What You Need To Look For When Buying Binoculars On The Internet
When shopping for binoculars, it's important to consider the specific features that will determine the quality and suitability of the binoculars for your needs. In this section, we're going to take you through the key ones.
1.Magnification Is Very Important
Magnification is a key factor to consider when selecting binoculars. If the magnification is too high, you may experience a small field of view and a shaky image. On the other hand, if the magnification is too low, you may not be able to see the object in enough detail.
For bird watching, a good range of magnification is 7-10x, as this allows for a close-up view without an unstable image. When shopping for binoculars on the web, pay attention to the magnification listed in the product name, such as "8x" in "Hawke Nature-Trek 8×32" – this means this pair has 8 times magnification.
2. Don't Overlook The Weight
Don't underestimate the importance of the overall weight of your binoculars. While it might not seem like a significant factor at first, the weight can make a difference if you plan to use the binoculars for extended periods of time.
An extra 100 grams may not seem like much, but it can add up when you're holding the binoculars to your face for hours on end. That said, if you plan to use a tripod with your binoculars, the weight may not be as much of a concern.
3.FoV Is Going To Determine How Wide Your Image Is
The field of view (FoV) is an important factor to consider when choosing binoculars. It determines how wide you can see through the binoculars at a given distance.
In the product specifications, it is usually displayed as something like "120m @ 1000m," which means you'll be able to see 120 metres across at 1,000 metres away.
If you're bird watching, a smaller FoV may make it more difficult to observe all of the birds you're interested in at once.
4.Look For A Good Warranty
When evaluating potential binoculars, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer or retailer. A solid warranty is often a sign of a reliable product, and you can expect to receive a decent pair of binoculars if the warranty is comprehensive.
5.Check The Lens Coatings
To maximise light transmission (how bright the image is) and reduce glare, binocular manufacturers apply various coatings to the lenses.
If you're looking to get a decent pair, try to get some that have fully multi-coated (FMC) lenses. This means they have multiple layers of chemical coatings to reduce glare and improve light transmission.
6.Try To Get BAK-4 Glass Prisms
Prisms are responsible for magnifying the object you're viewing through the lens. If you're looking for a high quality pair, choose binoculars with BAK-4 glass prisms, which are made from high-quality precision optical glass with minimal imperfections and excellent light transmission.
BK-7 glass prisms will have slightly more imperfections, but are also a good choice.
7.Why We're The Best Place To Buy Binoculars Online
Every company is going to claim they're the best at what they do, so we're aware you'll take this section lightly (if you're even still reading at all!)