Introduction
Buying a pair of binoculars can seem straightforward until you start looking at the different magnifications, lens sizes, prism designs, coatings and features available. With so many options, it can be difficult to know what actually matters and what you can safely ignore.
This guide is designed to take you through the key things to consider when choosing binoculars, whether you're buying your first pair or looking to upgrade.
Why Buy Binoculars?
Binoculars are a simple and versatile way of getting closer to the action without carrying bulky equipment. They're useful for everything from birdwatching and wildlife observation to walking, travel, sporting events and watching boats or landscapes.
The best binoculars for you will depend heavily on what you want to use them for. A compact pair for travelling will have different priorities from binoculars designed for wildlife watching, while someone using them at sea may need features that wouldn't be important for casual use.
What Do the Numbers on Binoculars Mean?
One of the first things you'll notice when shopping for binoculars is a set of numbers such as 8x42 or 10x50. Understanding these numbers is one of the most important steps in choosing the right pair.
What Does Magnification Mean?
The first number tells you the binoculars' magnification. For example, an 8x binocular makes an object appear approximately eight times closer than it would to the naked eye.
Higher magnification isn't necessarily better. Increasing magnification can make it harder to hold the binoculars steady and can reduce the field of view. For many general-purpose uses, 8x or 10x magnification provides a good balance between detail, stability and ease of use.
What Does the Objective Lens Number Mean?
The second number refers to the diameter of the objective lenses in millimetres. A pair of 8x42 binoculars therefore has 42mm objective lenses.
Larger objective lenses can allow more light into the binoculars, which can be particularly useful in lower-light conditions. However, larger lenses also generally mean larger and heavier binoculars. This is where choosing binoculars becomes a matter of balancing optical performance with portability and comfort.
Binocular Design Types
Not all binoculars are built around the same optical design. The two main designs you'll come across are roof prism and Porro prism binoculars.
Roof Prism vs Porro Prism Binoculars
Roof prism binoculars have a more streamlined design, with the objective lenses and eyepieces generally sitting in line. This makes them compact and easy to carry, and they are particularly common in modern binoculars.
Porro prism binoculars have a more traditional shape, with the objective lenses offset from the eyepieces. This design can offer excellent depth perception and optical performance, although the binoculars tend to be larger and less compact.
Neither design is automatically the right choice for everyone. The best option will depend on your priorities, including size, weight, optical performance, durability and budget.
Binocular Coatings Explained
The quality of the glass is only part of the story when it comes to binocular performance. Optical coatings play an important role in how much light reaches your eyes and how clear, bright and contrast-rich the resulting image appears.
You'll come across terms such as coated, fully coated, multi-coated and fully multi-coated when comparing binoculars. These describe how the different optical surfaces have been treated to improve light transmission and reduce unwanted reflections.
Good coatings can make a noticeable difference, particularly when you're using binoculars in challenging lighting conditions. This is one reason why two pairs with apparently similar specifications can produce noticeably different images.
Binocular Construction and Materials
The way binoculars are constructed affects more than just how they look. Build quality can influence their weight, durability, handling and ability to cope with different environments.
Many binoculars feature a protective rubber armour that makes them easier to grip and provides some protection against knocks and everyday wear. Waterproof and nitrogen-purged designs can also be important if you're using binoculars outdoors, where rain, humidity and changing temperatures can become an issue.
Weight is another consideration that is sometimes overlooked. A pair of binoculars might have excellent optical specifications, but if they're uncomfortable to hold for long periods, they may not be the best choice for your particular use.
Are High-Tech Binoculars Right for You?
For many people, a conventional pair of binoculars will do everything they need. However, there are also more specialised binoculars that incorporate additional technology for particular situations.
Image-Stabilised Binoculars
Image-stabilised binoculars use technology to compensate for hand movement, helping to produce a steadier image. This can be particularly useful when using higher magnification or when observing something for an extended period.
They can be an excellent option for certain users, but the additional technology can make them more expensive and may not be necessary for everyday binocular use.
Night Vision Binoculars
Night vision binoculars are designed for observing in very low-light or dark conditions. They are a specialist option rather than a replacement for conventional binoculars, and are particularly suited to users who need to observe after dark.
It's worth considering exactly when and where you'll be using them before choosing night vision, as the technology and performance can vary considerably between different models.
Marine Binoculars
Marine binoculars are designed with use on or around water in mind. Waterproof construction and robust materials are particularly important in this environment, while features such as an integrated compass or rangefinder may be useful on certain models.
The right marine binoculars can provide a reliable viewing solution for boating, sailing and other applications where ordinary binoculars may not offer the same level of protection or functionality.
Other Things to Consider When Buying Binoculars
Once you've decided on the basic specification, there are several other features that can make a significant difference to how enjoyable your binoculars are to use.
Field of view is important if you're following birds, wildlife or fast-moving subjects, while close-focus capability matters if you're interested in observing objects at shorter distances. Eye relief is particularly important for anyone who wears glasses, as it affects how comfortably you can see the full image.
You'll also want to consider how easy the binoculars are to focus, whether they feel comfortable in your hands and how well the controls can be adjusted. Waterproofing, weight and overall ergonomics may not sound as exciting as magnification, but they can have a major impact on the experience of using binoculars.
Ultimately, your budget should be considered alongside your intended use.
Why Buy a Monocular?
Binoculars aren't the only option if you want to get a closer look at distant subjects. A monocular provides a single optical viewing tube and can be an excellent alternative for people who prioritise portability.
Monoculars are generally smaller and lighter than binoculars, making them easy to carry in a pocket or small bag. They're particularly useful for hiking, travel and situations where space and weight are important.
The trade-off is that you're viewing through one eye rather than two, so they can feel less natural for extended observation. For some users, however, the compact size makes a monocular the perfect choice.
Why Buy a Spotting Scope?
If you need considerably more magnification and are primarily interested in long-distance observation, a spotting scope may be a better option than binoculars.
Spotting scopes are commonly used for wildlife and birdwatching, as well as other activities where seeing fine detail at long distances is important. They can offer much higher magnification than typical binoculars, although this generally comes with increased size and weight.
A spotting scope isn't necessarily a replacement for binoculars. Many wildlife enthusiasts use both, with binoculars providing a wider, more portable view and the spotting scope being used when greater magnification and detail are required.
Conclusion
Choosing binoculars ultimately comes down to finding the right balance between optical performance, size, weight, features and price.
There isn't one pair that is perfect for everyone. The ideal binoculars for a birdwatcher may be very different from those best suited to a traveller, sailor, wildlife enthusiast or someone looking for a compact option.
Understanding the numbers and the different features gives you a much better starting point, but one of the best ways to choose is to actually handle and look through different binoculars. Trying them for yourself can make it much easier to compare comfort, clarity, field of view and overall usability.
At Galway Camera Shop, you can speak to someone who understands the differences between the various options and find binoculars suited to how you actually plan to use them.
We have an extensive range of optics with 9 brands including Nikon, Hawke, Canon, Celestron, Kite.
Check our website: www.galwaycamerashop.com
