How to Choose Binoculars

Guide to Buying Binoculars:
What do the numbers mean?
There are two numbers that are used to describe binoculars. The first is the magnification and the second is the size of the front elements.

The first number generally falls between 7x and 20x. If the number is smaller (ie 7x, or8x) the binoculars are good for sport such as tennis, football or bird-watching. The view is wide and any handshake is minimised.
The higher magnifications, from 10x to 20x, are good for horse-racing, whale watching and astronomy. The higher power means a support may be needed for clear viewing.

The second number gives an indication of the light catching ability and the angle of view. The bigger the number, the more light is captured and the brighter the vision through the binoculars will be. Brighter vision is important for boating or using in low light situations.
 The bigger size also allows a wider view, which is important in watching sport. However a bigger number will also cause the weight of the unit to increase and it may not be convenient to carry around.
 If the second number is smaller, eg 20 –35mm the binoculars are lighter and easy to slip into the pocket or purse. This is ideal for hiking, travelling and going to shows.

Some binoculars are also waterproof. This is good for outdoor activities or boating.
There are some units that have a zoom mechanism so you can search at lower magnification and the zoom in to observe details.

As with anything in life, you pay for quality. The more expensive binoculars have higher quality glass, giving clearer vision, and better quality glues and coverings, giving a longer life to the product. It is wise to pay a little more for the best possible result. Be cautious buying from a shop with only a couple of models or where the assistants do not have a thorough knowledge of these products.