How To Buy Binoculars

If you’re wondering how to buy binoculars, you’re in the right place. It can feel confusing with all the numbers and specs, but it’s easier than you think once you know what to look for. This guide will walk you through every step, from understanding the basics to making that final choice. You’ll learn how to match the right pair to your favorite activities, whether that’s birdwatching, sports, or stargazing.

Let’s break down the process into simple, manageable steps. The goal is to turn a potentially overwhelming decision into a straightforward one. We’ll cover the key features, explain the jargon, and give you a clear path to follow.

Step 1: Understand the Numbers (Magnification & Objective Lens)

Every binocular has two numbers, like 8×42 or 10×50. This is the most important spec to know.

First Number (Magnification): This tells you how many times closer an object appears. An “8x” means things look eight times closer than with your eye alone. Higher isn’t always better. More magnification (like 12x) makes the image bigger but also shakier, as it amplifies every tiny hand movement. For most general use, 7x, 8x, or 10x are perfect.
Second Number (Objective Lens Diameter): This is the diameter of the big front lenses in millimeters. A bigger number (like 42 instead of 25) means more light can enter. This gives you a brighter image, which is crucial for dawn, dusk, or forest birding. However, bigger lenses also mean a heavier, bulkier binocular.

The combination gives you a sense of the design. An 8×42 is a fantastic all-rounder. A 10×25 is compact and great for daytime but not for low light.

Step 2: Choose for Your Primary Activity

What you’ll do most should guide your choice. Here’s a quick guide:

Birdwatching & Wildlife: You need a balance of detail and field of view. 8×42 is the gold standard. It offers good magnification, a bright image, and a wide enough view to track moving birds.
Hiking & Travel: Weight and size are key. Look for compact models like 8×25 or 10×28. They slip easily into a backpack. Roof prism designs are often more streamlined for packing.
Concerts & Sports Events: You’re usually in a fixed seat. Compact binoculars (8×25) are easy to carry into a venue. A wider field of view helps you follow the action on a whole stage or field.
Stargazing & Astronomy: Light gathering is everything. You’ll want large objective lenses (50mm or more) like a 10×50. A tripod adapter is also a must-have feature to avoid arm fatigue during long viewing sessions.
Marine & Boating: Durability is critical. You need binoculars that are waterproof and fog-proof (nitrogen purged). Models with built-in compasses and rangefinders are common here, and 7×50 is a classic marine size.

Step 3: Key Features and What They Mean

Beyond the numbers, these features impact performance and comfort.

Prism Type: Roof vs. Porro

Roof Prism: The barrels are in a straight line. They are more compact, sleeker, and generally more expensive for high-quality optics. They are the choice for most modern, high-end binoculars.
Porro Prism: You can recognize these by their offset barrels (the lenses are not in line with the eyepieces). They often provide better depth perception and can offer excellent value for money, but they are bulkier.

Lens Coatings

Coatings reduce glare and increase light transmission. More coatings are better. Look for terms like “fully multi-coated.” This means all air-to-glass surfaces have multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. It’s a sign of optical quality.

Eye Relief

This is the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see the whole image. It’s crucial if you wear glasses. Look for long eye relief (15mm or more). Most binoculars have twist-up eyecups that you can adjust down if you wear glasses, or up if you don’t.

Field of View

This is the width of the area you can see, usually measured in feet at 1000 yards. A wider field of view makes it easier to locate and follow moving objects, like a bird in flight. Generally, lower magnification gives a wider field of view.

Close Focus

How close an object can be and still be brought into sharp focus. If you like looking at butterflies, insects, or flowers, a close focus of 6 feet or less is amazing. Some general binoculars focus down to 10-15 feet.

Step 4: Set Your Budget and Know What to Expect

Binoculars range from $20 to over $3000. Here’s a rough guide:

Under $100: You’ll find basic models for occasional use at events. Optical quality and durability will be limited. They might not be fully waterproof.
$100 – $300: The sweet spot for most enthusiasts. Here you get good optics, durable construction, waterproofing, and brand reliability. This is where you should aim for serious hobbies like birding.
$300 – $1000: High-performance tier. Expect exceptional sharpness, bright images in low light, superior coatings, and rugged, lightweight bodies. The differences become subtle but meaningful for dedicated users.
$1000+: Premium, professional-grade optics. They offer the absolute best in optical clarity, build quality, and often special features like ultra-wide fields or extreme durability.

Remember, it’s better to buy a great pair of $200 binoculars you use every day than a mediocre $80 pair that sits in a drawer.

Step 5: Try Before You Buy (The Hands-On Test)

If possible, visit a store. Here’s what to check:

Feel the Weight: Hold them. Are they comfortable? Could you hold them to your eyes for 30 minutes?
Check the Focus: Find a knob or wheel. Is it smooth and easy to turn? Look at something close, then far away. Does it focus quickly and sharply?
Eye Comfort: Adjust the eyecups and the distance between the barrels (interpupillary distance). Does the view look like a single, perfect circle without black edges (vignetting)?
Look for “Chromatic Aberration”: Focus on a high-contrast edge, like a roof against the sky. Do you see a noticeable purple or yellow fringing? Better optics minimize this.
Test the Brightness: Look into a dim corner of the store. Which model gives a clearer, brighter view?

Step 6: Consider Essential Accessories

A few extras can make a big difference.

Neck Strap: The one in the box is often thin and uncomfortable. A wide, padded strap distributes weight much better.
Carrying Case: Always use it for storage and transport. It protects the lenses from dust and scratches.
Lens Cleaning Kit: A soft brush and microfiber cloth designed for optics. Never use your shirt or tissues, which can scratch coatings.
Tripod Adapter: For high-magnification models (10x and above) or long astronomy sessions, this is a game-changer for stability.

Step 7: Make Your Final Decision

Review your notes. Which pair felt best in your hands? Which gave the clearest, brightest view for your budget? Which one best matches your main activity? Trust the process—you’ve done the work. The right pair is the one that makes you want to go outside and look at things.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-magnifying: Choosing 12x or 15x for handheld use usually leads to disappointment from shaky images.
Ignoring Eye Relief: Glasses wearers who skip this will never see the full image.
Assuming Waterproof: Not all binoculars are waterproof. “Water-resistant” means it can handle a light splash, not a downpour or a drop overboard.
Forgetting About Weight: That heavy, “bargain” full-size pair might live on your shelf instead of in your pack.
Not Checking the Warranty: A good manufacturer’s warranty (like a lifetime transferable warranty) speaks volumes about build quality and company confidence.

FAQ Section

What is the best all-purpose binocular size?
For most people, an 8×42 binocular is the ideal all-purpose choice. It balances magnification, image brightness, and field of view perfectly for activities like birding, hiking, and sports.

Are more expensive binoculars worth it?
Up to a point, yes. Spending more typically gets you better lens coatings (brighter, sharper images), more durable construction (metal vs. plastic), and reliable waterproofing. The law of diminishing returns applies, but the jump from $50 to $250 is usually very noticeable.

What does “field of view” mean on binoculars?
Field of view is the width of the area you can see through the binoculars at a specific distance, usually 1000 yards. A wider field makes it easier to find and follow moving objects. It’s especially important for birdwatching and sports.

Can I use binoculars with glasses?
Absolutely. Just make sure to choose binoculars with long eye relief (15mm or more). Then, remember to twist down the rubber eyecups. This allows your eyes to get closer to the lenses so you can see the entire picture.

What’s the difference between waterproof and fog-proof?
Waterproof means the housing is sealed against water entry. Fog-proof (usually achieved by purging with nitrogen or argon gas) means the internal air is moisture-free, so the lenses won’t fog up from the inside due to temperature changes. Quality binoculars offer both.

How do I clean my binocular lenses?
First, use a soft brush or blower to remove dust. Then, use a lens cleaning fluid made for optics and a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outward. Never press hard or use household cleaners.

Is 10×50 better than 8×42?
It depends. The 10×50 will give you higher magnification and a slightly brighter image, but it will be heavier and shakier to hold steady. The 8×42 is easier to hold steady, has a wider field of view, and is more compact. For general handheld use, many prefer the 8×42.

Choosing your first—or your next—pair of binoculars should be exciting, not stressful. By following these steps, you move from confusion to confidence. You now know how to decode the numbers, prioritize features for your needs, and test them effectively. The world is full of incredible details waiting to be seen a little closer. With the right binoculars, you won’t miss a thing. Go ahead and start your search—you’re ready.