Binoculars

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Buying Guide

Canon 18x50 IS
from $1,339.00
at 8 stores Compare Prices
Nikon Monarch 7 10x42
from $648.85
at 7 stores Compare Prices
Nikon Aculon A211 10X42
from $118.80
at 6 stores Compare Prices
Nikon Aculon A211 8-18X42
from $192.85
at 4 stores Compare Prices
Bushnell Excursion HD 10x42
from $318.85
at 4 stores Compare Prices

Looking at and through binoculars

Two symmetrical lenses telescopically positioned on either side in such a way that they points in the exact same direction: that is the canon definition of binocular. Such a placement of lenses allows the viewer to observe or inspect a certain object using both eyes at the same time. Binoculars are relatively compact in size since they are ideally meant to fit in one's hands easily. Although most binoculars come in a size as small as that of opera glasses, there are certain military models as well which have exceptionally large lenses and tend to have a more colossal design. Unlike a monocular telescope, a binocular provides the viewer with a more depth sensitive perception of the image due to a three dimensional focus.

Choosing your binoculars

Size specifications and types

Depending on the kind of usage one may have, a binocular comes in various types and designs.

The full sized binoculars have a general size specification between 8*42 (length) and 10*50 (width). These capture more light and provide a wide and steadfast view. Such binoculars are ideal for wildlife viewing and exploration. They would however not be ideal for regular backpacking or camping purposes.

The medium sized binoculars have a size specification of 7*35 (length) and 10*32 (width). The transmission of light is not as powerful as the one provided by the larger lenses, but it is above average. Such a design and viewing capability is best for sport events and for some aspects related to wildlife viewing such as bird watching. They are cumbersome if taken on a camping or road trip.

Compact sized binoculars are best for backpacking purposes and for long durations related to travel and general sightseeing. The most common size specification for the small sized binoculars are 8*25 (length) and 10*25 (width).

Durability

Most binoculars are durable due to the magnesium frames which are light and easy to handle in terms of weight and size. In addition to this, the frames are surrounded with tight rubber grips that ensure easy usage in all weather conditions, and enable the user to hold the optical device with a better grip. Binoculars also generally come with a harness which can be removed or attached as per the requirement – something you might want to look for, depending on your needs. The leather straps attached to the device can be strapped on one's shoulder or neck. Generally those who prefer bird watching would want to consider a 10*40 binocular, or a 10*42 for viewing longer distances. Water-proof binoculars are also available which keep the lens from fogging up during harsh weather conditions. Moreover, these optical devices come with armouring which protect the lenses and keep them from getting scratched.

Field of view and eye relief

This is the side to side measurement of the circular viewing of the defined area or subject. A binocular with a wide angled lens offers a greater width in terms of visibility, and is better when it comes to focusing on a series of events. But the first thing that one needs to determine is the magnification power required. If the magnification power of a binocular is high, then the field of view tends to be low, and therefore a user needs to decide what weighs more importance before buying the apt binocular. The eye-piece design is also important when it comes to narrowing down on specifics since a wide angle design provides a better visual quality. Eye relief is the space between the two eye pieces and the viewer's eyes. A long eye relief in binoculars provides better comfort to the users and allows them to hold the binocular away from their face while maintaining a steady view. This is useful especially for those who wear glasses. The regular eye relief distance is 11 mm or more.

Zoom capability

A binocular’s zoom capability is determined by the type, number, and disposition of lenses used in its composition, and varies greatly with type and intended use. The magnification can be altered with a lever or button generally provided on the device – a useful feature depending on your needs and one to be aware of. This allows one to zoom in further and get better picture clarity, or zoom out to get a wider perspective of the image. There are 2 aspects that go into defining a binocular. One is the intensification power, and the other is the width of the lens. A basic binocular model has a magnification power of 7, which means that if the user is viewing a certain object, it would appear 7 times closer than it would to the bare eye. There are some models that come with a magnification power as high as 10; however, steady viewing tends to be difficult since such models are hard to hold on to without faltering in movement.

Which binocular for which use?

The two important factors that need to be narrowed down on before investing in a binocular are the type of usage or purpose and budget. Those uses are generally listed by the sellers along with any particular feature present in the model; so the next step to ensure a good acquisition is that you find a respected and renowned manufacturer to attest for the quality of the product you are buying. Buying a binocular online is the best way to go about it since the specifications are listed according to one's requirement, and it is a one stop shop way of getting the best deal available.

Bushnell (227)
Nikon (149)
Pentax (104)
Steiner (74)
Celestron (73)
Vortex (58)
Leica (46)
Vanguard (41)
Olympus (34)
Saxon (32)
Kowa (27)
Minox (25)
Tasco (20)
Barska (19)
Canon (18)
Acuter (8)
Barska (19)
Burris (5)
Bushnell (227)
Canon (18)
Carl Zeiss (8)
Celestron (73)
Fujinon (9)
Gerber Optical (6)
Konus (6)
Kowa (27)
Leica (46)
Leupold (7)
Meade (2)
Minox (25)
National Geographic (5)
Night Owl Optics (7)
Nikon (149)
Olympus (34)
Pentax (104)
Pulsar (3)
Saxon (32)
Steiner (74)
Tasco (20)
Vanguard (41)
Vivitar (2)
Vixen (13)
Vortex (58)
Zeiss (14)

2. Canon 18x50 IS
  
  Compare prices for this product - Canon
3. from $1,339
  
  ~~$1,654.00~~ -19%
  from 8 stores
2. Nikon Monarch 7 10x42
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $648.85
  
  ~~$799.00~~ -19%
  from 7 stores
2. Nikon Aculon A211 10X42
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $118.80
  
  ~~$132.00~~ -10%
  from 6 stores
2. Nikon Aculon A211 8-18X42
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $192.85
  
  ~~$279.00~~ -31%
  from 4 stores
2. Bushnell Excursion HD 10x42
  
  Compare prices for this product - Bushnell
3. from $318.85
  
  from 4 stores
2. Nikon Travelite Ex 12X25 CF
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $279
  
  ~~$329.00~~ -15%
  from 3 stores
2. Canon 10x30 IS II
  
  Compare prices for this product - Canon
3. from $539
  
  from 3 stores
2. Nikon Sportstar EX 10x25 DCF
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $128.85
  
  ~~$179.00~~ -28%
  from 4 stores
2. Nikon Aculon A211 16X50
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $162.85
  
  ~~$249.00~~ -35%
  from 6 stores
2. Acuter SkyLand 15x70 Astronomy Binocular
  Acuter SkyLand 15x70 Binocular Acuter SkyLand Series Binoculars are huge aperture binoculars that are ideal for astronomical viewing or for long... More
3. Store: The Australian Binocular Experts!
4. $159.90
  
  ~~$279.00~~ -43%
2. Vortex Viper HD 15X50 Binoculars (VPR-5015-HD)
  Vortex Optics 15×50 Viper HD series water proof roof prism binoculars with 4.0 degrees angle of view. The Viper HD 15×50 Roof Prism Binocular... Vortex Viper HD 15X50 Binoculars (VPR-5015-HD)
3. Store:
4. $1,079.00
2. Pulsar Quantum LD38 Thermal Imaging Camera (YU77312)
  The Quantum LD38 384×288 Thermal Camera from Pulsar is a user-friendly imager made for close to mid-range observations during the day or at night.... Pulsar Quantum LD38 Thermal Imaging Camera (YU77312)
3. Store:
4. $4,399.00
2. Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 Grey Binoculars [524205-9902]
  Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 Grey Binoculars [524205-9902]Carl Zeiss Terra ED BinocularSuperior OpticsTERRA Binoculars combine SCHOTT ED glass with...
  
  Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 - Carl Zeiss
3. Store: Aus Warranties at Low Prices! Pickup Available
4. $679.00
  
  ~~$765.00~~ -11%
2. Canon 10x42L IS WP
  
  Compare prices for this product - Canon
3. from $1,419
  
  ~~$1,679.00~~ -15%
  from 9 stores
2. Leupold BX-3 Mojave 12x50 Mossy Oak Treestand Binoculars
  The Authority in American Optics Leupold and Stevens Inc is a fifth-generation company with a wealth of experience in engineering precision optics... More
3. Store: The Australian Binocular Experts!
4. $659.00
  
  ~~$919.95~~ -28%
2. Steiner Ranger Pro 8x32 Hunting Binoculars (stn5109)
  Professional binoculars for daytime and still huntingSteiner's hunting programme is rounded off by the compact, lightweight stalking binoculars... Steiner Ranger Pro 8x32 Hunting Binoculars (stn5109)
3. Store: Direct to Your Door. Australian Warranties
4. $299.00
2. Avalon 20×50 Outpost Binoculars (AVA-20501)
  Avalon's most powerful binocular model. Built for extra long range viewing and when you really need to get close to the action. The Avalon 20X50... Avalon 20×50 Outpost Binoculars (AVA-20501)
3. Store:
4. $269.00
2. Nikon Travelite Ex 10X25 CF
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $199.95
  
  from 2 stores
2. Gerber Sport 12x50
  
  Compare prices for this product - Gerber Optical
3. from $115
  
  from 1 store
2. Pentax SP 8x40 Waterproof Binoculars (65871)
  AUTHORISED RETAILER - We are a fully AUTHORISED Australian retailer approved to sell Pentax Binoculars and Accessories. Ask 'TWICE' about the... Pentax SP 8x40 Waterproof Binoculars (65871)
3. Store: Genuine Australian Stock - No Imports!
4. $218.85
  
  ~~$279.00~~ -22%
2. Carl Zeiss Victory RF 10x56 T* Rangefinder Binoculars [525622]
  Carl Zeiss Victory RF 10x56 T* Rangefinder Binoculars [525622]See, measure, aimThe Victory RF rangefinder gives you a simple formula for successful... Carl Zeiss Victory RF 10x56 T* Rangefinder Binoculars [525622]
3. Store: Aus Warranties at Low Prices! Pickup Available
4. $4,016.00
  
  ~~$5,149.00~~ -22%
2. Vortex Viper HD 10x50 Binocular [VOVPR5010HD]
  Vortex Viper HD 10x50 Binocular [VOVPR5010HD]The Viper HDs significantly step up their game in 2011 with HD (High Density) extra-low dispersion... Vortex Viper HD 10x50 Binocular [VOVPR5010HD]
3. Store: Aus Warranties at Low Prices! Pickup Available
4. $1,045.00
  
  ~~$1,420.00~~ -26%
2. Saxon Scouter 10-30x60 Zoom Binoculars
  Saxon Scouter 10-30x60 Zoom Binocular The Saxon 10-30X60 is a High Power Zoom Binoculars that is versatile and great for all-purpose viewing... More
3. Store: The Australian Binocular Experts!
4. $159.90
  
  ~~$189.00~~ -15%
2. Steiner Skyhawk 3.0 8x32 Binocular
  Steiner Skyhawk 3 8x32 Binoculars Introducing the New Steiner Skyhawk 3 Binoculars. With improved optical performance and the unique innovative... More
3. Store: The Australian Binocular Experts!
4. $499.00
  
  ~~$699.00~~ -29%
2. Leupold BX-3 Mojave 8x42 Black Binoculars
  Leupold Mojave BX-3 8x42 More
3. Store: The Australian Binocular Experts!
4. $609.00
  
  ~~$780.00~~ -22%
2. Leica Monovid 8x20 Waterproof Monocular
  Leica is a brand world-renowned for being synonymous with superior optical and mechanical quality, for dependability, and long life.With over a... More
3. Store: The Australian Binocular Experts!
4. $609.90
  
  ~~$650.00~~ -6%
2. Nikon Prostaff 8X42 Binoculars (7570)
  Nikon 8×42 Prostaff ATB, water proof porro prism binoculars with 6.3° angle of view. Nikon’s most exciting binocular series starts with bright,... Nikon Prostaff 8X42 Binoculars (7570)
3. Store:
4. $435.00
2. Vortex Diamondback 8X42 Binoculars (D248)
  Vortex Optics 8×42 Diamondback series waterproof roof prism binoculars with a wide 8.0 degrees angle of view. The Vortex smooth focusing 8×42... Vortex Diamondback 8X42 Binoculars (D248)
3. Store:
4. $395.00
2. Zeiss Victory FL 10X32 Binoculars (523231)
  Zeiss' 10×32 Victory T* FL Binocular is the epitome of optical excellence. From any measurement of greatness it succeeds admirably, a tool bereft... Zeiss Victory FL 10X32 Binoculars (523231)
3. Store:
4. $2,649.00
2. Avalon 8×32 Mini HD Binoculars (AVA-08321)
  If you want to enjoy bright, razor sharp views but need to travel light, then the new Avalon 8×32 Mini HD are the right binoculars for you. The... Avalon 8×32 Mini HD Binoculars (AVA-08321)
3. Store:
4. $189.00
1. $Sky-Watcher 150/1050 Esprit ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope (SKY-WATCHER-150-1050-ESPRIT-ED-TRIPLET-APO-REFRACTOR-TELESCOPE)$
2. Sky-Watcher 150/1050 Esprit ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope (SKY-WATCHER-150-1050-ESPRIT-ED-TRIPLET-APO-REFRACTOR-TELESCOPE)
  Sky-Watcher 150/1050 Esprit ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope Sky-Watcher 150/1050 Esprit ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope (SKY-WATCHER-150-1050-ESPRIT-ED-TRIPLET-APO-REFRACTOR-TELESCOPE)
3. Store: 28 day money back guarantee*; Aus. warranty
4. $7,234.00
2. Canon 15x50 IS Binoculars
  Canon 15x50 Image Stabilised Binoculars Canon 15x50 Image Stabilised Binoculars are ideal for the boatie that needs to see the next marker or the... Canon 15x50 IS Binoculars
3. Store: Better > Photography > Fast
4. $1,556.60
2. Celestron Outland 6x30 Mm Monocular
  Just grab it and go! Outland 6x30 Monocular with extreme portability and ergonomic design to take anywhere. The 30mm lens assists your viewing in...
  
  Celestron Outland X 6x30 Monocular - Celestron
3. Store: Direct to Your Door. Australian Warranties
4. $69.00
2. Carl Zeiss Terra ED 10X42
  
  Compare prices for this product - Carl Zeiss
3. from $699
  
  from 1 store
2. Nikon Action EX 10X50 CF
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $248.85
  
  ~~$279.00~~ -11%
  from 5 stores
2. Nikon Action EX 7X35 CF
  
  Compare prices for this product - Nikon
3. from $219
  
  from 2 stores
2. Canon 15x50 IS
  
  Compare prices for this product - Canon
3. from $1,124
  
  ~~$1,444.00~~ -22%
  from 8 stores
2. Leica Trinovid 10x25 Bca Binocular (40343)
  Since their introduction in 1983 and up to the present day, the Trinovid 8 x 20 BCA and the 10 x 25 BCA have repeatedly won awards for excellence....
  
  Leica Trinovid 10x25 BCA - Leica
3. Store: Direct to Your Door. Australian Warranties
4. $699.00
2. Nikon Monarch 8.5x56 DCF (Black) Binoculars [BAA617AA]
  Close In On Your Target With ConfidenceThese waterproof, fog-free Nikon binoculars are just the ticket for outdoor use.Bright, beautifully...
  
  Nikon Monarch 8.5x56 DCF - Nikon
3. Store: Aus Warranties at Low Prices! Pickup Available
4. $553.00
2. Leica Ultravid 10x42 BL
  
  Compare prices for this product - Leica
3. from $2,599
  
  from 1 store