Best Binoculars For Whale Watching? Top Answer Update

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BBR video version of this article about 8×42 vs 10×42 binoculars

Image quality, detail, brightness, low light performance, field of view and price. In this article, I’ll go over the main differences you can expect between typical 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars of similar quality. Whether your interest is general use, bird watching, wildlife viewing or hunting, it will help you decide which configuration is best for your particular needs and preferences.

I recently finished an article discussing the main differences between 10×42 and 10×50 binoculars, from which I received a lot of positive feedback. However, I’ve also been asked by a lot of people to compare other configurations, so I decided to make a series about it, starting with the one I’m asked to compare the most: 8×42 vs 10×42 binoculars and which one is best for different applications and users.

Below I detail the differences in physical characteristics, as well as the all-important differences in optical performance, that you will find between 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars of similar quality.

By understanding these core distinctions, you can then understand which option is more ideal, what or how specifically you use your binoculars.

By the way, if you have any doubts, first read what the numbers on binoculars mean.

physical differences

Unlike binoculars with different sized lenses (e.g. 10×42 vs. 10×50), the difference in size and weight between an 8x42mm and a 10x42mm binocular is extremely small and really nothing to worry about.

In fact, most brands list their 8×42 and 10×42 models within the same series as identical size and weight.

Size wise they are the same as they will almost certainly use the same body. However, a 10×42 is often a fraction heavier than an 8×42 as they require slightly thicker glass to produce the higher output. But as said, the quantity really isn’t worth considering as a factor in choosing between the two.

visual differences

8x or 10x magnification

The whole purpose of using binoculars that magnify the image is to give you a better view of distant objects. So it stands to reason that most people assume that the more powerful a pair of binoculars are, the better they are.

While higher magnifications can potentially get you a more detailed image at longer distances, there are also a number of disadvantages and as such there is inevitably a balance to be found and which one is best for you and your needs depends on a number of factors:

Image detail at a distance

There is no doubt that you will be able to observe more image detail or in other words “see more” with 10×42 binoculars compared to 8×42 binoculars of the same quality.

image shake

But remember that any movement you make is multiplied by the magnification and therefore you also get more image shake with a 10×42 versus an 8×42 when you hold it, and although the image may have more detail when it is wobbles too much you won’t be able to appreciate it.

For the majority of users with relatively steady hands, 10x binoculars are fine to hold and it’s only when you go beyond 12x to 15x that it becomes a problem. However, if you have particularly unsteady/shaky hands, you might want to keep that in mind and an 8-note instrument would be a better choice.

10x vs. 8x: Image details vs. field of view

See the big picture: field of view

So if you can get more image detail or see further with 10x binoculars, you might be wondering why would you ever choose lower performing 8x binoculars instead?

Well, one of the main problems with a more “zoomed” image with higher magnification is that it limits your field of view.

At long ranges this doesn’t usually matter that much, but at shorter ranges it can often prevent you from seeing the whole picture and thus miss some important details.

So let’s take a sporting event like baseball, cricket or soccer as an example. 10x binoculars might give you a better view of the batsman or the person on the ball, but you won’t be able to observe what’s going on around them, and so in many cases a wider view is a better option than 8x binoculars the best binoculars for sports.

Likewise, a lower 8x magnification with a wider view for short to medium-range bird and wildlife spotting makes it much easier to quickly locate and then track your subject. In a forest environment where your subject is difficult to see, this can be a really important factor.

collect light

Since both 10×42 and 8×42 binoculars have 42mm lenses, and assuming they use the same quality glass and coatings, the light gathering ability between the two is the same.

Image brightness and low light performance

Although both 8x and 10x 42mm binoculars can capture the same amount of light, they have different capabilities in terms of image brightness:

Larger exit pupils of 5.25mm in the eyepiece lenses of the 8×42 Vortex Razor HD compared to the 4.2mm of the 10×42 Vortex Razor UHD

Leave the pupil size

This difference between the two can be largely explained by the relationship between the size of the pupils in your eyes and the size of the light rays exiting the ocular lenses (exit pupil) of the binoculars:

8×42 binoculars produce a 5.25mm (42/8) exit pupil

10×42 binoculars produce a 4.2mm exit pupil (42/10)

In good to average light conditions, most people’s pupils constrict to a size less than or equal to 4mm and therefore both 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars will provide your eyes with more than enough light to work with and therefore a can perceive bright picture.

Under these conditions it is therefore often not possible to see a difference in brightness between the views of 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars of the same quality.

However, when the ambient light level drops, such as when operating in a forest or just before sunrise or sunset, the pupils in your eyes dilate to allow them to take in more light.

Here the larger exit pupil created by the 8×42 configuration is a clear benefit and means they often have a brighter image than the 10×42 equivalent. Therefore, although both collect the same amount of light and the 10x power might give you more image detail, you can’t really see it.

For more information on all of this, check out my complete guide to the exit pupil.

Transmission & glass thickness

Higher magnifications require thicker lenses, which in turn means less light passes through them.

While this difference in transmission between 10×42 and 8×42 binoculars of the same quality is minimal, it only really becomes a factor in extreme low-light situations.

user friendliness

A larger exit pupil/beam of light exiting the binoculars is also easier for you to line up your eyes with and therefore the 8×42 configuration is more forgiving, making it easier to get an image with no black rings around the edges of the view achieve.

price difference

While this is not always the case and varies from brand to brand, 10×42 binoculars can be slightly more expensive than the equivalent 8×42 model from the same brand in the same range.

So it’s true that they need a fraction more glass to make the thicker eyepiece lenses for the higher magnification, but that’s not really the reason for the price difference, so what is it?

economies of scale

8×42 is the most popular configuration of binoculars and as such, manufacturers often make/order more parts for them, which in turn lowers the overall production cost of these binoculars.

Conclusions

10×42 or 8×42, which is best?

As I’ve said many times and is certainly the case when choosing between 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars, there is no one best option, it all comes down to making the right choice for your specific needs:

With their wider view, 8×42 binoculars are best suited for shorter to medium distances, especially when you need to follow small, fast or erratic moving objects like birds or other smaller mammals.

8x42s seem to have a brighter image even in low light, making them a better choice if you often work in woods, woods, or when the sun is at or just below the horizon.

10×42 binoculars work best in normal to good light conditions at medium to long distances. Therefore, 10×42 binoculars are best suited for those who will be out mainly during the day in wide areas, for example in fields, in the hills, along a lake shore or along the coast.

Further reading and related information

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The whole purpose of buying binoculars is to see something better from a distance.

It makes sense to worry about the range performance of binoculars.

To really understand what you see with binoculars, you need to understand the specifications.

We’ll give you an overview of how to understand the numbers, and by the end you’ll see why asking how far you can see with binoculars isn’t the right question after all.

Binocular Specifications and Range Performance

It’s natural to think in terms of distance and range when you want to see something far away. The problem is that binoculars are not there to gain distance, but to provide magnification.

What you really want to know is how much can I zoom in on an object, target or scene at a distance to see clearly what I want to see better?

enlargement

What do the numbers on the binoculars mean?

The first number in a series of binocular specifications is the power of magnification it can provide.

If it’s 8x, what you see looks eight times larger than what you see with the naked eye at the same distance, and so on.

Magnification preference is largely user dependent for a few of the following reasons.

Low magnification:

Easy to use

Ideally suited for handheld use

Wide fields of vision

Tracking moving targets

bowhunting

watching birds

event observation

If you prefer the benefits of an even more compact optic that is quick to deploy and covert, and can be delivered at lower power and even competitive magnification, consider a monocular.

High magnification:

Much more detailed observation of targets

Can be mounted on a tripod for permanent use

Large apertures can also allow good observation in low light

Can resolve details at a greater distance

hunt

amateur astronomy

The reason is that higher magnification can help resolve distant targets. But there are also disadvantages to both weak and strong binoculars.

Can you have too much power?

Yes. Excessive magnification can result in:

Narrow field of view

tunnel construction

Unstable vision due to vibration

More difficult to use

Optical assembly and quality that the high performance actually can not offer

If you want higher magnification to possibly see better at longer distances, consider a spotting scope, or see how binoculars and spotting scopes stack up.

In anything to do with optics, one component affects another, which in turn affects another. Enter the lens size here.

lens size

The actual diameter of the objective lens is called the aperture.

We have a very detailed explanation of why objective lens size matters here, and while it’s aimed at scopes, the key info is relevant to binoculars as well.

The objective lens is the first point of contact with light before it reaches your eyes. It doesn’t literally “gather” light, as many like to say. However, its size allows or limits how much light can enter the optics, which directly affects the quality of what you will end up seeing.

In terms of the relevant aperture, how much you can see or how far you can see is a complicated matter. In general, the larger the aperture, the more distance you can gain when combined with high magnification.

As a general guide, the following openings are suitable for:

25mm: close-up, compact, can be powerful, good for tourists, poor low-light performance.

40 & 42mm: general purpose, can be light and compact, medium to high performance, good for hunters, bird watching, sightseeing, etc.

50mm and larger: excellent for low light, designed for stable setups (like on a tripod), heavy, good for hunters and wildlife watchers. Larger sizes are better for resolving power in astronomy.

Field of View (FOV)

It’s not always about distance. It is also important how much you can see at the distance you are observing.

This is where FOV and AOV (angle of view) become relevant. What is it? We’re getting down to the nitty gritty here about the field of view.

As an overview, most manufacturers provide the linear FOV measurement. It is common to think of FOV as a measure expressed in feet or meters, measured against a fixed distance, which is typically 1000 yards or 1000 meters. This means that if you look at 1000 yards you will see an X-feet wide view.

For example, an ultra-wide FOV of 410 feet at 1000 yards means you see a 410-foot wide view when looking 1000 yards away.

Depending on what you’re doing, the narrow field of view of high-magnification binoculars may not bother you if it allows you to see a larger view of a distant object. Other times, when you’re following fast-moving targets like birds, you need that wide field of view that comes with mid-range binoculars, regardless of distance.

How far can you see with binoculars?

To be honest, there really is no limit to how far you can see. But how well you can resolve that distant object is something else.

You can see the Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye, which is 2.537 million light-years away, although it will be blurry. To resolve it and see more detail, optics with magnification are required. Do you see the point?

However, it’s unhelpful to say that any pair of binoculars will let you see as far as you want. To give some insight, let’s take a look at some binocular specifications.

10×50

This is a great platform popular with western and open plains hunters, game watchers and stargazers. With a 10x magnification and larger aperture, you’ll have excellent daytime viewing and some low-light applications.

If you look 10 miles away at 10x magnification, you see this target as if it appears a mile away. What can you adequately solve at a mile away? A lot, but maybe not as much as you might like.

If you look at a hind 100 meters away, it looks like it is 10 meters in front of you. Well, that might be what you need if you want to see her batting her eyelashes.

20×80

With such specifications, the 20×80 binoculars are undoubtedly suitable for amateur astronomy. At this point, you should also consider the differences between a spotting scope and a telescope. However, unlike a telescope, you can use these binoculars for terrestrial use, although they won’t be your compact, ready-to-go pair.

With the tall and huge 20×80 specs they are made adequate for assembly as they will be heavy. High glass quality is a must if you want truly resolvable quality at maximum range. On land you can see significantly more with 20x.

Take the 10 mile example from the 10×50 binoculars. That target now appears to be half a mile away. Obviously, close-range observation is exaggerated, since a 100-meter target looks like it’s five meters away. If it’s a large target it can be difficult to make out what you’re seeing up close, but for seeing groups at range it can be perfect.

7×50

How far can you see with 7×50 binoculars?

Apparently you can see over 3 million light years away. While unassuming, these specs are good for amateur astronomy, but also for treetop hunters, those cruising in the woods, and really as an all-round performer for most applications.

They actually offer better low light performance than the 10×50 due to the larger exit pupil and should be a bit easier to handle hands-free thanks to the lower output.

What also sets these great all-purpose binoculars apart is their wider field of view. It allows you to see more through the binoculars to orientate yourself in the sky, follow birds or stalk game.

8×42

If you think bigger is better, the humble 8×42 will bust that myth. It’s a bit easier to handle than the 10x, has a much wider field of view, and tends to offer better eye relief with a larger exit pupil to stay out a little longer.

In fact, we pitted the 8×42 against the 10×42 just to highlight its strengths. Popular with bird watchers, bow hunters, treetop hunters, tourists and more, the 8×42 offers good clarity at both short and long ranges.

frequently asked Questions

What is the maximum range of binoculars? Binoculars have no distance limit for seeing, just like your eyes don’t, but magnification has a lot to do with how much closer you can see a distant object. The simplest answer is that you can resolve more clearly at longer distances with a powerful pair of binoculars.

Other characteristics, including glass quality and lens size, are relevant to know. Also, equipment or additional features are required to achieve clarity at maximum distances, such as: B. Image stabilization or tripods. What are the most powerful binoculars you can buy? High magnification binoculars are the most powerful binoculars you can buy. These will be in the 20×80 range, but there are also some with 100mm lenses and an even greater 90x magnification. The strongest pairs will be expensive as they must have quality behind them to meet the optical requirements of such an assembly. How do you make binoculars see further? There are several factors that play a role in achieving good clarity at maximum distance with binoculars. The magnification may not be sufficient, there may be a lack of lens quality and/or coatings for optimal clarity, or you simply need to calibrate and adjust the binoculars. Why is it blurry to see far away with binoculars? If you have adjusted your binoculars correctly and see blurry images at maximum distances, this can have several reasons. There are just some things you can’t control that optics can’t compete with. Atmospheric conditions, pollution, light pollution and mirages can render even the best optics unusable.

How well can you resolve objects at maximum distance?

Now that’s a question that’s getting closer to meaning. Binoculars provide magnification to allow closer observation of something in the distance.

However, how well it can resolve does not depend solely on the magnification. There are many other factors that may just be down to the glass quality. You pay more for better glass to get both resolving power and performance, even if it means compromising magnification.

How far can you see with the naked eye? Infinitely far.

How far can you see with binoculars? Infinitely far with better resolving power.

Continue reading

height and weight

When deciding which binoculars are the best choice for you, you need to consider a variety of factors. Factors like construction design and lens quality are certainly important points to consider. However, choosing the right magnification and lens size is crucial. This determines how effective the binoculars are at a given distance. Both magnification and lens size affect how effectively you can use the binoculars. I recently spent some time reviewing the Viking Badger 10×50 binoculars. These 10×50 binoculars were exceptional and introduced a wider objective lens to the lineup. However, the question arose as to which variant between the 10×42 and the 10×50 binoculars is the best. While these binoculars share a lot in common, there are certainly some differences that help separate them. This guide aims to explore both binoculars and decide which is the best option for you. Both sizes of binoculars will certainly deliver fantastic results – even if they are better suited for different activities. The first noticeable difference between the 10×42 binoculars and the 10×50 binoculars is the size and weight. Due to the enlarged lens diameter, larger is to be expected with the 10×50 binoculars in comparison. This results in these binoculars being both taller and wider than any 10×42 binocular. For example, the Viking Badger 10×42 binocular measures 14 cm in length and weighs 590 grams. For comparison, the Viking Badger 10×50 has an overall length of 17.2 cm and weighs 820 grams accommodate wider objective lens size. This ultimately allows these binoculars to increase the amount of light that can pass through the lenses. As a result, the 10×50 binoculars deliver significantly brighter and more defined images. The weight comparison is certainly the most noticeable difference here. As binoculars get larger, they naturally require more glass for the lenses. While this doesn’t look like a huge difference, it can certainly affect the accessibility of these binoculars. This applies in particular to long-term use of the binoculars. If you are looking for binoculars that are easier to carry, then the 10×42 option is your best bet.

quality of the optics

Deciding which option is best for you really comes down to personal preference. If you are planning to use these binoculars while hiking, then the 10×42 binoculars might be the right choice. This creates a fine balance between the overall weight and the quality they are able to offer. However, the 10×50 binoculars would be used during activities such as The larger lens diameter opens up more possibilities for the 10×50 binoculars. Participating in activities like stargazing is a prime example of this. This is still available with a 10×42 binocular – although you can certainly expect better results with the 10×50 option. This perfectly leads us to the next important factor to consider. As previously mentioned, the larger lens size of the 10×50 binoculars allows for brighter images. You can expect excellent performance from these binoculars even in low light conditions. However, this does not necessarily mean that they offer the highest possible quality. This largely depends on the model of binoculars and the glass used. For example, the Viking Badger 10×50 binoculars offer superior quality over the 10×42 version due to the larger lenses. These binoculars offer the same construction design and glass for the optics. Therefore, the only real difference that can be noticed is how much light is coming in. Even with this increase in light, there is no guarantee that the difference would be noticeable at all. That said, there are a few scenarios where the 10×50 binoculars really shine. If you’re using these binoculars in low light conditions, the extra light transmission would certainly come in handy. However, if you were to compare this to the Viking Kestrel ED 10×42, the results would be different. This is due to using the Viking Kestrel ED binoculars. Using this glass guarantees the highest possible results – regardless of the size. This results in these binoculars being available at a higher price compared to standard binoculars. So if you want to maximize the overall quality, then opting for ED binoculars is the way to go.

Verdict: which is better?

The quality of the optics of the 10×50 binoculars really shines when used for activities like stargazing. The combination of the high magnification with the large lenses ensures that the visible image is always clear. This makes them the optimal choice if you want to take part in remote viewing. Yes, the 10×42 binoculars can still do that to a certain extent and do a good job. However, the 10×50 binoculars are simply the much better option. The field of view () is another important point to consider when deciding on the best option. Since both models offer a 10x magnification zoom, this limits the width of the field of view. The Viking Badger 10×50 binoculars offer a FOV of. This is a fairly tight FOV, but this is offset by the 10x zoom available. In comparison, the Viking Badger 10×42 offers a significantly wider field of view. This ideally makes them better suited for bird watching as it is easier to follow the target. Finally, the last point to consider is what each option offers. The Viking Badger 10×50 binoculars offer fantastic user comfort with an eye relief of 18.2mm. For comparison, the Viking Badger 10×42 offers only 13.3mm, which is a significant difference. While both offer plenty of convenience, it’s clear that the Viking 10×50 binoculars are superior here. Both the 10×42 and 10×50 binoculars deliver fantastic results and are suitable for all occasions. Deciding which option is the right choice for you depends on what you intend to use these binoculars for. The two different binoculars offer the same design features and general performance provided they are from the same range. Although there can be color fringes, these are really not noticeable – especially in bright environments. These binoculars are perfect for bird watching and general observation. If you are looking for binoculars for general use then the 10×42 binoculars are a good choice. The 10×50 binoculars are the next step in quality and versatility. The wider lenses produce a brighter image in comparison and perform better in low light conditions. While this increases the overall size and weight of the binoculars, it certainly improves the quality. In addition, the The wide-angle lenses enable bright and clear visible images at all times – even at night. Therefore, it is clear that these binoculars are best suited for long-distance activities that require thorough focusing.

It is important to note that there is no one best option. In order to get the best possible results, you need to decide which binoculars suit your needs. Both the 10×42 and 10×50 binoculars are suitable for a variety of activities. Most people get the results they want with the 10×42 binoculars. These binoculars deliver clear images and offer an affordable approach to doing so. However, the 10×50 binoculars are perfect for long-distance observations. This is probably more suitable for advanced users due to the size and power of the binoculars. Models like the Viking Badger 10×50 binoculars are a fantastic introduction to the 10×50 range. These offer an affordable approach to getting fantastic results.

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When it comes time to see a rare bird up close, binoculars are the optical tool of choice for almost any serious bird watcher. Unmatched portability and convenience make binoculars one of the best devices available for spotting and identifying birds in their natural habitats.

In this first part of a four part series we discuss what to look for when looking for binoculars for bird watching, or some things to consider if you are already a bird watcher and looking to improve your optics.

See with both eyes

Call it a hobby. Call it a pastime. Call it a sport. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), more than 47,000,000 Americans are “birders” as of 2011. Bird watching is the 15th most popular outdoor pastime in the United States. Chances are you either know a “bird watcher” or see one when you look in the mirror. B&H Photo is a great place to stock up on the best birding optics available or to shop for your favorite spotter.

Binoculars are almost indispensable for anyone who wants to observe birds in the wild. Some birders use spotting scopes and other cameras with telephoto lenses, but it can be difficult to find a serious birder without binoculars handy.

There are several advantages of binoculars for bird watchers over other optical options. Binoculars are much more portable and lighter than spotting scopes and large telephoto camera lenses. Also, binoculars give you a more natural “3D view” of the bird because you’re looking through two optical tubes, so you’re looking at the birds with both eyes. Human vision is stereoscopic and viewing through two optical devices gives a bird watcher the most natural view. Finally, many spotting scopes and telephoto lenses require the use of a tripod or alternative mount to ensure a stable view. This requires the bird watcher to carry more gear into the field on expeditions.

Lots of options

Binocular buyers are immediately confronted with several purchasing decisions. Not only are there numerous brands of binoculars on the market, they come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and configuration options. Christopher Witt, author of B&H Photo, recently published an in-depth binoculars buyer’s guide that dives deep into what you’ll find on the shelves of B&H Optics Department and on the SuperStore website when looking for binoculars. Luckily, if your mission is bird watching, the purchasing options can be somewhat limited. In this article, we’re going to focus on what specs birders should look for when buying binoculars, rather than repeating everything from Chris’ excellent article.

The Power Debate

The first decision a bird watcher must make when purchasing binoculars is the choice of magnifying binoculars. When looking at binoculars on the internet (and on the packaging and the binoculars themselves) you will usually see two prominent numbers. These refer to the magnification and the lens diameter. An example is: 8×42. This indicates that the magnification of the binoculars is 8x and the objective (front) lens is 42mm in diameter.

The natural tendency of most binocular novices is to acquire the best performing binoculars they can find. After all, the point is to see the bird as closely as possible. However, there is a downside to high-power viewing: image shake. The higher the magnification, the more small movements and vibrations are translated into your image. Also, high magnification usually affects the minimum focus distance (more on that later) and also narrows your field of view.

For this reason, most bird watchers prefer binoculars that are between 7x and 10x. In the past, 8x was the standard median power between 7x and 10x. Today, some manufacturers offer 8.5x and even 9x as a compromise between the power of 10x and the durability of 8x. When 8x is mentioned, the term generally embodies these other pairs as well.

Which power is best for your birding adventures? To quell the debate over which energy to use, B&H spoke to some of the leading bird watchers around the country to get their thoughts on the matter.

Brian Sullivan, project director of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird program, shares his thoughts: “7×42 binoculars are ideal for ‘landbirding’; For example, watch Leaper Warblers in dense tangles or trees where magnification is less of a factor, but finding birds quickly and staying on them is key. If you have steady hands or do the type of birding that requires long-distance viewing (e.g. hawking, ocean viewing) 10x might be best for you. 8x is a nice compromise! Many binocular manufacturers have settled on 8x as the standard for general birding. This gives you a good field of view with enough magnification power for all birding use cases and in general the 8x binoculars are easy to hold still.”

Eric Lind, center director of the Audubon Constitution Marsh Center & Sanctuary in Garrison, New York, prefers 8x binoculars and says, “8-power gives you a little more than 7-power. I tried 10x but it was difficult to keep her still.” Eric uses an older Zeiss 8×42 binocular. “10x,” he says, “might be better for spotting shorebirds from the beach.”

Bill Stewart, director of conservation and community for the American Birding Association and a 40-year birder, agrees. He owns a pair of Leica Ultravid 8×42 binoculars that he “uses every day”. He finds that the field of view of the 10x binoculars is often too narrow for his liking, but admits: “I would also like a 7x and a 10x binocular.”

Patrick Comins, director of bird conservation at the Connecticut office of the Audubon Society and president of the Friends of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, recommends 8x for novice birders but owns a 10x for land birding.

Bird photographer Glenn Bartley told us, “I really like seeing the birds up close – that’s why I went with 10x instead of 8x.” He wears Swarovski 10×42 binoculars to spot birds when he’s not photographed with his Canon EF 600mm lens.

Olaf Soltau, member of the New York Chapter of the Audubon Society, shared his experience and opinion: “I use Swarovski EL 10x42s. But it took me years to feel ready to step up from 8x to 10x. For beginners I always recommend 8×40. Think Goldilocks: not too strong, not too weak, not too heavy, not too weak. It’s simply the best compromise. Higher magnification makes the image too shaky and makes the birds difficult to find, especially for beginners. Lower magnification just doesn’t get the birds close enough. There are of course exceptions. 10×40 is fine when most birding is in wide open areas such as grasslands and coasts where the birds are often far away. I used 8x40s for years until my hand became steady enough and my bird spotting skills through binoculars became good enough for 10x40s. Another exception: People who don’t have the physical strength to carry around 8x40s all day can opt for 8x30s, but that means sacrificing image quality.”

Bucking the trend, Audubon North Carolina associate director Walker Golder is a shorebird specialist using vintage Leica 8×32 binoculars. He switches to a spotting scope for closer inspection, but the 8x32s are, he says, “small enough to wear around my neck and they don’t bother me when I’m moving around and getting in and out of boats. He generally recommends 10x for shorebird watching for others.

As a final word on this dilemma, eBird’s Brian Sullivan says, “If you’re a birder who can only have binoculars (and that’s a lot of us), 8x is a good choice. If you start there, you can always move up or down with a next pair to better suit your type of birder.”

Some binoculars have variable magnification. At first glance this might seem like the best of all worlds, but in reality you lose a lot of optical quality for the price point with binoculars with a zoom lens. If you ask around, you’re unlikely to find anyone recommending zoom binoculars for bird watching. In fact, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says succinctly, “Avoid ‘zoom’ binoculars.”

lens diameter

The larger the lens, the brighter the binoculars. The downside is that larger lenses are heavier. A few grams difference on a spec sheet may not seem like much until you’ve hiked several hours and the weight of the binoculars begins to weigh on your neck and shoulders.

Bird watchers tend to use their binoculars in the 40mm range. Binoculars with 40mm, 42mm, or 44mm lenses serve as a good middle-of-the-road compromise between low-light performance and portability. Lenses smaller than 35mm make for a more portable package at the expense of light collection, and a 50mm or larger lens will give you a very bright image, perhaps along with the neck and shoulder pain mentioned above.

Eric Lind has seen bird watchers in the field with small travel or opera binoculars. They may feel great in the hand, but out in the field they usually leave their user wanting. Smaller lenses aren’t good for a lot of birding, Patrick Comins says, “unless it’s a bright, sunny day.”

Another benefit of the larger lens diameter is a larger exit pupil at the rear element of the binoculars, where your eyes are focused. With two binoculars of the same magnification, the circle of light that hits your eye is larger with a larger lens. Therefore, 8×42 binoculars have a larger exit pupil than 8×35 binoculars. A larger exit pupil generally means a more comfortable viewing experience.

Binocular configuration

Binoculars come in two basic configurations: porro prism or roof prism. The Porro prism gives this type of binoculars the traditional binocular shape. The roof prism binoculars are characterized by a narrower and more compact, straight design. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but in general the Porro prism design is less expensive to manufacture and therefore gives you more bang for your buck in terms of optical quality and features. The relatively compact size of roof prism binoculars makes them more popular with bird watchers in general, as optically similar porros are larger.

When looking at binocular data sheets, bird watchers may find that they have two standard types of prisms. Chris’ article goes into more detail about this, but we’ll cover it briefly here. The BAK4 prism offers a more circular field of view and is considered superior to the rectangular field of view of the BK7 prism as the BK7 can cause vignetting of the image. There are wonderful binoculars with the BK7 prisms, so don’t neglect the variation; It’s just something to be aware of when comparing binoculars.

Which style and prism is best for you? According to the experts we spoke to, it all depends on what you like and what ergonomics you prefer.

Minimum focus distance

One aspect of binoculars that is often overlooked by birders is the minimum focusing distance (or close focus). The binoculars visually bring the distant bird closer to the birder for observation and analysis, but Eric Lind of the Audubon Society is quick to point out that birding can easily consist of pinpointing birds and insects that are relatively close to the observer regard. A short minimum focusing distance can give you an amazing close-up of that feeding hummingbird or majestic butterfly. Higher magnification binoculars generally have longer minimum focus distances.

optical quality

Birdwatching can be an occasional activity or a challenging scientific fieldwork. For this reason, the optical quality of binoculars should be very important to you. Premium optics allow you to discern subtle color patterns on the chest and mantle, and examine the plumage on the wing bars. When accurate identification is your mission, you want the best possible view.

Regardless of your approach to birding, better optics means, above all, better vision and therefore an overall improved birding experience. There is an incredible, subtle pleasure you experience when you look through sharp, bright optics.

features

Not all bird watching takes place on sunny days. You will definitely need waterproof binoculars as even fair-weather birders can get stuck in a passing rain shower from time to time. Anti-fog is also a good feature to look out for, as it will keep your binoculars from fogging up when you step outside of a warm living room on a cold day reading the latest Audubon magazine or the Sibley guide to have.

Another area of ​​binocular features that changes from brand to brand and through a manufacturer’s product line is lens and prism coatings. Multi-coated lenses have an advantage over both coated and uncoated lenses, but for an in-depth discussion of coatings revisit Witt’s Binocular Buying Guide.

monocular

A quick word on monoculars: there is certainly a market for these devices. Basically, the monocular is half of a pair of binoculars; one of two optical tubes connected to make binoculars. The monocular gives you half the binoculars, less than half the weight (there is no bridge) and often a proportional cost saving. The downside is that seeing with one eye is more tiring than seeing with both eyes and you lose the stereoscopic advantage of binoculars. However, if your vision is poor or non-existent in one eye, the monocular makes a lot of sense.

test drive

Once you have determined which magnifying binoculars you need, you can try out the different lens sizes and styles. For bird watchers, binoculars need to be comfortable on both your eyes and your hands. The best way to find out which binoculars suit you best is to try them out. The wrong style, magnification, or feel of binoculars can have a negative impact on your overall birding experience. You want to avoid that.

Olaf Soltau reminds us, “Remember, we spend a lot of time holding our binoculars, more time than actually looking through them.” How they feel in your hands is a crucial part of the viewing experience. You’ll find that different bridge designs (the part that holds the tubes together) give you a different feel, as does the obvious porro versus roof configuration. Arthur Morris, bird photographer and blogger, says, “Always try before you buy.” Many other bird experts shared this exact same opinion.

The way you carry your binoculars will have a huge impact on your birding experience. You can carry them in your hand all day or wear them around your neck with the included strap. However, there are more than a few ways to carry your binoculars. Chest straps, holsters and quick release buckles are changing the way you handle your goggles in the field. Also, many binoculars have threaded bushings that allow attachments for mounting on a tripod or other fixed mount.

Of course, binoculars are not required for bird watching. Audubon’s Eric Lind recommends going out with a group of birders and trying out their binoculars before making a purchasing decision. The social aspects of birding, the sharing of a sense of wonder and discovery, and the lifelong learning experience make birding so popular. There’s no better way to cultivate this aspect of birding than by sharing a bird’s eye view through a friend’s binoculars, or handing your favorite couple over to a family member to share in the experience.

One of the best ways to test out a wide range of binoculars is to visit the optics department at the B&H Photo SuperStore in New York City. The store has a large number of binoculars on display for you to look through and hold while chatting with optics experts at the counter. The B&H Used Department also has an ever-changing selection of great binoculars at discounted prices.

The best binoculars

“Binoculars are an investment,” says Eric Lind.

Without exception, every bird expert we spoke to said the same thing: “Get the best binoculars you can afford.”

Bill Stewart says he has seen many aspiring birders make the mistake of buying binoculars based on a brand or recommendation and then be disappointed with the feel or view they experience in the field. He’s also seen birders buying “down instead of up” to save some money initially. They often spend more the second time around when they feel they need to switch to a better pair, he says.

In summary, the best binoculars are the ones that you fall in love with and get you excited about birding. To find that pair, do your homework, evaluate the options, try before you buy, and get the best pair your budget will allow. Once you receive your pair, we look forward to seeing you smile under your binoculars in the swamp, in the woods, or on a nature walk!

Binoculars are the ultimate on-the-go observation tool. When the clouds briefly clear and the stars appear for a moment, binoculars are ready to delve deeper into this cosmic ocean. Some observers simply prefer it to a telescope; They are relatively inexpensive, portable, and allow amateurs of almost any experience level to explore the universe.

Celestron, one of the leading manufacturers of astronomical equipment, produces the SkyMaster range, a range of binoculars specially designed for astronomy. We took the Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 model for a night under the stars and this is what we found.

For more stargazing binoculars tested and rated by an astronomy expert, check out our top five astronomy binoculars.

Our rating for the SkyMaster 20×80 binoculars

Find out more Expert rating 4.3 What we like:

Smooth focusing mechanism for sharp, colorful star views. Weight 3.5 Magnification 4.5 Aperture 4.5 Ease of use 4.0 Image Quality 5.0

All photos: Richard J. Bartlett

About the SkyMaster 20×80 binoculars

Packaging & Accessories

As you might expect from binoculars of this size, the packaging is neither small nor flimsy as the box measures 11″ x 7″ x 16″ and the entire package weighs 6.8 pounds. Most binoculars come in plain packaging that reveals little of what’s inside, but Celestron has clearly made an effort here with beautifully designed, attractive packaging.

Inside you’ll find the binoculars themselves, a canvas carrying case (with the shoulder strap already attached), a strap for the binoculars, a small cleaning cloth, and an instruction manual.

Being canvas, the bag is soft and was designed simply with the purpose of allowing you to carry the binoculars comfortably. As such, it doesn’t offer much protection if the binoculars are bumped or even dropped.

Unlike some other brands (and even certain other Celestron binoculars) the case doesn’t have pockets, which is a shame as there’s certainly room for them on the back.

The user manual is relatively large (8 x 11 inches), yet the print is frustratingly small, so be sure to wear your glasses before attempting to read it!

You’ll also note that it was written for the SkyMaster range as a whole and not specifically for the 20×80 model. (Some manufacturers are even more general, so Celestron should be commended for being at least range-specific.)

The binoculars themselves are securely and securely wrapped in foam for transport. The first thing you’ll notice (even before you take it out of the box) is that a tripod adapter is attached. These are non-detachable, but given the weight of the binoculars (see Quality and Durability below) you’ll quickly find that a tripod is a must-have accessory for any lengthy observation session.

The eyepieces have a single cover with a small loop to thread the strap through and prevent the covers from falling to the ground. Unlike most other binoculars, the lens covers don’t fit over the openings but rather into the openings themselves, almost like plugs. As a result, the sleeves sit much more firmly and do not slip off in the carrying case.

Quality & Longevity

Celestron is a very well respected manufacturer and as you would expect these are very well constructed binoculars but the optics aren’t quite as high quality as the SkyMaster 20×80 Pro. For example, the lenses on the standard 20×80 SkyMaster binoculars are multi-coated, while the lenses on the Pro are fully multi-coated.

What is the difference? Lenses are coated to reduce light loss and glare; Multi-coated lenses means that the lenses have been multi-coated on at least one surface. With fully multi-coated lenses, all glass surfaces are multi-coated. According to Celestron’s blog, fully multi-coated lenses offer 90-95% light transmission.

The prisms are BaK-4 which are better quality than the BK7 that you may find in cheaper or inferior products. In particular, this enables a sharper image at the edge of the field of view.

When the binoculars were held up to the light, the exit pupils appeared sharp and circular with no visible clipping, confirming the presence of the BaK-4 prisms inside. The prisms themselves are not coated.

On that note, the aperture test gave the full 80mm, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the full field of view.

Finally, it should be noted that these binoculars are waterproof, not waterproof. That means they’ll be protected from the rain, but likely won’t hold up if submerged in water.

Overall, these binoculars are tough and solidly built, and while it’s never a good idea to give them a knock or two, they should hold up well in an accident. (By the way, if you drop them, they may need to be collimated, and while a temporary fix can be attempted by experienced observers, novices are best left to an expert.)

user friendliness

The first thing you will notice when you take the binoculars out of the box is that these binoculars are not small or light; With an aperture of 80mm, it’s like holding two small telescopes in front of your eyes. That’s part of the appeal, of course, but given their size, they’re also a bit heavier.

At a respectable 4.7 pounds, it doesn’t weigh the heaviest on the market (by comparison, the Orion Giant View 25×100 binocular weighs 10.1 pounds), but it’s still about twice the weight of regular 10x50s.

You can theoretically use them like any other pair of binoculars, but you’ll need to attach them to a tripod if you intend to be outside for any reasonable amount of time. (Otherwise, be prepared for aching arms.) Thankfully, the binoculars come with a tripod mount already attached, so all you have to do is buy a tripod to attach it to. (By the way, the bracket cannot be removed.)

However, if you want to buy a tripod, be sure to buy one that can support the weight of these binoculars. Some of the cheaper tripods may not be up to the task! (It’s also a good idea to buy a tripod that extends to two meters or more, as this makes it easier to observe objects that are higher in the sky.)

If you wear glasses you will be pleased to know that you will have no problems with these binoculars. With a generous 18mm eye relief, you can hold the binoculars comfortably at that distance from your eyes and still see the full field of view.

The eyecups fold down (instead of rotating) and are 50 mm (2 inches) in diameter. That’s a little big. So if you want to replace them with your own, you may have trouble finding a suitable size.

While the distance between the two halves (called the Interpupillary Distance, or IPD) could be adjusted to anywhere between 56mm and 70mm, the hinge itself was stiff and a bit difficult to move.

Likewise, the movement of the central focuser was smooth, but also a bit stiff. However, both the hinges and the focuser could move a little more easily with continued use.

Finally, like many binoculars, the right eyepiece has a diopter adjustment with a range of -4 to +8, allowing you to focus more accurately by compensating for the differences between your eyes. After focusing with the central focus knob, you can only adjust the focus on the right eyepiece. From this point on, all you have to do is use the central focus knob.

perfomance

In terms of performance, these binoculars passed almost every test with flying colours. Focus was sharp, with stars appearing circular (rather than distorted) when out of focus. In general, image quality was excellent, with the binoculars providing a view of the Pleiades star cluster that rivaled anyone through a small telescope. However, there were some very slight color variations around the lunar disc.

The binoculars produce a 3.7 degree angle of view but feel much wider. The stars showed a decent amount of color, with little to no noticeable distortion towards the edge.

So what can you see? The moon, as you might expect, is stunning, with shadows along the terminator (the line separating night from the sunlit side) showing up quite well. Larger craters are also visible; Copernicus and Tycho, for example, shouldn’t be a problem at all.

The four brightest moons of Jupiter are another easy target, but you won’t see anything on the planet itself. Likewise, you might notice that Saturn is a bit elongated, but 20x magnification is still too low to see the rings as they really are.

Alongside these targets are numerous binaries (e.g. Mizar & Alcor and Algieba in Leo) and larger, brighter star clusters such as M41 and M44 show up very nicely. M42, the Great Orion Nebula, is a marvelous sight with at least three of the Trapezoidal stars visible at its center.

If you live under dark skies you might be able to catch a few galaxies as well, as these binoculars can theoretically show objects down to around magnitude 12 brightness.

target group

While these are great binoculars for astronomy (after all, that’s what they were designed for), they’re not really suited for terrestrial activities like bird watching, hunting or even whale watching.

For starters, they have a close focus distance of 108 feet, so you can’t focus the view on anything closer. Second, these binoculars are a bit too heavy to just carry around and use like you would smaller binoculars. They’re just not made to be taken on hikes or hunting trips.

It’s also important to note that these aren’t the best binoculars for beginners. At 20x magnification, you can only see about 3.7 degrees of the sky at a time. If you’re unfamiliar with the sky, this can make locating and identifying targets a bit tricky since you’re looking at a much smaller area of ​​the sky than you might otherwise be used to.

All in all, more experienced observers will find these to be excellent additions to their kit and will not be disappointed with the views they offer.

specifications

Type: Porro prism

Magnification: 20x

Opening: 80 mm (3.15 inch)

Prism type: BaK-4

Lens Coatings: Multi-Coated

Angular field of view: 3.7 degrees

Close focus: 108 feet

Exit pupil: 4 mm (0.15 inch)

Eye Relief: 18mm (0.71 inch)

Diopter range: -4 to +8

Eye relief (IPD) range: 56mm to 72mm (2.20″ to 2.83″)

Weight: 4.7 pounds

Dimensions: 228mm x 120mm x 325mm (9.0″ x 4.7″ x 12.8″)

Limited Lifetime Warranty

What we liked

Stars appeared sharp and colorful

Generous eye relief for spectacle wearers

Smooth focusing mechanism

Tripod mount available

BaK-4 prisms

Water repellent

What we didn’t like

A tripod is required for long-term use

The attached tripod mount cannot be removed

The focus wheel and hinges are a bit stiff

The font in the manual is small

Multi-coated lenses instead of fully multi-coated

Final Verdict

While Celestron’s SkyMaster 20×80 binoculars may not be suitable for beginners or children, overall it’s an excellent choice for serious sky gazers, especially if you’re looking for something with a little more kick than your average 10×50. These binoculars offer views that can rival a small telescope and as such are worth every penny.

Recommended accessories

Celestron Ultima Pan Tilt Head Tripod – Holding binoculars can be tiring, especially when it’s heavy. This tripod extends to nearly 67″ (1.7 meters) and includes a carrying case. You will also need a tripod adapter to attach your binoculars.

Holding binoculars can be tiring, especially if it’s heavy. This tripod extends to nearly 67″ (1.7 meters) and includes a carrying case. You will also need one to attach your binoculars. Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 – a red flashlight is essential when using star charts and books as it protects your night vision. The PowerTank has three levels of brightness and a USB port for charging your smartphone or tablet.

A red flashlight is essential when using star charts and books as it protects your night vision. The PowerTank has three levels of brightness and a USB port for charging your smartphone or tablet. Celestron Lens Cleaning Kit – Dust can get anywhere and it is important to keep your binoculars lens and eyepieces clean. This kit contains everything you need to ensure you get the best possible vision.

Dust can get anywhere, and it’s important to keep your binoculars lens and eyepieces clean. This kit contains everything you need to ensure you get the best possible vision. Stargazing With Binoculars – This great guide by Robin Scagell and David Frydman covers everything you need to get started with binocular astronomy. It not only highlights the most beautiful sights, but also gives tips on choosing binoculars.

This great guide by Robin Scagell and David Frydman covers everything you need to get started with binocular astronomy. It not only highlights the most beautiful sights, but also gives tips on choosing binoculars. The Cambridge Star Atlas – Most astronomy books have basic maps to help you locate objects, so it’s always a good idea to have a more detailed star atlas nearby. This one by the renowned star cartographer Wil Tirion is one of the best.

Hello friend!

Thank you for visiting and reading! My name is Garth and I would like to welcome you to my personal birding space.

Whether you want to attract songbirds to your garden, enjoy birding hotspots, learn bird symbolism, or start bird photography, you’ve come to the right place.

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You can really make a splash with the best marine binoculars! Let us help you choose the best saltwater binoculars for seafaring, sailing and other water adventures…

It goes without saying that when choosing the best marine binoculars, decent water resistance will top our list of essential features, as will the ability to stay submerged for long periods of time should the unit get in the drink’. We’ll also examine magnification performance, lens quality and of course value for money in terms of how much we’re getting for our money. But there are a few key things that make marine binoculars quite different from the contenders in our main guide to the best binoculars (opens in new tab)…

What is different about marine binoculars?

Ideally, binoculars for use at sea will have some or all of the following features that set them apart from their landlubber counterparts:

• Nitrogen inflation: a step in the manufacturing process that removes all air and any possible traces of moisture from the optic and replaces it with “dry” nitrogen gas to prevent fogging.

• Individual focus: Normal binoculars have a single focus setting for both eyes. It’s quick and easy for multiple users, but marine binoculars often have individual settings for each eye – these are better suited to their owners and don’t need to be readjusted once set up, making them good for low light.

• Reticle scale: A navigational aid that uses a horizon line and a vertical scale to measure the distance to objects of known height (such as a lighthouse)—sometimes an important navigational aid.

• Compass: not just a snap-on device, but projects a compass bearing onto the image on the best marine binoculars – another important navigational aid.

• Floating Strap: Some marine binoculars float on water, ideal for use on boats – but those that don’t usually come with a strap that acts as a flotation device.

Also note the specified specification, e.g. B. 7×50, where the first number given indicates the magnification power and the second the size of the lens used. A larger magnification obviously lets the user see further, while a physically larger lens measurement should, in theory, let in more light, making the image brighter and allowing us to continue to get good results when the natural light starts to fade at the end of the day.

The downside, however, is that larger lenses mean physically larger, so typically heavier, binoculars. So it can literally pay to weigh up which pair suits you best and offers the best perspective – especially on the deck of a moving boat!

The magnification of these marine binoculars may seem more modest than that of regular land binoculars; This is because 7x magnification is required to maintain a decent view when the boat is rocking – higher magnifications can make it difficult to even get a steady image.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into what we consider to be some of the best marine binoculars.

The best marine binoculars 2022

(Image credit: Steiner)

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1. Steiner Navigator Pro 7×30 marine binoculars “Open Bridge System” binoculars with or without built-in compass Technical data Magnification: 7x Lens diameter: 30 mm Field of view at 1000 m: 128 meters Field of view at 1000 yards: 385 feet Close-up limit: 20 meters Eye relief: 30 mm Weight: 530g with compass or 499g without Dimensions: 165 x 106 x 62.5mm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + ‘C’ models have a backlit compass + Waterproof to 5 meters, fog-free + Optimized grip and fit + Compact and relatively light Reasons to avoid – No tripod mount – 20m minimum focusing distance

Steiner’s Navigator binoculars have been around in their “Pro” versions for a while, but the 7×30 and 7×50 options – where the “7” is the magnification offered and the second number is the size of the objective lens – have been revised to reflect the design to improve handling. Both options are available with or without a built-in, shock-absorbing compass, with the roughened exterior promising to provide stable visibility even in rough seas. Look for the models with the “c” suffix, like the more affordable of the two we’re highlighting here, if that compass “extra” could come in handy.

In addition to a more comfortable, stronger grip thanks to a knurled, water-repellent surface, a new open bridge system on the latest generation models promises easier adjustment. Water resistance is enough to withstand a five-meter submersion, while a 10-year guarantee gives potential Steiner owners further peace of mind.

(Image credit: Nikon)

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2. Nikon Oceanpro 7×50 CF WP binoculars Waterproof marine binoculars with floating strap Specifications Magnification: 7x Lens diameter: 50mm Field of view at 1000 yards: 377 feet Field of view at 1000m: 126m Closest focusing distance: 33 feet / 10m Eye relief: 22, 7 mm Weight: 1.13 kg (39.9 oz) Dimensions: 2.76 x 8.27 x 2.76 inches Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in opened in a new tab) View on Adorama (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Nitrogen filled and sealed with O-rings + Rubber armored exterior for better grip Reasons to avoid – Focus knob small and stiff – Weight over 1 kg

With an identical 7×50 core spec to the Bushnell option above, we can always count on Nikon, with its long history of optical excellence in photography, to deliver binoculars in decent, er, nicks despite the relatively compact proportions. Of course, this durable, rubber-armored, polycarbonate construction device with central focusing knob is waterproof thanks to its O-ring sealed body and comes with a floating neck strap so it won’t disappear beneath the waves if accidentally thrown overboard in the seas. With a minimum focusing distance of 33ft, it also offers a comparatively generous 22.7mm of eye relief, allowing for comfortable viewing, and a wide field of view of 378ft, putting as much of the sea as possible in the user’s field of view. Also look out for the version of these binoculars that have an additional built-in compass if that feature would further aid your own nautical explorations.

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

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3. Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX Heavy Duty Porro Prism Type Marine Binoculars with Built in Compass Specifications Magnification: 7x Lens Diameter: 50mm Field of View at 1000m: 131m Field of View at 1000 yards: 393.7ft Close Focusing Limit: 9.8 Eye Relief: 23 mm Weight: 1.95 kg Dimensions: 11.2 x 33.1 x 24.9 cm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) At View Adorama (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Rubberized exterior helps grip and durability + Built-in world compass + EBC coatings for 95% light transmission Reasons to avoid – Weight just under 2kg – One of the more expensive options

These high quality, durable binoculars from the Fujifilm brand in gray would feel just as good aboard a warship as they would on a luxury yacht. At just under 2kg, they’re a fairly weighty option too, but they pack all the bells and whistles we might expect, including a world compass and lens coatings to ensure the best light transmission – and therefore great vision – is possible.

The ribbed, rubberized exterior also ensures a firm and stable grip while protecting the binoculars from accidental bumps. This large 50mm lens delivers a clear view even in twilight, while even the likes of the US Navy are said to be fans. The only downside is all those coats; Expect to pay a premium price for these premium binos.

(Image credit: Barksa)

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4. Barska Deep Sea 7×50 floating binoculars These rubberized and waterproof binoculars will not float below 23mm Weight: 453g Dimensions: 18.03 x 8.89 x 19.56cm View today’s best deals on Amazon (opens in a new tab opened) View at Adorama (opens in a new tab) View at Adorama (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged + Decent Value for Money + Internal Rangefinder and Compass Reasons to Avoid – No tripod mount

We’re less familiar with Barska as a brand, but this compact binocular, which weighs half the weight of some of its close competitors, seems to offer a decent level of performance for our money. These American binoculars also meet the requisite O-ring sealed, waterproof, nitrogen purged internals, non-slip rubberized exteriors, as well as BAK 4 prisms and multi-coated optics to provide a clear image on top of that. In addition, we get an internal range finder and a directional compass, while the device floats when it lands in the “drink”. These binoculars appear to offer good value for money for those who want marine binoculars for less than the cost of overnight docking in an actual marina.

(Image credit: Bushnell)

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5. Bushnell 7×50 marine binoculars with compass Inexpensive marine binoculars with integrated digital compass Specifications Magnification: 7x Lens diameter: 50 mm Field of view at 1000 m: 116.2 meters Close-up limit: 20 meters Interpupillary distance: 18 mm Weight: 1.05 kg Dimensions: 95 x 87 x 39 cm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on Walmart (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged + Illuminated digital compass + Fully multifunctional Coated optics Reasons to avoid – Weighty over long periods of time – No built in tripod mount

The US-based Bushnell brand is known for offering good value for money combined with decent performance. So this waterproof, buoyant and saltwater corrosion resistant model, which combines a 7x magnification with a large 50mm lens, is worthy of further investigation. Not only is it sealed with a real O-ring and covered in rubber “armour” to absorb shock while providing a firmer, non-slip grip for use with wet hands, but it’s also nitrogen purged to ensure to prevent fogging. The spec continues to impress as we get BaK-4 prisms for bright and clear vision, along with a digitally illuminated compass to keep sailors from getting lost at sea. In short, this one literally lends itself to being a buying idea worth swimming for.

(Image credit: Celestron)

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6. Celestron Oceana 7×50 Binoculars Gadget-Heavy Rubber Armored Waterproof Binoculars Specifications Magnification: 7x Lens Diameter: 50mm Field of View at 1000 yards: 394ft Field of View at 1000m: 131m Close Focusing Distance: 33ft / 10m Eye Relief: 22mm Weight: 1.16 kg Dimensions: 211 x 81 x 157 mm (8.3 x 3.2 x 6.2 in) Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab open) Reasons to Buy + Waterproof and Nitrogen Flushed + Built-in Compass plus Calculator Face + Tripod Adapter Reasons to Avoid – No Zoom Feature (like the rest)

Celestron is another big brand in the world of binoculars and so naturally offers an “Oceana” model suited to the marine market. As with the others here, the core specs are again a 7x magnification mated to a 50mm lens encased in a waterproof aluminum construction, rubber armored shell providing a comfortable 22mm eye relief, and multi-coated optics for optimal viewing Provides light transmission and visibility. We also find an illuminated compass useful on board, along with, more unusually, a distance calculator dial. Also, unlike many others, this one includes a tripod adapter (the actual tripod is extra) in case users want to try and increase stability. Of course, it’s also waterproof and nitrogen purged to prevent fogging, so not many boxes are left unchecked as far as this all-encompassing example goes. Impressive stuff.

(Image credit: Bresser)

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7. Bresser Topas 7×50 WP German made binoculars complete with flotation belt to ensure buoyancy Specifications Magnification: 7x Lens diameter: 50mm Field of view at 1000m: 116m Field of view at 1000 yds: 314ft Close focus: 5 meters Eye relief: 24mm Weight : 1168g Dimensions: 9.7 x 19.5 x 8cm Today’s best deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + Illuminated compass included + Foldable eyecups accommodate glasses wearers or not + Belt/harness attachments serve as a buoyancy aid Avoid – Weighty

German brand Bak-4 porro prism binoculars for observation in humid conditions, complete with ergonomic rubber armor and the usual level of water and shock resistance. For seafarers we get a built-in illuminated compass and distance determination via a ring scale on the lens nozzle. Foldable eyecups provide comfort whether the user wears glasses or not, while a flotation strap is provided should slippery hands cause the binoculars to fall overboard. A respectable magnification paired with a large lens for a better overview completes the package.

(Image credit: Svbony)

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8. Svbony SV27 Extremely affordable binoculars for boaters with onboard compass Specifications Magnification: 7x Lens diameter: 50mm Field of view at 1000m: 132m Field of view at 1000 yds: 396ft Closest focusing distance: not specified Eye relief: 24mm Weight: 880g Dimensions: 20, 4 x 6 x 15.1 cm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Built-in illuminated compass + Fully multi-coated Bak-4 Porro prism optics + O-ring sealed water resistance plus nitrogen filling, to prevent fogging reasons to avoid – Hard to criticize at this price point

Would you like to make a splash with your viewing habits, but don’t want to splash the money? This relatively inexpensive pair of marine binoculars have a built in range finder compass making them fog proof and o-ring sealed. Interestingly, the focus can be adjusted individually for each eye, while a natural rubber exterior prevents slippage when used in wet conditions. Unexpectedly at the affordable price is a tripod adapter, which is suitable for mounting on a tripod if desired. In addition, these marine binoculars can be submerged under water to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes and suffer no ill effects, according to the manufacturer.

What we look for in marine binoculars

We test this gear in the field, on moving subjects and landmarks for our buying advice, looking for marine binoculars that combine magnification, good construction and image clarity that can be used and survive a day at sea. Budget is also an indicator and in this guide you will find marine binoculars for every budget and every need.

Continue reading:

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• Best range finder binoculars

• Best binoculars (opens in new tab)

• Best Budget Binoculars (opens in new tab)

• Best Binocular Tripod Adapter (opens in new tab)

• Best Monoculars (opens in new tab)

• Best Night Vision Goggles (opens in new tab)

Digital Camera World experts spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Learn more about how we test

To get the best binoculars you need to have a clear idea of ​​what you want to use them for, how much weight you are willing to carry and how much you can afford. High-end binoculars are, unsurprisingly, quite expensive, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a perfectly good pair that’s ideal for your favorite activity or hobby.

When your subjects are far away, you need decent magnification. Note, however, that the higher the magnification, the more difficult it becomes to keep the image steady, although a tripod can help here for longer game viewing.

When you use binoculars in low light, and especially for astronomy, you also need light-gathering performance, and for that you need big lenses. The larger the lenses, the easier it is to spot faint or dark objects – and a good pair of binoculars can reveal more detail in the night sky than you could ever imagine. But large lenses also mean more weight and possibly more arm strain, which is why astronomers often mount their binoculars on a tripod to reduce camera shake and fatigue.

So in general use, you should choose a compromise between magnification, light-gathering power, and weight. Sports fans and casual hikers often opt for binoculars with modest specs on both counts just to get binoculars small and light enough to fit in a jacket pocket.

Below we list the best binoculars available today from different manufacturers. We’ve selected specific models here, but remember that many of the binoculars on this list are also available in other sizes and powers.

We’ve also included a more detailed section on how to choose the best binoculars right at the bottom of this guide, just in case you want a little more info before you decide.

The best binoculars 2022

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

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1. Canon 10x42L IS WP An expensive premium pair of binoculars, but the spectacular stabilization makes it worth it Specifications Magnification: 10x Lens diameter: 42mm Field of view at 1000m: 114 meters Minimum focusing distance: 2.5 meters Eye relief: 16mm Weight: 1110g Dimensions : 137 x 175.8 x 85.4mm Today’s Best Deals View on Newegg (opens in new tab) View on Amazon (opens in new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Steady image stabilization + Weatherproof so + 10x magnification and good sized optics Reasons to avoid – Bulkier than non-stabilized models – At 1110g, heavier than most

All current Canon binoculars have the suffix “IS” in their model name to indicate that they are image stabilized binoculars (opens in new tab). This battery-powered option allows you to get a shake-free image simply by pressing a button on the binoculars – and the stabilization effect is both instant and stunning.

From the wide range of Canon IS options available, we’ve selected the rubber-coated Canon 10x42L IS WP model as the best. As the name suggests, they are also waterproof, making them ideal for an even wider range of long-distance activities. Also, Canon’s “L” series is the premium range that offers super stable vision even in the most adverse conditions.

These porro prism binoculars are not only extremely stable, they are also comfortable to hold and offer a pleasantly long eye relief (16 mm) and a large exit pupil of 4.2 mm for a bright field of view. They also offer a closest focusing distance that’s lower than most, at just 2.5 meters.

• Read our Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

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2. Celestron Nature DX ED 12×50 These high-quality compact binoculars are bursting with brightness Technical data Magnification: 10x Lens diameter: 56 mm Field of view at 1000 m: 105 m Closest focusing distance: 3 m Interpupillary distance: 18.2 mm Weight: 1030 g Dimensions: 167 x 146 x 65mm Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) View at The Home Depot (opens in new tab) Reasons to Buy + High-End Optics + Sharp, bright and high-contrast images + Travel-friendly size + Unbeatable build quality Reasons to avoid – High price – Relatively narrow field of view – Lens caps can get in the way – Not much eye relief

The ability to focus on close-up objects, along with a relatively wide field of view, make the Celestron Nature DX ED 12×50 useful for a range of outdoor applications, as does the robust build quality and ED glass that delivers excellent images that are bright, colorful and spicy. If you are looking for a large, mid-range binocular that is ideal for wildlife viewing, the Celestron Nature DX ED 12×50 is for you.

Read our Celestron Nature DX ED 12×50 review (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

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3. Vortex Crossfire HD 10×50 These mid-range binoculars come with a practical carrying strap and offer excellent optics for all-round use. Specifications Magnification: 10x Lens diameter: 50mm Field of view at 1000m: 107 meters Minimum focusing distance: 1.83m Eye relief: 17mm Weight: 862g / 30.4oz Dimensions: 7 x 13.4cm / 6.7x 5.3 inch on Amazon (opens in new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in new tab) View on Bass Pro Shops (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Harness prevents neck pain + Good quality shoulder bag + Impressive in low light Reasons to Avoid – Wiring harness can get confusing – Tethered lens caps are fiddly – Close-up focus is 6ft

If you can’t decide whether you want to buy binoculars primarily for wildlife or astronomy, you only have one decision to make. Perfect for day and night activities, 10×42 or 10×50 binoculars are the best option for most people, although the Vortex Crossfire HD 10×50 that we have here is a definite step-up product that comes with a unique chest strap for added comfort and quick use.

With an excellent build quality and great optics, we think the Vortex Crossfire HD 10×50 is a candidate binocular for anyone looking for an advanced option that they can use for many years to come in all sorts of scenarios, from wildlife to sports to astronomy.

Read more: Vortex Crossfire HD 10×50 review (opens in new tab)

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4. Celestron TrailSeeker 8×42 Compact and waterproof and one of the best mid-range binoculars you can buy : 14 1x 130 x 51mm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new Tab open) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent image quality + Compact and lightweight + Waterproof + Stuff sack and strap included Reasons to avoid – Expensive – Loose lens caps

Striking the perfect balance between portability, durability and image quality, the Celestron TrailSeeker 8×42 manages to bridge the gap between affordability and quality. They offer good vision across the board, with the optical highlight being a wide field of view and close focus.

We were also impressed with the extras in the box, particularly a harness that packs into a small stuff sack. If you’re looking for full-size binoculars with a touch of quality, then the Celestron TrailSeeker 8×42 is a great candidate.

(Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

5. Celestron Skymaster 15×70 Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy Specifications Magnification: 15x Lens Diameter: 70mm Design: Roof Prism Field of View at 1000m: 77 meters Minimum Focusing Limit: 13m/43ft Eye Relief: 18mm/0.71in Weight: 1 .36 g / 48 ounces Dimensions: 220 x 110 x 280 mm / 8.7 x 4.3 x 11 in. Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on Newegg (opens in a new tab opened) View at Best Buy (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Huge 15x magnification + Great for stargazing + Comes with shoulder bag and tripod adapter Reasons to Avoid – Best used with a tripod

Binoculars are a great alternative to a traditional telescope for observing the night sky – as long as they have enough magnification. And these incredibly affordable Celestron binoculars have a whopping 15x magnification that can help you see galaxies, planets and moon details. They’re just about hand-holdable in our tests, but they’re better for use with a tripod – and they conveniently come with an adapter that makes attaching them to a tripod easier.

Read more: Celestron Skymaster 15×70 review (opens in new tab)

(Image credit: Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

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6. Large and heavy, the Nikon Action EX 12×50 binoculars are an affordable way to get closer to your subject 0.63 Weight: 36.8 oz/1 kg Dimensions: 179 x 196 x 68 mm Today’s Best Deals Check out Amazon ( opens in a new tab) View on Adorama (opens in a new tab) View on Newegg (opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + 12x magnification + Waterproof and fog-proof design + Cheap price Reasons to avoid – Difficult to hold for long periods of time – Slight edge distortion – Lens caps are easy to lose

The Nikon Action EX 12×50 is an inexpensive combination of high performance and light intensity. If you really want to get closer to objects, look for 16x binoculars – and be prepared to always use a tripod – but we think 12x is a worthy upgrade from 10x. binoculars is without increasing the weight enormously.

Yes, the Nikon Action EX 12×50 are heavy, but the extra performance they offer (and for very little extra cost), along with their rugged design and clean, crisp and colorful images, make them a great option when remote viewing your goal is.

• Read our Nikon Action EX 12×50 review (opens in new tab)

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7. Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 The best binoculars at this price, with robust construction and anti-fog protection Specifications Magnification: 10x Lens diameter: 42 mm Field of view at 1000 m: 122 meters Minimum focusing distance: 3 meters Eye relief: 15.7 mm Weight: 575 g Dimensions: 150 x 130 x 52mm Today’s Best Deals View at Best Buy (opens in a new tab) View at Amazon (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Well known brand at a modest price + Tough rubber armor construction + O – Ring sealed reasons to avoid – No premium optical quality

Nikon is a reassuring name when it comes to optical quality, and their binoculars are made with just as much care and attention to detail as their lenses. So much so that these Nikon binoculars have won a Red Dot Design Award.

These binoculars are armored and feature a non-slip construction available in 8×42 and 10×42 configurations. The highly reflective silver alloy mirror coating on the surface of the prism lenses ensures a bright and clear view, which you can enjoy comfortably for a long time thanks to the large eye relief.

The binoculars are also anti-fog, with a sealed O-ring and nitrogen-purged innards. An all-round option at an affordable price, these are the best binoculars you can buy today.

• Read our Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 binoculars review (opens in new tab)

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8. Excellent value Celestron Outland X 8×42 binoculars in a variety of sizes Specifications Magnification: 8x Lens diameter: 42mm Field of view at 1000m: 118 meters (357 feet at 1000 yards) Minimum focusing distance: 3.96 metres/13 .1 foot Eye Relief: 18 mm Weight: 624 g / 22 oz Dimensions: 146 x 126 x 53 mm Today’s Best Deals View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) See it at Best Buy (opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + Versatile and well suited to wildlife + Tough polycarbonate body + Waterproof Reasons to avoid – Neither small nor light

A bargain, these Celestron BaK-4 prism binoculars feature 8x magnification and multi-coated optics to keep your view as clear as possible. This is not the only size available – you can get these Outland X binoculars in other magnifications and sizes. They are suitable for outdoor use by bird watchers and wildlife watchers, not only thanks to the mentioned magnification, but also thanks to a robust polycarbonate construction and water resistance.

The decent 42mm objective lenses on offer here gather a lot of light, making these binoculars suitable for use in both low light conditions and normal daylight. A large, smooth-running focusing wheel aids in operation, and a long eye relief of 18mm provides viewing comfort. It can be tripod mounted if desired, a strap, lens cloth and carrying case are included, plus a limited lifetime warranty.

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9. Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20×80 Great binoculars for astronomy and stargazing, best used on a tripod Specifications Magnification: 20x Lens diameter: 80mm Field of view at 1000m: 56 meters Minimum focusing distance: 20.2 meters Eye relief: 15.5mm Weight: 2.45 kg Dimensions: 330.2 x 241.3 x 101.6 mm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) View on Adorama (will opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + High magnification and large lenses + Sturdy rubber armor Reasons to avoid – Big and bulky – Better on a tripod

Of course, to aim for the stars you need binoculars with a high magnification factor, as well as one with excellent light-gathering abilities. You’ll find both here with the gorgeously named “SkyMaster”, ensuring this affordable pair is tailor-made for the amateur astronomer, allowing for twilight, dawn and night use.

Multi-coated lenses in combination with BaK-4 prisms enable increased light transmission and thus high-contrast images with many details. Stargazers will also benefit from the fact that this option can be tripod mounted, while also having its own center support rod for increased stability.

A polycarbonate and aluminum construction offers both durability and portability, while also giving you a product that is waterproof and fog-proof, which is particularly useful on cold winter nights.

• The best telescopes for astrophotography

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10. Opticron Savanna WP 6×30 The best binoculars for children, both light and waterproof Specifications Magnification: 6x Objective diameter: 30 mm Field of view at 1000 m: 140 meters Closest focus: 3 meters Pupil distance: 21 mm Weight: 485 g Dimensions: 116 x 160 x 40mm Today’s Best Deals View on Adorama (opens in a new tab) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Compact and lightweight – fits in a shoulder bag + No eyestrain for kids over the age of seven reasons to avoid – Not the strongest – Lack of features like anti-fog

The affordable Opticron Savanna WP 6×30 binoculars are portable, waterproof and contemporary looking porro prism binoculars that are suitable for youngsters as well as adults. In fact, this series – “Savanna” instead of “Savannah” – is intended to be used by children from the age of 7 without fear of eyestrain.

Not only are they compact enough for small hands, they are also relatively light at just under 500 g and offer a relatively wide field of view for prying eyes and heads. The 6x magnification doesn’t make it the most powerful binocular on the market, but you can upgrade to the 8×30 model for just a little more money, which weighs just a few grams more, which is a bargain in itself.

Read more: Opticron Savanna WP 6×30 binoculars review (opens in new tab)

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11. Olympus 10×42 Pro A more expensive price range but a great premium binocular for nature and wildlife Specifications Magnification: 10x Objective diameter: 42 mm Field of view at 1000 m: 108 meters Closest focusing distance: 1.5 meters Pupil distance: 16 mm Weight: 665 g Dimensions : 131 x 140 x 53 mm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) View on Adorama (opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + Compact, relatively light and versatile + Waterproof and nitrogen filled Reasons to avoid – 10x might not be enough for wildlife – Quite expensive

This bright, sharp and reliable model from the Olympus Pro range (a new 8×42 version is also available) features a nano-coating for the first time in the range. Olympus is known for its optical expertise, so it’s not surprising that we get the same high-performance Zuiko optics that it uses with its camera systems. In fact, it is claimed here that the optics of this binocular offer unparalleled light transmission for its class.

They are compact, ergonomically designed and of robust construction that prevents water ingress when submerged to a depth of one meter for five minutes. Performance is also impressive at close range, as subjects can be viewed up to 1.5m away.

Nitrogen filling eliminates fogging while the design is sleek and simple. An extendable eye relief provides comfort for eyeglass wearers, as does a diopter adjustment ring, flip-down lens cap and a new strap mount. A 15-year guarantee offers additional security.

• Read our Olympus 10×42 Pro binoculars review (opens in new tab)

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12. Nikon Monarch HG 10×30 High quality, extremely compact binoculars, ideal for bird watching but not cheap 15.2mm Weight: 450g Dimensions: 119 x 126 x 47mm View today’s best offers at Adorama (will be published in a new tab opened) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on Crutchfield (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Wide Angle + Waterproof + Magnesium Alloy Anti-Fog Reasons to Avoid – You pay a premium for being compact

One of the newest premium binoculars on the market comes from Nikon in 8×30 or – as we picked for our top pick – 10×30 options. The Nikon Monarch HG 10×30 binoculars are not only compact and relatively portable at 450 g, the magnesium alloy has the advantage that they are also water and fog resistant. The idea is that these will emulate the performance of Nikon’s 42mm diameter Monarch HG version, but in a smaller body.

The use of ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass corrects chromatic aberration that can cause color fringing, while comfort is ensured by a soft-to-the-touch neck strap. Both Nikon’s 10x and 8x options come with a semi-hard case for protection in transit. A tripod adapter is available as an option. If you’re looking for the best compact binoculars, this pair of camera icons takes the crown.

• Read our Nikon Monarch HG 10×30 binoculars review (opens in new tab)

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13. Leica Trinovid-HD 10×42 Leica makes both binoculars and cameras, and to the same exceptional standard. Specifications Magnification: 10x Lens diameter: 42mm Field of view at 1000m: 113 meters Minimum focusing distance: 1.6 meters Eye relief: 15.5mm Weight: 730g Dimensions: 117 x 140 x 65mm Check out today’s best deals at Adorama (will opens in new tab) View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to Buy + Full Body Rubber Armor + Excellent Image Clarity + Excellent Color Fidelity Reasons to Avoid – Luxury price tag

The Leica Trinovid-HD 10×42 is the best binocular for bird watching. And they’re a solid all-round option in general too, combining state-of-the-art picture performance with a ruggedness to withstand all weather conditions.

Its ergonomic design and sturdy grip allow for accurate and precise focusing, delivering both crisp close-up shots of our feathered friends and clarity from great distances. Performance also remains consistent whether you’re viewing subjects in first light or at dusk.

Good contrast and color fidelity are key for bird watchers and these binoculars offer that to the highest degree, with several models to choose from, from the Leica Trinovid HD 8×32 (opens in new tab) to our chosen 10×42.

• Read our Leica Trinovid HD 8×42 binoculars review (opens in new tab)

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14. Vixen SG 2.1×42 Binoculars These wide-angle Vixen SG 2.1×42 binoculars are a niche purchase but will give you a unique perspective of the night sky Specs Magnification: 2.1x Lens diameter: 42mm Field of view: 25° Closest focusing distance: 2m Eye relief: 8, 4 mm Weight: 410 g / 14.5 oz Dimensions: 46 x 128 x 54 mm Today’s Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Unique Field of View + Incredible Depth of Field + Portable Size Reasons to avoid – Lack of magnification – Edges are very blurry – Losable lens caps

The Vixen SG 2.1×42 is all about immersion, not magnification. You would never use them for bird watching or take them on a safari, but used as a second pair of specialty binoculars for stargazing they impress. Yes, the magnification is lacking, but as it is – coupled with excellent glass in a superb all-round construction – they are able to create an addictive wide-angle view of the night sky.

If you’ve always preferred naked-eye stargazing to the close-ups of telescopes and binoculars, then the Vixen SG 2.1×42 can take you to the next level by enhancing your night vision while maintaining your wide-eyed and expanded night skies.

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15. Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 These Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 binoculars are great value for money for beginners interested in wildlife, the night sky and more 12mm Weight: 27oz / 765g Dimensions: 185 x 81 x 160mm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) View on Adorama (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Bright and colorful images + Light weight Design + Easy to use + Affordable price Reasons to avoid – Lens caps are easy to lose – Slight edge distortion – Not much eye relief

The Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 is the most basic binocular you can get. The Celstron brand makes many different models of binoculars, some of which are exceptionally high quality, but this pair of 10×50 models are the most affordable on the market.

Are they enough or do you need a more expensive pair? That depends on what you’re up to. Equipped with 10x magnification and 50mm lenses, the UpClose G2 10×50 are both powerful and fast, offering high magnification and being able to collect a lot of light too.

This makes them theoretically usable in both bright light and low light conditions, including complete darkness. So why are the UpClose G2 10×50 so cheap? This is partly due to the lack of any niceties, without high-quality accessories or covers.

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16. Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 Rugged outdoor binoculars with all-metal construction and the cheapest on our list 630g Length: 150mm Today’s Best Deals View on Adorama (opens in a new tab) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab ) View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + All-metal body + Even weight distribution + Good light transmission Reasons to Avoid – Fairly basic design/features

While the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 might be a fairly basic binocular in terms of features, the aluminum alloy body gives it a real premium feel. You certainly have the impression that this pair could take a hit or two (although we wouldn’t recommend testing that on purpose).

The relatively large objective lens ensures good light transmission, and the knurled focus control wheel is satisfying and intuitive to use. With rubber grips for a secure grip, the Bushnell Powerview 2 is an all-around well-designed pair of binoculars at a fairly reasonable price.

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17. Celestron Nature DX 10×56 Medium-priced binoculars, well suited for low light conditions and astronomy Specifications Magnification: 10x Objective diameter: 56 mm Field of view at 1000 m: 105 m Closest focusing distance: 3 m Interpupillary distance: 18.2 mm Weight: 1030 g Dimensions: 167 x 146 x 65mm Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) View on The Home Depot (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Nitrogen filled to prevent fogging + Suitable for low light with large 56mm lens Reasons to avoid – Heavier than many alternatives

There are binoculars from Celestron’s Nature range with even higher magnification and larger lenses, and there are also units that cost less with smaller lenses and lower magnification, so we’ve settled on a budget option in the middle, with a 10×56 spec, meets our essential requirements and is a decent all-rounder, especially with the ability to focus down to 3m as well.

Not only are they great in low light, but they’re also suitable for outdoor use thanks to a durable polycarbonate construction that’s filled with dry nitrogen gas to resist fogging in cold and wet conditions. Add multi-coated optics and this is a durable, well-specified pair of binoculars that suit everyone from beginners to advanced users.

Binocular Specifications: What to look out for

Binoculars come in many different specs, but there are two keys that are best to focus on if you want to keep things simple. These are: magnification and lens size.

Most binoculars list both in their name. If you search for binoculars, you’ll quickly find that their names usually include something like “10×20” or “6×30”. These two numbers relate to the magnification factor and the size of the lenses, respectively. So in this example we have binoculars with 10x and 6x magnification. You might think it’s all about choosing the binoculars with the greatest magnification, but in practice it limits your field of view, which can make detection difficult.

The second number refers to the lens size. A larger lens makes the image brighter and clearer, especially in low light, but also makes the binoculars bigger and heavier (and probably more expensive).

This means that whatever your hobby or subject, it pays to think about what combination of magnification and lens size works best for you.

• See also: Best binocular utensils (opens in new tab)

The best binoculars for astronomy: If you want to observe stars, we recommend a binocular size of around 7×50. The 7x magnification works well for astroobserving as a compromise between field of view and magnification, while a 50mm lens offers plenty of light transmission to see fainter celestial objects.

The best binoculars for horse racing and other sports: Sports tend to take place during the day, so a bright lens is less of a problem. Etwas wie ein 8×30 ist genau das Richtige, da die 8-fache Vergrößerung ausreichen sollte, um vom Stand aus zu sehen, was vor sich geht. Es hat keinen Sinn, etwas Großes und Schweres zu kaufen, wenn Sie es nicht brauchen!

Bestes Fernglas für die Natur: Eine hohe Vergrößerung kombiniert mit einem kleineren und leichteren Objektiv ergibt hier eine gute Kombination. Einige Ferngläser bieten 10×26, und alles in diesem Bereich sollte funktionieren. Wenn Sie jedoch ein schweres Paar verwenden möchten, sollten Sie eines wählen, das an einem Stativ befestigt werden kann. Auf diese Weise müssen Sie keine müden Arme vom Halten bekommen!

• Lesen Sie mehr: Beste Spektive (öffnet in neuem Tab)

Teurere Ferngläser haben auch praktische Funktionen wie Wetterschutz und Beschlagfestigkeit, und einige haben sogar eine Bildstabilisierung an Bord!

Weitere Kaufratgeber

Wir haben Kaufratgeber für weit mehr als nur Ferngläser! Sehen Sie sich unten unsere Liste der Kaufratgeber an, um Ratschläge zu allem zu erhalten, von astronomischen Teleskopen bis hin zu Operngläsern …

Continue reading:

• Bestes Budget-Fernglas unter 100 $ (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)

• Die besten Monokulare (öffnet in neuem Tab)

• Best binoculars (opens in new tab)

• Die besten Spektive (öffnet in neuem Tab)

• Bestes Entfernungsmesser-Fernglas (öffnet in neuem Tab)

• Das beste Opernglas (öffnet in neuem Tab)

• The best night vision goggles and binoculars (opens in new tab)

• Die besten Teleskope für Astrofotografie (öffnet in neuem Tab)

• Die besten Mikroskope (öffnet in neuem Tab)

• Beste Endoskope und Inspektionskameras (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)

• Die besten tragbaren Felle für die Tierfotografie (öffnet in neuem Tab)

Video version: cheap versus expensive binoculars

This question was asked by someone I spoke to in my live chat. Since I think the answer will be of general interest, I decided to post it here:

Question: I am new to binoculars and would like to buy good binoculars. The problem is I don’t know what my budget should be! Can you please explain to me what is the difference between cheap and expensive binoculars and how does it affect how it works?

answers

On the BBR website I break down the binoculars I review into six main price categories ranging from very cheap binoculars under $50/£50 to the very best premium binoculars priced over $1200/£1200 .

To the average person, most binoculars, whether cheap or expensive, look essentially the same, and as such it can be difficult to understand why some binoculars are so expensive and others relatively cheap.

So in this article, I want to reveal the main differences between cheap and expensive binoculars, both in terms of build quality, components and materials used, and the views you can expect from each.

Very cheap binoculars

As you would expect from very affordable binoculars, manufactured this way and in locations where production costs are kept to an absolute minimum. Labor is cheap, there is as much automation as possible, and they often buy many generic parts in bulk from third parties.

Body components and materials used

Wherever possible, manufacturers of inexpensive and cheap binoculars will use cheaper materials and components to keep prices down.

The table at the bottom of this page lists most of these and compares them to more expensive instruments, but to give you a few examples, very cheap binoculars are almost always plastic housing and use a lot of plastic body parts and components.

This includes the focusing wheel, eyecups, and eyepiece housing. Aside from being less robust and therefore more likely to break if you drop your instrument, the actual function of their mechanisms is usually less.

For example, the focusing wheels on cheap binoculars often have a lot of play or stiff sections, and the twist-up eyecups are often loose, rattle around, or don’t have enough built-in resistance to stay in the desired focus.

Not O-ring sealed

While they’re touted as “weatherproof,” the cheapest binoculars typically don’t have a fully sealed plastic body, making them neither waterproof nor fogproof.

This might not sound like a big deal to those who don’t get wet, but remember that these seals also prevent tiny particles like dust from entering the system.

The completely moisture and oxygen free gas (either nitrogen or argon) used to prevent water from condensing on the inner lens surfaces also inhibits the growth of mold and fungi on the glass surfaces, a common occurrence in older (usually old ) binoculars sees .

Optical Glass & Coatings

In terms of optics, the glass used for the lenses and prisms of inexpensive binoculars is of lower quality and therefore has a higher bubble count and more imperfections than the higher quality (and more expensive) optical glass it is used on Binoculars.

Additionally, the glass they use will have very few (if any) of the special optical coatings used on high-end instruments.

These different coatings are very important and help in many ways to improve vision, for example by increasing light transmission and reducing distortion.

They also lack other coatings on the outer lens surfaces that are supposed to protect them from scratches, water and oil.

picture quality

The combination of inferior glass and fewer optical coatings usually results in an image that is visibly less sharp and less bright, with colors that can appear muted or washed out, and very often has a greater area of ​​blur at the edges of the view.

You will also almost always have more fringing around the edges of objects in the view.

I’ve also noticed that the view through the cheapest binoculars is often also slightly tinted (often yellowish) and more likely to show other types of distortion or curvature of the image.

A cheap pair of binoculars will enlarge the image, but in the worst case the detail and the accuracy of the color reproduction will be severely affected. For some applications where detail and color are important (like bird watching) these disadvantages can be extremely important as they can lead to misidentifications.

Beware of gimmicks

Cheap binoculars often use a perceived or exaggerated “feature” to try to help them sell.

Good examples of this are binoculars advertised as having ‘night vision’ or the ruby ​​coatings on the lenses popularized in movies like ‘The Terminator’ making them look cool!

Referred to as “night vision binoculars” by many somewhat ignorant sellers on sites like Amazon and eBay, these coatings are supposed to filter red out of the color spectrum.

This by no means helps with night vision or even improves low-light performance, but it can make it seem like they’ve removed chromatic aberration from the view. Without red in the picture, however, they usually appear unnatural and washed out and should be avoided in my opinion.

Not all cheap binoculars are bad

Now you are probably thinking that I am absolutely against ALL cheap and cheap binoculars and that you should only buy one expensive pair!

This is most certainly not the case, and while I generally suggest avoiding the very cheapest binoculars, I just think it’s important to understand their limitations and thus make a more informed decision, not just based on price.

Cheap Binoculars: Porro vs. Roof Prism

If you’re on a very tight budget, you need to be more careful when making your purchasing decision to ensure you’re getting one of the few good ones among thousands of really bad ones!

In many cases it is probably better to choose porro prism binoculars than roof prism binoculars (especially if the size of your instrument is not a major concern).

For some recommendations, check out my Best Binoculars Under £200 ($200) page and my Best Value Binoculars Guide, which highlights my top picks at all different price points.

Expensive binoculars

At the other end of the scale, more expensive, higher specification optics are built to much higher and more exacting standards by highly skilled technicians, using the latest technologies and using only the highest quality materials and components:

Components and materials used

High quality, expensive binoculars are made with much better quality materials and components and with more precise tolerances to provide a much better user experience.

For example, the plastic chassis, the focusing wheels and the eyepieces have disappeared. Instead, a high-quality, expensive pair of binoculars will have a magnesium body and all-metal components.

Undoubtedly these are sturdier, but on top of that, things like the focusing and the eyepiece rotation mechanism just work better. They are smoother, with no play or stiff spots, making them more precise.

Optical Glass & Coatings

In terms of optics, a high-end pair of binoculars uses better quality glass with fewer imperfections than cheap instruments. This glass is then polished to a much better level with more accurate and tighter tolerances by very experienced technicians using state of the art machinery.

Then they take this glass and add a whole range of special coatings to the lenses and prisms, which have the effect of increasing light transmission, reducing aberrations and distortions, and adding a layer of protection to the outer surfaces.

Are you sure?

How do I know all this for sure, maybe it’s just marketing hype?

Well, there are of course many excellent marketers in this industry who insist they have the latest and greatest since sliced ​​bread and you have to look past them and claims that seem too good to be true. But all the features I described above are real and make a difference.

how should i know

I’ve seen a lot of it myself: I’ve tested and reviewed many hundreds of binoculars from all price ranges, and while I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know everything (far from it), I have a decent amount of experience and can use the General B.S. Claims from what really is.

Also, I recently visited the Steiner factory in Germany, where they kindly guided me through the whole process: from the very beginning, when they take the rough, unpolished glass lenses and prisms (which they either get from Hoya in Japan or from Schott in Germany), to the installation and subsequent detailed test in a binocular housing, to the packaging of the product ready for dispatch and sale.

It was really, really impressive and you can read more about my visit to the Steiner factory here, but what really struck me was how many steps there are in this process and how much work goes into each one of them.

I was blown away by the attention to detail and the many quality checks that every single Steiner binocular goes through. From burnishers to furnaces, grinders to pressure chambers, there were many very specialized and impressive looking machines, but at the same time this was by no means an automated factory.

Highly qualified employees were at every turn, many of whom have been working for Steiner for many years and in some cases for several generations.

I realized that all this specialized equipment, quality materials and highly skilled labor does not come cheap and therefore their instruments will never be able to compete in price with mass-produced binoculars made from inferior materials in parts of the world where labor is cheap. But you can be sure that you are getting a very high quality precision instrument.

All in the name?

It’s true that at the higher end, for some of the biggest alpha brands like Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss, you pay a premium not only for the quality, but also for the name, their prestige and their long and distinguished history in the world of optics.

This can be a double edged sword as on the one hand you are buying a brand that assures you of a level of quality and workmanship that you can rely on and be proud of. But on the other hand, you have to pay for the privilege of joining their “club” and becoming part of their community.

Accesories

One of the more obvious differences between inexpensive and cheap binoculars versus expensive and even mid to high end instruments is the quality of the extras and accessories that come with them.

This includes the packaging, carrying case, carrying strap, lens covers, rain cover, cleaning cloth and sometimes things like an included bino harness:

Packaging

Cheap binoculars often end up on my desk in plain boxes with no branding of any kind or an indication of the exact model or configuration of the binoculars they contain. These generic, mass-produced boxes are used by many companies that sell cheap binoculars.

High-quality and expensive binoculars, on the other hand, often come with elaborate packaging, which not only offers the instrument much more protection, but also serves as a kind of showcase – a good example is the Maven B2 11×45 binoculars (picture on the right).

lens covers

Inexpensive and cheap binoculars either don’t have them or their lens covers are unmarked, very generic and used on many instruments from a variety of different brands.

The soft plastic they’re made of is also much lighter and can break fairly easily, especially in weak spots like the crease where the cups connect to the retaining ring that goes around the kegs.

In sharp contrast, the lens covers of high-end instruments are often designed specifically for that particular make and indeed for that specific configuration.

As such, they often incorporate the brand’s logo, fit into the ends of the barrels rather than over them, and generally look a lot more like a part of the instrument rather than just being an afterthought. Because of this, they usually fit better and are therefore less likely to come loose accidentally.

Additionally, they’re usually made of thicker, much harder soft rubber that will undoubtedly last longer and be less likely to break at the crease.

carrying strap

One of the biggest differences is between the collars that come with cheap and expensive binoculars.

The generic, very light, fully unpadded straps are no comparison to the custom branded, high quality, well-padded neck straps that usually come with a high-end instrument.

In addition, these high-end bracelets often have a number of design features that set them apart even further:

For example, not only are they better padded, but they are also curved to better fit around the neck and shoulders, and then have a grippy surface on the bottom to prevent them from slipping back and forth as you walk.

The connectors tend to be much sturdier and less likely to break, and they often have quick release clips that make them easy to put on and take off or swap out, making it easier to attach the binoculars to a carrying strap.

A good example (pictured right) is the strap that comes with the GPO Passion HD 10×42 binoculars.

carry bag

Once again, the average carrying case that comes with cheap binoculars is generic, unbranded, made of very light material, and with little, if any, extra padding inside.

Since cheap cases are not specially made for the respective instrument, the binoculars often do not fit very well and either simply fold over or you have to twist down the eyecups to close the lid. (see example on the right).

At the other end of the spectrum, the best binoculars often have cases specifically designed for the particular make and model of instrument, resulting in a better fit.

So enough space to easily swap out and take out the binoculars, but tight enough so that they don’t slide around inside.

They’re often semi-rigid and/or have lots of protective padding inside, and they usually come with extra pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap.

A good example of a high-end case is once again the scope of delivery of the GPO Passion HD 10×42 binoculars (picture on the right).

Additional surprises

In addition, you can sometimes find additional accessories included with more expensive instruments.

For example, the carry case for the Vortex Razor UHD binoculars doubles as a bino harness and comes with the straps included.

You also get an extra accessory pouch that fits on the front of the bag, your belt, backpack or anywhere you have a webbing.

Comparison table: Very cheap to very expensive binoculars

Alright, let’s take a look at what features you can expect to find in binoculars at different price points:

Very Cheap Low Cost Mid to High Price High-End & Premium Approx Cost Under $50 / $50 $50 – $130 / £50 – $130 $130 – $500 / £130 – £500 Over $500 / £500 Prism Glass Bk-7 Bak-4 Bak-4 Bak-4 or better like SK15 Highly Reflective Prism Coatings None or maybe Aluminum Mirror Coating Aluminum or Enhanced Aluminum Mirror Coating Silver Mirror Coating to Dielectric Coating Mostly Dielectric Coating Phase Correction Coatings (Roof Prism) Never Not Often Yes, but not always yes Lens design Normally achromatic Normally achromatic Normally achromatic Achromatic or apochromatic Anti-reflective lens coatings None or only coated Coated to multi-coated Multi-coated to fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated Oil and water resistant lens coatings Never Never A few Fairly often Scratch resistant lens coatings Never Never Some Se hr often ED glass elements Never No Sometimes Mostly waterproof Almost Never Not always Almost always Yes Fog-free Almost never Not always Almost always Yes Carrying case quality Poor Poor to lubricate Good to excellent Mostly excellent Collar quality Poor Poor to good Good to excellent Mostly excellent Typical build quality Poor Poor to good Good to excellent Excellent Toughness and durability Mostly poor Poor to good Good to excellent Typically excellent Typical image quality Poor to OK OK to good Good to excellent Excellent Typical value for money mostly poor Poor to good Good to excellent Poor to excellent

Declining returns

With binoculars, the higher you get, the more you have to spend to get smaller and smaller improvements.

Build quality and components

So, for example, if I were to compare an average pair of binoculars that cost around $50-$75 to one that costs around $150, I would say that the more expensive pair are probably about twice as good in general and in most areas in terms of is build quality and materials used.

While there will be improvements, a premium $1500 pair is unlikely to be twice as good as a high-end $750 pair of binoculars.

picture quality

As far as image quality goes, this is where it gets even more complicated!

There is no doubt that the image presented to you when you look through the $1500 premium level binoculars is stunning and much, much better than a $50, $75 or even $150 instrument . But I wouldn’t say it was 10x to 30x better.

In terms of image quality, the best cheap binoculars I’ve used rival the average mid-range with the same configuration.

A very good mid-range binocular can compete with an average high-end instrument.

Then there are several high-end binoculars (usually between $900 and $1100) that I have tested that I have found produce an image that comes closest to the very best “alpha” instruments. But as we mentioned, they don’t have the included prestige and history.

For a list of the binoculars I refer to in all of these price ranges, see my guide to best value binoculars.

Best price performance ratio

The best value for money, as I define it, are binoculars that are well built, contain as many of the best quality components and coatings as possible, and produce a high quality image while costing as little as possible.

Cheap versus expensive

Although there are some exceptions, this generally means that cheap doesn’t equate to value for money, as you have to spend a certain amount of money to get more ‘bang for your buck’ and very cheap binoculars usually don’t have enough “Quality”. ‘ in them to create a durable product or high quality image.

On the other hand, some very expensive binoculars use the best bits and produce an excellent image but charge a lot for their name. While they may be the very best binoculars, they don’t always offer the best value for money in my opinion.

I’ve found that for the most part you can get very inexpensive binoculars with many of the good parts that will produce a good to very good image starting at around $250.

good examples

The following binoculars all use coatings and components that are as good or better than the typical examples in their price range from the table above and therefore offer what I believe to be good value for their price range:

For more examples see my guide to:

Other alternatives

Inexpensive

For more ideas, check out my best binoculars under £200 ($200) page, which features my picks of some of the best bins I’ve reviewed in this price range.

You’ll also find some full-size binoculars on this page, including the affordable Vanguard Spirit XF 10×42 and the excellent Hawke Nature-Trek 8×42 binoculars.

These and other full-size binoculars will generally perform better than a compact one, but the obvious trade-off is the extra size and weight you have to carry.

Medium – High price

Also check out my article on the best ED binoculars under $350 / £350.

High-quality

As the winner of Best Safari & Travel Binoculars 2018, I have nothing but good things to say about the superb Snypex Knight D-ED 8×32. Highlights include a fully multi-coated optical system featuring an APO lens design with ED glass elements, phase-corrected BaK-4 roof prisms with the very best dielectric mirror coatings.

The case is both water and fog resistant, as you’d expect, and I really liked using the all-metal focus wheel in testing, and the focus mechanism was both smooth and precise. While not cheap I think they represent really good value for a high end pair of binoculars. Highly recommended.

bonus

As well as the Vortex Razor listed above, I also recommend their newer version, the Vortex Razor UHD 10×42 binoculars, as well as the 8×30 Swarovski CL Companion if you’re looking for an extremely high quality semi-compact from one of the most respected names in optics.

At this premium level, and especially for a top European brand like Swarovski, you always pay a certain surcharge for the name, but you also pay an extremely high level in terms of workmanship, coatings and optical components used.

Good binoculars are essential for explorers who are passionate about really seeing the great outdoors while birding, hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing, scouting, camping and stargazing.

However, choosing the right binoculars can be a daunting task given the wide variety of models on the market. Options range from basic binoculars that cost under $100 to high-end professional devices that can cost upwards of $2,000.

Unless you’re a pro, you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars to get good binoculars. In fact, there are many great affordable options for beginners and casual enthusiasts that compare to models that cost double or triple.

The best buying guide for binoculars

Before you start shopping, it’s important to understand the meaning of the numbers used in binocular model names. For example, what does the “8×42” mean in the Celestron Outland X 8×42 binoculars?

The numbers refer to two different types of lenses that work together to help you see distant objects in different lighting conditions.

The first number (8x on the Celestron pair mentioned above) refers to the eyepiece lens. Eyepiece lenses are located inside the eyepiece, and the number tells you the image magnification — that is, how much the lens appears to magnify distant objects. An 8x lens would appear to make the object 8 times larger, while a 10x lens would make it 10 times larger. Higher magnification binoculars let you see distant targets but also offer a narrower field of view.

The second number refers to lenses. This is the glass at the end of the binoculars that catches the light. The number indicates the diameter of the lens in millimeters. Larger lenses mean more light and consequently more effectiveness in low light conditions. Keep in mind that larger lenses (42mm or larger) can also be found in heavier, sometimes cumbersome, binoculars.

Binoculars with 6x to 8x magnification and lenses between 30mm and 42mm are generally recommended for classic outdoor activities such as bird watching and hunting, but also for concerts and sporting events. They are lightweight and have high enough magnification for most users while providing a stable and wide image.

However, if you want a closer and narrower angle of view, for example to observe deer or small animals from a safe distance, a 10x magnification can give you an extra boost. For stargazing, consider a magnification between 10x and 20x and a lens between 50mm and 80mm, depending on how narrow you want the field of view to be.

Other equally important factors are:

• Field of view. Simply put, field of view is the extent or width of the area you can see through the lenses. A wider field of view makes it easier to see things without having to move the binoculars. This is useful for tracking moving targets, such as B. Birds soaring in the sky or soccer players on the field.

Field of view is measured by the number of feet you can see at 1,000 yards, or alternatively in degrees. Most quality binoculars have a field of view of about 300 to 400 feet at 1,000 yards, or between 6 and 8 degrees.

• Eye relief. This is an important factor for eyeglass wearers. With this function you can adjust the distance of the eyepiece from the eyes. If you wear glasses, make sure they have at least 15mm of adjustability.

• Close focus range. All binoculars can focus on objects that are far away, but few models are able to focus on objects that are much closer. The close focus range tells you the shortest distance (in feet) that a given binocular can effectively focus at.

Many high quality binoculars offer a close focus range of less than 10 feet. This is usually sufficient for most people, but if you’re interested in studying things like bugs and butterflies, get binoculars with a close focus range of 5 to 6 feet.

• Weight. Small and lightweight binoculars are great for bird watching, hunting and hiking as they are easy to carry and convenient to pack. Binoculars with larger lenses – like the Celestron SkyMaster below – tend to be much heavier. They will weigh down your backpack and strain your arms if you use them for long periods of time. Buying a tripod could be a solution to fatigue.

Best binoculars

1st overall winner: Vortex Viper HD roof prism binoculars 8×42

Courtesy of Amazon

Magnification: 8x | Lens: 42mm | Field of view angle: 7.8° | Linear field of view at 1,000 yards: 409 ft | Eye relief: 18 mm | Close focus: 6 ft | Weight: 1.53 pounds

The Vortex Viper HD is a great option for bird watchers and nature lovers looking for sharp images, along with a well-balanced design that they can use for hours.

These Viper 8x42s feature extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to minimize color fringing (or blurring), delivering optical clarity and best-in-class color fidelity. The lenses are fully multi-coated with an anti-reflective coating that helps reduce glare, improve image contrast and enable better low-light performance.

Another great benefit is Vortex’s lifetime warranty, which covers repairs or replacements should your binoculars become damaged or defective.

The price, usually around $500, can be a bit off-putting, especially if you’re just starting out exploring wildlife or birds as a hobby. But if you’re serious and don’t want to pay more than $1,000 for top-of-the-line binoculars, the Viper HD’s crisp image quality is well worth the money.

Courtesy of Amazon

Magnification: 8x | Lens: 42mm | Field of view angle: 6.3° | Linear field of view at 1,000 yards: 330 ft | Eye relief: 18mm | Close focus: 7.8 ft | Weight: 1.3 pounds

The Nikon Monarch 5 is the best pair of binoculars you’ll find for under $300, and they come from a company that knows optics.

The Monarch 5 is fitted with extra low dispersion (ED) glass lenses to produce images that look sharp and bright. All lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure light transmission and contain a highly reflective coating to ensure accurate color reproduction.

While it has a respectable field of view of 330 feet (at 1,000 yards), it falls a bit behind when compared to some similar models in the same price range. Similarly, some reviewers find that the 7.8-foot close-up focus isn’t enough for really observing smaller targets like butterflies up close. Nonetheless, its comprehensive picture performance makes it the best deal for the money.

3. Best at a low price: Celestron Outland X 8×42 binoculars

Courtesy of Amazon

Magnification: 8x | Lens: 42mm | Field of view angle: 6.8° | Linear field of view at 1,000 yards: 357 ft | Eye relief: 18 mm | Close focus: 13.1 ft | Weight: 1.38 pounds

If you’re looking for a well-rounded pair of binoculars for casual outdoor pursuits without breaking the bank, take a look at the Celestron Outland X. This affordable pair typically retails for less than $100.

With 8x magnification and multi-coated lenses for better contrast views and to prevent damage, the Outland X is suitable for most outdoor activities. They are fully covered in rubber which makes them grippy and durable. They are also waterproof and anti-fog.

Additionally, this pair of binoculars includes a carrying case, neck strap, lens cleaning cloth and lens caps. They can also be mounted in a Celestron tripod, which is sold separately for around $20.

4. Best for star gazing: Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 Astro binoculars

Courtesy of Amazon

Magnification: 20x | Lens: 80mm | Field of view angle: 3.7° | Linear field of view at 1,000 yards: 195 ft | Eye relief: 18 mm | Close focus: 108 ft | Weight: 4.69 pounds

If you enjoy getting outside after dark to admire meteor showers, supermoons, lunar eclipses and once-in-a-lifetime celestial events, the Celestron SkyMaster could definitely enhance the experience.

Specially designed for skywatching activities, these binoculars are equipped with 20x high magnification eyepiece lenses and 80mm objective lenses for long-distance vision in low light conditions. They have an effective close-up focus range of 108 feet and a focus knob to manipulate focus and magnify detail.

Like other Celestron models, the SkyMaster binoculars are rubber coated to protect their aluminum and polycarbonate housing from harsh conditions. Weighing almost 5 pounds, they might be considered a bit heavy; However, with the built-in mount adapter, they can easily be attached to a tripod for hands-free (and more stable) viewing.

Overall, the Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 is a great option for amateur astronomers looking for an alternative to a telescope that is smaller, lighter and much easier to transport.

5. Best binoculars for kids: Opticron Savanna WP 6×30 binoculars

Courtesy of Amazon

Magnification: 6x | Lens: 30mm | Field of view angle: 8° | Linear field of view at 1,000 yards: 420 ft | Eye relief: 21 mm | Close focus: 9.8 ft | Weight: 1.1 pounds

The compact design of the Opticron Savanna WP 6×30 binoculars is suitable for adults and children from 7 years of age.

With an interpupillary distance of at least 50mm (IDP), they can be adjusted to the correct distance, which helps reduce eye strain in children. They weigh about a pound, which is light enough for pretty much all family members to carry comfortably.

They’re waterproof, which provides an extra layer of protection in case they accidentally end up in a river or lake, and the size – 4.6in x 6.3in x 1.6in – makes them comfortable to hold even for smaller hands.

The 6x magnification might not be the strongest option, but it offers a more stable image for shaky hands, as well as a wider field of view for exploring wildlife.

More of money:

The best flashlights for your money

The best night vision goggles for your money

The best rowing machines for your money

Video version of this article about 8×32 vs 8×42 binoculars

Continuing BBR’s ‘BinoWars’ mini-series in which I pit different instruments and different configurations against each other to see which is the best, in today’s post I go over the key differences between 8×32 and 8×42 binoculars quality one. This takes into account your specific preferences and needs and therefore you will end up knowing which configuration will work best for you, whether your interests are bird watching, wildlife viewing, travel or just general applications.

Before we begin, it’s important that you have a good understanding of what the numbers on binoculars mean. If you are not sure, please follow the link, go through the article and come back when you are done.

Having only recently tested and reviewed the 8×32 Hawke Frontier ED X and the larger 8×42 Hawke Frontier ED X, I decided now would be the perfect time to discuss the key differences between these two popular configurations as I still had both Sample from the same manufacturer and within the exact same series with me:

Hawke Frontier ED X 8×32 vs 8×42 binoculars

physical differences

size

8×42 binoculars use 42mm diameter lenses while 8×32 binoculars…. You guessed it, use 32mm lenses!

So it’s also easy to understand that an 8×42 will obviously be a larger instrument to pick up than an 8×32.

how much bigger

42mm lenses are 10mm larger in diameter than 32mm lenses, and therefore the ends of the barrels that the objective lenses are inserted into reflect this difference in roughly the same proportion.

So when I measure my two samples, the 8×32 Hawke Frontier ED X actually measures 42mm at the ends of the barrel (the chassis and rubber armor make up the extra 10mm), while the 8×42 Frontier ED X barrels are 51.5 in diameter mm at the ends.

Also different lengths!

However, as you will also see in the photo above, the 8×32 binoculars are also significantly shorter than the 8×42.

So in this example the Hawke 8×32 is 4.7 inches (11.9 cm) long while the 8×42 version is 5.5 inches (14 cm) long. These lengths and the difference in each are pretty typical of what you can expect between these two configurations.

weight

The extra material needed to sum up the 8×42’s larger lenses and chassis results in them not only being larger, but also heavier than the 8×32.

How much heavier?

Again using these two Hawke binoculars as an example, the 8×42 Frontier ED X weighs 25 ounces (723g) while the smaller 8×32 version tips the scales at 19 ounces (539g), making them about 25% lighter in my experience after is pretty typical.

Both measurements are also fairly typical and representative of mid- to high-end binoculars in their respective size classes. I emphasized the words mid to high-end because they use magnesium as the main material for the chassis, as well as many metal components like the focusing wheel and eyepiece housings.

However, you will find that there are some binoculars (usually on the cheaper end of the scale) that are far lighter. That’s because they use polycarbonate plastics for many of these parts, including the chassis, which, while not as strong, are lighter and cheaper to manufacture.

This is just something to keep in mind and be aware of when deciding what is the right balance of weight, strength and cost when it comes to using your binoculars.

visual differences

image brightness

The larger surface area of ​​42mm lenses on an 8×42 means they have the potential to “capture” more light than the 32mm lenses on an 8×32.

Note: Cheap binoculars with inferior optics and coatings will not perform as well as higher quality ones, so for the purposes of this article I will assume that we are comparing binoculars of the same or at least very similar level.

The more light you catch is a good start as with an 8×42 you have the potential to produce a brighter, better quality view.

transmission

However, remember that capturing more light does not always result in brighter, higher quality images.

First you need to make sure that the instrument has a high transmittance. For example, two 8×42 instruments with different quality glass, optical coatings and build quality will produce different quality views.

Ambient light conditions are important

Additionally, in normal daylight conditions, a good quality 8×32 binocular will be able to capture more than enough light and transmit it to your eyes so that you see a bright, quality image.

Therefore, under ideal, normal, and even fairly average lighting conditions, it is likely that you will not be able to distinguish between the views of an 8×32 binocular of equal quality and an 8×42 binocular.

However, when lighting conditions are less than optimal, as you are likely to experience just after sunset, before sunrise and even in a forest or dense wooded area, the added capabilities of the 8×42’s larger lenses come into play and this is where you start to explore the difference in brightness between the two observing configurations.

Comparison of pupil size between 8×32 and 8×42 binoculars

Leave the pupil size

Much of the difference in the respective low light capabilities of an 8×32 versus an 8×42 binocular can be explained by the relationship between the size of the light beam exiting the eyepiece lenses (exit pupil) and the size of the pupils in your eyes and all given conditions declare time.

8×32 binoculars produce a 4mm exit pupil (32/8)

8×42 binoculars produce a 5.25mm (42/8) exit pupil

In good lighting conditions, the pupils in your eyes are most likely smaller than the exit pupil produced by an 8×32 and an 8×42, and therefore both deliver more than enough light to your eyes for you to “see” a bright image.

As outside conditions become bright, your pupils begin to enlarge until they can reach a maximum diameter of about 7mm in very dim light. As such, the amount of light your eyes receive is not ideal in these situations, and binoculars with larger exit pupils (the 8×42 in this case) will provide a brighter and better quality view (assuming all else is equal between the two).

For more information on all of this, check out my complete guide to the exit pupil.

Additional benefit

A larger exit pupil will also make it easier for you to align your eyes with the light exiting the eyepieces, and so 8×42 binoculars might be a bit easier for the more novice user to use, as it’s easier to get an image with no black rings on the edges of the view.

price differences

8×42 binoculars are usually slightly more expensive than the 8×32 alternatives from the same series and from the same manufacturer.

How much more expensive?

This depends on the brand, the price range of the binoculars and where in the world you are shopping, but in general I have found the price difference to be between 5% and 20% more for an 8×42 versus an 8×32 binocular:

So, in our example, the Hawke Frontier ED X 8×32 binoculars cost around $390 / £380 / €390, while the 8×42 model costs around $410 / £400 / €410.

Conclusions

8×32 or 8×42, which is best?

I hope you can see that as with almost all different configurations, there really is no single best option, it just comes down to which is more ideal for your specific needs and preferences. So in this example:

8×32 binoculars are a better option for those who want a more compact, easy-to-carry instrument, and while they may not perform as well as an equivalent 8×42 high beam in low light, they still will as long as you get one with a quality Optics get able to hold their own until the light gets pretty bad.

As such, the 8×32 configuration is more ideal for those who want travel binoculars, or if you also take other gear (e.g. a camera) with you on the go, the smaller size can be an advantage.

8×42 binoculars are generally considered to be the ideal all-purpose instruments, as they combine very good light-gathering capabilities with a body that is not too large and heavy.

So while they may not be quite as convenient to carry or as light in the field as a mid-sized 8×32, they do have the advantage of potentially providing better image quality and producing a brighter image in low light.

Further reading and related information

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The whole purpose of buying binoculars is to see something better from a distance.

It makes sense to worry about the range performance of binoculars.

To really understand what you see with binoculars, you need to understand the specifications.

We’ll give you an overview of how to understand the numbers, and by the end you’ll see why asking how far you can see with binoculars isn’t the right question after all.

Binocular Specifications and Range Performance

It’s natural to think in terms of distance and range when you want to see something far away. The problem is that binoculars are not there to gain distance, but to provide magnification.

What you really want to know is how much can I zoom in on an object, target or scene at a distance to see clearly what I want to see better?

enlargement

What do the numbers on the binoculars mean?

The first number in a series of binocular specifications is the power of magnification it can provide.

If it’s 8x, what you see looks eight times larger than what you see with the naked eye at the same distance, and so on.

Magnification preference is largely user dependent for a few of the following reasons.

Low magnification:

Easy to use

Ideally suited for handheld use

Wide fields of vision

Tracking moving targets

bowhunting

watching birds

event observation

If you prefer the benefits of an even more compact optic that is quick to deploy and covert, and can be delivered at lower power and even competitive magnification, consider a monocular.

High magnification:

Much more detailed observation of targets

Can be mounted on a tripod for permanent use

Large apertures can also allow good observation in low light

Can resolve details at a greater distance

hunt

amateur astronomy

The reason is that higher magnification can help resolve distant targets. But there are also disadvantages to both weak and strong binoculars.

Can you have too much power?

Yes. Excessive magnification can result in:

Narrow field of view

tunnel construction

Unstable vision due to vibration

More difficult to use

Optical assembly and quality that the high performance actually can not offer

If you want higher magnification to possibly see better at longer distances, consider a spotting scope, or see how binoculars and spotting scopes stack up.

In anything to do with optics, one component affects another, which in turn affects another. Enter the lens size here.

lens size

The actual diameter of the objective lens is called the aperture.

We have a very detailed explanation of why objective lens size matters here, and while it’s aimed at scopes, the key info is relevant to binoculars as well.

The objective lens is the first point of contact with light before it reaches your eyes. It doesn’t literally “gather” light, as many like to say. However, its size allows or limits how much light can enter the optics, which directly affects the quality of what you will end up seeing.

In terms of the relevant aperture, how much you can see or how far you can see is a complicated matter. In general, the larger the aperture, the more distance you can gain when combined with high magnification.

As a general guide, the following openings are suitable for:

25mm: close-up, compact, can be powerful, good for tourists, poor low-light performance.

40 & 42mm: general purpose, can be light and compact, medium to high performance, good for hunters, bird watching, sightseeing, etc.

50mm and larger: excellent for low light, designed for stable setups (like on a tripod), heavy, good for hunters and wildlife watchers. Larger sizes are better for resolving power in astronomy.

Field of View (FOV)

It’s not always about distance. It is also important how much you can see at the distance you are observing.

This is where FOV and AOV (angle of view) become relevant. What is it? We’re getting down to the nitty gritty here about the field of view.

As an overview, most manufacturers provide the linear FOV measurement. It is common to think of FOV as a measure expressed in feet or meters, measured against a fixed distance, which is typically 1000 yards or 1000 meters. This means that if you look at 1000 yards you will see an X-feet wide view.

For example, an ultra-wide FOV of 410 feet at 1000 yards means you see a 410-foot wide view when looking 1000 yards away.

Depending on what you’re doing, the narrow field of view of high-magnification binoculars may not bother you if it allows you to see a larger view of a distant object. Other times, when you’re following fast-moving targets like birds, you need that wide field of view that comes with mid-range binoculars, regardless of distance.

How far can you see with binoculars?

To be honest, there really is no limit to how far you can see. But how well you can resolve that distant object is something else.

You can see the Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye, which is 2.537 million light-years away, although it will be blurry. To resolve it and see more detail, optics with magnification are required. Do you see the point?

However, it’s unhelpful to say that any pair of binoculars will let you see as far as you want. To give some insight, let’s take a look at some binocular specifications.

10×50

This is a great platform popular with western and open plains hunters, game watchers and stargazers. With a 10x magnification and larger aperture, you’ll have excellent daytime viewing and some low-light applications.

If you look 10 miles away at 10x magnification, you see this target as if it appears a mile away. What can you adequately solve at a mile away? A lot, but maybe not as much as you might like.

If you look at a hind 100 meters away, it looks like it is 10 meters in front of you. Well, that might be what you need if you want to see her batting her eyelashes.

20×80

With such specifications, the 20×80 binoculars are undoubtedly suitable for amateur astronomy. At this point, you should also consider the differences between a spotting scope and a telescope. However, unlike a telescope, you can use these binoculars for terrestrial use, although they won’t be your compact, ready-to-go pair.

With the tall and huge 20×80 specs they are made adequate for assembly as they will be heavy. High glass quality is a must if you want truly resolvable quality at maximum range. On land you can see significantly more with 20x.

Take the 10 mile example from the 10×50 binoculars. That target now appears to be half a mile away. Obviously, close-range observation is exaggerated, since a 100-meter target looks like it’s five meters away. If it’s a large target it can be difficult to make out what you’re seeing up close, but for seeing groups at range it can be perfect.

7×50

How far can you see with 7×50 binoculars?

Apparently you can see over 3 million light years away. While unassuming, these specs are good for amateur astronomy, but also for treetop hunters, those cruising in the woods, and really as an all-round performer for most applications.

They actually offer better low light performance than the 10×50 due to the larger exit pupil and should be a bit easier to handle hands-free thanks to the lower output.

What also sets these great all-purpose binoculars apart is their wider field of view. It allows you to see more through the binoculars to orientate yourself in the sky, follow birds or stalk game.

8×42

If you think bigger is better, the humble 8×42 will bust that myth. It’s a bit easier to handle than the 10x, has a much wider field of view, and tends to offer better eye relief with a larger exit pupil to stay out a little longer.

In fact, we pitted the 8×42 against the 10×42 just to highlight its strengths. Popular with bird watchers, bow hunters, treetop hunters, tourists and more, the 8×42 offers good clarity at both short and long ranges.

frequently asked Questions

What is the maximum range of binoculars? Binoculars have no distance limit for seeing, just like your eyes don’t, but magnification has a lot to do with how much closer you can see a distant object. The simplest answer is that you can resolve more clearly at longer distances with a powerful pair of binoculars.

Other characteristics, including glass quality and lens size, are relevant to know. Also, equipment or additional features are required to achieve clarity at maximum distances, such as: B. Image stabilization or tripods. What are the most powerful binoculars you can buy? High magnification binoculars are the most powerful binoculars you can buy. These will be in the 20×80 range, but there are also some with 100mm lenses and an even greater 90x magnification. The strongest pairs will be expensive as they must have quality behind them to meet the optical requirements of such an assembly. How do you make binoculars see further? There are several factors that play a role in achieving good clarity at maximum distance with binoculars. The magnification may not be sufficient, there may be a lack of lens quality and/or coatings for optimal clarity, or you simply need to calibrate and adjust the binoculars. Why is it blurry to see far away with binoculars? If you have adjusted your binoculars correctly and see blurry images at maximum distances, this can have several reasons. There are just some things you can’t control that optics can’t compete with. Atmospheric conditions, pollution, light pollution and mirages can render even the best optics unusable.

How well can you resolve objects at maximum distance?

Now that’s a question that’s getting closer to meaning. Binoculars provide magnification to allow closer observation of something in the distance.

However, how well it can resolve does not depend solely on the magnification. There are many other factors that may just be down to the glass quality. You pay more for better glass to get both resolving power and performance, even if it means compromising magnification.

How far can you see with the naked eye? Infinitely far.

How far can you see with binoculars? Infinitely far with better resolving power.

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When it comes time to see a rare bird up close, binoculars are the optical tool of choice for almost any serious bird watcher. Unmatched portability and convenience make binoculars one of the best devices available for spotting and identifying birds in their natural habitats.

In this first part of a four part series we discuss what to look for when looking for binoculars for bird watching, or some things to consider if you are already a bird watcher and looking to improve your optics.

See with both eyes

Call it a hobby. Call it a pastime. Call it a sport. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), more than 47,000,000 Americans are “birders” as of 2011. Bird watching is the 15th most popular outdoor pastime in the United States. Chances are you either know a “bird watcher” or see one when you look in the mirror. B&H Photo is a great place to stock up on the best birding optics available or to shop for your favorite spotter.

Binoculars are almost indispensable for anyone who wants to observe birds in the wild. Some birders use spotting scopes and other cameras with telephoto lenses, but it can be difficult to find a serious birder without binoculars handy.

There are several advantages of binoculars for bird watchers over other optical options. Binoculars are much more portable and lighter than spotting scopes and large telephoto camera lenses. Also, binoculars give you a more natural “3D view” of the bird because you’re looking through two optical tubes, so you’re looking at the birds with both eyes. Human vision is stereoscopic and viewing through two optical devices gives a bird watcher the most natural view. Finally, many spotting scopes and telephoto lenses require the use of a tripod or alternative mount to ensure a stable view. This requires the bird watcher to carry more gear into the field on expeditions.

Lots of options

Binocular buyers are immediately confronted with several purchasing decisions. Not only are there numerous brands of binoculars on the market, they come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and configuration options. Christopher Witt, author of B&H Photo, recently published an in-depth binoculars buyer’s guide that dives deep into what you’ll find on the shelves of B&H Optics Department and on the SuperStore website when looking for binoculars. Luckily, if your mission is bird watching, the purchasing options can be somewhat limited. In this article, we’re going to focus on what specs birders should look for when buying binoculars, rather than repeating everything from Chris’ excellent article.

The Power Debate

The first decision a bird watcher must make when purchasing binoculars is the choice of magnifying binoculars. When looking at binoculars on the internet (and on the packaging and the binoculars themselves) you will usually see two prominent numbers. These refer to the magnification and the lens diameter. An example is: 8×42. This indicates that the magnification of the binoculars is 8x and the objective (front) lens is 42mm in diameter.

The natural tendency of most binocular novices is to acquire the best performing binoculars they can find. After all, the point is to see the bird as closely as possible. However, there is a downside to high-power viewing: image shake. The higher the magnification, the more small movements and vibrations are translated into your image. Also, high magnification usually affects the minimum focus distance (more on that later) and also narrows your field of view.

For this reason, most bird watchers prefer binoculars that are between 7x and 10x. In the past, 8x was the standard median power between 7x and 10x. Today, some manufacturers offer 8.5x and even 9x as a compromise between the power of 10x and the durability of 8x. When 8x is mentioned, the term generally embodies these other pairs as well.

Which power is best for your birding adventures? To quell the debate over which energy to use, B&H spoke to some of the leading bird watchers around the country to get their thoughts on the matter.

Brian Sullivan, project director of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird program, shares his thoughts: “7×42 binoculars are ideal for ‘landbirding’; For example, watch Leaper Warblers in dense tangles or trees where magnification is less of a factor, but finding birds quickly and staying on them is key. If you have steady hands or do the type of birding that requires long-distance viewing (e.g. hawking, ocean viewing) 10x might be best for you. 8x is a nice compromise! Many binocular manufacturers have settled on 8x as the standard for general birding. This gives you a good field of view with enough magnification power for all birding use cases and in general the 8x binoculars are easy to hold still.”

Eric Lind, center director of the Audubon Constitution Marsh Center & Sanctuary in Garrison, New York, prefers 8x binoculars and says, “8-power gives you a little more than 7-power. I tried 10x but it was difficult to keep her still.” Eric uses an older Zeiss 8×42 binocular. “10x,” he says, “might be better for spotting shorebirds from the beach.”

Bill Stewart, director of conservation and community for the American Birding Association and a 40-year birder, agrees. He owns a pair of Leica Ultravid 8×42 binoculars that he “uses every day”. He finds that the field of view of the 10x binoculars is often too narrow for his liking, but admits: “I would also like a 7x and a 10x binocular.”

Patrick Comins, director of bird conservation at the Connecticut office of the Audubon Society and president of the Friends of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, recommends 8x for novice birders but owns a 10x for land birding.

Bird photographer Glenn Bartley told us, “I really like seeing the birds up close – that’s why I went with 10x instead of 8x.” He wears Swarovski 10×42 binoculars to spot birds when he’s not photographed with his Canon EF 600mm lens.

Olaf Soltau, member of the New York Chapter of the Audubon Society, shared his experience and opinion: “I use Swarovski EL 10x42s. But it took me years to feel ready to step up from 8x to 10x. For beginners I always recommend 8×40. Think Goldilocks: not too strong, not too weak, not too heavy, not too weak. It’s simply the best compromise. Higher magnification makes the image too shaky and makes the birds difficult to find, especially for beginners. Lower magnification just doesn’t get the birds close enough. There are of course exceptions. 10×40 is fine when most birding is in wide open areas such as grasslands and coasts where the birds are often far away. I used 8x40s for years until my hand became steady enough and my bird spotting skills through binoculars became good enough for 10x40s. Another exception: People who don’t have the physical strength to carry around 8x40s all day can opt for 8x30s, but that means sacrificing image quality.”

Bucking the trend, Audubon North Carolina associate director Walker Golder is a shorebird specialist using vintage Leica 8×32 binoculars. He switches to a spotting scope for closer inspection, but the 8x32s are, he says, “small enough to wear around my neck and they don’t bother me when I’m moving around and getting in and out of boats. He generally recommends 10x for shorebird watching for others.

As a final word on this dilemma, eBird’s Brian Sullivan says, “If you’re a birder who can only have binoculars (and that’s a lot of us), 8x is a good choice. If you start there, you can always move up or down with a next pair to better suit your type of birder.”

Some binoculars have variable magnification. At first glance this might seem like the best of all worlds, but in reality you lose a lot of optical quality for the price point with binoculars with a zoom lens. If you ask around, you’re unlikely to find anyone recommending zoom binoculars for bird watching. In fact, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says succinctly, “Avoid ‘zoom’ binoculars.”

lens diameter

The larger the lens, the brighter the binoculars. The downside is that larger lenses are heavier. A few grams difference on a spec sheet may not seem like much until you’ve hiked several hours and the weight of the binoculars begins to weigh on your neck and shoulders.

Bird watchers tend to use their binoculars in the 40mm range. Binoculars with 40mm, 42mm, or 44mm lenses serve as a good middle-of-the-road compromise between low-light performance and portability. Lenses smaller than 35mm make for a more portable package at the expense of light collection, and a 50mm or larger lens will give you a very bright image, perhaps along with the neck and shoulder pain mentioned above.

Eric Lind has seen bird watchers in the field with small travel or opera binoculars. They may feel great in the hand, but out in the field they usually leave their user wanting. Smaller lenses aren’t good for a lot of birding, Patrick Comins says, “unless it’s a bright, sunny day.”

Another benefit of the larger lens diameter is a larger exit pupil at the rear element of the binoculars, where your eyes are focused. With two binoculars of the same magnification, the circle of light that hits your eye is larger with a larger lens. Therefore, 8×42 binoculars have a larger exit pupil than 8×35 binoculars. A larger exit pupil generally means a more comfortable viewing experience.

Binocular configuration

Binoculars come in two basic configurations: porro prism or roof prism. The Porro prism gives this type of binoculars the traditional binocular shape. The roof prism binoculars are characterized by a narrower and more compact, straight design. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but in general the Porro prism design is less expensive to manufacture and therefore gives you more bang for your buck in terms of optical quality and features. The relatively compact size of roof prism binoculars makes them more popular with bird watchers in general, as optically similar porros are larger.

When looking at binocular data sheets, bird watchers may find that they have two standard types of prisms. Chris’ article goes into more detail about this, but we’ll cover it briefly here. The BAK4 prism offers a more circular field of view and is considered superior to the rectangular field of view of the BK7 prism as the BK7 can cause vignetting of the image. There are wonderful binoculars with the BK7 prisms, so don’t neglect the variation; It’s just something to be aware of when comparing binoculars.

Which style and prism is best for you? According to the experts we spoke to, it all depends on what you like and what ergonomics you prefer.

Minimum focus distance

One aspect of binoculars that is often overlooked by birders is the minimum focusing distance (or close focus). The binoculars visually bring the distant bird closer to the birder for observation and analysis, but Eric Lind of the Audubon Society is quick to point out that birding can easily consist of pinpointing birds and insects that are relatively close to the observer regard. A short minimum focusing distance can give you an amazing close-up of that feeding hummingbird or majestic butterfly. Higher magnification binoculars generally have longer minimum focus distances.

optical quality

Birdwatching can be an occasional activity or a challenging scientific fieldwork. For this reason, the optical quality of binoculars should be very important to you. Premium optics allow you to discern subtle color patterns on the chest and mantle, and examine the plumage on the wing bars. When accurate identification is your mission, you want the best possible view.

Regardless of your approach to birding, better optics means, above all, better vision and therefore an overall improved birding experience. There is an incredible, subtle pleasure you experience when you look through sharp, bright optics.

features

Not all bird watching takes place on sunny days. You will definitely need waterproof binoculars as even fair-weather birders can get stuck in a passing rain shower from time to time. Anti-fog is also a good feature to look out for, as it will keep your binoculars from fogging up when you step outside of a warm living room on a cold day reading the latest Audubon magazine or the Sibley guide to have.

Another area of ​​binocular features that changes from brand to brand and through a manufacturer’s product line is lens and prism coatings. Multi-coated lenses have an advantage over both coated and uncoated lenses, but for an in-depth discussion of coatings revisit Witt’s Binocular Buying Guide.

monocular

A quick word on monoculars: there is certainly a market for these devices. Basically, the monocular is half of a pair of binoculars; one of two optical tubes connected to make binoculars. The monocular gives you half the binoculars, less than half the weight (there is no bridge) and often a proportional cost saving. The downside is that seeing with one eye is more tiring than seeing with both eyes and you lose the stereoscopic advantage of binoculars. However, if your vision is poor or non-existent in one eye, the monocular makes a lot of sense.

test drive

Once you have determined which magnifying binoculars you need, you can try out the different lens sizes and styles. For bird watchers, binoculars need to be comfortable on both your eyes and your hands. The best way to find out which binoculars suit you best is to try them out. The wrong style, magnification, or feel of binoculars can have a negative impact on your overall birding experience. You want to avoid that.

Olaf Soltau reminds us, “Remember, we spend a lot of time holding our binoculars, more time than actually looking through them.” How they feel in your hands is a crucial part of the viewing experience. You’ll find that different bridge designs (the part that holds the tubes together) give you a different feel, as does the obvious porro versus roof configuration. Arthur Morris, bird photographer and blogger, says, “Always try before you buy.” Many other bird experts shared this exact same opinion.

The way you carry your binoculars will have a huge impact on your birding experience. You can carry them in your hand all day or wear them around your neck with the included strap. However, there are more than a few ways to carry your binoculars. Chest straps, holsters and quick release buckles are changing the way you handle your goggles in the field. Also, many binoculars have threaded bushings that allow attachments for mounting on a tripod or other fixed mount.

Of course, binoculars are not required for bird watching. Audubon’s Eric Lind recommends going out with a group of birders and trying out their binoculars before making a purchasing decision. The social aspects of birding, the sharing of a sense of wonder and discovery, and the lifelong learning experience make birding so popular. There’s no better way to cultivate this aspect of birding than by sharing a bird’s eye view through a friend’s binoculars, or handing your favorite couple over to a family member to share in the experience.

One of the best ways to test out a wide range of binoculars is to visit the optics department at the B&H Photo SuperStore in New York City. The store has a large number of binoculars on display for you to look through and hold while chatting with optics experts at the counter. The B&H Used Department also has an ever-changing selection of great binoculars at discounted prices.

The best binoculars

“Binoculars are an investment,” says Eric Lind.

Without exception, every bird expert we spoke to said the same thing: “Get the best binoculars you can afford.”

Bill Stewart says he has seen many aspiring birders make the mistake of buying binoculars based on a brand or recommendation and then be disappointed with the feel or view they experience in the field. He’s also seen birders buying “down instead of up” to save some money initially. They often spend more the second time around when they feel they need to switch to a better pair, he says.

In summary, the best binoculars are the ones that you fall in love with and get you excited about birding. To find that pair, do your homework, evaluate the options, try before you buy, and get the best pair your budget will allow. Once you receive your pair, we look forward to seeing you smile under your binoculars in the swamp, in the woods, or on a nature walk!

One of the best ways to get up close to nature and wildlife while still maintaining a safe distance is with a quality spotting scope. With the additional digiscoping, you can not only simply observe the wildlife, but also photograph and record them. In this article, we take a look at 5 of the best spotting scopes for wildlife viewing.

We’ll also go over the key things to consider when buying a spotting scope, like magnification, lens size, choosing angled or straight, and getting a good tripod.

Don’t want to read the article? Here are my 2 top picks! Razor Optics Vortex HD Spotting Scope – Best Premium Spotting Scope GoSky 20-60×80 Spotting Scope with Phone Adapter – Best Budget Spotting Scope

Best spotting scopes for wildlife viewing

1. Razor Optics Vortex HD

Best premium spotting scope

For nature lovers who demand only the best, spotting scopes with Razor optics are the best choice. It is available in three different sizes, and each size is made in both straight and angled versions.

The smallest size, 33×50, includes a focus wheel divided into macro and micro settings for precise control, with a close-up focus of 6.6 feet. Go a size up to 48×65 and you get a locking collar and built-in sunshade with a close-up focus of 26.2 feet. Finally, the largest format is the 60×85 format, which has the same characteristics as the 48×65 format but with a close focus of 16.4 feet.

features

Multiple Sizes – And each size has two styles

Triple apochromatic lens

Built-in umbrellas

Adjustable eyecup

Choosing the angled design generally promotes a more comfortable viewing experience, although some prefer the straight scope. No matter what size you choose, the Razor Vortex is equipped with triple apochromatic lenses, giving you remarkable resolution and true-to-life color.

Choosing the size that works best for you depends largely on the field of view you want. The smallest scope has the largest field of view, while the largest scope has the smallest field of view. These Razor scopes are pretty much the best you can get and you will definitely be happy with your purchase. However, premium quality comes with a premium price and may not be the best choice for beginners. However, experts and experienced spotters will appreciate the high quality durability of these scopes.

Buy from Amazon

2. Emarth Spotting Scope

If you don’t feel like spending a lot of money on a spotting scope, consider this budget-friendly model from Emarth. It will lack some of the Vortex’s premium features, but it will get the job done, and for a lot less money.

features

20x to 60x magnification

Multi-coated lenses

Built-in parasol

Waterproof/fogproof

This scope from Emarth packs a lot of performance into a very affordable package. The adjustable zoom from 20x to 60x gives you powerful magnification, much more than you would expect at this price point. The multi-coating of the lens together with the BAK4 prism ensure high-contrast views so that every detail is visible.

The Emarth is the cheapest scope on this list, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the qualities that make a great spotting scope. It won’t quite match the quality of the Vortex, but at this low price it’s pretty hard to complain.

Buy from Amazon

3. Goski 20 – 60×80

Best budget spotting scope

features

Including smartphone adapter

Including table tripod

Non-slip, shockproof handle

The Gosky oscilloscope is equipped with many features such as: B. a smartphone adapter that makes taking photos and videos through the oscilloscope child’s play. A table tripod is also included, and while it’s not quite as nice as a full-size tripod, it’s still a lot better than nothing.

Digiscopers will love this scope for its built-in smartphone compatibility, and all nature lovers will enjoy the high-quality viewing experience. This spotting scope is priced right, has the right features, and comes with a few accessories to get you started. Overall a great choice!

Buy from Amazon

4. Landove 20 – 60×80

features

Including smartphone adapter

20x-60x magnification

Multi-coated green film lens

With many of the same features as the Gosky, at a very similar price point, choosing between the two is difficult. Their lenses, accessories and overall function are almost indistinguishable. The Landove comes in a smaller size that costs about $40 less, so you can save a ton of money.

Again, in terms of performance, the Landove and Gosky are pretty much identical. They’re not the cheapest oscilloscopes on the list, but they’re not the most expensive either, and they’re highly rated by those who use them.

Buy from Amazon

5. Celestron Ultimate

features

8 different sizes/styles available

100mm lens

22x-66x magnification

The Celestron offers slightly better magnification than its competitors (with a maximum of 66x instead of 60x). The biggest selling point is the wide range of different styles and sizes. You likely have an option that caters to most people’s specific needs.

You can choose to buy one with an included smartphone adapter, angled or straight eyepieces, and there are three different lens sizes to choose from, with the largest measuring a whopping 100mm.

Celestron is one of the bigger names in optics today for good reason, so you know you can expect quality from them when you buy any of their products.

Buy from Amazon

What to look out for when choosing a spotting scope

Spotting scopes are used for target shooting, hunting, and spotting wildlife. For wildlife viewing, the key features of the scope may be slightly different than what you would be looking for if you were buying a scope for other purposes.

Variable magnification

You want to be able to start with a relatively low magnification (about 20x) while looking for wildlife, and then zoom in once you spot something. The ability to change magnification without swapping lenses is key – it’s pretty much the standard these days too, so it shouldn’t be hard to find scopes that do this.

lens size

The size of the lens affects the scope’s ability to gather light, which affects resolution and image quality. Larger lenses provide brighter images, but they also add weight to the scope, which can make it difficult to carry. Smaller scopes are much more portable, although image quality can suffer.

eyepiece placement

Straight vs. angled. Straight eyepieces look more natural and can make it easier to spot and track an animal, but angled eyepieces make it easier to look up over the horizon. This makes angled eyepieces particularly popular with bird watchers. Angled eyepieces are also suitable for shorter tripods, which are more stable.

digiscoping

Digiscoping connects your smartphone to your oscilloscope and is becoming increasingly popular. You can also use a digital camera, but the idea is to essentially use your scope as a telephoto lens. For this to work you need a very bright image and therefore at least an 85mm lens.

tripods

You really want a tripod to steady your scope. Some scopes come with a small tabletop tripod. These require a flat, stable surface, while most full-size tripods can be used on uneven ground.

Here are some great tripods for wildlife viewing with spotting scopes or wildlife photography with DSLR cameras.

Frequently asked questions about the spotting scope

Can spotting scopes be used for astronomy?

Scopes with an angled eyepiece can see Jupiter, Saturn and other planets and their larger moons. It may not be as fit for purpose as real telescopes, but it works well enough.

How far can spotting scopes see?

It depends on your scope. Some are only good at detecting objects up to 100 meters away, while others can see up to 1000 meters away.

Are spotting scopes better than binoculars?

Spotting scopes are better suited for detailed observations at longer distances. They magnify better and provide better images. However, they are heavier, bulkier and require a tripod, so there are situations where binoculars are better. If you move around a lot, binoculars are better than a scope. If you stay in one place, the scopes win hands down.

Which is better, angled or straight spotting scopes?

Angled scopes are better for birdwatching, and they also use a lower tripod, which tends to offer better stability. Straight scopes are faster for locating and tracking animals. It just depends on your preferences. Angled scopes are probably a little more popular, but many experienced wildlife spotters prefer the straight scopes.

How much magnification does a spotting scope need?

60x is the best you need and a magnification as low as 15x can be useful for locating the wildlife you wish to observe. It’s always good to start with a low magnification as that gives a larger field of view and then zoom in once you’ve spotted something. It would be very unusual if 60x wasn’t enough for your spotting needs.

Are spotting scopes good for bird watching?

Angled spotting scopes are one of the best birding tools you can buy. The high-contrast, detailed images make it much easier to recognize all bird species. They also allow you to spot them from a much greater distance, making you less likely to disturb them.

Conclusion

All of these scopes are excellent choices, and each offers its own advantages. You’ll find that they all have similar magnification, similar lens sizes, and even many of the same accessories, making it a bit difficult to choose.

However, it’s hard to beat the Razor Optics Vortex Scopes. The quality and functionality of these scopes is second to none and they are worth every penny of the higher price. If you can’t stand the price of the Vortex scope, the Gosky scope is still a quality beginner’s scope at a much lower price.

With the other scopes we have listed, each one is just a little different from the other and has been field tested by thousands of people. They all have similar features, similar performance, and even similar prices, apart from the Celestron, which is mid-range priced due to the well-known brand name. They are all highly rated scopes, so none would be a bad choice. However, if this is your first spotting scope purchase, you may not notice any as they all share similar features.

All in all, if you can afford it and want one of the best spotting scopes for wildlife viewing, I say go for the Vortex Razor HD. However, if you want to save some money and still get a solid scope, go for the Gosky. However, remember that the other 3 scopes on this list are also solid choices, so you’ll definitely be happy with your purchase!

Thank you for reading!