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Binocular AccessoriesBinocular accessories are the icing on the optics cake, making your viewing experience not only clear and crisp but comfortable too. You can choose from a wide range of options to personalize your binoculars for your needs, including lens caps, maintenance kits, cases, straps, tripods, and other types of mounts too. We've covered the three basic tripod designs and two binocular mount designs, so you can choose the one that works for you. Read on to find even more tips on choosing the perfect accessories for your binoculars.
Binocular Buying TipsTo buy the perfect set of binoculars you must first consider exactly what you plan to use them for. Whether you are birdwatching, boating, hiking, hunting, golfing, or viewing the stars, there is a device for you. Every set of binoculars specializes in a few elements, with trade-offs as necessary, so it is absolutely worthwhile to invest in the set that best fits your needs. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the details unless you get a basic understanding of what each feature does. Use our guide to consider everything from magnification to lens coatings, materials used, and eye reliefs available.
Binoculars for Bird WatchingBirdwatching requires binoculars that are not only powerful but also comfortable to use for extended periods. While higher magnifications and bigger lenses will optimize your birding experience, you also need to balance these elements with a set of binoculars that won't give you a back ache just by using them. Flexible focus so you can get a wide field of view across a large area of the forest, then zoom in on that rare bird, is absolutely necessary, along with superior image quality so you can get a good look at features and coloring. Here are some of the most important things to consider.
Bird Watching SpotsLooking for a great spot to go bird watching? Have you visited a great birding spot and want to share it with the world? Then check out our constantly growing state by state guide to the best birding spots in North America. This indispensable guide gives you detailed information on many sites including information about local birding club and societies in the area.
Birding ArticlesWant to get more out of your birdwatching experience? Are you new to birdwatching and looking for a good place to start? From joining a birding club, to environmental issues and more our birding articles highlight issues important to the birders young and old.
Compact BinocularsCompact binoculars need to be powerful enough for what you need despite their portability and slim size. Some sets fold easily or come with straps to make them easy to carry and use at a moment's notice, whereas others are ultra slim and simple so they slip in and out of your purse or glove box. That said, there may be some trade-offs in terms of magnification or lens size, so don't get caught by a great looking pair of binoculars that won't meet your needs later on. Check out our suggestions to successfully choose compact binoculars.
Compact Veiwing with MonocularsWhen you're an international agent, successfully navigating car chases, explosions, and dangerous women of mystery, you need top-notch optical equipment that makes long-distance viewing clear without being bulky or indiscreet. James Bond makes best use of his monoculars to magnify the most precise details at a moment's notice, without wasting a breath lugging them around or trying to get them in focus. Many monoculars are available in a wide range of prices, including tiny scopes you can hide in your sleeve for those international missions.
Finding the Right Astronomy BinocularsAstronomy binoculars allow you to view the Heavens by maximizing light, offering plenty of magnification, and making fine focus possible so you can see those distant universes clearly. Light is maximized through high-quality prisms, wide objective lenses, and carefully designed exit pupils. The result is a clear, crisp picture of distant stars and planets so you can stargaze effectively. Check out our tips to choose astronomy binoculars that traverse the mysteries of the universe.
Frequently Asked Questions about BinocularsGet all your questions answered quickly and easily through our FAQ. From magnifications and objective lenses through to apertures, prisms, and coatings, we have you covered.
Getting a Clearer Image with Image Stabilizing BinocularsImage stabilizing (IS) binoculars are rare yet can be a strong advantage for your viewing experience. There are so many times when IS sets can provide a huge improvement, especially when you're supporting them in-hand rather than on a mount. What are the pros and cons of these devices? We've explained how they work, why they improve image quality, and when they're worth the investment. We've also covered all the cons; there are trade-offs, and you need to consider ergonomics and comfort along with battery usage.
Getting the Big Picture with Giant BinocularsGiant binoculars are often the best option for astronomy or viewing in low-light situations such as dawn or dusk. That said, their size and weight can range considerably, and some sets are optimized to use mounts or tripods. In most cases you will want to choose some sort of mount or tripod option, to eliminate any kind of shaking or discomfort caused by using these in hand. However, some sets are fairly portable too, combining extreme power with easier handling. Learn what makes these monsters work so well and why you'll want a pair.
Glossary of TermsOur glossary is an excellent quick reference you may want to have open as you browse our site or others. Whether you're just learning about binoculars or out to buy your first pair you don't want to be stumbling over terminology. We go over all the important definitions to help keep you on-track as you review binoculars, monoculars, scopes, and more. From aperture to thermal imaging, we have it all spelled out, so you don't end up cross-eyed from keeping terms straight!
High End Binoculars: The Next Frontier in Optical QualityConstructed from best materials and using the highest quality optics available, high-end binoculars are more than a mere luxury. These binoculars offer unrivaled performance and their names are legendary in the field of optics. While some may be put off by the price of these binoculars, serious enthusiasts and professionals will swear that they pay for themselves the first time you use them. These are truly remarkable binoculars but are they truly incomparable and do you really get what you pay for?
Hitting a Hole-in-one with RangefindersRangefinders give a competitive edge for hunting or golfing, and that is primarily where you will see them used. They can easily be mounted on rifles or golf bags, and offer various modes and features to make estimating long distances possible. While typically their magnification levels are minimal, they can be used to scan for distant objects and then judge how far away those objects are. This is particularly helpful when looking to hit that hole in one, but you'll want to consider the sizes and styles to make these binoculars easy to carry and use while on the green. Take a look!
How To Choose Hunting BinocularsHunting binoculars offer an added edge while you are out tracking game and putting food on the table. You just don't have the time to waste on choosing a pretty little set of binoculars that'll break on that hunting trip, so how can you find a set that will stand up to hiking, camping, or fishing on the lake? What's the difference between waterproof and weatherproof, and how can you choose binoculars that will work well when the sun starts going down? Read on, we've spelled it out here.
Kids Just Want To Have Fun... With BinocularsKids binoculars run the gamut and provide options for all ages. Whether you want a fun, colorful little set for your bug-catching adventurer, or are ready to invest in a higher quality pair of binoculars for your highschool aged scientist, we've got some ideas on how to pick them.
Looking for Deals on Discount BinocularsWhen choosing a first set of binoculars or an extra pair to keep on hand, you might consider selecting lower-priced options at a discount. You can buy binoculars online for your young adventurer without breaking the bank, but you don't want to end up with a piece of junk. How can you find a set that won't cost an arm and a leg yet won't sacrifice power or comfort? Consider floor models, wholesale sets, or military surplus options. We offer even more ideas and guidance to make discount binoculars a possibility for you.
Marine Binoculars an Essential Item for any BoaterMarine binoculars for boating or fishing can make all the difference on that trip. Not only do you want them waterproofed, you also need a set that are durable and able to stand up to hard knocks. There are binoculars that will float if they accidentally get dropped out of the boat, and several models also offer built-in compasses or rangefinders. We take a look at choosing objective lenses and magnifications that will fit your boating needs without weighing you down.
Military Binoculars for Military PrecisionIn the military, nobody has time for flimsy binoculars or shoddy equipment. Binoculars need to be rugged, strong, and durable, to survive soldiers on the move. Straps and armoring are all-important here, but weight and power need to be considered as well. Military binoculars may be the hardest working of all kinds, because they need the heaviest duty shells along with the highest quality mechanisms. You won't settle for less, and you don't have to.
Opera Glasses Make Any Seat The Best Seat In The HouseWhile at the opera, seeing a play, or taking in a ballet performance, opera glasses can give you that added edge of experience by bringing the finest details of the performer's movements and expressions right to you. Whether you find yourself in the balcony or just several rows back, these optical devices inevitably are worth the added little investment, and offer a unique charm as well as great viewing. Glasses are often available in a wide array of jewel toned, vibrant colors, with Swarovski crystal accents, or simply in the finest metals available. Binocular features including magnification, lens sizes, and field of view are optimized for best use indoors, and careful craftsmanship allows these to offer you clear, crisp images as well as an elegant shell that can be collected and worn as jewelry.
Seeing in the Dark with Night VisionNight vision is possible through some interesting techniques. In short, night vision devices work by increasing either the spectral range or intensity range at which human eyes can already see. Whether they maximize existing light or offer infrared illumination, night vision binoculars are a worthwhile investment for night-time surveillance, hunting, or use in the military. Learn all the ins and outs of how they work, how the different types are described, and how far they've come since World War II.
Stargazing with Telescope BinocularsTelescopic binoculars are yet another excellent result of combining binocular features with telescope features to optimize image viewing. These are as powerful as any telescopes, but have two eyepieces which will be specially designed for maximum comfort and ease. You'll get multiple eyepieces as you'd expect with your telescope, but in pairs, and they'll be softer and smoother. Telescopic binoculars often contain very fine focus controls as well as super high quality mechanisms to make them excellent investments for astronomy. These will generally be much bigger and heavier than spotting scopes, and you'll likely want to mount them rather than carrying them by hand. Read on to see more of the benefits.
The Inner Workings of BinocularsIt's easy to get overwhelmed by all the features, functions, and options available when considering binoculars and other devices such as monoculars and scopes. With so many tools out there, how do you choose the one that is best for your use? How do binoculars work, and why do they range so much in price? What are all those numbers on the box, and what does FOV stand for again? Don't get lost in sales speak about eye relief and coated lenses – we've got all the explanations here for you.
The Ins and Outs of Digital Camera BinocularsDigital camera binoculars offer a unique combination of photography and distance viewing, making them an excellent gift or impressive gadget for your own use. Not only can you watch the game in the stadium, you can quickly snap a picture of the winning goal. That said, obviously there are some extra considerations in terms of camera features as well as everything you need for a useful set of binoculars. How can you choose a set that is both powerful and functional? Read on!
The Lowdown on Zoom BinocularsZoom binoculars are perhaps the most controversial type. They offer a wide range of sizes and zooming strengths, making it possible to use binoculars for objects in the distance as well as those up close. Zoom binoculars are often used during butterfly watching or to zero in on the finest details of plants and other insects, so they tend more towards microscopic views then telescopic. That said, the mechanisms involved can make them rather fragile and there are other ways to get the zooming functionality. Read on to learn more.
Types of Binoculars and ScopesWant a quick overview of the various binocular and scope models in an easy to read, bulleted format? If you're just starting out you may want to begin here to get a quick introduction, before you dive into the heavy-duty information we've provided in other articles. Consider the relative advantages of standard binoculars as they compare to those that are compact, giant, zooming, stabilizing, or waterproof. Here's your guide.
Up Close and Personal with Spotting ScopesA spotting scope is an excellent high-tech tool that combines the best of binoculars and telescopes, making them a great change for target shooting and hiking. By using these you can avoid a bulky telescope that would be a pain to lug through the forest, but retain the benefits of specialized eyepieces and lens coatings. They will keep your image upright and offer a wider field of view along with very rugged, durable shells as you'd expect in binoculars. If you're curious, we've described it all here.
Waterproof Binoculars: Essential of Outdoor EnthusiastsOutdoor enthusiasts demand rugged, durable binoculars that won't fall to pieces with real use in the field. Learn about waterproof binoculars and how they compare to other types, along with when to use them, and how they work. Also take a look at possible pitfalls including difficult focus controls or confusing labels, and see the exciting features included in some models. Why not get a set of binoculars that has a built-in compass or extra wide lenses for use at dusk and dawn? Here's how.
