How to buy the best binoculars in 2022?

Binoculars come in many sizes, with thousands of optical components at different price points.  Different binoculars have specific purposes.  If you want to go stargazing with your birding binoculars, that’s different.  

Choosing a pair of binoculars can seem very complicated.  Many types, uses, prices, and confusing numbers are involved.  But once you know the basics, it’s easy to pick binoculars that will last for years, offering amazing sights along the way.  

Whether your hobby is birding, hunting, or anything else, please read this guide carefully.  This article will show you how to buy the best binoculars in 2022. 

How to buy the best binoculars in 2022?  

1. Enlarge  

Magnification is perhaps binoculars’ most important feature, making them very useful.  This is usually indicated on the binoculars themselves.  Look for two numbers, for example, 8×42.  

The first number is magnification, which is how much an object is magnified through binoculars.  The higher the magnification, the more prone binoculars are to wobble.  For very high magnification, a tripod is needed to keep the image stable.  

2. Objective lens diameter  

The objective lens is the large binoculars lens, the one farthest from your face.  The objective diameter refers to the dimensions of these lenses.  This is also usually found on binoculars and is the second number in the description.  

The 8×42 binoculars have a 42mm wide lens.  The larger the lens, the more light can pass through, and therefore the better the image.  Diameter less than 30 is considered compact and of low quality.  Above 42, binoculars tend to be heavy. 

3. Size and weight  

If you plan to use binoculars while out and about, it’s important to consider their size and weight.  If you need to carry them over long distances, a lighter, compact pair may be preferable.  Compact binoculars have the added benefit of being able to fit in a coat or jacket pocket.  

Don’t forget to check the weight of the suitcase as this can affect the overall weight.  When moving, the neck strap is a convenient accessory for quickly and safely picking up and down your binoculars between uses.  Some armor models provide additional protection, and strong armor also makes them easier to grip. 

4. View

Field of vision or FOV is related to, but not directly related to, the first two principles.  FOV is the distance that can be seen through binoculars.  The narrow FOV is good for things like birding, but it’s really hard to follow the birds.  For spectator sports like horse racing, a big FOV is a must.  The higher the magnification, the lower the FOV.  Views are usually listed in the specs, but it’s good to try them out for yourself.  

5. The wind and rain  

While there is always a guarantee that perfect weather will be good, it is impossible.  Waterproof has a higher water resistance than weatherproof, but neither can survive large amounts of immersion.  However, they are necessary to prevent showers.  

Also, pay attention to anti-fog.  Otherwise, the binoculars may fog up when moving from a cold to a warm environment.  

Weather-resistant optical elements can withstand occasional light rain, but not immersion or prolonged use under wet conditions.  Weatherproof or waterproof optics means that in most cases, the optics should not let water in.  Sometimes they are even rated as submerged for a period of time.  Some manufacturers will even have an IP (international protection) rating.  Out-of-band focusing binoculars are sealed with “O” rings, which can wear out, dry out, or break over time.  The result is that moisture or dust can get inside, deposit on the optics, and reduce your field of vision. 

6. Easy to focus  

Focus can be very complex or very simple.  The central focus is the most common type for amateurs because it uses a single dial to adjust the two lenses.  The dial should move smoothly and intuitively so that you can adjust it quickly.  

Binoculars are optimized for different uses.  Studying this guide will help you better understand how to buy a telescope so that you can make an informed decision when buying a telescope for yourself.