How to Buy Binoculars

One of the handiest and most used optical instruments, binoculars are a must have for virtually anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, either engaged in birdwatching, safaris or hunting. They are available in varying sizes and versions, to suit the application for which they are used. For example there are marine binoculars, military binoculars, birding binoculars, opera glasses and low power compact and digital binoculars. So the obvious question that flummoxes people who are in the hunt for the perfect binoculars is, 'What are the best binoculars to buy?'. The answer to the question is pretty simple actually. The choice of binoculars is based on why and for what purpose you need them. The second consideration would obviously be the budget, based on which you can decide the features that you want in the binoculars. For example, the high quality optics in a Safari binoculars cost much more than night vision or theater binoculars. Apart from this, the size of the binoculars has to be kept in mind, while purchasing it. It is obvious that the lighter the binoculars, the happier the person using it. Even with ergonomic straps, people with neck and back pain, should avoid using heavy binoculars.

Before we can go about doling out the cash for the binoculars, let me give you a gist of how a binocular works. Binoculars are simply two telescopes mechanically linked side by side, to give a correctly oriented, right side up view. Each side has a prime focal length, an objective lens, an ocular (eyepiece), an exit pupil and so forth.

How to Buy the Right Binoculars

Understanding the Numbers on the Binoculars
Typical binoculars sport a set of numbers, quoted in millimeters, say 10x12mm or 8x40mm. While the first stands for the magnification, which refers to the number of times the image is enlarged over normal, the second number in the binoculars refers to the diameter or the width of each front lens, measured in millimeters. Magnification is the primary reason why people buy binoculars in the first place. So a magnification of 7x makes the object appear 7 times closer, than the unaided human eye. Similarly, 10x binoculars make things look ten times closer, and so on. There are also variable power binoculars or zoom binoculars, such as 7-21x50, which apparently perform much better at the low power setting, than they do at the higher settings. Although greater magnification does seem like a good bargain, do remember that with a higher power, it is quite difficult to hold the binoculars steady. The diameter of the lens is also a matter of consideration as the larger the diameter of the front objectives, the more light can enter the binoculars and appear focused to your eyes. So for focusing on objects in dim light, it is recommended that you go for a 7x50 binoculars.

Field of View
The field of view refers to the area which is visible through the binoculars, and is measured in degrees. Obviously with a larger field view, a person can cover greater distances. This is useful when observing moving subjects like animals and birds or at sporting events.

Quality of the Optics
The quality of the binocular optics is determined by the prism and the optical coating that is used. While good quality prisms allow you to see correctly oriented images, they are also priced on the higher side. Binocular lenses also have anti-reflective coatings, that assist in light transmission. There are several type of optic coatings available, which include coated, fully coated, multi coated and fully multi coated, with highly coated lenses providing the best image quality.

The Light Conditions
The lighting environment that you would use your binoculars in, is an important consideration while selecting the binoculars. In low light environments, you would need binoculars with larger lenses. The performance of your binoculars in low light conditions, is determined by the twilight performance. This can be calculated by multiplying the magnifying power of the lenses with the diameter of the object lenses. The higher the product, the better is the pair of binoculars.

Along with these technical specifications, while choosing your binoculars, remember to keep some practical points in mind. Points like, whether the binoculars have an extended eye relief, that minimizes the eye strain, or are they good in adverse weather conditions, i.e. are they waterproof or fog proof, matter greatly. While some binoculars offer protection from the natural elements, there are others which have no protection whatsoever. However if you are in for a large investment, consider getting a waterproof or marine pair, which is of a good quality.