Q&A for How to Choose Binoculars

8×42 is the standard. 10×42, 10×50 & 12×50 are good for details in smaller species at a distance. Compacts with a 30mm or greater objective lens size or any binocular with long eye relief and good close focusing ability also work.

Binoculars don't increase how far you can see, they just make things look closer. So how far you can see with binoculars depends on how far you already can see based on your location.

Many factors influence individual requirements when budgeting, such as power desired, expense, intensity of image, zoom, weight, etc. Determine what your needs are and research binoculars that fit your needs to find the best one for your budget.

This means the field of view for the binoculars is 7.3 degrees. Average fields of view for binoculars are between 5 degrees and 10 degrees and simply refer to how wide of an angle the field of view is.

Average binoculars will probably have a magnification between 7x and 10x, which will allow you to see distant objects up to 10 times closer. A good pair of general binoculars will probably cost between $30 and $100.

Because the target is at a relatively short distance, you'd probably only need binoculars with a 5x to 7x magnification. Anything stronger might make the target look too close and produce an unstable image.

It's got good image quality, but the magnification is standard, and you may want better than 10x zoom. Lens thickness does not matter much, as even 25 mm is pretty good; it's the zoom you want.

Yes, there are binoculars that have the ability to zoom up to 20 km, but for such powerful binoculars (used by military) you need to have a license.

This depends on how close you want or need the object to appear to be. If you're zooming in on a tall building that is 8km away, for example, and you want it to appear 1km away, you should use binoculars with 8x magnification. Similarly, if you want it to appear 0.5 km away, you should use binoculars with 16x magnification. With smaller objects you'll probably want them to appear closer, but note that binoculars tend not to produce stable images at magnifications higher than 32x.

You should decide how you want to use the binoculars and go from there. There are steps in the article above that will tell you which binoculars are best to use for general use, for hiking, for hunting, for astronomy, and all sorts of activities.

You can use the binoculars with your glasses on. Simply adjust one of the barrels until the double vision is gone.

No, it is not necessary.

If you're using binoculars for marine-based activities like viewing sea life and identifying boats, you'll probably want binoculars that are 7x50. You should also make sure the binoculars are rugged and waterproof.

This will depend on how small the object you're trying to view is. If the object could be sufficiently viewed from 2 kilometers away (such as a tall building), you'd need binoculars with only a 10x magnification. If the object needs to appear closer, you'll need to use stronger magnification.

Yes, it is very important because it will allow you to see further out, and it will impact the clarity of what you can see.

Your options include: Nikon Monarch 5 12x42 with powerful 12x magnification and 42mm objective lenses provide a good balance between magnification and portability; Vortex Optics Diamondback 12x50 with 12x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities for low-light conditions while still being relatively lightweight; Celestron Nature DX 12x56 sacrifices a bit of portability for enhanced light-gathering ability, with excellent magnification and brightness; and Zeiss Terra ED 10x42.

A 12 x 42 binoculars can be suitable for safari, but whether it's the best choice depends on various factors including personal preferences, viewing conditions, and intended use. Here are some considerations: A 12x magnification provides a significant level of detail, allowing you to observe distant wildlife and landscapes with clarity. This can be advantageous for spotting animals and birds that are farther away. However, higher magnification also amplifies unsteady hand movement and may require additional stabilization, particularly when viewing from a moving vehicle. Also, binoculars with higher magnification often have a narrower field of view, which can make them more challenging to use.

Ruby coated lenses reduce the amount of blue light entering your eye, which can distort your vision.

To see animals and objects from great distances, you want a pair of binoculars with a high magnification setting (15 or greater).

General use binoculars are all you need to see a play or concert from balcony seating.

It's best to start your child with a cheaper set of plastic-lens binoculars so they don't break them or hurt themselves.

A general use set of binoculars should help you see the stadium and racers at motorsport events just fine!

It's probably best to avoid activities where your lenses could get wet (sailing, skiing, whale watching).

You'd need to get a telescope with suitable magnification, binoculars are not designed to give that level of magnification.

You can use binoculars that are 10x or 12x power, but you should consider getting a scope since your hands can become unstable from holding your binoculars.

Your binoculars may be out of collimation. If the prisms on your binoculars are out of collimation, you will get a double image, and it will strain your eyes or give you a headache as you brain tries to merge the two images into one. You need to take your binoculars to a reputable repair shop that works on binoculars and have them re-collimate them for you.

Binos with a wide range of view are best (50+); don't be too worried about magnification. 8 or 10 times is sufficient.

Get a telescope for looking at the moon! Binos as given by the first number bring the image that much closer. Standard binos with good stability may be up to x 32. The moon is a great distance away. As suggested get a telescope!

Homeland Security clearance may be necessary in the USA, just as you would need one for firearms. Check with Sporting Goods Store or online search for requirements in your country or area.