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David Okafor — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor

Approved Guide

How to Choose the Right Binoculars for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Whether you are tracking wildlife in a dense forest, scanning the horizon from a mountain peak, or stargazing on a clear night, having the right optics is a game-changer. Choosing the right binoculars for outdoor enthusiasts isn't just about buying the most expensive pair; it's about matching the technical specifications to your environment. From understanding the 'magic numbers' of magnification to choosing between roof and porro prisms, this guide will help you navigate the technical jargon to find a tool that enhances your adventure.

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Choose binoculars with a 7x to 10x magnification for general use.

Before buying a set of binoculars, look at the number that comes before the “x” in their description. This is the magnification factor, which dictates how much closer objects will appear to be. If you just want binoculars for general use, 7x to 10x magnification is usually your best value.

Before buying a set of binoculars, look at the number that comes before the “x” in their description.
This is the magnification factor, which dictates how much closer objects will appear to be.
If you just want binoculars for general use, 7x to 10x magnification is usually your best value.
Before buying a set of binoculars, look at the number that comes before the “x” in their description.
This is the magnification factor, which dictates how much closer objects will appear to be.

Look for high magnification for long-range hunting.

If you’re hunting in the mountains or in wide open ranges, choose binoculars with larger magnifications, usually pairs in the 12x range. If you’re hunting in a heavily forested area, choose a set with a slightly lower (but still substantial) magnification. 10x pairs generally work best in the woods.

If you’re hunting in the mountains or in wide open ranges, choose binoculars with larger magnifications, usually pairs in the 12x range.
If you’re hunting in a heavily forested area, choose a set with a slightly lower (but still substantial) magnification.
10x pairs generally work best in the woods.
If you’re hunting in the mountains or in wide open ranges, choose binoculars with larger magnifications, usually pairs in the 12x range.
If you’re hunting in a heavily forested area, choose a set with a slightly lower (but still substantial) magnification.

Ensure the eyepieces are comfortable to look through.

The eyepiece lenses should rest an appropriate distance from your eyes, and even further if you wear glasses. This is called "eye relief" and normally ranges from 5–20 millimetres (0.20–0.79 in). If you wear glasses, you'll need an eye relief of 14–15 millimetres (0.55–0.59 in) or greater, as most eyeglasses rest from 9–13 millimetres (0.35–0.51 in) from the eye.

The eyepiece lenses should rest an appropriate distance from your eyes, and even further if you wear glasses.
This is called "eye relief" and normally ranges from 5–20 millimetres (0.20–0.79 in).
If you wear glasses, you'll need an eye relief of 14–15 millimetres (0.55–0.59 in) or greater, as most eyeglasses rest from 9–13 millimetres (0.35–0.51 in) from the eye.
The eyepiece lenses should rest an appropriate distance from your eyes, and even further if you wear glasses.
This is called "eye relief" and normally ranges from 5–20 millimetres (0.20–0.79 in).

Test the focusing function.

Before buying, calibrate a pair of binoculars inside the store to see how closely you can focus them on a nearby object. Measure the distance between the object and the binoculars to gauge the image quality for that particular length. Choose a faraway object if you care about spotting tiny details from large distances.

Before buying, calibrate a pair of binoculars inside the store to see how closely you can focus them on a nearby object.
Measure the distance between the object and the binoculars to gauge the image quality for that particular length.
Choose a faraway object if you care about spotting tiny details from large distances.
Before buying, calibrate a pair of binoculars inside the store to see how closely you can focus them on a nearby object.
Measure the distance between the object and the binoculars to gauge the image quality for that particular length.

Look at the prism design to gauge how good the images will be.

Most binoculars have their main lenses spaced wider than their eyepieces, thanks to the Porro prisms they use. This makes the binoculars larger, but makes nearby objects appear more 3-dimensional. However, some binoculars use roof prisms instead of Porro prisms, which let the main lenses rest in line with the eyepieces. This lowers the image quality, but makes the binoculars more compact overall.

Most binoculars have their main lenses spaced wider than their eyepieces, thanks to the Porro prisms they use.
This makes the binoculars larger, but makes nearby objects appear more 3-dimensional.
However, some binoculars use roof prisms instead of Porro prisms, which let the main lenses rest in line with the eyepieces.
This lowers the image quality, but makes the binoculars more compact overall.
Most binoculars have their main lenses spaced wider than their eyepieces, thanks to the Porro prisms they use.

Check out the manufacturer's reputation and guarantees.

Before buying, consider how long the binocular manufacturer has been in business and what other optical products they make. Also research their policies if the binoculars get damaged and what warranties they offer.

Before buying, consider how long the binocular manufacturer has been in business and what other optical products they make.
Also research their policies if the binoculars get damaged and what warranties they offer.
Before buying, consider how long the binocular manufacturer has been in business and what other optical products they make.
Also research their policies if the binoculars get damaged and what warranties they offer.
Before buying, consider how long the binocular manufacturer has been in business and what other optical products they make.

Use a magnification table to determine the right pair of binoculars for your hobby.

Magnification charts compare and contrast the different sizes of binoculars and their lenses to determine which pairs are the most useful for which hobbies. For example, binoculars with larger lenses usually have great image detail, making them great for bird and whale watching. However, they’re heavy and difficult to carry so you probably don’t want to hike or paddle with them.

Magnification charts compare and contrast the different sizes of binoculars and their lenses to determine which pairs are the most useful for which hobbies.
For example, binoculars with larger lenses usually have great image detail, making them great for bird and whale watching.
However, they’re heavy and difficult to carry so you probably don’t want to hike or paddle with them.
Magnification charts compare and contrast the different sizes of binoculars and their lenses to determine which pairs are the most useful for which hobbies.
For example, binoculars with larger lenses usually have great image detail, making them great for bird and whale watching.

Pro Tips

Always test binoculars in the actual lighting conditions you expect to encounter (e.g., shade vs. bright sun).
Consider a binocular harness instead of a neck strap to distribute weight across your shoulders.

Warnings

Never look directly at the sun through binoculars, as this can cause permanent eye damage.
Avoid buying 'cheap' high-magnification sets; they often have poor lens quality that creates chromatic aberration (color fringing).

Community Q&A

Q What is the best magnification for bird watching?

A Generally, 8x is considered the gold standard for birding because it offers a wide field of view and a steady image, making it easier to find birds in the canopy.

Q Do I need waterproof binoculars for hiking?

A Yes, it is highly recommended. Even if you don't expect rain, humidity and temperature shifts can cause internal fogging if the unit isn't purged and sealed.

References

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