Binoculars

Explore our selection of binoculars for hiking, leisure, boating and more.

How to choose your binoculars
3 essential characteristics:
  • Weight and packed size. If you carry your binoculars in a backpack or wear them around your neck for long periods, you will probably want a compact pair that is not too heavy. We offer a range of very compact, lightweight binoculars. Compared with larger binoculars, they have one limitation: with the same lens quality, smaller optics will be less bright than larger ones. However, compact binoculars with good optics can be as bright as a large pair with average optics.
 
  • Magnification: 8 or 10 times magnification is usually sufficient. Some binoculars offer stronger magnification, but be aware that hand shake will also become much more noticeable. Unless you have a specific need, we recommend limiting yourself to x8 or x10. In the binocular name, the first number indicates magnification: 8x21 = x8 magnification; 10x32 = x10 magnification. We also offer variable-magnification binoculars that adapt to your needs and the conditions. Although practical, they are less bright than fixed-magnification binoculars.
 
  • Brightness and sharpness. 2 factors come into play: the size and quality of the optics. Size is indicated by the 2nd number: 8x21 = 21 mm optics; 10x32 = 32 mm optics. With equal lens quality, larger optics will be brighter. If weight and bulk are not constraints, large binoculars can therefore be worthwhile. However, lens and prism quality determines brightness, sharpness and distortion at the edges. Choose according to your needs and budget, as the price rises noticeably with quality.
 
2 useful options:
  • Waterproof binoculars. These are sealed with O-rings and nitrogen-purged. Useful in aquatic environments and beyond: by preventing condensation, waterproofing preserves the binoculars' optical quality.
 
  • Focus-free binoculars. There is no need to turn a wheel to adjust them to your eyesight. This is useful for observing moving subjects and for passing them to someone else without that person having to readjust them. However, they cannot show nearby subjects clearly, so they are unsuitable for watching from a hide just a few metres from your subject.
For glasses wearers, binoculars have folding, retractable or twist-up eyecups.
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