8 Tips to Choose the Best Binoculars
Choosing binoculars is challenging. There are plenty of choices with different features and prices. It can get confusing to sort through your choices.
Find out what you need to know to choose the best binoculars.
1 – Understand Marketing Product Descriptions
To choose the best binoculars there are feature descriptions you need to understand first. These features include magnification, object lens diameter, roof prism, porro prism, close focus, and field of view.
They all contribute to the quality of the images you’ll get.
2 – Look at the Magnification
Numbers (Specs): these numbers indicate their magnification power (strength) and objective lens diameter (size in millimeters). For example, in an 8×42 binoculars, 8 is the magnification power.
Magnification means the number of times an object is magnified through the binoculars.
Experts say the ideal magnification is between 7 – 10. Beyond 10, there’s too much magnification that the image will appear shaky.
3 – Check the Object Lens Diameter
In an 8×42 binoculars, 42 is the diameter. Objective lens diameter is measured in mm (millimeters). This is in reference to the lens closer to the object you’reviewing – not the one close to your eyes.
The size of the objective manages the light that enters the binoculars. The more light, the better images you’ll see.
Experts recommend objective lenses between 30 – 42.
4 – Set a Budget
Before looking for binoculars, it’s important to have a price range in mind. There are so many binoculars to choose from. And having a price range can help narrow down your search.
You can save time (and heartache) by not having to go through options that are packed with the latest features but are way out of your budget.
But the good news is, there are many binoculars you can buy now for a reasonable amount.
5 – Test Each Model
Are you comfortable holding them? Do they feel good in your hands? Is the weight just right? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself when looking for binoculars.
Don’t simply take others’ words for it. It may be the best for them but you feel uncomfortable using it.
6 – Pick Between Porro or Roof PrismĀ
When a set of binoculars uses Porro prism, light enters in a zigzag motion to get to your eye.
The advantage of a roof prism is they are cheaper compared to roof prism. For the same quality of images, you can get it at a cheaper price.
With a roof prism, light passes trough straight to your eyes.
The advantage is they’re more compact and smaller even though inside, they are more complex than binoculars with Porro prisms.
7 – Find a Waterproof and Fog Proof Binoculars
Binoculars and meant to be used outdoors – or at least most of the time. This means they are likely to encounter rain, fog, mud, or snow.
So it’s not hard to understand why you need one that can stand against water and fog.
But don’t worry, most binoculars over $100 come with these protective features.
8 – Check the Eye Relief
This is especially important if you use eyeglasses.
Adjustable eyecups allow you to retract and extend them depending on whether you’re wearing your glasses or not.
When you have your glasses on, retract the eyecups. And extend them when you’re not.