How Do I Choose Binoculars?

We asked our Sporting Goods Manager, Rob Patton, to explain how to choose binoculars. Rob suggests there are three factors to consider, when choosing the right pair for yourself.

1.) The first is binocular glass quality.

Rob begins by stating, "Not all glass is created equally.  Glass is a commodity that is bid on in an open market.  Some companies are willing to pay higher prices for premium pieces of that glass for their optics.  After the glass is purchased it has to be cut and milled to specifications set forth by the company.  After it has been milled, lens coatings are applied.  High end optics glass will have several layers of these coatings on both sides of each lens.  The primary function is to help reduce distortion to the human eye, but there are several other functions as well.  They help with color contrast, clarity, and scratch resistance.  The better the glass is prepared, the less strain it is going to put on your eyes when looking through them for extended periods of time."

Looking for the perfect glass? Check out our selection here.

According to Rob, color contrast is what allows you to determine different shades of color. For example, since wildlife can blend in with their surroundings, color contrast, is what helps you see the animals apart from their environments. Rob puts it this way, "having the ability to separate (animals) from their environment means you're going to see more game."

2.) The second is magnification power.

Next, the power or magnification should be considered when choosing your binoculars. Magnification is what enlarges objects visually. Rob asks, "How much closer do you wish everything to appear?  Most binoculars will either have an 8, 10, 12, or 15 times multiplier, although there are others available."

He continues, "If you know you are going to be close to what you're looking at, you don't need as much magnification.  Tree stand hunters and bird watchers might prefer a compact 8x binocular whereas a sheep hunter looking across mountain canyons might prefer a 12 or 15x.  You have to find a happy medium for all the different applications you may have.  The most common is a 10x - my personal binoculars happen to be a 10.5x."

Read how Dan, in our archery department, uses his binoculars.

3.) The third is weight and size.

Finally, the third factor to consider when choosing binoculars is the binocular's weight and size. Rob explains it like this, "The bulkier and heavier an optic is, the more stress is put on the neck when carrying.  There is some give and take here because a more durable optic is going to be heavier because of the construction material in the housing and the glass itself.  For example, a magnesium rod body is going to be lighter than a full aluminum frame, but it isn't as durable and may be more apt to be damaged from a drop or fall."

Watch #AskNorth40 Ep.32, Tyler, from Vortex Optics, explains what actually goes into binoculars.

How does cost factor in?

So, once you've taken these three factors (glass quality, magnification, weight and size) into consideration, how does cost factor in when choosing binoculars? Why should you spend less or more on a pair of binoculars?

Rob simplifies this way, "You should always buy the best optic you can afford.  Sport Optics are probably one of the few industries where the phrase 'you get what you pay for' rings absolutely true.  The quality of glass, lens coatings, and body material is directly related to the cost of the optics.  I tell people 'you can't hunt what you can't see,' and having a good pair of optics means you're going to be able to see more.

This means that you're able to pick out deer or sheep on distant hill sides, or it might mean that you're able to look through the binocular for extended periods of time (without getting 'bug-eyed' after a few minutes); either way, you are giving yourself an advantage to find what you're looking for."

Shop for your binoculars online here.

To give yourself the best advantage, when choosing binoculars, consider these three factors; the glass quality, the magnification, the weight and size. If you still have more questions, our awesome staff will be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.