Size options and portability

When you choose your binoculars, keep in mind that you may have to carry them with you through some difficult environments – forests, rivers, lakes, crowds, etc. In other words, don't just consider what the binoculars will be used for but consider who is going to use them. You may want to consider buying smaller, higher-quality binoculars so you’re not tempted to leave your 10x50 at home.

Another option is a monocular. These products are sharp, easy to use, and very light and small. At 5x or 6x, they give you enough magnification for most situations, and they can be used just about anywhere... see the actors better at the theatre or read that address written in tiny numbers on a house that is set back from the road.

Advanced features

Binoculars can do a lot more than just make an object look bigger. Image stabilization, range finding, night vision, and built-in compasses are just a few of the features you can now find on small, lightweight binoculars.

Look through high-power binoculars for more than two minutes, and you'll know the importance of image stabilization. It is very difficult to hold them still... even your heartbeat makes the view bounce up and down! Even though there are a couple of different systems for image stabilizing available, they all provide a rock-steady view when you push the button.

If you need to navigate while hiking or on a boat, an accurate compass built into your binoculars will come in very handy. In addition, laser range finders make judging distance a breeze, which is great for golfers. That's not to mention the improved ability to see in the dark with night vision binoculars!

So, don't let out-of-date binoculars keep you from getting the best features available today. Think about what you would like to do with your binoculars that you can't do now, and look for a pair that suits you in our Optics section.

How far will you be able to see?

Technically, you can see stars that are millions of light years away. Practically speaking, the further away an object is, the less detail you will see. Using a 12x pair of binoculars for example, an object one mile away will appear the same size as the object would at one block away, but it will not be as sharp because you are looking through a mile of turbulent air. The distance at which you can see details depends upon the stillness and clarity of the air between you and what you are watching. So the distance you can see with your binoculars varies from moment to moment depending upon air conditions and the level of detail you require.