Have you ever wished you could see farther in order to capture a moment or experience better? While human eyes are incredibly powerful and effective, they do have their limitations on the distance they can see details accurately. That’s where binoculars come into the equation. Binoculars are versatile viewing tools that provide a magnified view of distant objects. They can be used in a variety of settings and situations, such as wildlife viewing, bird watching, photography, stargazing, sporting events, hiking, and more. In this article, we are discussing the best binoculars, plus how to choose the right binoculars for your needs.
How to Choose the Right Binoculars
Binoculars combine a telescopic lens for each eye, mounted on a uniform, singular frame, making a distant viewing experience feel up close and personal. While the overall idea and design of the binoculars has been around for centuries, today’s binoculars come in different sizes and shapes with more powerful magnification and features than ever before. There are a variety of top makes and models to choose from. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the options available, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
However, a good rule of thumb is to focus on these eight important binocular specs:
- Magnification
- Objective Lens Diameter
- Binocular Size
- Exit Pupil Size
- Field of View
- Lens Quality
- Eye Relief
- Build Quality
These eight features and spec options not only help determine the overall quality and performance, but will also add to the total price. So let’s dive a little deeper into each.
1. Magnification
Magnification is incredibly important when it comes to binoculars because it determines how far you will be able to see. To determine the degree of magnification, look at the first number on the binocular description. This is always the magnification amount. For example, a 10×32 binocular has a 10x magnification, magnifying an image by ten times.
While a larger magnification is typically a plus, there are tradeoffs. As magnification increases, the field of view decreases. Higher magnification binoculars also tend to be more expensive and also provide more visible shake when hand-held.
So, if a stable, larger field of view is important to you — or you’re on a tighter budget — it might not be best to focus on binoculars with the highest magnification possible.
2. Objective Lens Diameter
Objective lens diameter is the second number on the binocular number description. For example, a 10×32 binocular features a larger 32mm lens diameter.
Larger lenses let in far more light than smaller lenses, which provides a much brighter, clearer image. However, larger lenses also mean heavier and larger binoculars. This can be difficult to carry throughout the day. If portability or weight is important to you, you’ll want to stick to a binocular lens size that is smaller.
3. Binocular Size
Now that we understand objective lens diameter, let’s dive into binocular sizes. They are classified by three main groups, determined by objective lens diameter.
- Compact Binoculars: Objective lens diameter is less than 30mm
- Midsize Binoculars: Objective lens diameter between 30mm-40mm
- Full-size Binoculars: Objective lens diameter is greater than 40mm
If you prefer the largest objective lens diameter that provides the brightest, clearest image, look into full-size binoculars. If you value size, weight, and portability the most, compact binoculars are a great choice. Of course, midsize binoculars provide a great middle ground for both needs.
4. Exit Pupil Size
A binoculars exit pupil is another important factor in determining how bright the binoculars image will be. A higher exit pupil number means better visibility and viewing in low-light situations. It will also help maintain image clarity, even if your hands move or shake.
Exit pupil size is calculated by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification number. So, for a binocular that is 8×42, the exit pupil size would be 42 divided by 8. This equals an exit pupil diameter of 5.25mm. This size will determine the size of the light that reaches your pupils, which vary from 2mm in bright daylight to 7mm in total darkness.
To make things simple:
- If you plan to use your binoculars in low-light settings — like dawn or dusk — look for an exit pupil of 5mm or greater.
- If you plan to use your binoculars in day time, exit pupil size isn’t as important. Your pupils typically stay at 2mm in bright light and most binoculars offer exit pupil diameters that are greater than 2mm.
5. Field of View
Another spec to consider is field of view, which determines how great of an area you can see. As stated above, the greater the magnification, the more narrow the field of view and vice versa.
So, if you want to purchase binoculars that capture a greater amount of area —for more details or fast moving subjects — your best bet will be to avoid binoculars with the highest magnification.
6. Lens Quality
Lens quality is another important feature to consider. Binoculars with glass lenses provide much better image quality than plastic lenses.
Other factors that increase lens quality include glass type and glass coating. The highest quality lenses are made with Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass. This provides the brightest, clearest image while reducing lens flare and chromatic aberrations.
Coated lenses also improve the lens quality, performance, and durability. There are four lens coating codes that go as follows:
- C: A single layer coating on some surfaces
- FC: A single layer coating on all glass surfaces
- MC: Multiple layer coating on some surfaces
- FMC: Multiple layer coating on all glass surfaces
Multiple layer coatings are generally superior to single layer coatings, but add to the cost of the binoculars.
7. Eye Relief
If you aren’t careful, choosing the wrong pair of binoculars can cause eye strain. This can negatively affect your viewing experience and cause headaches and discomfort.
Eye strain is caused by your eyes straining to form a singular, clear image from both binocular lenses. This can happen when your binoculars aren’t properly aligned or if you’re using binoculars with the incorrect amount of eye relief.
Eye relief is the distance between your eyepiece and your eye when the whole field of view is visible without any vignetting or strain. It’s an incredibly important spec to understand, especially if you wear glasses or have sensitive eyes.
A rule of thumb is to choose binoculars with an eye relief of 11mm or more when wearing glasses. If you have sensitive eyes, look for binoculars that have adjustable eyepieces so you can have a more comfortable viewing experience.
8. Build Quality
Typically, binoculars are used in outdoor situations. Whether it’s inclement weather or accident drops, you need a binocular that can handle the roughest conditions.
Look for these three features, when shopping for binoculars with a durable build:
- Waterproof: Waterpoof binoculars are different than weather-resistant binoculars because they use an O-ring gasket to seal out water, moisture, and even sand, dirt, and dust. They offer the best level of protection for outdoor use.
- Rubber coating: Rubber-coated binoculars can help provide protection and shock-resistance for accidental drops and bumps.
- Fog-proof: Unfortunately, a binoculars internal lens surface can fog up in extreme cold, warm, and humid weather environments. This is not only annoying, but potentially damaging to your binoculars. To combat this, manufacturers of fog-proof binoculars replace the air inside the binoculars with nitrogen, which has no moisture content and won’t cause condensation.
Best Binoculars
Now that we’ve walked through and defined eight of the most important binocular features and specs for choosing the right binoculars, here are some of the best binocular options.
Best Binoculars for Birding/Nature
What should you look for in binoculars for birding/nature?
- A wider field-of-view
- A magnification of 8x: Too much magnification will limit the field-of-view, increase shake
- Lighter, portable size for all-day viewing
- Adjustable eyecups and/or larger eye relief for all-day viewing
- Lens coating for better colors, contrast, and viewing performance
- Durable build for outdoor use, inclement weather and accidental drops
Best option for birding/nature: Carson 8×42 3D/ED Roof Prism Binoculars
Best Binoculars for Astronomy
What should you look for in binoculars for astronomy?
- A large objective lens diameter, for maximum light at night
- A large magnification of 15x or greater
- Lens coating for better colors, contrast, and viewing performance
- Integrated tripod mounting for stable viewing at greater magnification
Best option for astronomy: Celestron 25×100 SkyMaster Prism Binoculars
Best Binoculars for Sports Fans
What should you look for in binoculars for sports?
- A large objective lens diameter, for bright viewing
- A large magnification of 10x or greater
- Lens coating for better colors, contrast, and viewing performance
- Lighter, portable size for all-day viewing
- Adjustable eyecups and/or larger eye relief for all-day viewing
- Durable build for indoor and outdoor use
Best option for sports: Athlon Optics 12×50 Waterproof Roof Prism Binoculars
Best Binoculars for Photographers
What should you look for in binoculars for photographers?
- A large magnification of 8x or greater
- A wider field-of-view
- Lens coating for better colors, contrast, and viewing performance
- Lighter, portable size for all-day viewing
- Adjustable eyecups and/or larger eye relief for all-day viewing
- Durable build for outdoor use
- Image stabilization for shake-free viewing at large magnification
The best option for photographers: Canon Image Stabilized Porro Prism Binoculars
More Best Binoculars
Nikon 10×42 Prostaff 7S Roof Prism Binocular, Black, Bundle with Accessory Kit
Olympus 8×42 PRO Roof Prism Binocular, 7.5 Degree Angle of View, Black
Binocular Terms You Should Know
There are some important features and terminology you should be aware of when choosing your binocular for astronomy, birding, nature, or for general use.
Apparent Angle of View
The apparent angle of view is simply the angle of view with the binocular’s magnification figured in. For a 10X magnification and a 5-degree angle of view, the apparent angle of view would be 50 degrees.
BaK-4 Glass
This is a high-quality, high density barium crown glass used in prisms to minimize internal light scattering, thereby yielding sharper images. Fine quality binoculars generally use BaK-4 glass instead of lower quality BaK-7.
Magnification
Magnification is the first number and indicates the binoculars eyepiece (power). Example, in a 7×35 binocular the number 7 denotes how much larger an object appears when viewing it through the binocular compared to the naked eye. Depending on the binocular, magnification can range from 2x for opera glasses thru 50x on fixed power astronomical binoculars and over 120x on binoculars equipped with zoom eyepieces.
Objective Lens
Objective lens is the second number and is measured in millimeters (7×35). The 35mm is the size of the back objective lens. The objective lens can range from a small 20mm all the way up to 150mm in size. Objective lens can be made of various glass types but HD and ED glass are better and will help in contrast and color correction.
Ocular Lens
Ocular lens is the lens in the eyepiece, It’s usually smaller than the objective lens except in the case of some roof prism binoculars.
Prisms
There are two types of prisms used in binoculars one is porro and the other is roof.
Porro Prism
Porro prism binoculars have their objective lenses more widely spaced than the eyepieces. They usually give you a wider field of view and a richer depth of field. These have the classic binocular appearance with body extending wide of the eyepieces due to the offset prisms used for image erecting. They are said to provide better 3D viewing.
Roof Prism
Roof prism binoculars have their objectives in a straight line with the eyepieces. They offer a compact more streamlined look and feel they are a favorite with the birders. These are generally more compact, with a slimmer body design, since their image-erecting prisms are lined up. Often more costly, roof prism binoculars are said to provide superior structural rigidity.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance from the outer surface of the eyepiece lens to the position where the exit pupil is formed. This measurement is important for eyeglass wearers because they usually need this between 15mm to 20mm. If the eye relief is too short they may get vignetting in their field of view.
Lens Coating
Lens coating will make a difference in image color, resolution, and contrast. It is very important because 5% of the light can be reflected off each uncoated glass surface. Look for fully coated or fully multi-coated labeled binoculars, for your best choice.
Field of View
The field of view is the diameter of the circular viewing field seen through a binocular. It’s usually listed on the binocular, either in degrees or feet, measured at 1000 yards. One degree equals 52.5 feet over 1000 yards.
Close Focus
Close focus is measured in feet. A binocular with a 6 to 8 feet focus is considered good and liked by many birders. Astronomy binoculars, on the other hand, can have a close focus of 25 to 75 feet depending on the objective and magnification.
Interpupillary Distance
Interpupillary distance is the distance between the centers of the left and right eye pupil. If this is off, you may see a double image or shadows. It can be accommodated by adjusting the barrels of the binocular inward or outward. Often listed as a range, e.g., ID 56-72, referring to the minimum and maximum distances available, in millimeters.
Exit Pupil
The point at which all the light rays passing through the binoculars exit through the eyepiece. To calculate the exit pupil, divide the diameter of the objective lens by the magnification. For example with an 8×40 binocular, the exit pupil is 40 over 8, which equals 5mm. A large exit pupil is important for low-light viewing.
Relative Brightness
Relative brightness is a number indicating the size of the light shaft that reaches the eyes. Brightness factors up to 10 are okay for daylight use. Figures from 10-16 are adequate for dusk or cloudy days, 25-50 for nighttime use.
Twilight Factor
This is another factor used in comparing low light performance, and it’s calculated by multiplying the magnification by the objective lens diameter and finding the square root of the result. For example, an 8×58 binocular has as twilight factor of 21.2, very good for low-light viewing. However, an 8×30 has a twilight factor of 15.5, and is less suitable for low light use.
Conclusion
Binoculars can be one of the most useful tools for viewing our world up-close. Whether you’re using them to view birds or other wildlife, sports, landscapes, or stars, we hope this article helps to walk you through the important features you need to understand to make the best choice for your binocular needs, while also providing some of the best options in today’s market.
For more options from the top binocular brands in the industry, visit Adorama’s collection of binoculars.
