Binoculars are a highly versatile tool that let you see things closer and be able to discern a lot more detail than you would be able to using only the naked eye.
Their distinguishing feature are that they have two barrels, one for each eye, unlike telescopes, spotting scopes etc. This allows one to use both eyes while looking through, which feels natural and also provides stereoscopic vision. This in turn means that you get some depth perception and your brain has more visual information to work with.
Most binoculars are highly portable, some will even fit in your pocket. You can use them by simply holding them in your hands. There are some specialized binoculars though, that are just too big or have too powerful magnification, and have to be supported on something like a tripod.
Though fundamentally all binoculars are the same – they have lenses that magnify the image, prisms that turn the image upright and eyepieces which beam the image into your eyes – the price range is huge. It goes from $10 kids’ binos all the way to $3000+ professional top of the line items from elite optics brands.
Different shapes and sizes, as well as extra features, also make different models suitable for different tasks. For example, although you can use cheap compact binoculars while out at sea on a boat, you’ll be much better off with a professional marine product.
In this category, we review different binoculars by application, by brand and by features to help you find the best product choices for your particular circumstances.
- How Much Should You Spend on Binoculars - Complete Break-DownI know it's hard to figure out how much to spend on a pair of binoculars, even approximately, if you're not very experienced with them. How much are good binoculars anyway? There are probably some for sale in you local...
- Should You Bring Binoculars to a Concert? - What You Should KnowWhen your favorite band or musician is in town, there is no greater feeling than the one you have as you watch them do what they do best on stage. However, acquiring seats that are near the stage can be...
- Should You Buy Used Binoculars - What To Be Aware OfAs long as you’re comfortable purchasing a pair of used binoculars, this is a good way to save a bit of cash while still acquiring a good-quality product. Quite often buyers don’t know what to look for - or even...
- Should You Take Binoculars on a Cruise - Here's What You Should KnowWhile on a cruise, there are so many new and exciting views you will get to enjoy. However, having a perfect 20/20 vision might not be sufficient, and you might end up missing a once-in-a-lifetime view just because you came...
- Eyeskey Binoculars - Any Good? Reviewed!If you are in search of good-quality binoculars, it's worth checking out Eyeskey products. Although it's not a top-class brand, the Eyeskey manufacturer knows its thing, and Eyeskey binos can be classified as good-value-for-money ones. Below, you can find Eyeskey...
- What are 60x60 binoculars and are they any good? - AnsweredI research binoculars a lot. And every so often (very often actually), I stumble upon these products with unbelievable claims, and in particular I've been noticing lots of "60x60 binoculars", which annoys me quite a bit. 60x60 binoculars are almost...
- Choosing 8x30 Binoculars: Reviews of 5 Quality PairsHere you can find concise recommendations on what binoculars to choose, as well as the models worth taking into account. Let’s start with the features that are a must. Features to Pay Attention to 8x30 binoculars are quite versatile and...
- Buying Binoculars with Compass - Guide and ReviewsCompass binoculars are a fantastic tool whether you’re hunting or out on the water. When shopping for binoculars with compass, it is important to consider the product features to ensure they fit your needs. Hunting binoculars will require a different...
- Best Picks for Camouflage Binoculars for Hunting and BirdingIf all your kit is camouflaged and blends in with the environment, why shouldn't your binoculars be? The pattern matters - it helps to visually break up the outline of the object. Instead of revealing your position due to a...
- How to Buy Great Binoculars for Nature, Wildlife Viewing and BirdwatchingImagine yourself in the middle of your wildlife tour. The nature is amazing, the views are breathtaking, and the wildlife is… ... SO FAR AWAY. To not make this bad dream come true, let's dive right into all you need...
- Top Waterproof Binoculars: Buying Guide and ReviewsWhether you’re heading out in search of wild birds or setting off on the water, you need to know your binoculars are protected against the elements. Waterproof, fog proof, slip resistant. All these features will enable you to focus on...
- Choosing Binoculars That Actually Fit in Your PocketLet me say this outright: even the best pocket binoculars cannot compete with full-sized models in terms of optical quality. A pocket-sized binocular is inevitably a compromise. But it's a fantastic gadget to have nonetheless. It's always with you, unlike your...
- Best Binoculars for Hiking: A Helpful Buyer's GuideDurable hiking gear? Check. ✓ Watertight hiking boots? Check. ✓ Snacks? Check. ✓ Binoculars? …Oops! If you are a seasoned hiking enthusiast, you know how frustrating it is not to be able to enjoy the view to the fullest. Next...
- Rangefinder Binoculars - How to Make the Right Choice, The First TimeRangefinder binoculars is a purchase you don't want to mess up. They're expensive! And if you are a passionate hunter or a range shooter, rangefinder binoculars will be one of the most useful tools in your gear bag. Who on earth wouldn’t...
- Athlon Optics Binoculars: Review for 2021When looking for high-quality binoculars, most times people will pay attention to the brands they know, and that's for a reason. However, there is a number of manufacturers with binoculars of really good quality that come at more affordable prices...
- Reviews of the Best 8X42 Binoculars on the Market / Tips for BuyingSee the most recommended 8X42 binoculars models in our thorough review and buying guide. Choose your optics wisely.
- Best American Made Binoculars: Which US Brands Assemble Them in the States?Are there any binoculars manufacturers that still produce their optics in the USA? Fortunately, yes. We've looked around and found them. Read the article to find out more.
- A Review of Gosky Binoculars: Quality, Features, UsabilityGosky has certainly risen to fame for their affordable optics. How good are their binoculars? We review the most popular models and provide an overview of everything you need to know when buying binos.
- Choosing the Best Close-Focus Binoculars for Watching Butterflies and Other InsectsFew binoculars are suitable for watching insects and other small things up close. We review the top binoculars on the market for this job and provide a guide to choosing optics for this job.
- Best Backpacking BinocularsThe best backpacking binoculars are lightweight compact binoculars with high quality optics. We review the best compact binoculars for hiking, camping, birding and backpacking, for a reasonable price. See our buying guide, binocular reviews and top picks.
- Best Image Stabilized BinocularsIn this section we cover everything that pertains to image stabilization binoculars: buying guides for particular purposes, how they work, how to choose them, and we also cover the most prominent IS binoculars models on the market.
- What are the Top Marine Binoculars - Best Products Reviewed [2018]Picking great marine binoculars is not easy: read our guide and reviews before buying! We look at both the process of choosing as well as the top-most picks in the category.
- High Powered Binoculars - Reviewed for 2018Read our reviews of the best high powered binoculars for long distance viewing. The buying guide will help you make the best choice.
- Best Binoculars: Full Guide and ReviewsRead our guide to choosing and buying the best binoculars on the market. There are many options to choose from - we break down the selection process and make it easy to make a good buying decision.