The Best Binoculars Reviewed Tested Hands On Buying Guide
How to Choose Binoculars?
FOV
Field of view or FOV is the measurement taken at a thousand yards of the area that you can see through the magnified lenses. As magnification increases, the FOV typically decreases. With variable binoculars, you’ll have different fields of view.
FOV is an important consideration if you are scanning for moving objects.
If you are tracking a deer or watching birds, it is a bigger concern than someone watching a football game. A wider FOV makes it easier to track an animal with minimal movement. The less you move, the less likely you are to disturb it.
A binocular’s magnification is either fixed or zoomed.
It affects almost every aspect of your binoculars. The higher the magnification is, the bigger the optics has to be; the heavier they are, the more they cost, and the more challenging it is to make a clear and bright picture.
High magnification is recommended when trying to observe smaller objects at longer distances. Moderate magnification is suited for most people’s needs, 8 to 10 power is typically what the average user needs.
As you go higher, you’ll begin to notice that it is harder to use the binoculars without support. At a certain point, it’s better to consider a spotting scope and tripod over a pair of binoculars.
Make sure to also read out spotting scope vs binoculars guide. 1. Porro prism is the older style. Is page_seo_titled after its inventor. Porro prism is the older style. Is page_seo_titled after its inventor. Binoculars using this are the more affordable and simpler option. They also have the effect of creating a large set of binoculars.
2. Roof prism binoculars are sleeker, smaller, and more modern. The internal design is compacted to save size and weight, while still producing the same quality of the picture. They are also more costly.
Picture difference isn’t affected by prism design. This is more of a size issue.
Glass Type
Outside of the prism configuration, prism materials also cause some differences. The two major prism materials are BAK-4 and BK-7. These all affect the clarity of the binoculars and the ability to see finer details and colors. BAK-4 is by far the clearest. If you value picture over price go with the BAK-4. BK-7 make for a more affordable set of binocs, with an average picture.
Exit pupil is the size of the beam of light that hits the eyes through the lenses of an optic which is measured in millimeters. Eye pupil size and exit pupil size work hand in hand when it comes to picture brightness and clarity.
Eye pupil diameter changes throughout the day. It becomes bigger as the light dims. Shrinks when it becomes brighter. The clearest and brightest picture is achieved when the eye pupil and exit pupil sizes match as closely as possible.
Do the Math
To find the exit pupil of your binoculars, simply take the objective lens diameter and divide it by the magnification.
So if you have a set of binocs with a fixed 8 power magnification and a 40mm objective lens, you have a constant 5mm exit pupil. If you plan to use your binoculars mostly in low light conditions, you’ll want a large objective lens to maximize exit pupil size.
Eye relief is the distance (measured in millimeters) from the lenses of the binoculars to the eyes of the user.
It is merely the optimal range. It can vary slightly per user, but you have the perfect eye relief when you have a full picture without any black around the view.
Some binoculars have adjustable eyecups that allow the user to adjust the eye relief for individual preference. This is important for those who wear glasses because they need a longer eye relief.
Other binoculars offer dioptric adjustments that allow the user to finely focus it to their eye discrepancies. Some of these dioptric adjustments are also locking, meaning they will not slide, slip or change when jumbled, stored, or moved
Durability
Hunting and tactical binoculars need to be more durable than birding or sports watching binoculars. At the very least, your field glasses should be both water and fogproof. From there you can move up to features like being shockproof and the like.
Heavy-duty
The external durability of the binoculars is an important consideration for people who are looking to rough up their optics.
Hunters, tactical users, explorers, wildfire firefighters among others need binoculars that can resist the damage and abuse tossed at it - which includes internal durability like being waterproof and fogproof.
However, these users may also want external rubberized or hard plastic armor; and for their binoculars be submersible, meaning they can be tossed in water and still work.
Purpose
How you plan to use your binoculars is also essential. I’ve mentioned here and there how different factors apply to various purposes.
Hunters and birders need a nice and wide field of view. Birders typically do not need rugged. Armored binoculars for bird watching. Hunters and tactical users, on the other hand, need tough and rugged ones.
You need to take an objective look at how you want to use your binoculars to decide what features you need. Here are a few quick examples.
Birders
- Wide FOV
- Extreme clarity
- Easy focus
- Light weight
Hunters
- Wide FOV
- Internal and external durability
- Light to moderate weight
- Clarity
Tactical
- Internal and external durability
- Reticle for measurements
- Compact and light design
- Clarity
The bigger the binoculars, the more of a pain in the neck they are. I mean that quite literally. Hanging heavy optics from your neck can be painful, especially when moving. Heavier binoculars are harder. Uncomfortable to use for extended periods. They also tend to have either a higher level of magnification or is more reinforced for durability.
Lighter and compact binoculars are easier to carry and use for extended periods, they are usually for general purpose. Purpose-built binoculars are for more specific applications like maritime and long distance observation. Larger sets are more suited for still use like hunting.
Close Focus Capability
Close focus capability is not an important consideration for everyone. Since the primary purpose of binoculars is to look at objects from afar, many people do not consider it.
The close focus of binoculars is crucial when you are looking at smaller things at close to moderate distances.
The biggest group of optics enthusiasts that need to pay attention to close focus are birders. Small, darting birds are easily observed when your optic has a close focus of fewer than 10 feet or so. It makes it possible to see the fine details of a bird, like the wings, beaks, etc.
Digiscoping with binoculars is not impossible and is becoming more common.
Unlike spotting scopes, people aren’t using expensive DSLR cameras. Instead, they are combining their smartphones with their binoculars and a specialized adapter. You need to make sure that your binoculars have an adapter that fits your smartphone if you plan on doing this.
Cost
Cost is the most subjective of all these considerations. Binoculars, like most optics, are a get what you pay for scenario. The sharpest picture and the highest level of durability are going to cost you.
Regardless of how much you spend, the wise way to protect your investment is to look into the company’s warranty.
Leading Binocular Brands
Nikon is well known in the optics world. They dabble in a bit of everything - from cameras to rifle scopes, they have you covered.
While it’s great to have a big brand with a good reputation, Nikon suffers from what all big brands do - lack of specialization. Because they produce so much, they rarely take the time to innovate and create something new.
Instead, they stick to what works. This isn’t always a bad thing though. If it works, it works right?
They produce a very wide range of serviceable binoculars that function well. Their lines are varied and compromise everything from compact (basically disposable) binoculars, to those made to present a stable picture on a rocking ship.
What you tend to notice is a large weight increase in higher end optics and a stronger built binocular.
Below those high-end optics, you average out in weight well. Here you begin to run into problems that are more pet peeves than anything. Things like sloppy focus that can be produced when wearing gloves.
Nikon binoculars in general work pretty well. They present an average picture. Sell for a decent price. As a middle of the road to lower end, they are a good choice.
They also include a good variety of accessories with every set of binoculars - carrying cases, straps, etc. Plus their warranty is nice and forgiving.
Bushnell
Bushnell comes close to Nikon when it comes to size and scope of their company. The difference is that Bushnell is solely focused on the sporting optics world. Doesn’t branch off into cameras or anything else.
Their optics are in the middle price range with deviations into the higher and lower ends as well.
On the bottom end of the spectrum, you may not get an entirely clear picture all the time, but the binoculars are often well made and quite affordable. This makes them an excellent budget option for hunters.
The focus on strength and durability makes it possible for the user to abuse their binocs to high heaven. They are shock, water, and fogproof. The Raindguard HD technology that they include on most binoculars is amazing and works efficiently.
They have a broad selection. They have optics for hunting, sightseeing, tactical operations, and just about everything in between. They also produce a full line of accessories for their binoculars such as a tripod adapter, a tripod, and a harness.
The biggest downside is that Bushnell optics never shine optically in their mid and lower priced models. They perform adequately, but you’re never wowed or really impressed.
The only other issue is weight; they tend to be heavy. This is certainly tied to the fact that they are well constructed.
Bushnell’s tactical line definitely deserves a look for the soldier on a budget.
Vortex is an optics company that seems to care about their product and their customers. Their warranty is one of the best in the business. Quality isn’t too far behind.
Vortex impressively produces light weight binoculars that are rugged and tough at the same time. Their binoculars probably offer the best protection and weight ratio out there. This is due to the magnesium chassis that cuts weight and improves strength.
They also manufacture the lineup of binoculars with an option in every price range. The Viper series and the Kaibab are certainly the best in the Vortex line. Their dependability is top notch, and they are made to take the beating and keep on kicking.
Vortex targets its optics at tactical and hunting applications, so they are water and fogproof. It is coated with rubber armor. ArmorTek lens coating. They also create impressive optical capabilities, their mid to higher priced models being the most impressive.
You get a nice, clear, and bright picture especially in the models with wider objective lenses like the Viper 10×50.
Some downsides include the fact that the Vortex optics are relatively expensive. Other companies offer optics with similar features for a lower price if you are willing to shop around.
Overall Vortex optics are well made, excellent outdoors optics that are rugged, and crystal clear.
If you are a picky person, someone who is discerning to the maximum when it comes to a clear picture, then Swarovski is for you. They keep their binocular lines limited, but they focus on the utmost quality possible for a set of binoculars.
What does that mean? Well, you get an incredibly clear picture. It’s like going from 320 to 4k overnight. They use some of the best glass in the industry. Combines it with the use of field flattener lenses.
Field flattener lenses offer an excellent peripheral vision possible in a set of binoculars, making everything in the lens crystal clear.
The insides are great, but so is the outside. The binoculars produced by Swarovski are durable. They are waterproof to the point of being submersible up to 13 feet. They can operate on extreme spectrums of temperature.
The small details are also impressive - the focusing knob, the eyecups, and the ergonomic grips.
So what is the catch to great binoculars? Well first. Foremost is the price. Swarovski optics are quite expensive. These can indeed be described as heirloom binoculars, and they are capable of being passed down to the next generation.
Swarovski binoculars are also on the heavier side as compared to others. The weight difference isn’t significant but should be noted. Also, the field of view provided is just average, for high-end optics a bit more is expected.
Leupold
Leupold, a lot could be said, and a lot has been said. Leupold has been producing optics longer than I’ve been alive. Have had a great reputation since the beginning.
Their worldwide police and military contracts are a testament to their quality. They do an excellent job of constantly innovating and presenting newer and better optics. Their binocular lines include designs that are both considered classic and innovative.
Leupold binoculars are well made from the external armor, a rugged internal design, and are waterproof. They are all fully multi-coated, and provide a bright and clear picture. They use a BAK-4 prism. A very smooth focusing device.
What is truly impressive is the fact that Leupold provides these elements in all of their lines, even their lower priced optics. They offer both Porro and roof prism designs, and feature binoculars that are tripod ready.
Leupold just offers a ton in their binocular lines, all appropriately priced. If there is a complaint, it is the fact that some of their optics can range over into the heavier side of the aisle.
Other than that, their line of binoculars is tough enough to last through lots of abuse and it provides a crystal clear picture. Add in the fact that they extend this quality to their cheaper models and have a line of accessories ready to go, and you get a winning combination.
Binoculars can be a handy piece of gear to have. They are often more convenient than spotting scopes for intermediate spotting and for watching.
Regardless of your hobby, if you are dedicated to seeing a clear and consistent picture without having to setup a tripod and use a spotting scope, binoculars are the way to go. They are more portable. A lot cheaper than a spotting scope.
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