What are compact binoculars good for?

Compact binoculars can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities. However, each model is more suitable depending on the type of use for which they are intended for. Here are the various purposes compact binoculars can serve:

Binoculars for bird and animal watching in nature: Lovers of nature and birds will not be able to live without binoculars. And this is one of the main applications of this type of instrument. For bird watching, the most common binoculars are the 8 × 42 and 10 × 42. Although, they can have a magnification range of 7 to 12, with a millimeter between 40 and 50 mm. A good example of a model for this purpose is the Tasco Roof Prism Binoculars ES8X42.
Binoculars for shows: Some people are looking for binoculars they can take to events such as the theater, music concerts or the opera, among others. For these cases, we recommend binoculars that offer a great brightness at the same time as a good increase like the 4 × 30.
Astronomical binoculars: Astronomy enthusiasts should have the right binoculars to help them locate objects in the sky. These binoculars are designed with long. Wide lenses to let in a large amount of light. This is because the more light that enters, the easier it is to see distant stars. Different types of binoculars are used for this activity, the 10 × 50 being the most effective. Others are also frequently used, such as: 7 × 50, 15X70, and the 20X50.
Night binoculars: For military use and hunting activities, these binoculars are used to view images in almost total darkness.
Hiking binoculars: Those who go hiking and want to appreciate the details of the landscapes and animals, should opt for lightweight binoculars. They can bet on standard binoculars like the 7 × 35, 8 × 42, 8 × 25, and the 10 × 25. Tasco 8X42 Essentials Binoculars offer qualities suitable for this purpose.
Nautical binoculars: When you are on a boat or the likes, it is very important that the binoculars are completely waterproof to avoid damage. In water activities, a high magnification range is not recommended. The movement of the boat would make the image very unstable. The best binoculars for this activity are the 7 × 42 or 7 × 50.
Multipurpose binoculars: Some models are designed to accommodate all types of activities, such as travel, hikes and many more. In this case, it is recommended to have a magnification between 7 and 12.

Features to consider when choosing compact binoculars

As earlier mentioned, there are several factors that are determining when choosing compact binoculars. Taking them into account will help you make the decision. Will make you choose the perfect binoculars for you. If you choose well now, be rest assured you’ll have a model guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Size and weight

There are binoculars with very different sizes and weights, depending on their use they will be more or less bulky. If you are going to walk very long routes, through complicated places or travel for weeks loaded with your backpack, we recommend that you choose very lightweight and small binoculars.

There are very different sizes and with several uses:

- XXL binoculars: usually weigh more than 1500 grams. The largest weigh more than 3,500 grams. XXL binoculars are astronomical binoculars. They are used to view stars and planets. The most common are: 15 × 70, 20 × 80 and 25 × 100.
- Full size: they usually weigh around 1000 grams. Full-size binoculars are used to view birds and nature. They are luminous binoculars that can be used without a tripod and can be used on excursions. The most common are: 8 × 42 and 10 × 50.
- With medium size: they weigh between 500 and 1000 grams. Medium-sized binoculars are less luminous than the previous ones but they are lighter. They are used to see nature. Some of the most common are: 8 × 32 and 7 × 35.
- Compact binoculars: the best weigh less than 400 grams. Compact binoculars are extremely light. Compact although they perform worse in low light conditions. They are ideal for hikers. Adventurers who need maximum lightness.

Our recommendation is that for long walks or backpacking trips, choose a compact and lightweight binoculars that weigh less than 400 grams. The Leica Trinovid 8×20. The Kowa Binoculars 8×25 are excellent choices. The most common compact binoculars are usually 8 × 25, 10 × 25, and 8 × 21. These sizes offer the perfect balance between size and optical quality. The main quality of compact binoculars is their size. If the aperture were larger, the binoculars would be bulkier and weigh more. By having a smaller aperture, less light enters the binoculars and they offer a worse performance in low light conditions (cloudy days, at dawn, etc.). Therefore, it is very important that you choose binoculars with excellent optical quality.

Another important factor is the quality and diameter of the lens. Extra Low Dispersion (ED) and High Density (HD) low dispersion lenses provide bright images with good contrast and no chromatic aberrations. To improve light transmission, anti-glare chemical treatments are applied to the lenses. The more treatments the lenses have, the better. Make sure your binoculars have fully multi-coated lenses like the Leupold BX-1 Rogue 8x25mm Binocular or multi-coated lenses like the Nikon Trailblazer 10×25 ATB.

The lenses of the binoculars are located on the front of the binoculars. The larger the diameter of a lens, the sharper and clearer the image is. This makes it essential if it is to be used at night or in low light conditions. It is therefore necessary to assess in which situations the binoculars will be used frequently in order to find the most suitable lens diameter.

On the other hand, the size of the lenses also has a direct influence on the resolution. However, don’t make the usual mistake of considering some binoculars to be better than others just because the lens diameter is larger. It depends on other factors.

Magnification

As with the previous points, the magnification is a very important factor when deciding to buy a new pair of binoculars. Magnification less than 8 are considered too small. However, magnification between 8 and 10 are considered normal, and those between 10 and 16 are considered high and will make the binoculars bulky. However, there are also models with magnifications above 16, which are considered very powerful. In this sense, it is important to emphasize that the greater the magnification capacity, the more the image tends to vibrate. This makes it necessary to use a tripod in certain situations. In fact, for magnification greater than 12, this is recommended and for those greater than 16 it is mandatory. However, some models incorporate electronic or mechanical stabilization systems. An example is the Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS12x28 Binocular.

In all binoculars, you will see that there are two numbers separated by an “X”. The first of the numbers indicates the magnification of the binoculars, and the second indicates the aperture millimeters of the objectives.

Weather resistance

You are going to use the binoculars outdoors, in nature. And in nature, there is a high chance of coming in contact with water. It can rain at any time, you may have to cross a river or get in a kayak. In fact, the best binoculars are waterproof. In countries with a tropical climate like Thailand or Vietnam, there is a lot of humidity. Make sure your binoculars are waterproof. Binoculars are usually sealed to prevent them from deteriorating due to the entry of water and humidity.

Focus

Binoculars are equipped with a cylinder or wheel which is usually located in the middle of the binoculars. This helps to adjust the sharpness or focus. In some models, it is possible to adjust the focus independently in each eyepiece.

When purchasing a new pair of binoculars, it is advisable to check both the infinity focus and the minimum focus. The latter is the minimum distance at which the equipment is able to focus on an object. It is considered positive when it can do so in 5-8 meters. Whereas, if it is close to 2 meters, it is considered excellent.

On the other hand, when evaluating the infinity focus, you should check whether you are able to focus on an object that is straight and away from your position.

Relative brightness

It is the ability of binoculars to capture and transmit enough light to show images with adequate contrast and sharpness. The higher this factor, the greater the brightness of the images obtained. To choose the best model with ideal relative brightness, the diameter of the exit pupil must be squared.

Prism system, roof prism vs Porro prism

The prism system can be made of Porro or of ceiling (roof). If you buy cheap binoculars, choose one featuring Porro. Inexpensive binoculars usually do not have correction treatments. And without these treatments, Porro prisms offer better images.

If you have a higher budget, we recommend that you choose a pair of roof prism binoculars. These binoculars will have correction treatments that will improve the image quality. Roof prism binoculars are more ergonomic, compact and strong. Regardless of the type of design of the prism (Porro or roof), you have to take into account the material from which it is built. Bak-4 prisms deliver high quality images with a great 3-dimensional feel. BK-7 prisms are of poorer quality.

Optical quality

Optical quality is always a key factor when choosing binoculars. But when choosing small binoculars, it is even more important. There are 3 things you have to pay attention to:

- Chemical lens treatments
- Lens type
- The type of prism

The field of view is the width of the images you will have when looking through your binoculars. With a wide field of view, you will have panoramic images and you can easily follow moving birds. Narrow fields of view are better for viewing stationary objects and appreciating their details.

Usually, the angular field of view offered by the binoculars is indicated on the outside of the binoculars and in degrees. A larger field of view allows a larger area to be observed. At this stage, it should be noted that it is indirectly related to the magnification. The field of view being smaller, the magnification will be higher, and vice versa.

Materials of construction

When you go to buy binoculars, it is advisable to buy a model with mineral glass rather than organic prisms, which are usually made of questionable or low quality plastics.

On the current market, we can distinguish two different types of prisms: Bak-4 (Barium) and BaK7 (Borosilicate). These are generally less expensive, but are also less efficient at transmitting light. BaK-4 prisms are of superior quality and make images clearer, with higher contrast and brighter.

The exit pupil refers to the cone of light that comes out of the eyepiece. The higher this setting, the brighter the binoculars will be. The diameter is obtained by dividing the diameter of the target by the number of magnifications. If we consider that the diameter of the human pupil varies between 1.5 mm and 8 mm depending on the level of light, in cases where the exit pupil is smaller, you will have the sensation of observing through a peephole door. Whereas, if it is larger, you will not take advantage of all the light that the targets are able to capture.

Warranty

Even when you want small-sized binoculars, these products are not intended for a few months or years of use. They are intended for decades or even lifetime uses. Therefore, you have to ensure the binoculars are ruggedly designed, made of durable aluminium or plastics, and come with a super warranty. Some models like the Leica Trinovid 8×20 Compact Binoculars come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. However, it’s more advisable to choose one with a lifetime warranty, like the Wingspan Optics FieldView 8X32 or the Leupold BX-1 Rogue 8x25mm Binocular.

Accessories

Accessories are the last thing to consider when buying a new pair of binoculars, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. Typical accessories are a carrying strap, case or bag, lens covers and a tripod. They are all very helpful. The strap helps you to be able to transport them from one place to another while walking, hanging from the neck and with maximum comfort. The strap helps to avoid wetting. Damaging) the lenses by carrying them in suspension. The tripod helps to avoid vibrations in the image. As earlier mentioned, this is fundamental in binoculars with high magnification. They’re also important for models which do not have mechanical or electronic technology to stabilize the image.

Costway US $323.00 Modern Loveseat Sofa with 2 Bolsters and Side Storage Pocket-Light Gray Costway US $484.00 4 Pieces Patio Acacia Wood Thick Cushion Loveseat Sofa Set-White Costway US $225.00 2-Person Double Rocking Loveseat with Mesh Fabric and Center Tempered Glass Table-Brown Costway US $458.00 4 Pieces Patio Rattan Furniture Set with Glass Table and Loveseat-Navy Costway US $348.00 Modern Fabric Loveseat Sofa for with Metal Legs and Armrest Pillows-Army Green Costway US $323.00 Modern Loveseat Sofa with 2 Bolsters and Side Storage Pocket-Gray Costway US $1123.00 72.5 Inch Modern Fabric Loveseat Sofa Couch with Adjustable Headrest-White Costway US $106.00 Oversized Camping Chair Folding Loveseat Camping Couch with Cup Holders & Thick Padding-Blue Costway US $210.00 Outdoor Loveseat Chair Set with Tempered Glass Coffee Table Costway US $175.00 Swing Glider Chair 48 Inch Loveseat Rocker Lounge Backyard-Black