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 Binocular Ratings - How to Pick the Best Binoculars

For being such a simple device, there sure are a lot of choices when it comes to binoculars. There have been some recent technological advances in binoculars that include electronic image stabilization and digital image capturing. That means those simple binoculars do more than just magnify, they can now keep the image steady and even take a digital picture of what you are spotting in your binoculars. But for the most part the main job of binoculars is simply to magnify. So how should you choose and what should you consider when reading binocular comparisons or ratings of binoculars?

The first feature you should look at is the binoculars' power measurements. The power is listed by a pair of number such as 10x25, pronounced "ten-by-twenty five". The first number is the amount of magnification. In this case the image would be magnified by a power of 10, or in other words would appear 10 times closer than without the binoculars. The second number listed is the size of the lens in millimeters. In this case the lens is 25 mm in diameter. So the larger the first number, the closer your subject will appear to be. But what about the second number? The lens size determines how much light enters the binoculars. The more light, the sharper and brighter the image will be. So at first glance it would seem you would want binoculars with the highest power measurements as possible. But you must consider that larger lenses mean larger and heavier binoculars, and in most cases, more expensive too. So it is best to first consider what you plan to use your new binoculars for.

If you just want to observe birds at your back yard feeder, then a small birding binocular or spotting binoculars that are light and simple to use would be the best choice. If you plan to mount your binoculars on a tripod and use them for astronomy study, you should choose a larger Celestron binocular. Your decision will most likely involve compromising size and weight for power and image quality. You should pick the highest powered binocular that you are comfortable holding and carrying. Obviously you wouldn't want to haul large-lensed high powered astronomy binocular to a concert. You should choose compact binoculars that are easy to carry and conceal.

Aside from a binoculars' power measurement, additional features to consider are weatherproofing and the electronic capabilities mentioned earlier such as image stabilization and image capturing. If you plan to use your binoculars for camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating or any other outdoor activity, you should probably choose a weatherproof or waterproof binocular. Waterproof binoculars have a rubber coated body which keeps out moisture and protects the optics and internal parts from corrosion. Stabilizing binoculars and camera binoculars are fun and those features are great, but those same electronic features add size and weight to the binoculars. Are those features worth the added size and cost? That is a decision you will have to make when you compare binoculars.

Once you have decided where you will be using your binoculars and what you will mainly be using your binoculars to observe, you can then make a smart decision about the size and power you need. And with most purchases, you should first know your budget and then match your needs to your budget. Perhaps you should choose used binoculars? Sometimes buying used binoculars is the smartest choice. Other times buying new is the only option. Take your time and make a smart buying decision and enjoy your binoculars.

Key words: Waterproof Binoculars ， Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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