Buying Guides - Choosing the Right Binoculars

Selecting the right binoculars is a matter of picking the best combination of features for your specific needs. You should consider magnification, bulk and weight, brightness, field of view, optical quality, and cost.

Binocular sizes are expressed with two numbers, 7x35, 10x50, etc. The first number is the magnification (or power), the second is the aperture, or diameter of the objective (front) lenses in millimeters. For example, 7x35 binoculars provide 7-times magnification and have 35mm objective lenses. For any given magnification, larger objective lenses gather more light and yield a brighter image in dim light, but result in a bulkier, heavier binocular.

The higher the power, the "shakier" the image will be, because small hand movements are exaggerated. Therefore, we recommend a binocular of moderate magnification (7®8X) unless more power is specifically required.

Lower power binoculars usually offer a wider field of view, allowing you to take in more of a scene at one time.

What Will The Binoculars Be Used For?

Astronomy - For stargazing, light gathering is the most important factor. Choose a pair of binoculars with at least a 50mm aperture. A 7x50 model is easily hand-holdable and provides nice, wide-field views of starry swaths. The higher power 10x50 is also popular, and in fact is preferable to the 7x50 where skyglow is a problem. "Giant" binoculars of 70mm, 80mm or 100mm aperture will reveal fainter deep-sky objects and more subtle detail, but a tripod is recommended for a steady view. If you can afford the higher price (and a good tripod) and don't mind the extra bulk, you'll be rewarded with incredible views.

Birding - The most popular models for birdwatching are 8x40 and 8x42. They're small and nimble, offer steady hand-held views, and have sufficient light grasp to provide bright, well-resolved images. If you plan to study birds at close range, look for binoculars with a near-focus distance of a few feet. Of course, other factors should play into your buying decision, such as eye relief for use with eyeglasses, optical coatings, and mechanical construction. Need advice? Call or visit and ask our knowledgeable staff.