Sheer Indulgence, Buying Binoculars, the Secret Love Affair

You might set out believing that buying binoculars is a simple affair but you quickly discover the secret love of sheer perfection.

Surely it’s just a matter of deciding on a specification, buying binoculars and walking away? If only it were so simple. Buying my first pair of binoculars became a journey of discovery, when I learnt the importance of design, weight and quality lenses.

I never believed I could get so entrapped into finding that perfect pair of binoculars, ones that looked good, felt good, were comfortable to hold and would make every image so clear that it would be as if I was holding it in my hand and studying it close. My voyage of discovery taught me that buying binoculars wasn’t easy and while opinions differed as to which binoculars were the best binoculars people were driven by the sheer indulgence of owning quality binoculars. My fascination grew.

I remember when I first picked up a pair of Swarovski binoculars I had never previously understood why someone would pay so much for a pair of binoculars. That one stupid experience made me understand why someone would spend so much of their hard earned cash on buying binoculars which on paper appeared to have just a few extra luxury features.

I discovered that binocular design for any application makes all the difference, particularly when you are buying binoculars for extended use. The weight can be of utmost importance when binoculars are too be hand held, or carried for any period of time, and the size and design of the tubes make enough of a difference to encourage the greatest bargain hunter to pay extra for quality binoculars.

Besides aesthetics, comfortable design and weight the quality of the lenses are particularly important when buying binoculars. If a pair of binoculars doesn’t have coated lenses you really don’t want to go there and for the greatest light transmission and best quality images you want fully multi-coated lenses and phase coated Bak-4 prisms.

As a hand held binocular I personally wouldn’t recommend buying binoculars above 8 x 42 (or 8.5x42 EL Swarovski Binoculars, my absolute favourites). I find any additional magnification distorts the image as most people are unable to keep the binoculars steady enough. I do however love image stabilizing binoculars, particularly the 10x42L WP Canon IS Binoculars, which enable you to hand hold higher magnification binoculars without image distortion in still or moving environments. Image stabilizing is a brilliant bit of technology and immensely popular with the only real downside being weight. 

Given the poor weather conditions in the UK I generally only look at buying binoculars that are waterproof, nitrogen filled and sealed. Not only does this enable me to use my binoculars in all weather conditions, it ensures continuous top quality viewing and prolongs the life of the binoculars as no dirt or damp can get inside.

Quick check list for buying binoculars:

·        Comfortable design, particularly if being used for extended periods

·        Lightweight body, for handheld, extended use applications

·        Fully multi-coated lenses (or if you are buying binoculars in a lower price bracket look at fully coated (all lenses, single layer) or multi-coated (not all lenses).

·        For viewing fast moving objects look at buying binoculars with a wide field of view.

·        For extra durability get rubber armoured binoculars

·        If you wear spectacles, only buy binoculars with an eye relief of 15mm or above

·        For all weather use choose waterproof, nitrogen filled and sealed binoculars (if you are looking for marine binoculars the Steiner Commander are waterproof to 10mtrs)

·        If you are buying binoculars for low light viewing you want a large objective lens.

·        For handheld use keep to 8x magnification or below or check out IS binoculars (Canon IS Binoculars are extremely popular).

·        If you are buying binoculars for travel, sports or theatre take a look at lightweight, compact binoculars, ideal for throwing in a pocket or a bag.

·        Fast, accurate focusing is important if you are viewing fast moving objects, central focusing is good.

·        Check out the close focus range, some will focus on objects a lot closer than others.

·        For comfortable viewing check the eyepiece design.

Understanding Binoculars / Best Binoculars UK / Buying Binoculars UK