Choosing Binoculars: ATN Tips on points to consider

Looking for guidance on considerations whenchoosing binocular? Here is what ATN experts consider when choosing binoculars and they reveal their suggestions on some models that cover most requirements. Before we get to that, let’s start with some basics about binocular technology.

Introduction

Binoculars consist of two refracting telescopes joined together, allowing users to use both eyes for viewing, creating a three-dimensional image and giving depth perception. To focus on objects at variable distances, we turn a knurled knob between the two eyepieces to lengthen or shorten the distance between the eyepiece and the front lens.

How are binoculars classified?

Two important characteristics of binoculars are their magnification and ability to pass light. Common magnifications are 7, 8, 9, or 10, although some specialized binoculars can magnify 25 times or more. When you see a rating for a pair of binoculars, it will consist of numbers like 7×35. The first number is the magnification, with a pair of 7×35 binoculars magnifying an image seven times.

The second number in the specification indicates the ability of the binoculars to transmit light. It refers to the size of the objective lens, which is the lens furthest from the eye of the user and which captures and transmits the light. We refer to the size of these lenses in millimeters, so for a pair of 7×35 binoculars, the objective lens is 35mm in diameter.

In general terms, the larger the objective lens, the brighter and sharper the image you will see through the eyepieces. Most general-use binoculars have objective lenses between 35 to 50mm, although they can go up to 150mm for low-light use and down to 22mm for compact binoculars.

Added technology

Special features are available in binoculars to suit users’ particular needs. Night vision capability allows users to switch between day and night modes to continue activities once it gets dark. Similarly, thermal binoculars use thermal sensors to create images from objects’ heat signatures, allowing operation day or night. Laser range finders, infrared illuminators, and video capabilities are features now common in higher-end products.

Uses for binoculars

Binocular use can include everyday occasions like sports, concerts, or social events or outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or hunting. There are also more specialized uses, including birdwatching, astronomy, marine, surveillance, or military purposes. Each requires consideration of the specific characteristics that apply to those events. We’ll discuss some points to consider next.

Tips for choosing binoculars

Here are the following thoughts for purchasing a pair of binoculars. The first five relate to your specific use, while the others consider useability and comfort.

What do you need?

Identify your primary use to narrow your choices. If you need binoculars for sports or hiking, you won’t need high magnification as you’ll want a wide field of view (a term we’ll explain soon), and it’s unlikely you’ll use them in low light. You’ll also want them small and light, so a set of compact binoculars with 6 or 8x magnification will usually suffice with an objective lens size of 25 or 28mm.

Birdwatchers and hunters use binoculars for long periods so they can’t be too heavy. They also need a wide field of view and clarity, so a mid-size binocular with a slightly larger objective lens and high-quality optics are key. Popular sizes are 8×32, 8×40, or 10×42.

If size and weight aren’t an issue, full-sized binoculars are great for infrequent use or when you need a large objective lens. Common sizes are 8×42 and 10×50. Remember that a tripod is recommended for sufficient image stability if you choose magnifications over 10x.

Identifying your primary use for your binoculars is essential in beginning the selection process.

Weight

Binoculars come in various sizes, starting with compact binoculars that you can stow in your pocket. These weigh 300 to 500 grams. Mid-sized binoculars weigh around 400 to 600 grams, while full-size binoculars weigh 700 to 1 kg. When using large astronomical binoculars, these need a tripod and weigh about 2 kg.

Full-sized binoculars are fine for infrequent use from a car or home. However, if you’re carrying them when hunting or hiking, or holding them to your eyes for extended periods while birdwatching, mid-sized or compact models are the most appropriate. Anything heavier than full-size requires a tripod.

Field of view

Filed of view (FoV) refers to the area you can see through the binoculars. In binocular specifications, it quotes the width you can see at 1,000 meters (for example, 110 meters) or the angle you can see in degrees (6.3).

Low-magnification binoculars have a wide FoV, making them ideal when watching moving objects as it allows you to track them easily. High-magnification binoculars have a narrow field of view which may be good for seeing objects at a distance but gives a restricted viewing area. With large magnifications, a small movement of an object will take it out of your field of view, and you can struggle to find it again.

Night or thermal vision

Night or thermal vision binoculars are increasingly popular. Night vision lets you use the binoculars by day or night, collecting and amplifying available light to enable their use in the dark. However, their effectiveness deteriorates under heavy overcast, moonless nights or during heavy rain or fog.

Thermal vision depends on the relative heat of objects, so no light is required for their use. They will continue to operate regardless of the darkness and will show objects hidden behind foliage or long grass due to the difference in heat signatures. They can be useful to birdwatchers or hunters when locating an animal amongst dense foliage.

Smart functions

Modern binoculars often come packed with technology, so consider your particular use and whether you will benefit from extra assistance. If you need to video or photograph the image in your field of view, some binoculars allow recording to an internal microSD card.

If you wish to understand your distance from a viewed object, binoculars with in-built rangefinders are available. Some models also include image stabilization for binoculars with higher magnifications, use on windy days or when users struggle with hand tremors. Other models offer autofocus capabilities.

Usability

When choosing binoculars, see, touch, and use as many different models as possible. All models are different, and you need to find a pair that works for you. Be sure to test the ergonomics of each pair – do they feel balanced in your hands? Try the focus control. Is it easily reached, and does it turn smoothly? Check the comfort of the eyecups and the adjustment of each lens to suit the distance between your eyes. Do the eyecups fold back to ensure your eyes are correctly located for optimal viewing when wearing glasses?

Check the clarity of the image and be sure the field of view will suffice for your needs. Are you immersed in the scene, or does the image feel remote? Turn your head as if tracking a bird; does the movement make you unstable or feel dizzy? List the smart functions available with each pair, and decide whether you need that functionality.

Decide on whether night vision or thermal imaging offers advantages for your use. If you occasionally need low-light viewing, maybe night vision is worth considering. If seeking animals or people, thermal imaging ensures you’ll locate them regardless of the ground cover and conditions.

Finally, consider the range of accessories and the support accompanying your choice. Most reputable manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty, while premium binoculars come with two or three-year warranties for peace of mind.

Top 3 Best ATN Binoculars

The following models cover most use cases. Note that as they’re digital binoculars, you get the choice of variable magnification, which covers a greater variety of uses.

BinoX 4K 4-16x

The BinoX 4K 4-16x are premium binoculars offering day and night vision with variable magnification from 4x to 16x. They feature a dual-core processor running a 4K ultra-high-definition sensor and high-definition optics for unparalleled viewing quality. The quality of the display means you experience no loss of resolution between 4x and 10x magnification.

The objective lens is a useful 40mm, and you get a 6-degree field of view which is 220 feet at 1,000 meters. They’re suitable for those who wear glasses, and you can adjust the width between the eyepieces from 60mm to 70mm to suit most people’s faces.

The 4-16x has a built-in infrared illuminator for viewing on nights when there is no moon or a heavy overcast and a laser rangefinder capable of showing your distance to an object out to 1000 meters. These binoculars are also weather resistant for those days or nights when the weather is bad.

Despite all the technology, the battery will give you over 15 hours of use, and you can recharge via a USB-C port. Video recording is available through the lens, giving a high-definition resolution of 1080p and a choice of frame rates between 30 and 120 frames per second. While recording, you can simultaneously live-stream the video to a separate device using WiFi.

Advantages

Great for bird or animal watching or hunting

Night vision included

IR illuminator and laser rangefinder

Premium build quality

2-year warranty

Disadvantages

40mm objective lens will limit use for stargazing

BINOX 4T 384 1.25-5X

If you’re interested in thermal technology, the BINOX 4T 384 1.25-5X are entry-level thermal imaging binoculars. They offer a viewing distance between 5 and 1000 meters, a wide field of view ideal for tracking moving objects, and variable magnification from 1.25x to 5x.

The 4th generation sensor operates at a rapid 60 Hz to give a smooth image refresh rate, and you can capture the action with through-the-lens high-definition video recording and simultaneous WiFi streaming at 60 frames per second. The 4T 384 1.25-5X can detect a mammal at 750 meters, recognize them as human at 335 meters, and identify them at 205 meters.

This model has a laser rangefinder and is weather resistant, with the onboard battery lasting for more than 16 hours, with USB-C recharging capability. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty on this model.

Advantages

Great for bird or animal location

Ideal for hunting

Capable in all light conditions

Laser rangefinder

Over 16 hours of use on one charge

2-year warranty

Disadvantages

The lower magnification range may be limiting for some users.

BINOX 4T 640 2.5-25X

If you’re seeking advanced thermal imaging capability, the BINOX 4T 640 2.5-25X is the answer. This model is the premium product range of thermal imaging binoculars. It has the same weight and form factor as the 4T 384 1.25-5X binoculars we’ve just mentioned but offers advanced specifications.

The magnification range is from 2.5 to 25x, making these binoculars perfect for long-range viewing. The field of view at 2.5x magnification is 12.5 degrees, and 9.7 degrees at the maximum 25x. The 4T 640 2.5-25X has a higher definition sensor and a focus range from 10 meters to infinity to cope with the resolution and clarity required for long-distance viewing.

While this model boasts all the same features as its entry-level cousin, it excels in the range it can detect. The 4T 640 2.5-25X can detect a mammal at 1,950 meters, recognize them as human at 800 meters, and identify them at 475 meters. The other standard inclusions are:

The simultaneous recording and streaming capability.
A laser rangefinder.
16-plus hours of operation on one charge.

As for warranty, this premium model has a three-year warranty for peace of mind.

Advantages

Great for surveillance or long-range hunting

Oustanding identification range

Capable in all light conditions

Laser rangefinder

Over 16 hours of use on one charge

3-year warranty

Disadvantages

A premium product with a price that may exclude amateur users.

Final Thoughts

When buying binoculars, it remains true that the higher the price, the better the quality. Avoid budget or no-name brands, as the cheaper optics will reduce light transmission and clarity. Good luck in your search.