Choosing the Perfect Pair of Binoculars - A Complete Guide

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a sports enthusiast, a hunter or a stargazer, choosing the right pair of binoculars can make all the difference in how you experience the world. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which pair is right for you? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials to consider when choosing binoculars and what features make the biggest impact on performance.

1. Understanding Binocular Specifications

Binoculars are typically described by two numbers, such as 8x42 or 10x50. Here’s what those numbers mean:

Magnification (First Number): This is the “zoom” power. An 8x42 pair of binoculars has an 8x magnification, meaning it brings objects 8 times closer. Higher magnifications, like 10x or 12x, offer closer views but tend to be less stable (they also magnify any shake you may have) and require a steady hand or tripod.    -Objective Lens Diameter (Second Number): This is the size of the front lens in millimeters. A 42 mm objective lens (as in 8x42 binoculars) allows more light than a smaller 30 mm lens, which is useful for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.

2. Choosing Magnification for Your Activity

Different activities benefit from different magnification levels. Here’s a breakdown of the best uses for different magnifications:

• Birdwatching and Hiking (7x-8x): Binoculars with 7x to 8x magnification offer a wide field of view, making it easier to track moving animals and enjoy a larger viewing area.  If you are using your binoculars in place of a spotting scope, a higher magnification pair (10x or more) can be used on a tripod)
• Stargazing and Astronomy (10x and above): Higher magnifications are better suited for long-distance viewing and detailed observation of celestial bodies, though a tripod may be needed.
• Hunting (8x and above): If you are always sitting on a small clearing, or in a treestand in the woods, an 8x will give you a brighter view which you will appreciate in the woods at dusk or dawn.  However if you are sitting on a hillside, or ridgeline and glassing the valley below binoculars in the 12x-18x magnification on a tripod will give you the view that you are looking for!
• Sports Events and Concerts (4x-8x): Lower magnification binoculars (4x to 8x) provide a steadier view and allow you to see a broader view of the field or stage.

3. Considering Lens Quality and Coatings

Quality lenses are essential for clear, bright images with the truest colours. Look for these terms:

• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: These are treated to reduce glare and improve light transmission, resulting in brighter, crisper images.
• ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass: This type of glass minimizes color fringing and chromatic aberration, improving clarity.
• Field of View (FOV): The FOV is the width of the area visible through the binoculars, typically measured in feet at a distance of 1,000 yards or degrees. A wide FOV is essential for activities requiring broader visibility, like birdwatching or sports.  Keep in mind, the higher your magnification, the narrower your field of view will generally be!

4. Size and Weight Considerations

Binoculars come in three primary sizes.  If everything else is equal, as your objective lens decreases in size, your view will become darker.  If you need a smaller pair due to physical or space limitations, consider going up a level in budget.  The higher quality glass and coatings will help maintain the brightness you need:

• Compact (25-30 mm lenses): Lightweight and portable, ideal for daytime use and travel. However, they may struggle in low-light conditions.   
• Mid-Size (32-42 mm lenses): These are a good balance between portability and performance, making them ideal for versatile activities or if you will be covering a lot of ground and weight is a premium.   
• Full-Size (42 mm and above): Heavier but optimal for low-light viewing like stargazing or dawn and dusk wildlife watching.

5. Warranty and Customer service

Lets face it, good binoculars are an investment and a vital tool. We should also understand that things happen.  Whether your binoculars fall from your treestand when you doze off, or fall off your lap when you hop out of your car after hearing a new lifer, there is a chance that they will need repairs.  It also always seems to be at the best part of the year, ask your dealer what the warranty terms and average turnaround time are. 




6. Eye Relief for Eyeglass Wearers

Eye relief is the distance your eyes can be from the eyepiece and still see the full field of view. This is crucial for eyeglass wearers. Look for binoculars with at least 15 mm of eye relief if you wear glasses.

7. Choosing Your Budget

• Budget-Friendly (<$250): Basic models for casual users, like hiking or sporting events.
• Entry Level ($300-$500): At this price point, build quality and optics take a bit of a step up.      Perfect for those who know they will use them semi-regularly but are not quite ready to jump to the next level
• Mid-Range ($500-$1000): Offers better image quality, and durability, ideal for regular outdoor use.
• Upper Mid-Range ($1000-$2500):  If you are looking for a pair of binoculars that will never let you down in any lighting condition, without getting into the cost of the high-end glass, start here. 
• High-End ($2500+): Premium optics, coatings, and materials, perfect for enthusiasts and professional use.  These are the best of the best.  If you are looking to purchase the last pair of binoculars that you will ever need, you will find it here.  

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pair of binoculars can greatly enhance your outdoor experiences. The absolute best thing that you can do for yourself is to go to a store that not only will allow you to try the binoculars, but specializes in sport optics.  Think about where and how you’ll use them, and focus on the specs that align with those needs. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking birdwatching moments, stalking wildgame for your families table or admiring distant stars, the perfect binoculars will bring the world a little closer.  To check out our binocular offerings click here.