Binocular Information

Updated April 2008

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In this report

Binocular Links

Digital camera binoculars

Right now, it's hard to tell whether digital-camera binoculars -- which can take both still pictures and video -- represent true innovation or merely a trend. But reviews do say the latest generation of camera binoculars is better than the first attempts. We cover these models in our report on digital-camera binoculars.

Astronomy binoculars

Binoculars are much more comfortable than a telescope, says astronomy binoculars expert Phil Harrington in his review of inexpensive binoculars for Astronomy magazine. Harrington notes that because of light pollution, most viewers' eyes don't dilate enough to use binoculars with a higher ratio between aperture and magnification (called the exit pupil). He warns against ruby-coated lenses for astronomy binoculars, recommending traditional multicoated lenses instead. Note that the 10x50 binoculars discussed in our main report above are often recommended for astronomy.

You can find some giant binoculars for astronomy in much larger sizes, but you'll need a tripod. Among budget models, the Astronomy review recommends the Celestron Skymaster 15x70 %%price%%. These also pick up an award for value at Outdoor Life magazine, where editors note their usefulness at twilight.

On CloudyNight.com, Ed Zarenski provides a detailed report on 34 handheld binoculars that he tests during an eight-month period. Zarenski notes that "An astronomer would prefer all binoculars to have as little field curvature as possible so the entire plane of the field of view has as little distortion as possible." His highest praise goes to the Nikon Action EX 8x40 %%price%% and the Bushnell Legend 8x42 %%price%%. He also recommends the Pentax PCF WP II 8x40 %%price%% and the Celestron Regal 10x42 %%price%%.

Binoculars with adjustable magnification (or zoom binoculars) are also used for astronomy, as well as for birding and hunting. Zoom binoculars have received poor reviews in the past for their heavy weight and poor optics. We found only two zoom binoculars recommended in the most credible reviews. The 2005 Buyer's Guide in Outside Magazine recommends the Brunton Epoch Zoom 8-15x35 binoculars %%price%%, noting that you can "view the whole horizon, then drill in tight with the touch of a lever." Magnification zooms smoothly from 8X to 15X. The binoculars are waterproof and fogproof, with 17mm of eye relief. At 8X magnification, close focus is a satisfactory six feet, but the 273-foot field of view is narrow. Brunton Epoch 8-15x35 binoculars weigh a hefty 32 ounces.

The less expensive Zhumell 9-27x50 binoculars (*est. $230) are another option. Although they are larger than the Brunton Epoch zoom binoculars, the Zhumell 9-27x50 binoculars weigh about the same (31.5 ounces). However, they're not waterproof, eye relief is only 14mm and the 216-foot field of view is even narrower. Even at 9X magnification, you can only focus as close as 33 feet, so they're strictly for distance viewing. They come with a 25-year warranty.

Dual-focus binoculars

Dual-focus binoculars are getting better reviews than true zoom binoculars. The Leica Duovid 8+12x42 binoculars %%price%% flip between only two magnifications, 8X and 12X, with the twist of a ring. The 8X magnification gives a wider 362-foot field of view (much better than the zoom binoculars discussed above), while the 12X magnification pulls details into view. When you change magnification, the object automatically stays in focus. At 8X magnification, you can focus as close as 11.1 feet. The Duovid binoculars are both waterproof and fogproof.

An in-depth review at Optics4Birding.com praises the focus of the Leica Duovid 8+12x42, noting smooth action and excellent depth of field, concluding that the Duovids are "one of the most innovative and multifunctional binoculars we've reviewed." Sharpness and color fidelity are said to be excellent, but some drawbacks are noted. At 36 ounces, they Duovids are heavy. The 14mm eye relief is on the low side by current standards -- probably uncomfortable for eyeglass wearers. However, Outdoor Life testers like the way the twist-up eyecups lock at any of four positions. And like other Leica binoculars, the Duovid binoculars come with a lifetime warranty that includes accident protection.

Boating binoculars

Binoculars intended for boating are often image-stabilized, since they're used on an unsteady surface, and they often include a compass and range-finder. (These accessories can be useful for hunting and backpacking as well.) In a comparative review of boating binoculars at Motor Boating magazine, three reviewers tested seven binoculars. Based on scores for optics, compass and night usability, the review recommends the Steiner 7x50 Observer %%price%%, followed by the less expensive Fujinon Mariner 7x50 WPC-XL %%price%%. However, the review notes that comfort can outweigh other factors and that for small hands, the Konus Blue Cup 7x50 %%price%% is much better.

Digital binoculars

Waterproof, rubber-armored Sightwave digital binoculars (*est. $500) focus automatically and use both optical and digital zoom to get up to 220X magnification. Focus is as close as six feet. These are not camera binoculars -- they don't capture images, but they do use digital technology. You view the image on a 2.5-inch LCD screen rather than through two separate lenses. Reports when these were first introduced were generally positive, noting that the optical zoom images are nice and sharp. However, we've seen scant subsequent reporting and availability is limited except direct from the manufacturer. See Best Research for a link.

Summaries and links to the best binocular reviews are found on our All Reviews page, but we also found the following articles helpful.

Outside Online's binoculars buyer's guide has a nice illustration of the inside of binoculars, showing how they work.

"Choosing Optics" at Bird Watcher's Digest explains terms and features a buyer's guide.

Similarly, Birding.com has a well organized article on choosing binoculars.

Birding experts Michael and Diane Porter debunk "10 Myths about Birding Optics," in an article that originally appeared in the September/October 2006 issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.

Better View Desired provides a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of compact binoculars.

Google Groups offers easy access to usenet groups that include posts about binoculars. Relevant usenet groups include sci.astro.amateur, alt.astronomy, rec.birds, rec.hunting, rec.backcountry and sci.optics. You can narrow your search to a specific group if you like.

Patrick Moore's book, Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars (Cambridge University Press, 2000) has a chapter on choosing and using astronomy binoculars. The book (*est. $25) is available through Amazon.com.

Alan M. MacRobert, senior editor at Sky and Telescope, offers a guide to using binoculars for astronomy.

Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews offers a great many articles on astronomy binoculars, with reviews and a forum.

Yahoo! has a Binocular Astronomy Group for people who use binoculars primarily for astronomy.

For hunters, Hunting-fishing-gear.com has some user reviews of specific binoculars. Unfortunately, most are older models. The usenet group, rec.hunting, is a good place to ask specific questions about hunting binoculars.

Birdwatching.com has tips on getting kids started with birdwatching.

Binocular Manufacturers

Alpen

Audubon (div. of Sheltered Wings)