The Pros and Cons

My sisters and I all watch the birds in our back yards, one sister kept complaining that she just didn't like her binoculars; couldn't get a good view and that it was probably just her bad eyesight (she's pretty much legally blind). I had already taught her how to sight her binoculars to her eyes so I was beginning to believe her too; until the next time I was at her house and took a look through those binos. They were out of alignment! Two things will spoil your wildlife viewing and enjoyment quicker than anything. Not having your binos sighted to your own eyes and having them be out of alignment.

On that note; if you want to get the best out of wildlife viewing, here are a few tips. First and foremost...once you've chosen the right binocular for you, learn to sight your binoculars and then practice using them. Many binos today come with those instructions but you can also learn how here.

 When looking for the perfect pair of binoculars, decide what you will be using them for most of the time. If you are going out looking for big game you can get away with a smaller field of view. Big game typically doesn't move so fast therefore won't leave the field of view too quickly. On the other hand, a little warbler could be gone in a second so it's easier for you to follow them with a larger field of view. Binoculars come in full-size, mid-size and compact; the compacts are great for throwing in your pack and carrying light or keeping in your glovebox for emergencies. Monoculars (a single lens piece) can do the same thing but take a bit more practice as they are small. There are also binoculars with levelors for those rolly, rocky times you are out in the water.

As far as choosing Roof or Porro Prism (meaning how the mirrors are set up inside the barrels), it's just a matter of choice. Roof Prism seems more popular, they have a straight body while Porro Prisms have offset (zigzag) barrels and can seem bulkier. They both get great looks.

What time of day will you be using your binoculars? Often when viewing big game, the best time is early in the morning or late in the evening. In this case a bigger lens would be important. The bigger the objective lens (ie x42 or x45 etc) the more light is brought in, being able to divide the smaller number into the larger number at least 5 times is a good thing (8x42= 42 divided by 8 = 5.25), this is also known as "exit pupil". You will pay for it in weight though. Lens coatings on the glass or very important also, the more coatings the brighter the view.

 If you are shopping for a child or you have a narrow face, you need to make sure the binocular fits. This is called "interpupillary distance" or the distance between your pupils; the two eye pieces pull together giving you the ability to see just one circle of view (otherwise you could get what's called "black-out" with one eye). Trying binos at a store can help you decide if you need to get narrower binos.

Finally, you need to honestly think about how steady you are. The first tendency, when looking at binocular power, is to think bigger is better. If an 8x power is good then surely, a 10x or 12x would be even better...right? Well...yes, BUT, the higher the power is the more jiggle you get. Like even from your heartbeat or that third cup of coffee! If you do need a lower power binocular, then perhaps think about a spotting scope also.

And speaking of spotting scopes; take a look at the body of the scope. A straight lens scope would have the eye piece running straight with the barrel of the scope whereas an angled lens would be at a 45 degree angle to the barrel. The straight lens is good if you use your scope alone and works well with window mounts (your vehicle can make a great blind). The angled lens is nice if you are sharing your scope with others; you can set the tripod to the lowest height of viewers and the taller viewers can easily bend over to get great looks too. The angled lens, unfortunately, doesn't work well with a window mount unless the body has a rotating collar. As far as the power goes on scopes, it's easier to get a higher power but bare in mind that a cheap tripod will create the same jiggle; it will just be created by the wind and not coffee intake. If you are looking at equipment because you are a birder, start saving now for a scope; you can count the feathers...you seriously won't believe what you've been missing!

Having said all this, your homework is almost done! Ask your friends how they like their binos and if you can try them. Try different varieties at a local sporting goods store. Bottom line as it's been said for years, "spend as much as your budget allows, you can upgrade later". But don't be dismayed. It could be argued, these days, that because the competition has increased that "glass" is getting much better for less cost. The best is still the best but you can now get great looks in a nice little starter binocular or spotting scope too.