binoculars that are waterproof is especially important if you might be hunting in the rain or if you plan to take them out on a canoe. It is a good idea to get waterproof binoculars as you may find yourself caught in the rain unexpectedly while looking at something great through your binoculars.
6. Do you want coating on the lenses?
Having coated lenses is important if you plan to use your binoculars in the cool morning hours, as the coating will prevent your lenses from fogging up.
7. Do you want rubber coating or not?
The rubber coating is popular with binocular users as it increases the comfort of holding the binoculars and increases protection in the event of a drop.
8. Do you want them to be shockproof?
If you plan to take your binoculars along rough terrain, into the woods, or up the side of a mountain, you may want to consider purchasing shockproof binoculars. If you are naturally very careful with your stuff and don’t worry about dropping your binoculars, this feature may not be necessary for you.
9. How much do you want them to weigh?
Like most other questions, this depends on your use of binoculars. If you’re hiking through the woods hunting for the day, you’ll want binoculars that won’t weigh you down too much. If you’re staying somewhere to bird watch or see some scenery, you may not need binoculars to be so light.
10. How much should you spend on your binoculars?
This is something you’ll need to determine based on what you’re going to do with them, what the chances are of them getting lost, and how often you’ll be using them.
With these guidelines on how to choose binoculars, it will be much easier for you to prepare for your next fun adventure! Once you pick out your binoculars, be sure to get some eye protectors so you can get the most out of your binoculars experience. Eyeshields fit all popular binocular brands including Nikon, Zeiss, Brunton, Vortex, Bushnell, Swarovski, Leica, Vixen and more.
