Everyone who spends a great deal of time outdoors will eventually want a good pair of binoculars, especially if much of that time is spent hunting or fishing. Being able to see a game or read water from far away will help make that first shot or cast count.
With a wide array of binoculars on the market, selecting one can be confusing. Giving some serious thought to how the binoculars will be used and who will be using them makes it easier to find the right pair at the best value.
Using Binoculars for Hunting
If you are planning to hunt, select lightweight binoculars that can be worn comfortably around the neck for hours at a time. Interpret what is seen through the lenses, how to stay aware of “the big picture,” and how to use the sun to the best advantage while observing the game.
Binoculars for Fishing
Saltwater anglers need a clear view of the water, along with minimal glare. They can also use bigger, heavier binoculars when fishing from boats rather than wading. Fly fishermen can make good use of binoculars as well.
How to Select Binoculars
=Shopping for binoculars may seem daunting at first because there are so many elements to consider. Size, weight, magnifications, and lens coatings are just a few of the variables involved.
Quality is the most important feature of binoculars. But what are the differences that affect quality? The type of glass used for lenses and prisms, the size and type of prisms, the care with which the lenses are ground and polished, and the precision with which the binoculars are put together all contribute to the quality and price of a pair of binoculars.
Match Binoculars to the User
An angler or hunter who plans to use binoculars while on foot will want them to be light, compact, and easy to carry. A fisherman who will be using them from a boat can use bigger, heavier binoculars that provide powerful magnification.
Marine binoculars, such as the 7X50 models used on navy vessels, are particularly suited to this type of use.
The significance of terms like “exit pupil” and “collimation.”
The exit pupil is the circle of light that meets the eye of the person looking through the binoculars. Because the ability of the eye to dilate in dim light diminishes with age, an older person will not require binoculars to have an exit pupil with a large circumference.
A younger person could make good use of binoculars with a large exit pupil.
One of the noticeable differences between cheap binoculars and good binoculars is collimation, which is the optical and mechanical alignment of the instrument.
After a long period of use, Poorly collimated binoculars may feel as if they are trying to suck the eyes out of your head. Having binoculars that do not create eyestrain is reason enough to invest in better quality.
Comparative Shopping for Binoculars
Having considered the binoculars’ uses and learned what to look for in determining quality, the shopper is ready to compare products. For those who have the time, going to stores and getting their hands on the binoculars will be the best option.
A timesaver is doing some online shopping first and narrowing down the selection to a few possibilities. All Best Binoculars is a website that has reviews of 14 brands of binoculars, from the most expensive to the more affordably priced.
The in-depth, well-considered reviews allow informed shoppers to compare different brands and different models within those brands.
Good binoculars can be expensive, but as with all sporting equipment, it pays to invest in the best affordable. High-quality binoculars cared for properly, will give hunters and fishermen years of excellent service in the field.
