How do you know what kind of binoculars to buy? - JamesGarciaa/JamesGarcia GitHub Wiki

Do you want to buy a binocular but don’t know what type of bino you should buy? In this article, I will tell you what to consider while purchasing a binocular.

We know that binoculars are usually used for hunting, astronomy, bird watching, military, and other purposes. Maximum people have seen and used the binoculars without knowing their specific use and purpose. Before buying a binocular, you should know its purpose and what type of bino you need.

You will find many binoculars in the market, but you should pick the suitable binocular according to your need. As a first-time buyer, you have to do more research on the bino. Before buying a binocular, you should know what to look for in a pair of binos. I can promise that you will learn about the binocular after reading this article. Now you can scroll down to know more about binos as I have discussed the binocular details.

What to Look For

Most binocular users have a clear-cut idea about the binoculars as they are very serious about their binos. But the average users and the newbies need guidance in selecting binoculars. Here I have added some tips about what to look around for in the binoculars while buying. Such as-

1. Magnification

If you notice any binocular, you will see a number like 12x or 10x is written in the corner of a binocular. Actually, these numbers show the magnification power of the binocular. If you find 10x, that means your binocular can magnify an object ten times. The magnification power 7x-10x is best for regular use.

2. Objective Lens Diameter

Usually, the objective lens is the one opposite the eyepiece. The objective lens is very crucial as it determines the amount of light that enters the binocular. If your binocular provides a bigger diameter objective lens, you can get the best quality image.

3. Lens Quality and Coating

Lens coating is very vital as it mitigates the amount of light reflected. It also provides the maximal amount of light to enter. The quality of the lens ensures that you will get the best image that has better contrast and also aberration-free. In the low light condition, you will get the best image because, in this condition, the best lenses work better.

4. Field of view or Exit Pupil

Field of view means the diameter of the area viewed through the eyepieces and is exposed in degrees. You can see the more extensive area if your binocular has a larger field of view.

5. Weight and eye relief

Before buying a binocular, you should consider its weight. Eye relief means the distance between your eye and eyepiece while the whole field of view is visible. Most binoculars provide adjustable eyepieces so that you can adjust them to the maximum eye relief value.

6. Waterproofing

We know that a binocular is a crucial outdoor product. So it is needed that binoculars should have some degree of waterproofing. High-quality binoculars remain undamaged even after some hours immersed in water.

7. Rubber coating

The rubber coating of a binocular provides a safeguard against bumps and bruises. This rubber coating feature is beneficial for any binocular as you can use the bino in rough outdoor environments.

8. Fog proofing

Your binocular will fog up if you use it in a cold outdoor environment. If the moisture of the fog gets trapped inside the bino, it will damage. So, to counter the for, binoculars should have the fog proofing feature.

9. Warranty

Most binocular manufacturer companies offer excellent warranties. Before buying your selected binocular, you should check its warranties.

How to choose binoculars for specific uses

If you require binoculars for a specific purpose like whale-watching, astronomy, bird watching, then here are some basic guidelines that can help you choose the right binocular. You should pay attention to magnification and size because these are the main points.

Binoculars for backpacking and hiking

The size and weight of the binocular are the key concern while backpacking and hiking. You should prefer the binoculars that provide magnification of 8-10. The objective lens diameter should be less than about 28. You can choose the binocular with a rubber coating protection because this is more durable.

Binocular for birding

For birding, midsize and full-size model binos are more popular. Binoculars with 10x magnification will be helpful to look at a small animal, but for birding, you need an identical pair of bino that provides 8x magnification with the wider field of view. The wider field of view is the key to locating birds. The binocular should have water and fog resistance.

Binocular for hunting and whale watching

According to the hunting binocular club, for hunting, safaris, and whale watching, you can go for the popular models that have 8-10 magnification power. You can select a midsize with a 32mm objective lens instead of full-size if you need something more compact.

Binocular for paddling

You can go with the famous model, which is 8*32. For paddling, you need a lower magnification power, such as 8 or less. Higher magnification like 10x will make the steady view. Waterproof models are best for paddling.

Binocular for stargazing or astronomy

You just need a full-size binocular for stargazing because you have to maximize the magnification power, and light gathering ability is also required. Full-size binoculars like 1042 or 1050 are the best options to consider. If you want higher magnification power, you have to use a tripod to hold or carry the binoculars steady.

Binocular for theatre and museum

Compact models with 4-10 magnification power can be used for watching stage performances. You can use a lightweight model with low magnification power and 2 meters focusing power.

Conclusion

The binoculars world is continually evolving. No matter what type of binocular you want to use, you have to know the basic information about the binocular. This article provides the basic knowledge and the buying guideline of the binocular. By reading this article, you will be able to understand what kind of binoculars you should buy.