There are a number of different ways of categorizing binoculars and scopes. They are distinguished by their magnification and the size of the aperture (for example, 8 x 42). They may also be categorized by their use. Most often, though, they are categorized by size or by special features. Digital binoculars, for example are becoming increasingly popular - these capture a digital image seen through the binoculars.

Scopes are often grouped with binoculars. Scopes really come in two types: monocular scopes magnify in one eye and binoculars magnify through two eyes. However, when most people use the word “scopes” they are thinking of the monocular kind. We do delve into scopes, but our real focus (ahem) is binoculars.

Binoculars are an optic tool that combines two images into a single image. They are available in a variety of magnifications. Popular types of binoculars include:

• Standard binoculars may be used for a variety of common purposes, such as birding, spectator sports, etc.
• Compact binoculars are (as the name suggests) smaller in size. These are ideally used for theatre and opera viewing, but their lightness also makes them suitable for hunting, hiking and other field trips. Read more about compact binoculars.
• Giant binoculars are (of course) the opposite of compact binoculars. They are ideal for travel in your vehicle or for home use as a telescope. Some military models are well suited for this purpose as well. Read about giant binoculars.
• Zoom binoculars have the facility to quickly and very efficiently zoom in on the object of interest. Are zoom binoculars just plain old binoculars? Find out on our page on zoom binoculars.
• Stabilized binoculars are high powered binoculars that use stabilizing technology to render an image that does not shake with movements of the user’s hands. Read more about stabilized binoculars.
• Waterproof binoculars are ideal for marine use or for bird watching on the beach. Read more about waterproof binoculars.

There are also a wide variety of specialty binoculars designed for specific applications or for special situations, such as hunting or astronomy. You can read more about these under specialty binoculars.