Ornithology, hunting, astrology or hiking? What do all these activities have in common? It's the need to own binoculars. Seeing a distant object as if it were close by allows you to admire the landscape and observe incredible animals. For the right use, it's important to choose your binoculars well. We've put together this guide for you.
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Our selection
"The Bushnell Legend HD offers better value for money. It is very practical for long term use with a hydrophobic Rainguard HD treatment."
"This binocular allows you to see the details of the images in the highest quality and in a very clear way. In addition, it offers…"
"The Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 is the best high-end binoculars you can find on the market. It is very durable and very comfortable to…"
"The Vortex Optics Diamondback features modern arguments such as its scratch-resistant HD lenses, a non-slip grip or its waterproof function."
"Because of its power and capabilities, you can be sure that no detail will escape you with the Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x30 binoculars. Once you…"
The Bushnell Legend HD offers better value for money. It is very practical for long term use with a hydrophobic Rainguard HD treatment.
350 £ on AmazonThis binoculars presents a very good quality for its price. The model has a 30 year manufacturer's warranty, which ensures high quality. Indeed, it is very durable and you can use it without any problem for many years. The frame is made of ultra-light magnesium.
The binocular weighs only 710 grams. It is suitable for adults. The objective lens has a diameter of 42 mm, large enough to be used in the greatest comfort. In addition, this equipment can zoom up to 10 times. This is very promising for aiming very far and having a very clear view. In addition, all accessories are included in the packaging. The latter includes: a shoulder strap, a bag, a cleaning cloth, an instruction manual and eyelet covers.
This binocular allows you to see the details of the images in the highest quality and in a very clear way. In addition, it offers a wide field of view.
79,20 £ on AmazonThis binocular has a very wide field of view so you can follow the fast movements of your targets. The details are very clear and even with a large zoom, you can have very vivid natural colors. Moreover, the optical system is also very powerful and renders high resolution. Even in very low light conditions, you can have a very impressive rendering.
It is designed with a very good finish and a very robust and compact case. There are also ergonomic controls that offer maximum comfort. The thumbwheel is also very sensitive and the strap is very practical. When you buy this product, you get all the accessories you need to use it, including the case and the strap.
The Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 is the best high-end binoculars you can find on the market. It is very durable and very comfortable to use. Its design is also very interesting.
823 £ on AmazonThis Carl Zeiss model is very impressive in all aspects and is the best of the top of the range compared to other products of the same rank. It has an elaborate port system with HD technology. It can zoom in up to 10 times the normal size for long distance viewing. It offers a wide range of vision. It is both light and compact.
We will be entitled to natural images very vivid and colorful. The Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 is a robust and lightweight binocular that you can use with more comfort. It has an ergonomic design and that's why it's very easy to use. It is also very reliable with an almost indestructible material.
The Vortex Optics Diamondback features modern arguments such as its scratch-resistant HD lenses, a non-slip grip or its waterproof function.
334 £ on CdiscountThis model of binocular is very much in demand, green in color, with a magnification of 10x and 32 mm lenses. It gives a very beautiful view with very precise details with the help of its exceptional glasses with reduced chromatic aberration. The HD function of its glasses, resistant to scratches and dust, allows a better color fidelity.
It is made entirely of impact-resistant plastic and has waterproof O-rings, so you can enjoy hours of observation under any conditions. Moreover, it will not slip from your hands thanks to the non-slip rubberized grips and the plus: it is the argon purge to prevent condensation or fogging.
Because of its power and capabilities, you can be sure that no detail will escape you with the Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x30 binoculars. Once you use it, you'll never take your eyes off it!
239 £ on AmazonVery compact and foldable, the Steiner UltraSharp 10x30 binoculars are perfect for any adventurer or sportsman. Thanks to the High-Contrast optics, you will benefit from bright images of incomparable clarity and sharpness. The color accuracy is even noticeable at the edges. With 10x magnification and a 30mm objective lens diameter, these binoculars put you close to the action while enjoying sharp images.
To ensure comfort, they are equipped with ergonomic silicone eyecups. Your eyes are always protected and you can observe at your ease. Wearing glasses? No problem, these eyecups are foldable. Easily make adjustments via the center Fast-Close-Focus wheel and quickly view objects up to 2 meters away! Finally, this pair of binoculars combines lightness and sturdiness thanks to its polycarbonate frame.
Thanks to the different technologies that equip the Binocular 10x30 Is II W/Eye Cap de Canon, offer yourself a comfortable observation in all circumstances! The quality of the images is such that your eyes will never get tired.
408 £ on AmazonThe Binocular 10x30 Is II W/Eye Cap binoculars designed by Canon are ideal for birdwatching or simply following a sporting event. Indeed, this device is able to provide you with sharp images with vivid colors with a 10 x magnification and a 30 mm lens diameter.
These binoculars allow you to enjoy high resolution images provided by Canon's precision optics! The lenses are coated with Super Spectra to ensure accurate color rendition. Moreover, you can observe without being disturbed by your movements since the device is equipped with a very powerful optical image stabilizer. As for comfort, it has rubber eyecups to effectively protect your eyes.
Swarovski's 9006325076905 binoculars will make your adventures even more exciting. With these binoculars, you won't miss the most beautiful details that nature has to offer! A must-have model for those who love to be in the woods.
1 654 £ on AmazonTo help you observe objects over a long distance, Swarovski's 9006325076905 binoculars feature 10x magnification and a 42mm objective diameter. They offer high optical performance to capture even the most insignificant details. Also enjoy a great grip thanks to their wrap-around handle!
Weighing only 840g, this model is lightweight and easy to carry. Resistant, it is not afraid of water since it is waterproof up to 4 m. It is thus perfectly adapted for activities carried out in a natural environment such as hunting. Moreover, this device is able to deliver an exceptional image rendering.
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Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | LOW COSTS | TOP OF THE RANGE | EXCELLENT | Middle of the range | High resolution | Professional | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Bushnell - 191042 - Legend HD
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Olympus Binoculars 8 x 40
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Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42
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Vortex Optics Diamondback 10 x 32
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Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x30
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Canon Binocular 10x30 Is II W/Eye Cap
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Swarovski - EL 10X42 W B
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The Bushnell Legend HD offers better value for money. It is very practical for long term use with a hydrophobic Rainguard HD treatment.
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This binocular allows you to see the details of the images in the highest quality and in a very clear way. In addition, it offers a wide field of view.
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The Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 is the best high-end binoculars you can find on the market. It is very durable and very comfortable to use. Its design is also very interesting.
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The Vortex Optics Diamondback features modern arguments such as its scratch-resistant HD lenses, a non-slip grip or its waterproof function.
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Because of its power and capabilities, you can be sure that no detail will escape you with the Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x30 binoculars. Once you use it, you'll never take your eyes off it!
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Thanks to the different technologies that equip the Binocular 10x30 Is II W/Eye Cap de Canon, offer yourself a comfortable observation in all circumstances! The quality of the images is such that your eyes will never get tired.
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Swarovski's 9006325076905 binoculars will make your adventures even more exciting. With these binoculars, you won't miss the most beautiful details that nature has to offer! A must-have model for those who love to be in the woods.
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Quality
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Dimensions
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13.4 x 10.2 x 17.5 cm
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18.3 x 14.2 x 6 cm
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26.4 x 19.8 x 16.3 cm
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30.48 x 15.24 x 15.24 cm
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5.7x16.6x12 cm
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12.7x7x15 cm
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16x12.2x6.1 cm
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Weight
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0.71 kg
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0.715 kg
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0.795 kg
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0.450 kg
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0.6 kg
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0.6 kg
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0.840 kg
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Lens diameter
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42 mm
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40 mm
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42 mm
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32 mm
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30 mm
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30 mm
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42 mm
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Optical zoom
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10 x
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8 x
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10 x
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10 x
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10 x
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10 x
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10 x
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Digital zoom
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10 x
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8 x
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10 x
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10 x
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10 x
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10 x
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10 x
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The choice of a pair of binoculars must be made taking into consideration the environment in which it will be used. If you plan to take your equipment on a hike, special attention should be paid to waterproofing.
Moreover, if you want to offer it to a child, it is important to evaluate the waterproofness but also the robustness of the equipment.
The
size is a criterion not to be neglected when buying binoculars. A small equipment will easily find a place in an inside pocket, but it will be much less efficient than a large pair of binoculars.
For an excellent compromise between performance and compactness, we recommend 8 x 42 binoculars. However, your choice should be based solely on your needs. You can go for compact and light, at the expense of image quality, or go for a large product to get excellent views of extremely distant objects.
In
many cases, the dimensions provide an excellent overview of the magnification offered by binoculars. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to check if the performance of the optical device really meets your expectations.
The magnification is indicated by the first numerical information that manufacturers highlight. A 10×50 binocular has a magnification factor of 10, with an objective diameter of 50 mm. In other words, if you look at an object at 100 m, you will be able to see it as if it were at 10 m. The calculation is made by dividing 100 by the magnification factor of 10.
Note that a magnification of 8 should be sufficient to fully enjoy the beautiful views offered by hiking trails. Beyond that, it is necessary to have an excellent control of vibrations so as not to affect the clarity of the images.
The
eye circle, or exit pupil, is the circle of light on the back lens of the binoculars. It should match the size of your pupil for optimum comfort of use.
To find out the size of the SP, simply divide the diameter of the lens by the magnification. In the case of a pair of 8×42 binoculars, it is approximately 5.25 mm.
If you wear eyeglasses, we recommend that you evaluate the eye circle of the binoculars, but also check if they offer features that are suitable for your needs. Some equipment has retractable or sliding eyecups, which gives eyeglass wearers the ability to easily bring their eyes close to the eyepieces.
A very practical optical device, binoculars allow you to observe objects from a distance and maintain stereoscopic vision. Binocular, this device is composed of two symmetrical glasses mounted in parallel.
Basically, the light enters the optical system through the objectives, which are composed of several lenses at the end of each tube. Since the eyepieces are convergent systems, it will be as in a telescope because the images obtained would be turned around. But we can observe the straight terrestrial images through an optical vehicle that is in the light path.
The light beam of this optical device is foldable, which makes it less cumbersome. Since these optical beams are parallel, it is possible to increase the distance between the optical axes of the objectives while ensuring that the distance between the output axes is the same as that of the observer's eyes. As a result, the camera becomes magnified and the sensation of relief is increased.
Apart from that, the inter-pupillary distance is adjustable from one person to another. In fact, one of the eyepieces can be adjusted because the two eyes of the observer do not have the same visual qualities.
With very long-range marine binoculars, you can better observe distant objects in depth thanks to the design of a large distance between the optical axes at the entrance. Galileo binoculars, on the other hand, have straight tubes without bends. They ensure binocular comfort of the observer, because the effect of relief is not increased due to the fact that the distance of their optical axes is not other than that of the eyes of the observer.
This is the most iconic design in binoculars. Invented by the Italian Ignazio Porro, this type of binoculars has a fairly simple operating principle. The light passes through the bell of the lens. Then it is directed through the Porro prism and reflected in a zigzag pattern, comprising 4 reflections to bring the image upright and forward to reach your eye.
Porro prism binoculars come in 2 types. The standard Porro has closer eyepieces and objective lenses that are further apart. There is also the reverse Porro prism system, with eyepieces further apart while the objective lenses are closer together.
The main advantage of Porro prism binoculars is that they have a higher optical quality than roof prism binoculars. They can be easily adjusted to suit your vision. In addition, you can mount them on a tripod to hold it securely in place. However, they are heavier: carrying them for a day can be a problem.
Roof prism binoculars are more compact and weather resistant. With a mirror coating, they have more reflectivity to limit light loss. Light enters the lens bell and passes through the two prisms of the roof assembly that make them up. The path of this light passes through a series of six reflections to produce a straight image horizontally and vertically.
The advantage of roof prism binoculars is that they can potentially be optically superior to Porro prism binoculars if they have good phase correction and mirror coating. They are also lighter: you can carry them without difficulty.
However, using roof prism binoculars can be a problem. The distance between the barrels may not be adjustable for some models, so you will not be able to change it properly to suit your own vision. Also, not all roof prism binoculars can be placed on a tripod.
Choose roof prism binoculars if you can afford them. They are more robust and offer a better view. But if you want to have less light loss or clearer, higher contrast images, you should go for Porro prism binoculars.
To appreciate every detail of the landscape offered by a hike
Hiking is a great way to relieve the stress of long days at work. If you're a trekking enthusiast, a pair of binoculars will allow you to take full advantage of your nature escapades.
It gives you the opportunity to observe every little detail of the magnificent panoramas offered by the trails and in some situations, it allows you to have an excellent view of the routes to be taken.
For wildlife observation
In addition to the panoramic views, hiking generally takes you to the discovery of many animal species. However, it is not always easy to get close to the animals, as they are usually shy. To be able to admire them or study their behavior, it is often necessary to observe them from a distance with the help of binoculars.
During a safari, this type of equipment is strongly recommended. Indeed, to admire the majestic predators such as lions or cheetahs, it is essential to position yourself far enough from their activity zones to avoid possible attacks.
Binoculars are among the most widely used equipment in ornithology. They have participated in the census of many species of birds and remain the most suitable devices to study their behavior and their role in the ecosystem.
If you are an avid birder, you will need to purchase a pair of binoculars with varying degrees of magnification. Indeed, birds must be observed at a distance large enough not to frighten them and disturb their movements.
For astronomy
Binoculars are not only for nature lovers. They can also be useful for those who wish to study or simply admire the splendor of the stars.
For an astronomer, this type of equipment cannot replace telescopes. However, it remains an essential equipment for the study of celestial bodies. It is used to locate in the sky and to determine the ideal position of the telescope in order to have an excellent view of the stars to study.
In most cases, the binoculars used in astronomy have significant performance.
Be sure to distinguish between waterproof binoculars and waterproof binoculars.
If you don't intend to use your binoculars in bad weather or in conditions where they will get wet often, choose water-resistant binoculars. However, if you intend to take them with you on a trip to the sea or rafting, choose the waterproof model. Always keep in mind that a pair of waterproof binoculars is normally more expensive than a pair of binoculars that are merely water resistant.
Choose plastic lenses.
Plastic lenses may not provide you with the best image quality. However, they are much more robust than glass products. If you plan to use the camera outdoors and in harsh conditions that require ruggedness, choose a pair of binoculars with plastic lenses.
Look at the lens with the naked eye before using the binoculars.
Observe your lens with the naked eye first. This is because binoculars can interfere with your field of view, so it makes more sense to look for the lens with the naked eye first, and then hold your binoculars up to your eyes.
Make sure you focus correctly.
Start by adjusting the distance between the barrels of your binoculars, so that they are the perfect width for your eyes. If they are too close together or too far apart, you will see black edges in the field of view. If the spacing is right, you'll be able to see better. Next, look for something you can focus on, such as a street sign, overhead cable or tree branch. Focus by turning the center focus knob.
Make sure you always use the neck strap.
Always keep the strap of your binoculars around your neck. This will make it much less cumbersome and there will be less chance of losing it.
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