Binoculars

Binoculars are a lot of fun, but shopping for new binoculars can be a little confusing. If you find yourself wondering what all those numbers mean and are not sure which binoculars are best for you, then here are some tips on picking the best binoculars.

When reading binocular reviews or comparing binoculars, you will notice some numbers listed in the binocular description. The numbers will be something like 7x35 (pronounced "seven by thirty five") or 15x70. These are the power measurements for the binnoculars. The first number is the amount of magnification. If that first number is 7, then those particular binoculars will magnify the image by a power of 7, or in other words would appear 7 times closer than without using the binoculars. The second number listed is the size of the lens in millimeters. So those binoculars would have a 35mm lens diameter. A larger lens diameter means more light will enter the lens and the image will be brighter and sharper.

It might make sense to look for binoculars with high power ratings like the Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 Binoculars, but you would not want to carry those binoculars to a concert or ballgame. For something small and portable or something to use as travel binoculars, you should consider the compact Olympus Tracker 8x25 Compact & Lightweight Binocular. For simple backyard birdwatching, the Audubon Vector 10x42 is a great birding binocular. Or for something a little more rugged, the waterproof/fogproof Nikon Monarch 8 X 42mm All Terrain Binoculars are perfect for hunting, camping, or hiking.

Besides these standard bincoluars, more advanced binoculars are now available with features like electronic stabilization and even digital photo capturing. The Consumer Reports top rated Canon 10x30 Image Stabilization Binoculars are very effective at keeping the image steady. Digital camera binoculars like the Vivitar MagnaCam let you capture a picture of what you are viewing.

Once you have decided where you will be using your binoculars and what you will mainly be using your binoculars to observe, you can then make a smart decision about the size and power you need. And with most purchases, you should first know your budget and then match your needs to your budget. Perhaps you should choose used binoculars? Sometimes buying used binoculars is the smartest choice. Other times buying new is the only option. Take your time and make a smart buying decision and enjoy your binoculars.