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Choosing Binoculars Guide (UK) 131
Not 100% sure which binoculars to get? We can’t really blame you! With so many models to choose from and so many features to compare, it really is a tedious task. The experts here at Procular have compiled a few simple guides to help you with your decision. All you have to do is go through one of the guides below, according to where you will be using your binoculars the most:
Gift / Travel / Sport
Best Bird Watching
Choosing Compact
Best Binoculars
Choosing Safari
Hi. What would be the best opera and theatre binoculars?
Thank you,
Madalina
Any decent compact size binoculars will work fine for opera. Here’s our pick for compact models: https://procular.co.uk/best-compact-binoculars/#binoculars
Hello,
I wish to buy my husband a pair of binoculars for star gazing-what would you recommend?
Many thanks
Philippa
We have an excellent guide on choosing astronomy / star gazing binoculars which might help. Link below: https://procular.co.uk/choosing-astronomy-and-night-binoculars-the-complete-guide/
Affordable quality binoculars for farmers
Hi Michelle, for farming just a standard yet good quality 10×42 pair would work well. They are very well priced for their excellent quality and can be used during the early mornings as well as dusk. This type of mid-sized binoculars are not be too heavy to carry around the farm and most of all provide nice sharp images when viewing either near or far. Have a look at the Avalon 10×42 pair below: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
Hi,
I’m looking at changing my bins ( presently have Carl Zeiss Jena- 10 X 50 ) which are too cumbersome for viewing race horses on the gallops & when viewing horse racing. Budget £400.
Regards,
Steve
Hi Steve,
We have an excellent buyer guide on choosing horse racing binoculars. It also includes some recommended (more compact) choices. Details below: https://procular.co.uk/best-binoculars-for-watching-a-horse-race/
My husband now has very bad vision and struggles to see birds with his binoculars. Can you suggest a pair that would help.
Thanks and regards
Hi,
I want to buy best binocular 20×80 or 15×60 i mean from long distance.
I have no idea about binoculars wanted to gift my father so please suggest me any best binocular.
But it should be in small size.
Hi Feroza,
Please note that both 20×80 and 15×60 are very large (and very bulky) models. Typically weighing over 2Kg. If you are after a compact model please follow our guide below which explains about the numbers and how to choose compact, small size binoculars: https://procular.co.uk/best-compact-binoculars/
Hi, I’m a volunteer with National Coastwatch Institution and am looking for binoculars which I can use when ‘on watch’.
I need binoculars which provide a clear image of commercial vessels up to 5 miles range and also leisure craft between 2 and 7 miles. I also need to be able to observe bathers and the beach and inshore activities such as wind surfers.
Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Emyrs,
As you are viewing from quite a long distance we recommend using full sized, high powered binoculars. The Celestron 20×50 Porro binoculars should work well in your case. Details below: https://procular.co.uk/celestron-20×50-porro-binoculars/
Hello I’m not sure what the 10 by 50 means on my binoculars but I use these for gathering Sheep of mountain but don’t think there just strong enough can u help me understand these numbers so I know better which ones to buy that might be better for my job
Hi James,
10×50 means your binoculars have 10x magnification and 50mm objective lenses. Normally these would be strong enough for nearly any use as long as long as your binoculars are from a good brand with good optics. Some manufacturers produce cheap low quality binoculars which don’t actually magnify at 10x times as their specs claim. In any case, if you find that your binoculars are not strong enough, particularly for long distance viewing, you may want to use 20×50 ones. We can recommend the Celestron 20×50 Porro binoculars which are very powerful. Details below: https://procular.co.uk/celestron-20×50-porro-binoculars/
Hi Nathan,
There are very little differences between these 3 models. The 3S is actually their latest released version and the one we now stock. The 5 version was discontinued. But overall the Prostaff all use the same optics and haven’t changed during the recent 3-4 years.
Thank you for your excellent, helpful advice!
Hi,
I’m looking for a present for my 70 year old father in law. He likes to watch birds from his garden and the nature around his house which is surrounded by fields. Also he travels to watch motorbike racing which he wanted to get new binoculars for as well. Can you please help me with making the right decision so he will be happy with his present and enjoys the views and the bikes. Thank you
Hi Sylwia,
Thank you for your email. As suitable bird watching binoculars, which he can also use to watch motorbike racing, we can recommend getting a good quality of 10×42 binoculars. This means 10x magnification (easy to handle, no shakes) and 42mm lenses (mid-sized). These are ideal specs for both uses as well as other general viewing from his house etc. or while traveling for example. We have several good models of 10×42 binoculars depending on price and quality. If he will be viewing birds from his garden then he might need them to be able to focus from a close range too. So we can recommend the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/ — they are excellent quality and outstanding value, can focus from 3-4 meters. Otherwise within the higher range we have the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 which can focus from as close as 1.5 meters and are popular with bird watchers: https://procular.co.uk/zeiss-terra-ed-10×42-binoculars Both will work very well as a present for him !!
What does “field of view,1000 yds.” mean. Is this the distance (max) that can be seen in clear focus?
Hi Brenden,
The field of view (FOV) of binoculars means how wide the viewing area is when looking from 1000 yards. For example, the Avalon 10×42 binoculars have a wide view of 283 ft. This means that when you point them at a subject that is 1000 yards away, your view will be 283 ft wide. As a rule, the lower the magnification is, the higher the FOV is. So Avalon 8×32 binoculars for example, have 8x magnification so will probably have a wider view than the 10×42 model which has 10x magnification.
what are the best magnifications for hand held All-Around Binoculars ie 16×40 ?
Hi James,
In short, the best magnification is 10x – or more accurately 10×42 binoculars which magnify at 10x times and have medium sized 42mm lenses. With 10x magnification you can view subjects clearly from either near or far and achieve a stable image. That said, there are binoculars that magnify at 12x, 16x or even 25x. They allow you to see more detail from further away but the image shakes. This can be solved by using a tripod.
So, if you are after handheld binoculars we wouldn’t go over 10x magnification. If you have a VERY stable hand and can lean your binoculars on a fixed platform such as a rail, table or even your own body, then we the strongest ones would be 16×50 binoculars. In terms of specific models we have over 400 of them (!). Our pick for 10×42 binoculars (without breaking the bank) would be the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
And our pick for 16×50 binoculars would be the Nikon Aculon 16×50 below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-16×50-cf-binoculars/
Thanks for your prompt reply Adam,I have ordered the binoculars, Thanks again. Douglas
I am looking for a pair of binoculars,that will be suitable for watching concerts,and opera in theatres and venues.
Hi Douglas,
For watching concerts and opera you can use the Discovery 8×21 binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/discovery-8×21-pocket-binoculars/
Hi. I’m looking for a pair of bins that are versatile for,birding ,planes,sport, and boats at sea
Can you advise on this please.
Hi Colin,
Thank you for your message. If you want the ideal multi-purpose binoculars for bird watching, plane spotting, sports etc. then your best bet would be 10×42 binoculars. This is a very good balance between strong enough magnification yet wide enough field of view + good clarity. Our favourite all-around model, which also offers the best value, would be the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD binoculars. You can read more about these binoculars, including a demo video and all specs and customer reviews here: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
Hi All.
I have always found that binoculars just dont work!.. Turns out I have eyes that are unusually close together, so I never see a single image.
Can you recommend a pair of GP bins that can be adjusted for freaks of nature like me.
Hi Nick,
We can recommend the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD binoculars. They can close-up more to fit viewers with smaller faces or closer distance between their eyes. You can read more about them and see our demo video, specs, customer reviews etc. here: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
Many thanks indeed Adam for your quick response.
The information you have included is just what I needed!
Regards, Bob
Morning Adam,
I am looking for new binoculars, mainly for bird-watching but general countryside viewing also.
My preferred option is 10x mag, but I am unsure whether a 42 or 50mm lens would be the best. I am aware that the bigger the lens the heavier the binocular, but would the overall size/weight difference be particularly significant for the same bino? Would there be any other disadvantages with a 50mm lens for bird watching and general countryside viewing?
I saw both Viking and Bushnell binos at an outside demonstration at Whisby last year, although I can`t remember the specific models. Both were around £200. Is there any significant difference in quality with these manufacturers – pound for pound.?
What would you recommend – 42 or 50mm and which make?
Hi Bob,
Overall the larger the lenses are the more light they take in. So 50mm will have a brighter image than 42mm binoculars IF you are comparing the exact same brand, binocular line and most importantly the optics they feature. For example the binoculars Vortex Viper HD 10×50 will have a brighter image than Vortex Viper HD 10×42. In the past 10×50 were a very popular choice. These days, as manufacturers have improved their lenses and optics, they produce 10×42 binoculars which are just as bright, if not brighter than 10×50 ones. And as you mentioned, the 42mm are lighter and easier to handle. They are also roof prism normally which means straight barrels, which means a more compact design. For birdwatching there is no advantage to having 50mm lenses over 42mm. As long as the optics are of good quality. So we personally recommend 42mm binoculars and so will nearly any bird watcher you talk to in that sense. Bushnell are ok because their binoculars are of decent quality and affordable prices. Avalon Optics or Nikon are much better but can be more expensive, there are many other brands too. We don’t have any experience with “Viking” binoculars so we can’t give an opinion on them. If you need good binoculars for birding and general use then our favourite 5 options are listed below: https://procular.co.uk/choosing-binoculars-for-bird-watching-the-complete-guide/#binoculars
Are the 25×70 binoculars panoramic vision?
Hi Ken,
Binoculars all provide a wider view than telescopes or monoculars for example, because of their double eyepieces vs. only single for other scopes. But the more magnification you have, the narrower your view will be. The Celestron 25×70 for example are very high powered binoculars so have a narrow view.
If you browse through the binoculars on the Procular website, next to every product image there is another image which you can click on that shows how the view looks like when magnified. Usually the magnification is 8x, 10x, 16x, 20x, 25x and that image shows how the image looks like when magnified at that level.
The Celestron 25×70 shows you how the image will look like with the naked eye vs. the 25x magnification. You can see a-lot of detail but obviously only a narrow field of view.We find the best way to choose between the binoculars on offer, is to know where they will be used the most. Here are some very specific guides for choosing: https://procular.co.uk/how-to-choose-binoculars/
Hi Looking for first pair of binoculars. Ideally can look at wild life from inside the house through a window. Have some fields in range too, so in garden short range and far range if possible?
Is it possible to have binoculars that can see in the day and a bit in the evening too? Or is this not possible or crazy money?
Thanks!
Hi TJ,
In general your best bet would be pair of 10×42 binoculars. These work well from both short and long distance. They can be used to view the garden and fields even from inside the house (through a window) or outdoors. The 42mm lenses, if you choose a good quality model, provide enough brightness to view in the evenings as well and in low light conditions such as fog, cloud or low visibility. We have a good guide on choosing general use binoculars which can help, and includes some recommended models too. Have a look here: https://procular.co.uk/general-and-travel-binoculars-the-complete-guide/
Hi, I would like to buy a pair of good general use binoculars, 10×42, but always struggle to find something suitable as I wear glasses. Are you aware of a pair please (up to £300) which would meet my requirements in that I could comfortably use them without removing my glasses? I assume I am not alone on this matter.
Many thanks for your help.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Excellent question, and as you correctly mentioned quite common. There is a specification in binoculars called eye-relief. It basically means the minimum distance your eyes can be away form the binoculars’ eye-pieces and still achieve a focused image. Different binoculars have different eye-releives. But the higher the eye-relief is the easier it is to use the binocular with your glasses on.
Most mid to high end binoculars on the market have an eye relief of 12mm to 19mm. We suggest getting a pair with 14mm or higher + one that features adjustable eye-pieces. i.e. fold down or twist down eye cups. This way you can twist down the eye-cups allowing you to use the binoculars while still wearing your glasses. Also opt for medium or large binoculars – never purchase compact binoculars as they do not have the proper eye-relief for use with glasses. We find the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD binoculars are very suitable for use with and without glasses. They are excellent general use binoculars, mid-sized, 15mm eye relief and twist down eye-cups. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
You should be fine to use them with glasses. Last but not least, Manu users find binoculars better to use without glasses as the binoculars already magnify and enhance the image. This is true if you have near-to-far or far-to-near vision impairment. You will simply need to experiment a-bit to see if it’s better for you to use them while still wearing the glasses or without them.
Hi, going to Borneo so need lightweight binoculars to see high up in rainforest, I expect in less than ideal light & also watching wildlife from a boat. On a tight budget. Any recommendations?
Hi George,
Thank you for your email. We highly recommend the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD binoculars. They are lightweight, waterproof and work well in low light too (32mm lenses are larger than your average 20-25mm compacts). They also work well onboard a boat with no image shakiness. Details below: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
Although I do not wear glasses apart from for reading, I am unable to get sufficient adjustment on my current ( rather cheap) binoculars to get the image in focus for both eyes-only one or the other. Can you advise on a pair which have a big adjustment factor between the right and left lenses. I am going on holiday to Ecuador and the Galapagos, but in addition , at home I like to observe insects and reptiles, which are often only 2 m away , so close focus would be a great advantage.
Hi Phil,
It is sometimes difficult to find good binoculars which have both long eye relief (important if using glasses), good single eye adjustments and also a close focusing distance. Our most recommended model in this case would be the Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars. They have an unusually long eye relief of 18 mm which means your eyes can be very far apart from the eyepieces and still achieve a focus image. You can use these with glasses on too. They also have better adjustments for the difference between the two eyes, located on the right eyepiece and good range of central focus. The slightly lower magnification allows you to focus on subjects only 1.5 meters / 5 feet away including inspects or reptiles. We are unaware of any other model which focuses from closer than that and still has the features above. You can read more about the Zeiss 8×42 binoculars here: https://procular.co.uk/carl-zeiss-terra-ed-8×42-binoculars
I have just bought at an antique shop a pair of German “Blitz” 12 x 50 ( double prism – I think is the description ) binoculars – in other words they are not a direct view from eye piece to front lens.
As you may notice from my discription I’m not familiar with binoculars apart from spending years as a drop zone controller observing parachutists in freefall and under canopy through “Telimeters” on tripods.
After individual lens adjustmen and fine tuning I still experience “double vision ” when looking long distance, can you advise me please if there is any way of getting them adjusted and who I can contact.
Regards JB
Hi John,
Binoculars (any model) are quite easy to setup. Make sure you do the following:
1. Clean the lenses and eyepieces with a no-scratch cloth
2. Point the binoculars at a subject at least 30 feet away, preferably outdoors.
3. Adjusted the individual eye pieces
4. Open/close the binoculars to fit the distance between your eyes
5. Make sure that your eyes are widely open while viewing (important)
6. Adjust the central focus wheel
If you are still seeing a double image, then the binoculars are faulty in manufacturing and you need to contact the company where you bought them from.
Hi I’m looking to get my partner a pair of lightweight compact binoculars his vision isn’t great and doesn’t wear glasses would I be better with a 10x or 8x magnification could you recommend a pair to me
Thankyou
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for your message. Regarding lightweight compact binoculars for your partner, we can recommend the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD Binoculars. They have an outstanding image quality for their price range, a wide field of view to spot and follow your subjects better and are also 100% waterproof and fog-proof. They are a good size to take along or keep in the jacket or car when you need to use them. If he doesn’t wear glasses he can use them with the eyecups twisted upwards (they are adjustable and fit people to use or don’t use glasses). We have personal experience with this model viewing wildlife, birds, surf conditions and travelling! they work very well for any use. You can read more about the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD Binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
Hi There .
I have taken early retirement and am now living in the country.
I am looking for a pair of binoculars to view wildlife ,bird life ,scenery and the stars.
Is there a pair of binoculars suited to both night and day time viewing?
I have vari focal glasses and understand that it is possible to get auto focus binoculars,is this the case.
Many thanks for your recommendations .I have a budget of £100 -150
Regards
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Binoculars for watching wildlife and birds are normally mid-sized (30mm to 42mm) as most people don’t wish to carry large bulky binoculars out in the field. But since you will be using the same pair for watching the stars, you will need slightly larger binoculars (50mm). The larger lenses allow the binoculars to take in more light and therefor be used to see a brighter image when used at night. As a good all-around option for general viewing, nature, birding and star gazing we can recommend the Olympus 10×50 binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/olympus-10×50-zoom-dps-i-binoculars/
I want a pair of binoculars primarily for birdwatching, though I am interested in observing other wildlife. I can’t make up my mind between the 10 by 42 or the 8 by 42. Could you tell me what is the difference and can the more powerful bins. make your eyes sore? Many thanks
Hi Rev,
There is not a big difference between the 8×42 and 10×42 to be honest. The 10×42 has slightly more power while the 8×42 have a wider field of view. Both the 8x and 10x magnification are fine to use by any viewer and at any distance. There is no issue with sore eyes or image stabilisation with either 8x or 10x. The best way to choose between them is to know where the binoculars will be used the most.
If you are purely birdwatching and looking at wildlife then most people like the 8×42 as the view is wider. The image is also slightly brighter than the 10×42 models. If you are also using your binoculars for general viewing, long distance viewing or viewing in big open spaces (i.e. not tree condensed areas) then the 10×42 will work beter. So basically a-little more magnification vs. a wider view.
We hopet his helps in your decision.
Hi there, I am looking for a pair of binoculars for my 82 year old father, he uses them for sight seeing, bird watching at distance and close encounters, for looking at ships/yachts, other wildlife such as falcons in nesting season so he’s looking high up and at some considerable distance…something not too heavy as he sometimes takes them cycling…something that’s able to zoom in with good quality both for distance and close up…I’m wanting as a Christmas present so can’t really take him to try any out, if you could advise my best option I’d be very grateful. Many thanks.
Hi Sarah,
We have an excellent buyer guides on choosing binoculars for birdwatching. At the end of this guide we’ve also listed 5 best binoculars. All of these are very suitable for your father and the application you mentioned. Both bird watching as well as long distance and general viewing. Each product page for these binoculars also includes all the details on them such as weight etc. there are also videos showing how these binoculars look and work. Below is a list of our most recommended models: https://procular.co.uk/choosing-binoculars-for-bird-watching-the-complete-guide/#binoculars
Which are best binoculars for mountain viewing ? Because what will be viewed is snow, often with the glare of the sun, should attention be paid to safeguarding the viewer’s eyes? I’ve heard something about this, but not sure what the recommendation was.
Hi Sheila,
It is recommended that you not look into direct sunlight or otherwise direct glare from the snow if very intense. But you shouldn’t worry about it too much, if you do point your binoculars to a direct strong glare you can always point them away with no damage done. The optics itself will also not be effected. Since you are mentioning snow and possibly extreme temperatures we recommend getting a model that is 100% waterproof and fog-proof, filled with Nitrogen gas. You can either get a more compact pair (if you need them for hiking for example), like the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
Or, for better views and increased brightness we really like the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
Both models are waterproof, fog-proof and can sustain extreme temperatures without fogging up.
I live near the sea and Leigton Moss RSPB is very close. I would like to get a pair for bird watching especially out on the coastal salt marshes. Compact and weight are important as I also walk a lot in the lakes and then birds of prey to watch . Again weight and size . I have a birthday coming up so £500 to £1000 area of price approximately.
Hi Susan,
If you need a compact lightweight pair of binoculars but with an outstanding image quality we can recommend the Zeiss 8×25 Terra ED Binoculars. They are very compact and weigh only 309 grams. They are 100% waterproof and fog-proof. They also have a nice wide field of view which makes them suitable for looking at birds, even in flight. You can read more about the Zeiss 8×25 Terra ED binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/zeiss-terra-ed-8×25-compact-binoculars/
As far as compact models you won’t find too much better than these even if you do invest more.
I am 76 years old, a keen dry fly fisherman. I wish to identify and observe insects hatching through and sitting on the surface film of rivers. Also bird and wild life viewing. What do you advice disregarding price.
Hi Peter,
Your best bet would probably be a good quality of 10×42 binoculars. These will provide enough magnification to see the insects and/or the birds and wildlife in detail but also a medium size to take out with you without carrying too much weight. We have several excellent models of 10×42 here on Procular. If will you often use the binoculars around water then waterproofing will be a good feature to have as well. From our mid to high end models we like the Avalon 10×42 binoculars and the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 binoculars. Here’s details for both of these models:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black
https://procular.co.uk/zeiss-terra-ed-10×42-binoculars/
Hi. I can’t decide between Image stabilized or equivalent priced roof prisms. What are your thoughts.
Hi Ian,
We stock nearly 400 different binocular models here on Procular and have personal experience with nearly every single one of them. In our view, the image stabilised models are over priced and do not offer the same image quality as their equivalent “normal” binoculars. Especially when it comes to 8x or 10x magnification – in these cases the image stabilisation is not really necessary and you will be better off investing in better optics. The only exception would be if you are using your binoculars at sea, for regular marine use. In this case binoculars such as the Fujinon 14×40 Techno-Stabi allow you to eliminate image shakiness. But if you will be using binoculars for bird watching, sports, scenery, wildlife, travel or general use then a good quality pair of 10×42 will always be better value.
I want to buy binoculars for my husband – general ones to use for travel, maybe a little night/stars and a little birdwatching but mostly for travel/scenic purposes. First pair we have had. We are in our late 60s, don’t want anything too heavy. Would Celestron 20×50 Porro or Avalon 10×42 or Bushnell 12×50 PermaFocus be best? He was impressed by “self focusing” ones we borrowed recently but not critical he has that type. Help please! Thanks, Penny
Hi Penny,
If you want to use the same binoculars for travel, bird watching and a-bit of skywatching then we recommend a pair of 10×42 binoculars. The 20×50 and 12×50 are quite bulky so not ideal for travel. We can suggest either the Avalon PRO HD 10×42 binoculars which are excellent quality, easy to handle and good all-around binoculars. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
And if he liked the Focus-free feature then the Bushnell 10×42 Perma-Focus will probably work best. Details below:
https://procular.com.au/bushnell-10×42-permafocus/
The only downside to the focus free models is that they don’t always achieve good focus from shorter distances. If you’re looking from over 50-60 feet then this is not an issue.
I would also be using these binoculars for watching golf, I’m slightly in favour of your 1st options based on the reviews
Hi Adam
Thankyou for your quick response
I see in some of your comments you recommend a roof prism or the angled Porro prism
I have viewed this article and thought these may be for me, but as I’m a beginner not sure on which one to choose, I have no budget in mind, but would like to have a good quality pair and require your advise
Hi Martin,
Porro prism binoculars are the “old style” ones with the two barrels going in an angle. Roof prism are the more modern models with straight barrels. The roof prisms are more compact, lighter and easier to hold for longer periods of time. They are also more expensive in general. Most high powered binoculars, such as the Nikon Aculon 16×50, are still porro prisms. We recommend this model for plane spotting as it has excellent power (16x) and an excellent image quality too. BUT, since you are after an easier to handle product, which will also be used to bird watching etc. and you mentioned “compact” then the 10×42 will be a better all-around choice. On the other hand if your MAIN use will be plain spotting, especially high flying crafts, then the Nikon Aculon 16×50 will allow you to see the planes and in more detail too. It is a tricky decision, so the best way is to think where and how you will use the binoculars the most.
I would like a good quality pair of binoculars waterproof low level lighting but my main use is for plane spotting, air shows, bird watching, viewing sky at night etc plus general use but mainly for aircraft in the sky at a long distance / short distance, either compact or normal
Hi Martin,
According to your requirements we would NOT go with compact binoculars. They simply don’t have a wide enough field of view to spot planes or birds. Also, due to their small objectives, they don’t take in enough light so won’t be useful for watching at low light or at night. Full size binoculars will do a better job at all these but since you are holding them upwards these will be too heavy to use without a tripod. Also note that high magnification, such as 16x, will be good for seeing high flying aircrafts but too hard to stabilise while looking at any other subjects (airshows, birds, general use etc.). So if you want one pair of binoculars to do all then we would say your best bet would be mid power, mid sized binoculars. 10×42 in specific. We can recommend the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD which are of excellent quality and waterproof. They will sustain rain and you can even throw them into water. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
Another option, although much more pricy, would be the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 which are also 100% waterproof and fog proof. Slightly larger design than the Avalon PRO HD. They produce beautiful images and excellent brightness. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/zeiss-terra-ed-10×42-binoculars
Both of these models have good quality optics and can be used for plane spotting, bird watching and airshows even in low light.
I can’t decide between Avalon 10×42 Pro hd or Celestron porro 20 x 50 for whale watching from my balcony. Please advise.
Hi Dianne,
Both binoculars can be used for whale watching from the balcony. The main question is how far away the whales are. If you can see them already without binoculars, i.e. clearly see there are whales out there, and you only need an enhanced view then the Avalon 10×42 will work fine. It has the advantage that you can use these binoculars for other occasions too. But if the whales are often very far away, i.e. over 2 miles out at sea, then the Celestron 20×50 will work much better. Note that they are harder to use due to the stronger magnification but once you are looking at the whale you will defiantly see it in more detail. If your main use for the binoculars is indeed to look at whales and very distant subjects (boats, ships etc.) then the Celestron 20×50 is the right choice.
You can read more about the Avalon PRO HD 10×42 binoculars here: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
and the Celestron 20×50 binoculars here: https://procular.co.uk/celestron-20×50-porro-binoculars/
We will soon be travelling the Scottish North Coast 500 and would like compact bioculars, but we would like to be able to see the sea creatures, such as seals and dolphins, from the cliff edges. Will the Discovery 8×21 Pocket Binoculars suffice?
Hi Helen,
The Discovery 8×21 are good quality compact binoculars but in your case you might be better off with more magnification and waterproofing/fog-proofing. So we would go the the Bushnell 10×25 H2O Compact Binoculars. They have more power to see the sea creatures in more detail from the distance. Also, they won’t fog-up in cold Scottish weather. Details of the Bushnell 8×25 H2O Binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/bushnell-10×25-h2o-compact-binoculars/
Just looking at the Discovery 8×21 and Avalon 10×42 not sure about them. I use them for looking out to sea with shaky hands and let my grand children use them also. Can you help.
Hi Tomdavey,
If you have shaky hands, and you also want to let your grandchildren use the binoculars then we would suggest a-bit less magnification. The Avalon 10×42 might be too strong to hold still by your grandchildren or even yourself. The Discovery 8×21 on the other hand are too compact to provide wide enough views while looking at the sea.
The ideal choice we believe would be the Avalon 8×32. These are mid-sized to compact binoculars with a very easy to stabilise image. They offer an exceptionally wide field of view so good for looking or scanning the horison. They are also very suitable for kids and young viewers. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
I have a Nikon WW2 pair of binoculars. 15 x 80 4° which are brilliant for looking out to sea at ships and boats. I’ve not been able to find similar for another property also on the coast.What do you sell that would come close? I should say that I purchased a pair of 30-160 x 70 Field 1° at 30x and they have been useless. So I don’t want to make another mistake.
Hi Mark,
We can understand your comment about your other pair of binoculars, 30-160×70. These are variable zoom binoculars. This type of binoculars very often delivers a poor image quality and difficulties in focusing. Similar binoculars to your good ones (Nikon 15×80) would be the Celestron high powered models of binoculars. We have quite a few of them on offer. They have good magnification and large lenses like your Nikon’s for brighter images. Will you be using the binoculars on a tripod or handheld? If you need a similar pair to be used for viewing ships and boats at sea but without the use of a tripod we can recommend the Celestron 15×70 binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-15×70-skymaster-binoculars/
Alternatively if you want to use a tripod for better stability then we can recommend the Celestron 20×80 SkyMaster binoculars. They are larger and heavier (2.66 pounds) but provide a brighter image ideal for astronomy too. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-20×80-skymaster-binoculars/
You will need to mount them on a strong tripod though. Such as the one below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-universal-pro-tripod/
We hope this helps.
Best binoculars for distance around 45 meters for archery
The Canon IS 10×30 are these waterproof & fog proof I want them for boating and bird watching? Any other suggestions?
Hi Bill,
The Canon IS 10×30 are water resistant but not 100% waterproof. If you are after the optimal pair of binoculars for both boating and bird watching we highly recommend 8x binoculars. This magnification (8x) can still be used over the waters with no stabilisation issues and is also the most recommended for bird watchers. A very good model of 8x binoculars that is also 100% waterproof and fog-proof are the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD binoculars. They suit both boating and birding. These produce a clear sharp image, are comfortable to use, compact size and weight and excellent optical quality. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars
Within the high-end range of binoculars we can recommend the Zeiss Terra ED 8×42. They are similar to the Avalon but with even larger lenses which means better brightness and low light performance. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/carl-zeiss-terra-ed-8×42-binoculars/
I am looking for a start bio for my 8 year old but something that is more serious than a child’s starter pair and has longetivity. Budget up to £50 ish. Whilst I would want to use for star gazing, I think my daughter will use for concert watching and to view out of her window so I guess that should take priority when determining magnitude and size,
Hi Rita,
Luckily an 8 years old can already use adult binoculars which she will also appreciate more. You simply need to make sure that they fold to a small enough size that will fit the distance between her eyes. This is not an issue as there are many models that do so. Regarding use, to view concerts it is recommended to have a wide enough field of view and relatively lightweight. But for star gazing you will need larger binoculars. A good compromise would be low power, mid size binoculars. We can recommend the Celestron 8×40 below which have a nice image, wide field of view and are not TOO large. They will easily cover both uses:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-8×40-porro-binoculars/
Alternatively if you only want a small pair for your daughter to see concerts and to take along sometimes we suggest the Discovery 8×21. These are pocket size and weight only 165 grams. They are of good quality but not great for star gazing (no compact model is). Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/discovery-8×21-pocket-binoculars/
The Bushnell 10×25 compact binoculars; what are they like for looking at moving objects, for example, car racing please?
Hi Richard,
The Bushnell 10×25 are not ideal for looking at car races as their field of view is too narrow. To follow moving objects it is best to have binoculars with less magnification (7x or 8x is best) and a wide field of view. Our best option would be the Nikon Aculon 7×35 below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-7×35-binoculars/
These are quite compact but not pocket size.
Hi Adam,
I am looking for binoculars to take abroad with me- I particularly like the look of the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD binoculars as they have really good reviews. I wanted to ask whether they would be any good in low light conditions in a forest or canopy?
Thanks,
Kate
Hi Kate,
Yes, the Avalon 10×42 work quite well in low light conditions such as forest or canopy. With any binoculars, what determines the brightness of your image (light intake) is mainly the size of the lenses. So the bigger your objective lenses are the better they perform in low light settings. This is why compact binoculars do not perform well in poor light. The Avalon 10×42 PRO HD have mid-sized lenses, 42mm, which is an excellent balance between good size, not too bulky binoculars, and good light intake. They also feature good optics which helps increase their brightness.
That’s great thank you. Are there any other binoculars you would recommend for these types of conditions for a similar price or are the Avalon ones a good one to go for? I would be using them for studying birds/wildlife.
Thank you.
At this price range these would work best. You can read our guide on choosing birdwatching binoculars which has some other high-end choices: https://procular.co.uk/choosing-binoculars-for-bird-watching-the-complete-guide/ such as the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42. But without breaking the bank we would say the Avalon are a winner for their category.
What are Roof Prism binoculars please?
Hi John,
Roof prism binoculars are the ones with straight barrels in opposed to Porro Prism binoculars which have a wider design and the barrels setup in an angle – kind of like the old classic style binoculars you see on safari movies. Roof design is not only more compact and easy to handle but also offers better image quality. Roof prism models would be more expensive than Porro prisms normally. The best general use binoculars, and modern ones, are nearly always roof prism these days – with the exception of high powered binoculars and astronomy ones. The later have stronger magnifications and use the angled porro prism design.
Hi looking for ones to look at trees as i am am aborist
Hi Pat,
We have an extensive post about choosing bird watching binoculars, the models recommended in this post are also very relevant as binoculars for watching trees. Here’s the 5 most recommended binoculars:
https://procular.co.uk/choosing-binoculars-for-bird-watching-the-complete-guide/#binoculars
From these options, a good value choice for watching trees would be the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
Within the high end binoculars, if you can invest more or are a frequent / professional user we highly recommend the Zeiss Terra ED 8×42. These are perfect for watching trees because of their minimum focusing distance of only 5 feet, comfortable easy focus design, outstanding image quality and excellent low light performance (this brightness is noticeable when viewing shady areas of trees). Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/carl-zeiss-terra-ed-8×42-binoculars/
Hi Could you recommend binoculars for watching cricket.
Budget around £100
Thanks
Bob
Hi Bob,
For watching cricket you can use the Avalon 8×32 binoculars below: https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
They have a very wide field of view which is perfect for following the action. They are also easy to handle and feature an excellent image quality for their price range.
Hello enjoyed reading your suggestions for sport viewing but no mention of golf. I guess it is similar to horse racing or football. Could you offer suggestions in compact light range that are just for a novice please.
Thank you
Steve
Hi Steve,
For golf it is even more important to have a nice wide field of view as you are trying to spot a very small target! (small gold ball). We therefore recommend using binoculars with either 7x or 8x magnification. Same as with the other sports our best choice would be the Nikon Aculon 7×35 binoculars. They are not pocket-size but still quite compact. They weigh 686 grams and will fit in a backpack’s or bag’s pocket – but not in a jacket pocket. They have a very sharp image too so are a pleasure to use. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-7×35-binoculars/
These would be ideal but if you need a smaller, pocket sized binoculars we can also suggest the Discovery 8×21 Pocket Binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/discovery-8×21-pocket-binoculars/
These are folding, very small binoculars, and weigh only 165 grams. They fit in a jacket pocket. They don’t have as nice and wide view as the Nikon 7×35 but if you need a small pair they will still do the job nicely for golf or any other sport.
Hi there,
I need to use a really good pair of binoculars for my racing high flying pigeons which can not be seen to the naked eye at most of the times. I wanted to ask are the sky master celesta on 25×100. astronomy binoculars good or not good for high flying pigeon watching. Thanx will be waiting
Shamina
Hi Shamina,
You will probably be fine with the Celestron 25×70 binoculars to spot the high flying pigeons. (either handheld or using a tripod). The 25×100 model is quite enormous in order to allow better brightness at night (for looking at the stars). If your main use will be daytime we recommend the Celestron 25×70 binoculars instead. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-25×70-skymaster-binoculars/
Hi, we have started doing alot of walking so would like a pair of binoculars to look out to sea and the animals on the hills. What do you recommend?
Hi Alan,
The ideal choice would be a pair of 10×42 binoculars. These are the best all-around specs for general use binoculars. A good model we can recommend is the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
The Avalon 10×42 binoculars will give you a nice, sharp image with a wide view of the sea / scenery / animals you are looking at. But… please note that these are NOT compact binoculars. They are mid-sized and can fit in a backpack but not pocket size. They weigh 550 grams which is actually very lightweight for their mid size.
If you are going on longer walks and size or weight are an issue you should instead opt for compact binoculars. 10×25 binoculars to be exact. These will have the same magnification (10x) but smaller lenses. They are significantly smaller and lighter and will be very easy to take along. On the downside they will not have as wide field of view as the larger models. For hiking we can recommend the Bushnell H2O 10×25 binoculars. They are compact, with a nice image and also 100% waterproof and fog-proof. Details of these binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/bushnell-10×25-h2o-compact-binoculars/
Best for watching golf?
Hi Patturkington,
For watching golf we can recommend the Nikon Aculon 7×35 binoculars. These are compact to mid-sized binoculars (not pocket size but still quite compact). They feature excellent quality Nikon lenses but their main feature, which makes them ideal for golf, is their exceptionally wide field of view. this allows you to follow the game, and the ball while in motion and locate your subjects easily. Details of the Nikon Aculon 7×35 binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-7×35-binoculars/
Hi. I’m going on a cruise around south America in Jan and want to buy a pair of binoculars for general sea/land use. Have read all your reports but am not sure which make or magnification to go for. Would greatly appreciate your advice. Many thanks.
Hi Beverley,
If you will be using the binoculars from on board the ship we recommend no more than 8x magnification. The ideal would be a pair of 8×32 / 8×42 binoculars as they are also good for general use. Specific models that will work are the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD (compact and also waterproof). Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
The Bresser 8×40 binoculars, mid-sized, not waterproof. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/bresser-8×40-hunter-binoculars/
Or the Zeiss Terra ED 8×42, mid sized, waterproof and fog-proof with an outstanding image quality. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/carl-zeiss-terra-ed-8×42-binoculars
I am looking to buy a pair of binoculars from your site. My 25 year old son will use them to check if surf conditions are suitable for surfing.. Distances that he views surf can vary from the beach to the road side which can possibly a mile away. They will not be used in the sea. They possibly might be used in the rain.
Your help would be appreciated. Thanks Vicky
Hi Vicky,
The best type of binoculars to check the surf (speaking from personal experience!) are 10×42. This means 10x magnification and 42mm lenses. These are not compact yet not large so very easy to hold still and stabilise. The 10x power is also perfect for seeing the waves and surfers without having TOO much zoom (because he needs to check the surf conditions and not only see the one wave or one surfer).
Regarding specific models of 10×42 binoculars. We like the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD as a very high quality mid-priced choice. They have the qualities mentioned above and a wide field of view which is ideal to check the surf. The Avalon 10×42 are also 100% waterproof and fog-proof. You can view all the details of the Avalon 10×42 below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
I am looking for a good pair of binoculars to see sailors offshore when viewing from the beach. The boats (sailing dingies, as opposed to keelboats) are sometimes 2 to 3 kilometres offshore. Can you please recommend a pair? Kind regards Josh
Hi Joshua,
As the dingies are quite far from shore you will be best off wit high magnification binoculars. We can recommend the Celestron 20×50 binoculars as they have very strong power (20x) yet can be used without the need for a tripod. They also feature an excellent image quality. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-20×50-porro-binoculars/
I am looking for some binoculars for my 12 year old son. I want him to be able to do a little bird watching, and stargazing. I was looking into getting a telescope but then found on multiple sites it was reccomended to start with binoculars, which then I decided to add in the bird watching aspect. Is this attainable to get a decent pair of binoculars that will do both?
Hi Stacey,
There is some conflict between bird watching binoculars vs. stargazing ones. For bird watching most users opt for mid-size binoculars (40-42mm) which they can easily take to the field and use quickly to spot birds. Often birds in motion or birds on close by trees. The ideal bird watching binoculars would be lightweight with medium sized lenses and no more than 10x magnification. i.e. 8×42 or 10×42. For stargazing on the other hand the bigger the lenses the more stars you will see, and the brighter your image will be at night. Binoculars used for astronomy are normally big and heavy, monstrous sometimes. If you are looking for a win-win pair of binoculars we would say that 10×50 would be the nearest option. These can still be used by your 12 years old son for birdwatching but have large enough lenses to see the moon and near planets (on a clear night at least). We can recommend the Olympus 10-50 binoculars for the job. You can read about them in the page below:
https://procular.co.uk/olympus-10×50-zoom-dps-i-binoculars/
Wife has macular degeneration can you recommend magnification and lense please
Hi John,
We recommend getting binoculars that have low to medium magnification (7x would be ideal, 8x the most). And are easy to hold still in terms of lightweight design and easy focusing mechanism. You will also benefit from the ability to set a different focus for each eye-piece to make up for the difference in vision impairment between the 2 eyes.
Note that 7x or 8x binoculars will be both easier to stabilise and have a wider field of view. They can be used from both short and long distance. The best model we can recommend would be the Nikon Aculon 7×35. They fit the above requirements, have an extraordinary wide field of view and are easily stabilised. You can also set both central focus and separate right-eye focus. (this only need to be adjusted once). Details of the Nikon 7×35 Aculon binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-7×35-binoculars/
Could you tell me more about the Zeiss Victory binoculars. Why are they so more expensive? Are they that much better than other brands?
Hi Hugh,
Carl Zeiss are one the world’s best brands, if not the best, and therefore their very high prices. The Victory line in specific is Zeiss’ highest-end line of binoculars. They are manufactured in Germany and go through very strict QA. The main reason for the price is the optics used in these binoculars.
Binoculars have several lenses inside every barrel. Each of these lenses goes through a special multi-coating process. Lower priced lines of binoculars will only have this process done on the objective lenses. The highest end models will have a fully-mulitcoting on every single lens. In the case of European brands such as Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski they achieve the highest level of light intakes using these processes. In other words the binoculars will have a much nicer, sharper and brighter image. This is mainly noticeable in low light conditions (fog, rain, early mornings etc.).
As professional users such as hunters and bird watchers often use their optics in such conditions they are willing to pay top dollar for this kind of quality. Besides the optics there are also other features that separate Zeiss from the competition: beautiful design, well balanced binoculars, wider field of view (important!), easy focusing, high durability – i.e. waterproofing, fog-proofing and shock resistance. These features are also available in high end models of Nikon binoculars though. If you are interested in any specific model of binoculars, Zeiss or other, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We have personal experience with over 200 different models of binoculars! We hope this helps.
Bins for a 35 year old for horse racing and hunting etc
Hi James,
Any pair of binoculars can be used to view from any distance. Either close or far. The binoculars automatically adjust the “zoom” so all you normally do is adjust the focus wheel. If using binoculars with low magnification you will be able to enjoy a wider field of view. If using binoculars with high magnification you will see a more narrow view but in more detail. Regarding the binoculars you had, these are called “Zoom Binoculars”. They offer a few levels of magnification. We have a few models of zoom binoculars here on Procular. If you are viewing from a fixed location (bedroom) and looking from about 1 mile then we can recommend the Celestron 20-100×70 SkyMaster binoculars. They are zoom binoculars with 20x to 100x magnification and large 70mm lenses. The large lenses allow you to see in low light which is great for star gazing or looking at the moon. The variable magnification works via a zoom lever – same as the ones you had. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/celestron-20-100×70-skymaster-binoculars/
Hi Adam. My 8 yr old daughter would like binoculars for star gazing and bird watching as a birthday present. Her heart is set on them being purple… Sorry – strange request but is it possible to tick all boxes? Best Wishes Simon
Hi Simon,
We actually had a pair of purple binoculars by Olympus! but they are no longer available. They were compact ones so wouldn’t really be suitable for star gazing anyways – sorry. If you do find some, make sure they are medium or large binoculars because compact binoculars (purple or not) are not much good for looking at the moon or stars. For bird watching she can still get away with smaller sized binoculars but all the colourful ones we’ve encountered were more toys than decent quality binoculars.
Thanks so much for that speedy response. I hope sense will prevail and I’ll talk away from her favourite colour… Cracking service – thanks
Hello
I am a beginner with binoculars and am looking to use them to view aeroplanes at 30,000 odd feet. I live by the sea and will also look to view birds from shore both fairly close up and quite some way out. I also have plenty of avian activity near me so will look to use them for bird watching too. I think 8×42 is the way to go maybe the Bushnell Legend Roof Prism model but please could you advise which is best for me as I have no expertise in these matters.
Many thanks.
Hi David,
For birdwatching and general observations the 8×42 binoculars are fantastic. Unfortunately for seeing planes at 30,000 feet you will need high powered binoculars (15x to 25x magnification). If you want to use the same pair of binoculars for spotting the planes and for birdwatching we suggest purchasing powerful binoculars that can still achieve a stable image without the need for a tripod. In particular we can recommend the Nikon Aculon 16×50 binoculars. They have a fantastic image quality and very sharp optics (Nikon’s BAK-4 Prisms). They keep a bright clear image even when viewing from very long distances. Their other advantage is that they can be used handheld so no need for a tripod. These will work nicely for both birding and plane spotting. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-16×50-cf-binoculars/
Hi John,
We can recommend the Bushnell Trophy XLT 8×42 binoculars. They have an excellent image quality and comfortable, durable design. They work well for birdwatching as well as general viewing. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/bushnell-trophy-xlt-8×42-binoculars/
Hi Shai,
You are viewing from a short distance (20 yards) but you need to see and focus clearly on a very small area. So we would suggest compact binoculars with strong magnification. We like the Bushnell H2O 12×25 binoculars in particular. They are very small and easy to handle, have the best magnification to see the small area yet not TOO much to cause stabilisation issues + they have a sharp image to see your target clearly. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/bushnell-12×25-h2o-compact/
We believe they will work well for your application.
Hi Sharon,
For aviation, due to the issue of image shakiness, you need to use either low magnification binoculars (7x) or even better image stabilised binoculars. The Nikon Aculon 7×35 will work while the aircraft is steady. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-7×35-binoculars/
But from helicopters or for use in any flight condition you will need image stabilised binoculars. The Fujinon 14×40 are popular with professionals. details below:
https://procular.co.uk/fujinon-14×40-techno-stabi-is/
Hi,
Looking to buy some binoculars around £100 for someone. Travelling / backpacking/ south american and galapagos island. Any suggestions would be helping. Lightweight would be good.
Hi Virginia,
We can recommend the Avalon 8×32 Mini HD. These are compact binoculars with an excellent image quality. They are also waterproofed and fog-proof which is very handy for use in cold climates (prevents the lenses from fogging up in extreme temperatures). They weigh only 416 grams. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-8×32-mini-hd-binoculars/
What about zoom binoculars? 8or10x magnification will suffice for most purposes but occasionally I may wish to see in greater detail. But is there a diminution in performance and perhaps a premium to pay with zoom. People don’t seem terribly keen on them generally speaking. Thank you.
Hi Alun,
You are very correct. Zoom binoculars tend to have an inferior image quality than fixed magnification binoculars which is why most people stay away from them. If you are after compact binoculars then the Nikon Aculon 8-24×25 have a nice image in all zoom settings. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-8-24×25-binoculars-4/
But it is not as nice and sharp as the view you will get from similar 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars. We find that most of our customers are happy with a good quality 10×42 pair as it has enough power to see clearly yet not too much magnification to cause an unstable (shaky) image. A good all-around 10×42 pair we can recommend is the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD binoculars below:
https://procular.co.uk/avalon-10×42-pro-hd-binoculars-black/
Otherwise, if you often view from very long distance then you can just get high powered binoculars (16x to 25x). Here are the most recommended models:
https://procular.co.uk/choosing-high-powered-binoculars/#binoculars
The Nikon Aculon 16×50 for example have an excellent sharp image. If the 16x magnification is not too much for you to hold stable. Details below:
https://procular.co.uk/nikon-aculon-16×50-cf-binoculars/
We hope this helps. There are plenty of options with binoculars.. even we get overwhelmed sometimes! We find that the best way to pick would be according to where (and at what distance) you will use them the most.
Which is the best magnification for binoculars 12×25 or 8×42 please
Hi June,
12×25 means 12x magnification and 25mm lenses. These are very compact binoculars but with a strong magnification. 8×42 means 8x magnification and 42mm lenses. These are standard size binoculars with standard magnification. In terms of view and image quality, 8×42 will always be better. Wider field of view and a nicer, brighter image. If you don’t specifically need compact binoculars then we recommend 8×42. Only if size and weight is a big issue, and you need almost pocket size binoculars then 12×25 will work well.
Hi looking to buy grandson binoculars for aeroplane spotting any suggestions please
Hi Dave,
We have an excellent guide for choosing plane spotting binoculars. It also lists our currently most recommended models. Please have a read here: https://procular.co.uk/binoculars-plane-spotting/