If you are new to low light binoculars and have never really used one before now, you might find it difficult distinguishing the top brands from the regular binoculars some people use. This is even so because most binoculars have the same style and shape. It takes only an experienced binoculars user who has used a few to quickly spot the best low light optics.
That said, you need not be so experienced before you can tell the difference between the best binos for lower light conditions and others. The job has been made a lot easier for you, so let’s get started.
They are less bulky
Top low light binoculars manufacturers understand that weight can be a burden sometimes. That is why they are cutting down the weight of binoculars as much as possible. Some high-end low light binoculars are at least lighter than others. Top brands are beginning to adopt light weight materials which make their binos less bulky. The Vortex Optics Razor HD 10x50 for instance, is made of magnesium alloy which makes it lighter than a few others. The magnesium alloy is lighter than the aluminium frame used by other brands.
Great imaging performance
Binoculars produced by top brands always have excellent imaging performance. Image stability is also top-notch. When you go for a high quality set of binoculars, be sure to expect crisp, sharp, crystal clear images. Other manufacturers produce binoculars that give you good images but the image quality you get is nothing compared to what top brands offer.
Durability
With high quality comes durability. Top-of-the-line low light binoculars are very durable and can be passed from one generation to another. My first pair of high quality low light binoculars was given to me by my uncle. I still use it to this day, although I just got myself Nikon PROSTAFF 5 10x50 binoculars, which is an optical marvel. It is quite strong.
Superior light transmission
A good number of cutting edge low light binoculars I have tried out have not disappointed me with regard to their light transmission capabilities. I have had the privilege of using Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization III binoculars, Nikon ACULON A211 10x50 binoculars, Vortex Optics Razor HD 10x50 Roof Prism binoculars, and Nikon PROSTAFF 5 10x50 binoculars. They all exhibited brilliant and first rate light transmission. No wonder they give bright images with bright colours.
Beautifully designed
If you care about beauty and aesthetics like I do, you would go for low light binoculars produced by top manufacturers. Most of the high-end low light binoculars we have today are beautifully crafted and sleek.
High optical glass quality
Manufacturers of best low light binoculars use glasses with the best optical quality. They carry out tests to determine the optical quality of their lenses and prisms before using them. That is why good low light binoculars have lenses that gather more light and do not reduce the amount of light reaching your eyes.
Completely coated optics
The average low light binoculars on the market have only the objective and ocular lenses coated. But the best binoculars have their ocular and objective lenses, exterior, interior, and prism surfaces coated. The best brands come with the specification, ‘fully coated optics.’
They are expensive
Of course you should expect this. There is no set of high quality low light binoculars out there with cutting edge image quality that comes cheap. Be ready to spend some good amount of money if and when you decide to get one. Like I always say, most expensive low light binoculars are synonymous with high quality.
Now you know what differentiates the best low light binoculars from others. You are better equipped to make informed decisions. The ball is now in your court.