Crosley Songwriter CR248 Burner
11 Stores $300 - $400
Binocular Buying Guide
Binoculars bring us closer to the world around us. Whether you’re a bird lover, sports fan, star gazer, opera lover, or sightseer, a set of binoculars is an essential tool to see the world the way you want to see it—up close and personal. Pronto’s Bincoulars Buying Guide can help you choose the pair that maximizes your viewing pleasure.
More »
the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Shop for lenses
When buying binoculars, look for lenses that will meet your viewing needs. Binoculars with larger magnifications (10x to 12x) may be too cumbersome for closer viewing or extended use, 8x or lower is a good “portable size”.
Magnification and lens diameter
The measurements of binoculars tell you the magnification and the size, in millimeters, of the lenses. Larger-diameter lenses gather more light and cost more.
Exit pupil
Dividing the lens diameter by the magnification yields the exit pupil, or the amount of light the binoculars transmit to your eyes. Larger exit pupils are desirable for dusk and nighttime binocular use, and for those who will be on a boat or moving vehicle.
Consider personal fit
Look for binoculars that adjust to the spacing of your eyes. Eye relief is an important consideration for those who wear glasses, but remember that the field of view narrows as eye relief increases in all but the most expensive binoculars.
Add a camera
Digital camera/binocular combinations are becoming popular with bird watchers. Shop for these based on the quality of the binoculars first, and be aware that fixed-depth cameras may lead to blurry images.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
For general daytime use, Nikon’s Premiere HGL 10x25 DCF binoculars are tough to beat. These moderately priced binoculars deliver 8x magnification from relatively small lenses. At a weight of 24.5 ounces, these binoculars are easy to carry and hold, and they deliver excellent image quality and sharpness. Their lower exit pupil may be a concern for boaters or birders who need binoculars in darker conditions.
experts say
Cornell University—“In the $200 to $400 range, the Ranger Binoculars by Eagle Optics were clearly the first choice of our reviewers. These binoculars are waterproof, provide a sharp image, and their price is unbeatable.” Source: Ken Rosenberg, Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University
Outside Magazine—“Thanks to a proprietary lens coating, the Carson XM-HD Binocular delivers images as sharp and crisp as binocs twice the price.” Source: Outside Magazine Online
The New York Times—“…the Bushnell Compact Instant Replay Binocular gets almost everything right. The screen is bright and sharp, and the 3.1-megapixel photos are nothing to be ashamed of.” Source: David Pogue, The New York Times
Optics4Birding—“The newest Swarovski 32mm EL Binocular models have been billed by some as "possibly the best 32mm binoculars ever"… having seen them, we can understand why some folks have them in the race.” Source: Optics4birding.com
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Binoculars) |
| $ | Bargain binoculars in the $50-$200 generally have smaller objective lenses and lower exit pupils. Most of these binoculars have lower magnifications, although 10x models can be found, and fewer focus adjustments than their pricier cousins. These binoculars are perfect for sports, theater, and daytime birding. |
Compare prices at 3 stores $50 - $99 |
| $$ | As the price of binoculars rises so does lens size and performance. Between $200 and $500 you’ll find larger objective lenses and higher magnifications, along with binoculars that offer larger exit pupils for boaters and nighttime use. Binocular/camera combinations can be found as well. Don’t buy more lens than you need, and be wary of paying extra for antireflective coatings. While some of these coatings do improve performance, they’re generally not worth a lot of extra money. |
Compare prices at 2 stores $378 - $450 |
| $$$ | If you’re spending more than $750, it’s because you need the highest quality lenses available or an additional feature, such as electronic image stabilization, a range finder, or fogproof binoculars for boating. The lenses in top-tier binoculars should deliver very little image distortion. |
Compare prices at 4 stores $1,959 - $1,969 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Antireflective Coating
A chemical placed on the surface of binocular lenses to prevent light from scattering on the surface of the glass.
Depth of Field
The distance between you and an object you view. Binoculars are rated for their depth of field, and objects beyond that distance cannot be brought into sharp focus.
Diameter
The size, in millimeters, of the objective lenses in binoculars. Larger lenses can collect more light, allowing for brighter images and larger exit pupils.
Exit Pupil
The amount of light that binoculars transmit to your eyes, determined by dividing binoculars’ lens diameter by their magnification. Binoculars with larger exit pupils reveal more detail in low-light conditions and offer a more stable image while you’re moving.
Field of View
The horizontal edges of the image displayed by binoculars, represented as a degree of angle. Larger numbers equal more horizontal viewing space.
Fixed Focus
Binoculars or a camera designed to present a crisp image only at predetermined distances.
Image Stabilization
A battery-operated system that compensates for hand or vehicle motion while you’re using binoculars. These binoculars are expensive, and the added weight and size can make them harder to use.
Magnification
The degree to which binoculars bring an object closer to view, measured by a number followed by an “x.” Larger numbers mean greater magnification.
Objective Lens
A glass binocular lens that collects light and magnifies the image.
Ocular Lens
A glass binocular lens that transmits an image to your eye.
Prism
A set of glass plates inside binoculars that corrects the upside-down image transmitted by the objective lens. Porro prisms are mounted at right angles, cost less, and take up less space. Roof prisms are mounted on top of each other, require more space, and deliver a wider field of view.
guide tools
top brands
Electronics Gadgets
Research Central
We've compiled this group of information links to help you further your research