Buying Guide

Binoculars

Binoculars com in a variety of sizes and options and can feel daunting if you are just starting to shop.

Full Size

• Typical specs are 8x42 or 10x50
• Best for bird watching, on boats, and wildlife viewing
• Capture more light and perform better in low-light situations
• Steadier images
• Heavy for backpacking

Mid Size

• Typical specs are 7x35 or 10x32
• Best all around choice for sport and wildlife use
• Bit heavy for backpacking
• Above average light transmission
• Moderate size

Compact

• Typical specs are 8x25 or 10x25
• Good for outdoor daytime activities
• Great for backpacking
• Can be uncomfortable over extended periods of use

Well that's great but what do the numbers (specs) mean?

The specs are Magnification Power x Lens Diameter.

So, for example, 10x32 means that the object will appear 10 times closer to you than the naked eye. A moose at 200 yards will appear like it's at 20 yards (200 divide by 10). Anything with a magnification power higher than 10 will amplify your hand movements and may make steady viewing a difficulty.

Lens diameter of our example is 32 millimeters. This determines how much light is let in. More light = brighter view, especially in low-light situations.

Coatings help reduce reflection and help ensure a clear and sharp image.