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A Look into Binocular Lens CoatingsYou may not realize it, but the cost of a pair of binoculars is greatly influenced by the type of coating on the lenses. But just what do lens coatings do? And how do you know what kind you need? In addition to your budget, that decision depends on your viewing habits, and what kind of binoculars you need. Read up on the basics of binocular lens coatings, and you’ll be better informed when you make your purchase.
A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Binoculars for ChildrenGetting your children outdoors to appreciate nature is a wondrous way to get kids active and to nurture a healthy inquiring mind. No matter what the activity is you will find that most binoculars are designed for use by adults and finding a pair of children is not an easy task. Find out what factors you will have to consider when looking for a pair of binoculars suitable for a child.
Binocular AccessoriesBinocular accessories are the icing on the optics cake, making your viewing experience not only clear and crisp but comfortable too. You can choose from a wide range of options to personalize your binoculars for your needs, including lens caps, maintenance kits, cases, straps, tripods, and other types of mounts too. We've covered the three basic tripod designs and two binocular mount designs, so you can choose the one that works for you. Read on to find even more tips on choosing the perfect accessories for your binoculars.
Binocular Buying TipsTo buy the perfect set of binoculars you must first consider exactly what you plan to use them for. Whether you are birdwatching, boating, hiking, hunting, golfing, or viewing the stars, there is a device for you. Every set of binoculars specializes in a few elements, with trade-offs as necessary, so it is absolutely worthwhile to invest in the set that best fits your needs. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the details unless you get a basic understanding of what each feature does. Use our guide to consider everything from magnification to lens coatings, materials used, and eye reliefs available.
Binocular Mounts – The Necessary ConnectionA binocular tripod is an excellent tool for keeping binoculars steady, and providing relief from holding heavy binoculars for long periods of time. But not all binoculars or tripods come with tripod mounts, which is what attaches the binoculars to the tripod. Which type of binocular tripod mount you buy depends on what kind of binoculars you have, and what you want to view. Read on to find out which one is best for you.
Binoculars and Eyeglasses – Compatibility is PossibleIf you wear eyeglasses you will be all to familiar with the problems of looking through binoculars while wearing your glasses. It's not all despair though! With the right choice though you can easily look through binoculars without having to remove your glasses. Find out more about what makes a good binocular for those of us who wear glasses.
Binoculars for Bird WatchingBirdwatching requires binoculars that are not only powerful but also comfortable to use for extended periods. While higher magnifications and bigger lenses will optimize your birding experience, you also need to balance these elements with a set of binoculars that won't give you a back ache just by using them. Flexible focus so you can get a wide field of view across a large area of the forest, then zoom in on that rare bird, is absolutely necessary, along with superior image quality so you can get a good look at features and coloring. Here are some of the most important things to consider.
Binoculars for Harsh Environments - When the Going Gets Tough, Well Designed Optics Keep GoingChoosing the right optic equipment for your chosen activity is essential. Even more so if you plan to be out in harsh weather conditions. Understanding how binoculars and telescopes are sealed against the elements can help you make the right decision about what kind of optic you need. It can also help you care for them properly to ensure years of use and proper function. Is just choosing a waterproof pair enough? Does it matter which gas is used to fill the barrels? Find out before you take that next hike in the rain.
Binoculars For Nearly Every OccasionBinoculars aren't just for watching the flora and fauna there is a myriad of other possible uses that extended beyond the obvious. Here we take a look at some practical real world uses for binoculars and highlight the best types of binocular for each application. Find out if there's a set of binoculars that fits your need.
Bird Watching SpotsLooking for a great spot to go bird watching? Have you visited a great birding spot and want to share it with the world? Then check out our constantly growing state by state guide to the best birding spots in North America. This indispensable guide gives you detailed information on many sites including information about local birding club and societies in the area.
Birding ArticlesWant to get more out of your birdwatching experience? Are you new to birdwatching and looking for a good place to start? From joining a birding club, to environmental issues and more our birding articles highlight issues important to the birders young and old.
Capturing The Moment With Digital Camera BinocularsHow many times have you seen a wondrous sight through your binoculars and wished you could capture it as a digital image? When hiking, boating, or taking part in just about any other activity, it can be a bit much to carry binoculars and a digital camera. It’s awkward, potentially heavy, and increases the risk of damaging or losing one or both items. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could simply snap a photo of what you see through your binoculars without having to put them down to switch to another device? You can—with camera binoculars.
Compact BinocularsCompact binoculars need to be powerful enough for what you need despite their portability and slim size. Some sets fold easily or come with straps to make them easy to carry and use at a moment's notice, whereas others are ultra slim and simple so they slip in and out of your purse or glove box. That said, there may be some trade-offs in terms of magnification or lens size, so don't get caught by a great looking pair of binoculars that won't meet your needs later on. Check out our suggestions to successfully choose compact binoculars.
Compact Veiwing with MonocularsWhen you're an international agent, successfully navigating car chases, explosions, and dangerous women of mystery, you need top-notch optical equipment that makes long-distance viewing clear without being bulky or indiscreet. James Bond makes best use of his monoculars to magnify the most precise details at a moment's notice, without wasting a breath lugging them around or trying to get them in focus. Many monoculars are available in a wide range of prices, including tiny scopes you can hide in your sleeve for those international missions.
Don’t Leave Home without One – Optical Options for the TravelerWhen packing your bags for that much needed vacation, it's not always practical to be weighed down by your best set of optics. When selecting a pair of binoculars for traveling, size is everything. But before you reach your destination and pick up the cheapest pair of compact binoculars you can find, there are numerous things to consider. Read on to see some of our recommendations for good travel binoculars.
Finding the Right Astronomy BinocularsAstronomy binoculars allow you to view the Heavens by maximizing light, offering plenty of magnification, and making fine focus possible so you can see those distant universes clearly. Light is maximized through high-quality prisms, wide objective lenses, and carefully designed exit pupils. The result is a clear, crisp picture of distant stars and planets so you can stargaze effectively. Check out our tips to choose astronomy binoculars that traverse the mysteries of the universe.
Frequently Asked Questions about BinocularsGet all your questions answered quickly and easily through our FAQ. From magnifications and objective lenses through to apertures, prisms, and coatings, we have you covered.
Getting a Clearer Image with Image Stabilizing BinocularsImage stabilizing (IS) binoculars are rare yet can be a strong advantage for your viewing experience. There are so many times when IS sets can provide a huge improvement, especially when you're supporting them in-hand rather than on a mount. What are the pros and cons of these devices? We've explained how they work, why they improve image quality, and when they're worth the investment. We've also covered all the cons; there are trade-offs, and you need to consider ergonomics and comfort along with battery usage.
Getting Started with DigiscopingUsing a camera in conjunction with a spotting scope or even a pair of binoculars can produce some fantastic photography. This is the practice known as digiscoping and is a rapidly growing practice among nature lovers and bird watchers. Find out more about the basics digiscoping and what options are available to you.
Getting the Big Picture with Giant BinocularsGiant binoculars are often the best option for astronomy or viewing in low-light situations such as dawn or dusk. That said, their size and weight can range considerably, and some sets are optimized to use mounts or tripods. In most cases you will want to choose some sort of mount or tripod option, to eliminate any kind of shaking or discomfort caused by using these in hand. However, some sets are fairly portable too, combining extreme power with easier handling. Learn what makes these monsters work so well and why you'll want a pair.
Glossary of TermsOur glossary is an excellent quick reference you may want to have open as you browse our site or others. Whether you're just learning about binoculars or out to buy your first pair you don't want to be stumbling over terminology. We go over all the important definitions to help keep you on-track as you review binoculars, monoculars, scopes, and more. From aperture to thermal imaging, we have it all spelled out, so you don't end up cross-eyed from keeping terms straight!
Harnessing the Usefulness of Binocular StrapsWhile many binoculars are lightweight, some do have quite a bit of heft to them. Either way, when you’re hiking, boating, or just taking a stroll, you don’t want to carry anything in your hands. That’s where binocular straps and harnesses come in. We’ve broken them down into three categories—straps, harnesses, and floating straps—to help you decide what best meets your needs for the activities you take part in. Or get one of each. You never know where your next adventure might take you.
High End Binoculars: The Next Frontier in Optical QualityConstructed from best materials and using the highest quality optics available, high-end binoculars are more than a mere luxury. These binoculars offer unrivaled performance and their names are legendary in the field of optics. While some may be put off by the price of these binoculars, serious enthusiasts and professionals will swear that they pay for themselves the first time you use them. These are truly remarkable binoculars but are they truly incomparable and do you really get what you pay for?
Hitting a Hole-in-one with RangefindersRangefinders give a competitive edge for hunting or golfing, and that is primarily where you will see them used. They can easily be mounted on rifles or golf bags, and offer various modes and features to make estimating long distances possible. While typically their magnification levels are minimal, they can be used to scan for distant objects and then judge how far away those objects are. This is particularly helpful when looking to hit that hole in one, but you'll want to consider the sizes and styles to make these binoculars easy to carry and use while on the green. Take a look!
How To Choose Hunting BinocularsHunting binoculars offer an added edge while you are out tracking game and putting food on the table. You just don't have the time to waste on choosing a pretty little set of binoculars that'll break on that hunting trip, so how can you find a set that will stand up to hiking, camping, or fishing on the lake? What's the difference between waterproof and weatherproof, and how can you choose binoculars that will work well when the sun starts going down? Read on, we've spelled it out here.
Kids Just Want To Have Fun... With BinocularsKids binoculars run the gamut and provide options for all ages. Whether you want a fun, colorful little set for your bug-catching adventurer, or are ready to invest in a higher quality pair of binoculars for your highschool aged scientist, we've got some ideas on how to pick them.
Looking for Deals on Discount BinocularsWhen choosing a first set of binoculars or an extra pair to keep on hand, you might consider selecting lower-priced options at a discount. You can buy binoculars online for your young adventurer without breaking the bank, but you don't want to end up with a piece of junk. How can you find a set that won't cost an arm and a leg yet won't sacrifice power or comfort? Consider floor models, wholesale sets, or military surplus options. We offer even more ideas and guidance to make discount binoculars a possibility for you.
Marine Binoculars are an Essential Item for any BoaterMarine binoculars for boating or fishing can make all the difference on that trip. Not only do you want them waterproofed, you also need a set that are durable and able to stand up to hard knocks. There are binoculars that will float if they accidentally get dropped out of the boat, and several models also offer built-in compasses or rangefinders. We take a look at choosing objective lenses and magnifications that will fit your boating needs without weighing you down.
Mid-range Binoculars: Balancing Performance and ValueThe pricing of binoculars is largely dependent on the quality of the optical glass and the components used to make them. Binoculars in the mid-price range strike a balance between good optical quality and good value. Discover the benefits of binoculars in this price range and find out what features to you can expect to find on them. Discover the benefits of binoculars in this price range and what features you can expect them to have.
Military Binoculars for Military PrecisionIn the military, nobody has time for flimsy binoculars or shoddy equipment. Binoculars need to be rugged, strong, and durable, to survive soldiers on the move. Straps and armoring are all-important here, but weight and power need to be considered as well. Military binoculars may be the hardest working of all kinds, because they need the heaviest duty shells along with the highest quality mechanisms. You won't settle for less, and you don't have to.
Opera Glasses Make Any Seat The Best Seat In The HouseWhile at the opera, seeing a play, or taking in a ballet performance, opera glasses can give you that added edge of experience by bringing the finest details of the performer's movements and expressions right to you. Whether you find yourself in the balcony or just several rows back, these optical devices inevitably are worth the added little investment, and offer a unique charm as well as great viewing. Glasses are often available in a wide array of jewel toned, vibrant colors, with Swarovski crystal accents, or simply in the finest metals available. Binocular features including magnification, lens sizes, and field of view are optimized for best use indoors, and careful craftsmanship allows these to offer you clear, crisp images as well as an elegant shell that can be collected and worn as jewelry.
Seeing in the Dark with Night VisionNight vision is possible through some interesting techniques. In short, night vision devices work by increasing either the spectral range or intensity range at which human eyes can already see. Whether they maximize existing light or offer infrared illumination, night vision binoculars are a worthwhile investment for night-time surveillance, hunting, or use in the military. Learn all the ins and outs of how they work, how the different types are described, and how far they've come since World War II.
Stargazing with Telescope BinocularsTelescopic binoculars are yet another excellent result of combining binocular features with telescope features to optimize image viewing. These are as powerful as any telescopes, but have two eyepieces which will be specially designed for maximum comfort and ease. You'll get multiple eyepieces as you'd expect with your telescope, but in pairs, and they'll be softer and smoother. Telescopic binoculars often contain very fine focus controls as well as super high quality mechanisms to make them excellent investments for astronomy. These will generally be much bigger and heavier than spotting scopes, and you'll likely want to mount them rather than carrying them by hand. Read on to see more of the benefits.
The Best Binocular CasesWho knew there were so many options for binocular cases? We’ve covered them all for you, from soft, simple wraps to hard, heavy duty, lockable cases. The most important thing about buying a binocular case is to buy one! Protect your optics, and you’ll prolong their life. It doesn’t make sense to spend money on something and then leave it vulnerable to scratches and dents. Check out all the binocular cases available and find the one that suits your model, and your style.
The Best Binoculars for Under $100.00With more and more "low-end" binoculars hitting the markets can you really find a solid, reliable pair for under $100? We take a look at what goes into the construction of a pair of binoculars and how manufacturers manage to keep the costs down. We then take at look at some of the best model you can buy if you are on a seriously tight budget.
The Best in Binocular TripodsHolding binoculars up to your eyes for a few seconds, or few minutes at a time is no big deal. It takes very little effort, and is part of their being portable. But when you plan to view something with larger, heavier binoculars, or just for longer than a few minutes, a binocular tripod not only comes in handy, but protects your valuable binoculars from being dropped when your arms tire out. Find the one that best suits your binoculars, and your viewing habits.
The Inner Workings of BinocularsIt's easy to get overwhelmed by all the features, functions, and options available when considering binoculars and other devices such as monoculars and scopes. With so many tools out there, how do you choose the one that is best for your use? How do binoculars work, and why do they range so much in price? What are all those numbers on the box, and what does FOV stand for again? Don't get lost in sales speak about eye relief and coated lenses – we've got all the explanations here for you.
The Ins and Outs of Digital Camera BinocularsDigital camera binoculars offer a unique combination of photography and distance viewing, making them an excellent gift or impressive gadget for your own use. Not only can you watch the game in the stadium, you can quickly snap a picture of the winning goal. That said, obviously there are some extra considerations in terms of camera features as well as everything you need for a useful set of binoculars. How can you choose a set that is both powerful and functional? Read on!
The Lowdown on Zoom BinocularsZoom binoculars are perhaps the most controversial type. They offer a wide range of sizes and zooming strengths, making it possible to use binoculars for objects in the distance as well as those up close. Zoom binoculars are often used during butterfly watching or to zero in on the finest details of plants and other insects, so they tend more towards microscopic views then telescopic. That said, the mechanisms involved can make them rather fragile and there are other ways to get the zooming functionality. Read on to learn more.
The Power of PorrosAlthough not as popular as they used to be the Porro prism binocular still continues to provide many advantages over the now common roof prism binocular. Porro binoculars offer a superior depth of field and stunning contrast yet there popularity is still on the wane. Find out why this classic design is still one of the best and why they still pack a big punch when it comes to price versus performance.
Types of Binoculars and ScopesWant a quick overview of the various binocular and scope models in an easy to read, bulleted format? If you're just starting out you may want to begin here to get a quick introduction, before you dive into the heavy-duty information we've provided in other articles. Consider the relative advantages of standard binoculars as they compare to those that are compact, giant, zooming, stabilizing, or waterproof. Here's your guide.
Up Close and Personal with Spotting ScopesA spotting scope is an excellent high-tech tool that combines the best of binoculars and telescopes, making them a great change for target shooting and hiking. By using these you can avoid a bulky telescope that would be a pain to lug through the forest, but retain the benefits of specialized eyepieces and lens coatings. They will keep your image upright and offer a wider field of view along with very rugged, durable shells as you'd expect in binoculars. If you're curious, we've described it all here.
Waterproof Binoculars: Essential of Outdoor EnthusiastsOutdoor enthusiasts demand rugged, durable binoculars that won't fall to pieces with real use in the field. Learn about waterproof binoculars and how they compare to other types, along with when to use them, and how they work. Also take a look at possible pitfalls including difficult focus controls or confusing labels, and see the exciting features included in some models. Why not get a set of binoculars that has a built-in compass or extra wide lenses for use at dusk and dawn? Here's how.
