For every binocular company, they are the only manufacturer of the best binoculars in the world. Yeah right! If you are a fan of bird watching, you know that this is nothing but a marketing strategy. With several brands claiming that they are the best, the process of selecting which one to buy gets more difficult.
If you are so confused which one to purchase, there’s no need to worry. In this article, we will help you sort out your options and choose the best small powerful binocular that will bring your bird watching experience to a whole new level.
Celestron 71402 TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars – Top Choice
Right off the bat, there is one product that stands out over its contemporaries when it comes to functionalities and quality. TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars is a top of the line product from Celestron, a world-renowned manufacturer of top-notch optics. With so many products to choose from, this model offers exceptional performance at a very reasonable price.
Design
By simply looking at the TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars, you can immediately identify that it is perfect for birdwatching. It is perfectly shaped for ergonomic purposes. Made of magnesium alloy material, its body is light yet durable to withstand extreme weather. With its rugged look and easy-to-reach adjustment knobs, TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars is sure to impress you at first glance.
Optics
In order for small binocular to be powerful, it has to have outstanding optics. Good thing TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars didn’t miss this mark. It has 10x magnification power using roof prism technology. This means that you get to enjoy a crisp and clear image of your target even if they are several feet away. Made of Bak-4 Glass, its lenses are guaranteed durable and long-lasting.
Aside from 10x magnification capability, TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars also boasts its 32mm objective lens diameter. Objective lenses are responsible for allowing light to enter the binocular for a brighter image. The bigger the number, the better. Having a 32mm objective lens is more than enough for bird watching purposes. Even in low light condition, you get to enjoy bright and sharp images.
Field of View
Field of view (FOV) is another strength of TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars. Having an FOV of 325 feet, it is one of the best among small powerful binoculars. But what exactly is the importance of FOV? Having an FOV of 325 means you can see a 325 feet span in your eyepiece from a distance of 1000 yards. High FOV numbers are more preferred since you can see a bigger frame without the need to move your binoculars sideways.
Compact and Light
Would you believe that TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars only weighs one pound? Yes! That makes this product portable no matter where you want to go. Thus, simply hang it around your neck and carry it with you wherever your adventure leads you.
Pros:
- Great value for a very powerful product
- Excellent picture quality with its roof prism Bak-4 lens
- Wide field of view – see more in a single frame
- Extremely light and portable
Cons:
- Space between the eyepieces are quite small for the liking of some customers
What to Look for When Buying Small Powerful Binoculars
You might have asked yourself this question before – what should you look for when buying a small and powerful binocular? Knowing these factors are important in order to narrow down your options and arrive at a smart choice.
- Power or Size?
Power and size are usually two of the most common factors taken into consideration when buying a binocular. However, these two does not always come together. Powerful binoculars have high magnification number and thus, they can spot the farthest bird in the jungle. However, since they are usually made of huge and powerful lenses, they are bulky and heavy. I bet you don’t want these extra pounds with you.
Therefore, the key in selecting a binocular for birdwatching is to find the right balance of power and size. The perfect binoculars for birdwatching are usually 8 to 10x magnification. These products are powerful enough to spot your target but are sleek and compact for portability purposes.
- Magnification vs FOV
Another two aspects that you may need some trade-off are between magnification and field of view. High magnification binoculars allow you to zoom in more closely to objects, something that a low magnification product cannot do. However, extremely high magnification leads to picture instability and limited field of view.
The more you zoom in, your field of view gets limited your view becomes more prone to even the slightest hand movement. For best results, do not go beyond 10x magnification.
- Size and Weight
This aspect is very crucial in your selection process. As much as possible, you want all the functionalities of a powerful binocular in a small and light product. However, you must also not sacrifice important functionalities such as the clarity of picture and level of brightness.
It is impossible to find a product that has all the things that you are looking for. Compromises must be done to find the perfect combination of features that will satisfy your needs for a small and powerful binocular.
Alternative Picks
Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x26 Binoculars
Another product that is worthy of being on our list is the Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x26 Binoculars. Capitalizing on its size and portability, this product is ready to rock the market and amaze bird watching enthusiasts.
Small but Tough
By the looks of it, you can clearly tell that this product is tough and made to last. Its casing includes groves that add traction for better grip. However, you must know that it is not fully waterproof but water resistant to some extent.
Powerful…But
With 10x magnification, no one can argue that this product is powerful. However, it missed the mark when it comes to the size of the objective lens. Though 26mm is a decent number, it is not as good as 32mm especially when light sources are not adequate. FOV is also decent at 302 feet but not the best among products on the same range.
Pros:
- Can be carried anywhere since it is light and portable
- Excellent magnification power
- Stylish, rugged design perfect for your adventure
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Mediocre OFV and objective lens
Nikon 16001 PROSTAFF 7S 10x30 Inches Compact Binocular
Another small powerful binocular that you may want to try is the Nikon 16001 PROSTAFF 7S 10x30 Inches Compact Binocular. Designed for a variety of outdoor activities, it has a bunch of features that will surely tick your boxes.
Optical Performance
Nikon 16001 PROSTAFF 7S 10x30 Inches Compact Binocular is powerful in two aspects – magnification and objective lens diameter. It has the regular 10x magnification which is common among small power binocular. However, Nikon has spent a lot of time and resources in designing this product with a 30mm objective lens.
Compared to other similar products, Nikon 16001 offers brighter images even in low light conditions. In addition, it has anti-reflection optics that are fully coated. As a result, it maximizes the transmission of light giving clear and high contrast images.
Ergonomic Design Built to Last
Nikon 16001 is light and is perfect for outdoor adventures such as bird watching. Its focus knob is also perfectly located where your fingers can easily reach them. Equipped with O-rings and filled with Nitrogen, you can rely on this products even in unforgiving conditions. Since it is completely sealed, it is water and fog proof.
Pros:
- Outstanding magnification power and huge objective lens
- Ergonomic design
- No-fault repair and replacement policy with a limited lifetime warranty
- Small and compact
Cons:
- Loose eye caps
Wingspan Optics ProBirder Ultra HD 8X32 Compact Binoculars
The last product that worthy of being on our list is a flagship product from Wingspan. Promising to give the world a clearer and brighter view, Wingspan Optics ProBirder Ultra HD 8X32 is here to offer you options that you may find difficult to say no.
Superb Image Quality
Wingspan claims to have manufactured a product that offers high-resolution image. With 32mm objective lens diameter, you get true to life colors which is essential for bird watching. Its coated lens in high index prisms delivers unparalleled brightness even in low light conditions. However, it missed the mark when it comes to magnification. 8x is simply inferior compared to other products with 10x.
Extra wide FOV
FOV is a strength of Wingspan Optics ProBirder Ultra. At a distance of 1000 yards, you can view a total span of 393 feet with is absolutely stunning. Also, its focus system knob located in the center is easy to adjust and navigate. Weighing a little over one pound, you can bring the product with you with ease and convenience.
Pros:
- High-definition images
- Extra wide FOV with close focus technology
- Lifetime warranty
- Extra light and portable
Cons:
- Only 8x magnification power
- Not fully waterproof
- A little pricey compared to other brands
The Bottom Line
No matter which product you are buying, we are always reminding our readers to focus on their purpose of buying a small power binocular. Products may differ in one feature to another but as long as your criteria were met, there is no doubt that your next bird watching expedition will be your best yet.