Binoculars

When buying binoculars don’t be won over by size alone! Think about portability first and magnification second; that way you’ll get a pair of binoculars that are easy to use and actually get used, rather than a pair that will take you to the moon but rarely leave the house.

Binoculars don’t have to be big to be powerful; 7 by 35 is a popular size, being small enough to carry around comfortably, whilst still offering seven times magnification. All binoculars are designated by degree of magnification and size of lens. (In this case, seven times magnification and a 35mm diameter lens.) The bigger the gap between these numbers the sharper the view; i.e. a smaller magnification allied with a larger lens will produce a smaller, sharper image.

The next determinant is type of use. After all, binoculars aren’t just for bird watching! Buy a good pair of binoculars and you’ll be able to make out the beak on a buzzard or the craters on the moon. With an increasingly sophisticated range of opticals at eye poppingly good prices you can invest in some serious bespoke kit with silly price tags.

And that’s not all. Today’s super cool binoculars don’t just make it easier to see more, they make it easier to do more. Compact, portable, super manoeuvrable; not just light weight, but balanced. ‘Sighting’ is simple and steady. Focus is clear and sharp.

Wear glasses? Look for 13mm or more of eye relief, giving you an uninterrupted field of vision, even with your glasses on. And don’t forget the moulded rubber guards which eliminate scratching and put an end to interminable fumbles for glasses cases and lens caps.

Lighter than ever; cheaper than ever, binoculars aren’t an indulgence; they’re a necessary part of your kit. Don’t leave home without them!

© Outdoor Clothing And Equipment.co.uk 2008

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