Choosing Your Binoculars

This area will give you descriptions on binoculars that are best suited to your needs. Without going too far with terminology, here is a quick reference guide for what types you should consider.

Magnification?

Whichever you choose, stay between 6x and 10x magnification unless you plan to use a tripod. Check the magnification before you buy, and only go over 8x magnification if you have unusually steady hands. The higher the magnification, the more shaky hands will affect the image.

On a budget

Porro prism binoculars provide better image quality at a lower price

Holidays

Again, if you’re on a budget, look at porro prisms. But if you can afford it, you may also wish to consider more expensive roof prisms, which are more compact and lighter.

Theatre, Opera

There are standard types of binoculars known as 'opera glasses' designed specifically for watching theatre or opera. Or if you want something a bit more rugged, which you can also use outdoors, go for standard binoculars around 6x30 strength.

Sporting

For sports you will need a pair of binoculars with a wide field of view. These will give you the benefits of magnification and a wide screen affect. Usually you will find these will have less magnification unless they are going to be mounted on a tripod

Hunting

If you are hunting in woods, you want a wide view and a strong image. So objective lens diameter may be more useful than magnification – at least until the binoculars become so bulky that they can’t be carried easily. 7x35 is ‘good for all-round field use’, where 6x30 is adequate for looking around a woods, or 8x35 or 9x35 for looking at birds of prey at a longer distance.