Top 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Your First Set of Binoculars (Video Included)

When a person wants to buy a Binocular, he gets confused about which one will be appropriate for him and which one won’t. People have different purposes for buying binoculars; some may want to use them for regular use, like sports watching, hiking, or for some holiday uses.

On the other hand,  some may want to buy a pair of binoculars for more intense purposes like hunting, bird watching, space or sky-watching, boating, and spying. Considering these uses, manufacturers produce binoculars with different features. This article will show you how to choose a binocular and which binoculars best suit you.

Before starting, we will show you some significant facts and features you should consider before buying your pair of binoculars:

Facts & features you need to consider before choosing:

LENS SIZES	MAGNIFICATION NUMBER	PRISM TYPE	IMAGE QUALITY
FIELD OF VIEW	EYE RELIEF NUMBER	EXIT PUPIL NUMBER	PURPOSE OF USE
OPTICAL COATING	FOCUS QUALITY	SIZE & WEIGHT	RUBBER COATING
BRAND	COST	DURABILITY	ACCESSORIES

Significance of Binocular Numbers  & Terminologies:

You will see some numbers on Binoculars. These are significant numbers, and you also need to know some technical terminology of binoculars. Here, we will give a good idea about them. We will try to explain it quickly; thus, you can get it easily.

NUMBERS & TERMINOLOGIES YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING

Magnification Number	In a 10×60 Binocular, 10x is the magnification number. You will see the image ten times closer than its actual distance. More magnification power decreases stability, and an unstable focus can reduce image quality.
Objective lenses	The number after the magnification number defines the objective size. For example, in a 10×60 Binocular, the accurate mirror is 60mm. The bigger objective lenses make the image brighter, and even when viewing the night sky, it produces a more brilliant image quality.
Prism Type	Two types of prisms are designed for binoculars, such as PORRO PRISM and ROOF PRISM. Roof prism binoculars are relatively modern, whereas Porro prism binoculars are older versions. Binoculars with roof prisms are more compact binoculars than the Porro ones. Because they use some single straight prism, on the other hand, the Porro is not straight.
Exit – Pupil Number	The exit-pupil number is the amount of light that allows you to see that item you want to notice from the binoculars. The exit-pupil number should be more than 4.
FoV	FoV -Field of view is the image size or the number of horizontal photos you can watch from your Binoculars. More than 300 feet is an average viewing field from a binocular. A wide field of view is always better for finding objects. There is the angle of view also in a pair of binoculars. The field of view and angle of view determines the same amount of horizontal space.
Eye Relief Number	If you wear glasses, this number is essential to you. The eye-relief number should be at least 15mm. This number matches the distance between your eyes and the binocular eyecups. It is also called eye relief distance.

We will start with the general uses, and then one by one, we will guide the definite and professional users.

BINOCULARS FOR EVERYDAY NORMAL USES

Magnification Number	8x magnification is perfect for close focus, like hiking or sports watching in the stadium, but for cinema watching in a cinema hall, 7x magnification is enough. Though you can use an 8x magnification binocular in the cinema hall. So, 8x magnifications are the best option for your general uses.
Objective lens	For general uses, the lens size should be less than 30mm. An 8×28 pair of binoculars will be best for everyday use.
Other important facts: FoV, Exit-pupil number	The average FoV(field of view) should be 300 feet or more and should be durable. We recommend you buy the water-resistant binoculars version if you can afford it. 8×28 versions will be the best for general use.

How to Choose Binoculars for Birding?

Magnification Number	An 8x magnification number is the best for bird watchers. But you can also take a 10x version if you are an expert user because higher magnification needs an expert hand to keep it stable.
Objective lens	42mm is the best lens size for bird watchers. So, an 8×42 binocular is an excellent choice for bird-watching.
Other important facts: Fov, Exit pupil number	Three hundred thirty feet is the best field of view for bird watching. It will be easier for you to track any birds with that amount of field of view. Find a durable one with perfect features.

How to Choose Binoculars for Wildlife-viewing or Hunting?

Magnification Number	8x to 10x is better for hunting. 8x magnification is perfect for many people, whereas you can choose a higher magnification version, like 10x, if you want to use it from more distance. Sometimes, you may need more magnification. Thus, an 8×32, 8×42, or 10×42 is the best option. You have to choose according to your needs.
Objective lenses	32mm – 42mm is the perfect size for wildlife viewing or hunting. It also depends on your needs; if you want to use it in poor light conditions, you need bigger lenses. On the other hand, for daylight, you can use 32mm enough.
Other important facts: Fov, Exit pupil number	An average FoV of 300-375 feet is enough. But if you need more or less FoV, you can take it and choose the appropriate angle of view. Try to buy fog proof and waterproof binoculars. It will be best for rough uses if you can get or afford a multi-coated binocular. Find the best brand which will give you the best quality at an affordable price.

How to Choose Binocular For Boating?

Magnification Number	7x magnification is the ideal size for Marine uses. Because a ship or a boat is never steady. That’s why, even If you use any support to make your binoculars stable, you will not succeed. So for better image stabilization, we recommend you use lower magnification.
Objective lenses	50mm is a standard and ideal accurate size. A 7×50 binocular will be the best for boating and Marine uses to get better image quality.
Other important facts: Fov, Exit pupil number	385-foot FoV is better for boating or Marine uses. Find the best brand, depending on how much you want to spend. Make sure that your models are waterproof binoculars. As you wish to use them for boating, waterproof binoculars and multi-coated versions should be your priority.

How to Choose Binoculars for Skywatching or Astronomy?

Magnification Number	8x to 10x is the average good magnification number for beginners. It will give you a good night sky viewing experience. Better eyepiece lenses (ocular lenses) are suggested for astronomy binoculars because you will not use your binoculars for astronomy at close focus.
Objective lens	50mm and 56mm are better for beginners, giving a satisfactory result with bright images. Consequently, 8×56 and 10×50 are the best options because they have larger lenses and the right ocular lens size. On the other hand, if you are an expert sky-watchers and want some intense results and want to have binoculars for astronomy unique experiences, the 25×100 binoculars are recommended. Astronomy binoculars have more considerable magnification power because their ocular lens (eyepiece) is more powerful and has a bigger objective size.
Other important facts: Fov, Exit pupil number	A field view of 300 feet is enough for astronomy binoculars. You have to use a stand or tripod to get stability. If you want to use it roughly, we suggest buying multi-coated and water-resistant binoculars. Find the best quality according to your price range.

10 Things to consider when Buying Binoculars

You should consider a few things when buying binoculars, including your level of expertise and the type of activities you will use them for. Top-of-the-line optics may not be necessary if you’re an expert hunter or fisherman. However, if you plan on using your binoculars to see wildlife or scenic views while hiking or traveling, better optics will make the experience more enjoyable.

Size and weight

Binoculars come in different sizes and weights, so it’s essential to find the right pair. Generally, the larger the binoculars are, the brighter they will be. Smaller binoculars are also perfect for close-up viewing or use when hiking or camping.
Regarding weight, heavier binoculars are usually better because they will stay on your head when you look through them. They won’t bounce around as much, so you’ll have less trouble seeing what you’re looking at. Additionally, a heavier binocular will typically take more time to become foggy or blurry, so you’ll be able to see more detail overall.

Field of view

Paying attention to the field of view (FOV) is essential. This is the area in which you can see clearly. The higher the FOV, the more details you’ll be able to see.

Some binoculars have a wide FOV, while others have a narrow FOV. It’s essential to choose the right type of binoculars for your needs. If you’re planning on using them for hunting or bird watching, you’ll want a wide FOV binocular because it will give you a better overall view. If you’re using them for general observation, then a narrower FOV will be more appropriate.

Types

Binoculars come in different types of lenses and strengths:

Monoculars are just glasses that allow you to see one image at a time. They’re suitable for viewing close-up objects or for reading documents.

Binoculars provide an enhanced view by splitting the image into two separate images that can be viewed separately. They’re ideal for viewing larger objects and landscapes.

Telescopic binoculars have a long lens that allows you to see further away. They’re best suited for viewing wildlife or distant scenery.

Multi-purpose binoculars allow you to use them for different purposes, like birdwatching or hunting. They have a wide range of magnifications for close-up and distant viewing.

Batteries

Low-quality batteries can cause the optics to become foggy, reducing your visibility when looking through them. Worse yet, if the battery pack is defective, it could explode and cause serious injuries.

So how do you know if the batteries in your binoculars are of high quality? The best way to check is to take them into a shop and have them tested. Alternatively, you can try them by putting them into a flashlight and seeing if the light goes out. 

If the binoculars work correctly with a flashlight, they’re likely good enough for outdoor use. However, if they don’t work with a flashlight, it’s best to replace the batteries with better ones.

Eye cups and adjustments

Knowing the different types of eyecups and their corresponding adjustments is essential. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

– Monoculars have one eyepiece that you look through, while binoculars have two. 

– Eye cups on monoculars are typically smaller than those on binoculars, which translates to a more immersive experience. 

– The size and shape of the eye cups also affect how well they fit your eyes. If your eyes are close together or more prominent in diameter than average, you’ll want to get binoculars with large eye cups to accommodate these characteristics. 

– Most monoculars have a focusing ring that controls the distance between the viewer and the observed object. This ring is usually located near the eyepiece; however, some models come with a built-in focuser separate from the eyepiece. 

– Most monoculars also have a diopter (or dioptre) adjustment that allows you to correct for poor vision at different distances. 

– Binocular straps can make it easier to hold onto your binoculars while observing; they can also help distribute weight evenly across your shoulders so that you don’t fatigue as quickly as possible.

Tripods and mounts

A tripod is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who wants to use binoculars for observation. It helps stabilize the binoculars so that they are not constantly moving, which gives you a steadier view and makes it less likely that you’ll miss something important.

There are a few different types of mounts available, but the two most popular ones are bolt-on mounts and rifle scopes mounts. Bolt-on mounts are quick and easy to use, but they can be bulky and require some drilling or mounting skill. Rifle scope mounts are more compact and easier to use, but they may not be as stable as bolt-on mounts. 

 whichever type of mount you choose, make sure that it is compatible with your binoculars and your specific shooting style. It’s also essential to make sure that the mount can hold your weight; if it can’t, it may not be able to keep up with your movements when you’re looking through the binoculars.

Warranty and support

Binoculars come with a warranty that covers defects in the glass or optics, but it’s important to know what type of warranty is offered. Some warranties only cover defects caused by manufacturing or design flaws, while others cover any imperfections.

It’s also important to know what kind of support is available should you need it. will the manufacturer be able to help you fix your binoculars if they’re not working correctly? Will they be able to provide advice on how best to use them? 

Overall, it’s a good idea to research the warranty and support offered by a particular brand before making a purchase. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re getting a product that will last and be easy to use.

Lens coating

This protection that’s applied to the lenses to prevent them from coming into contact with dirt, dust, and other elements.

There are a few different types of lens coatings, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. One popular type is anti-reflective coating, which helps reduce glare and improves visibility in low-light conditions. There are also water-repellant coatings that help keep water off the lenses, preserving them against damage from rain or moisture. 

The best way to find out what kind of lens coating your binoculars have is to look for it on the product packaging or online reviews. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth getting a second opinion from a friend or family before making your purchase.

Portable and Waterproof Rating

When you’re looking to buy binoculars, make sure that they are portable and water-resistant. This is especially important if you plan on taking them hiking or camping.

Another thing to consider is the Waterproof rating. Make sure that the binoculars you purchase have a rating of IPX8 or higher to protect them from rain, splashing water, and even immersion in up to two meters of water for up to 30 minutes.

Optical quality and Magnification

Optical quality measures how clear and sharp the images are in your binoculars. High-quality binoculars will produce images that are clear and free from distortion, which makes it easier to see details.

Magnification is the power of your lenses to magnify distant objects. The higher the magnification, the closer you’ll be able to see things. However, too much magnification can also lead to problems like eyestrain and headaches. So, ensure you find a pair of binoculars with the correct magnification.

PRISM: Which prism should you choose, PORRO or ROOF?

It depends on your demands and your budget. If you want lightweight and compact Binoculars, a roof prism will be better for you. On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend too much money, you are a budget buyer; the Porro prism will be better because the roof prism is more expensive than the Porro prism.

Last Words: 

We are all budget buyers. We all want the best quality in our budget. We think that you also want the best binoculars within your budget. Now you know choosing binoculars according to your needs. So, first of all, find out which brand gives you the best quality at an affordable price. Then select a binocular in pursuance of your choice, considering all its features. First, look for durable, rubber-coated, weather-resistant binoculars with larger exit pupils, good optical design, sharper focus, a right angle of view, and produce quality images.  Finally, buy your favorite Binocular. After purchasing, always use a neck strap for your binoculars’ safety and a lens cleaner to betterment your binoculars.