Binoculars
You’re going to a concert to watch a play next week. As you’ll be sitting on the upper deck far away from the stage, a good pair of binoculars can surely let you see the full action up close. You’ll definitely want to get the best binoculars there is so that you won’t miss every single move.
Binoculars Buying Guide
1) Compact Or Standard?
Perfect for those always on the go, compact binoculars are usually small and light and as such they are easily carried around in the pocket or handbag. The downside is that the viewing distance is limited. They also weigh less at between 1/2 to 1 lbs.
Standard binoculars on the other hand are bigger and heavier than the compact version but what they offer is superior viewing distance as well as sharper image. These type of binoculars are perfect for hunting or birding.
2) Normal, Built-In Digital Camera or Night-Vision?
Binoculars are not meant for viewing purposes only. Some binoculars are equipped with digital camera capabilities, suitable for taking great pictures instead of letting the beautiful image or scenery pass you by. As technology improves, so will the resolution and magnification of these type of binoculars.
Night-vision binoculars are meant for consumers that want to extend their viewing experiences way into the night. These type of binoculars work by amplifying existing light to produce green image that you are then able to observe clearly.
3) Magnification
This refers to how many times a particular object at distance is being made to look closer relative to your position. For example if the magnification of the binoculars is 5x, it means that an object at 100m is made to appear as if it is like being viewed with the naked eye at 20m. Aim for between 7x - 12x magnification for normal use.
4) Aperture
The diameter of the binoculars lens is also called the aperture and it is usually expressed in millimeters. The bigger the aperture, the more light is captured in an image which means better image overall. For compact binoculars look out for at least 20mm - 60mm aperture while for the standard version aim for anything between 70mm - 80mm aperture.
5) Field Of View
This refers to the angular distance that you are able to see when viewed through a binoculars, often expressed in degrees of field taken from 1000 yards. The wider the field of view, the more area you are able to view at a particular point in time, great for scanning the skies and surrounding nature for birds, animals and plants.
Binoculars Reviews & Ratings
We encountered the best binoculars reviews over at Bird Watchers Digest, Consumer Reports, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Outdoor Life. Pro reviewers there reviewed some of the best binoculars models from big makers such as Audubon, Bushnell, Canon, Celestron, Leica, Minolta, Minox, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Swarovski, Tasco, Zeiss. Binoculars ratings based on image quality, durability, ease of use and field of view determines the best binoculars in their class.
Best Binoculars (Compact)
Binoculars Reviews #1: Making huge impression with great binoculars reviews from experts is the best rated Leica 8×20 Ultravid Compact Binoculars. Going for a play next week? Then don’t forget to bring this compact Leica binoculars along. With optical HighLux-System HLSTM 8x magnification, 20mm aperture and 112m field of view (at 1000 yards), you’ll see live action up close for that great viewing pleasure. Rugged body design with water-proof feature makes for great outdoor traveling companion. At just 245g, this best binoculars from Leica fits snugly in the pocket.
Binoculars Reviews #2: Another model getting fair share of good binoculars reviews from expert reviewers is the best rated Zeiss 8×20B T* Victory Compact Binoculars. Functionality & stylish design combine to produce this compact Zeiss binoculars that’s guaranteed to provide viewers with exceptionally sharp and focused view. With renowned Carl Zeiss lens and prisms providing 8x magnification, 20mm aperture and 117m field of view (at 1000 yards), this best binoculars from Zeiss makes for enjoyable viewing up close a reality. With glass fiber reinforced construction and black rubber armoring, it’s designed for the rough and tough of everyday life, suitable for outdoors.
Best Binoculars (Birding)
Binoculars Reviews #3: Flying high with impressive binoculars reviews from pros is the best rated Leica Ultravid 10×42 Rubber Armored Binoculars. If exploring nature is what you seek, then this Leica binoculars will make it an unforgettable experience. Reinvented from the ground up, this best binoculars from Leica features High Lux System (HLS) optical lens that provides 10x magnification, 42mm aperture and 361ft field of view (at 1000 yards) for exceptional viewing experience. Ergonomically designed for ease of use with rubber armoring providing good grip. At just 25 ounces with magnesium housing and titanium hinge shaft, lightweight and robustness is the name of the game.
Binoculars Reviews #4: Topping the chart with glowing binoculars reviews from pro reviewers is the best rated Nikon Premier LX-L 10×42 Binoculars with Wide-Angle View. If you desire perfection, then by all means get this Nikon binoculars that will surely bring utmost joy to your viewing experience. This best binoculars from Nikon with it’s award-winning ECO Glass LX optical lens system provides 10x magnification, 42mm aperture and 314ft field of view (at 1000 yards) for superior viewing at any distance. In magnesium-alloy body with rubber armor and fog, shock & water proofs, it’s rugged to the bone. At just 27.8 ounces, long duration observation is a breeze.
Binoculars Reviews #5: Setting the standard of excellence with excellent binoculars reviews from experts is the best rated Swarovski Optik EL 10×42 Binoculars. If you desire quality at any price, then look no further than this Swarovski binoculars that will surely bring a smile to your face. This best binoculars from Swarovski features newly designed optical system with 10x magnification, 42mm aperture with 330ft field of view (at 1000 yards) to guarantee absolute sharpness and the most natural color reproduction when viewing. Ergonomically designed tubes for better grip coupled with lightweight design at 27.5 ounces makes for observing nature for hours a fun and exciting experience.
Binoculars Reviews #6: Standing tall with great binoculars reviews from professionals is the top rated Zeiss Victory 10×42 T* FL Binoculars. Bringing a whole new level to binocular viewing is this Zeiss binoculars that aims to satisfy even the harshest of critics. With patented Zeiss T* multi-coating lens and Abbe-Koenig prisms providing 10x magnification and 42mm aperture, you can be assured of exceptional color, contrast, resolution and sharpness uopn viewing. Magnesium housing for robust and lightweight design, rubber armoring for better grip and retractable eyecups for comfort makes long duration viewing a little bit more interesting.
Resources: Binoculars (Wikipedia)