The 9 Best Binoculars For Long Distance Viewing – Buyers Guide

Here we are to familiarize you with the different types, brands, and features for long-distance binoculars. Some important features to consider in order to pick the right optics for your specific need. So let’s continue reading.

Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter

Magnification of the size of the image you see from the lens. Mostly referred to as the binocular’s power. Say, 20×60, here 20x is the magnification, meaning you will see the target object 20 times bigger than with naked eyes. The higher the magnification bigger and closer would be the image. Zoom binoculars are available if you want variable zoom or magnification, but usually while switching between magnification image quality degrades.

The objective lens diameter, on the other hand, determines how much light can be gathered to make your distant image look bright and clear. As a result, the bigger the magnification and objective lens diameter the better the image quality from your long-distance binoculars.

Lowlight performance

The lens diameter affects how much light your binoculars can gather. You will be looking at a target from a far distance, it’s important for optics to deliver outstanding light transmission so that the distant images appear bright and natural for your viewing. For this reason, the low-light performance of your binoculars will matter. For activities like stargazing, wider lenses are better, because they’ll allow in more light and let you see more stars.

Field of vision

Field of vision or the field of view (FOV) is the total area you see through the lens of your binoculars. A perfect feature for bird watchers who loves viewing flying birding, for hunters who are following the moving subject at a distance, or for any other moving object. It is measured in feet per yards. Keep in mind as magnification grows higher field of view would be narrower. So, if you really need a wide area to be covered from the binoculars, be ready to spend more as a wide field of view requires powerful optic performance.

Exit pupil

If the exit pupil not mentioned in the manual, you can easily calculate by dividing the magnification by the objective lens diameter. When you look into binoculars the size of the light hitting your pupil is the exit pupil. The size of the exit pupil has to be bigger than the diameter of your pupil so that, more light from the image hits your eyes and your view is sharper and clearer. 

Eye relief

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the binocular’s eyepiece. Most binoculars come with built-in soft rubber eyecups that make extended viewing sessions even more comfortable. High-end binoculars allow you to adjust the eyecups by twisting or pushing them. A much-needed factor if you wear prescription glasses while using your binoculars.

Binoculars weight and size

Mostly long distance binoculars are heavy and bulky. For long viewing sessions, it would be extremely tiring to keep holding the gear and yet getting the non-shaky images. Tripod is one of the options and almost every binocular from the long-distance category comes with a tripod adapter. Another option if you really into seeing the steady long-distance images then go ahead with the premium image stabilization binoculars. If you are traveling a lot try to look for a lightweight and easily transportable option.     

Prism system

There are two prism designs available to orient the image:

• Porro prism: Here prisms are arranged at an angle with the eyepiece being offset from the lens. They are bulkier.
•  Roof prisms: The prisms are arranged in a line providing expensive but compact binoculars

Type of Glass

The glass quality is especially important in low light, where you may encounter blurring and chromatic aberrations, particularly around the edges. There are two major types of binocular lens glass:

BAK-4 prism glass is high-density and expensive, it boasts a high refractive index. If the eyepieces have circular exit pupils, your glass is BAK-4.

BAK-7 glass is often found in lower-end binoculars. If the exit pupils are square, you have BAK-7 glass. 

Lens coating

When the light hits the glasses of the lenses and the prism, it tends to bounce back through reflections. As a result, some of the light is lost and the image becomes blurred and out of focus. Lens coating minimizes this reflected light and decides how clear and crisp the image would be. Non coated lens makes it difficult to see clear images. There are many types of coatings that range from the coating, multi-coating, and fully multi-coating design, but a particularly useful type is anti-reflective, which will help you see more clearly in bright daylight.

Cleaning binoculars

To protect the coating on your lenses, you’ll want to use only soft cleaning cloths. If the lens stucks the abrasive surface, you may lose some of the coatings or even end up with a scratch in the glass. Many binoculars come with cleaning cloths that are safe for your lenses.

Durability

First of all, decide how do you want to use your binoculars. If outdoor activities in harsh weather are the goal, you may want rubber armor-coated binoculars that provide a reliable non-slip grip. It also gives the binoculars a rugged shockproof feel hence adding an extra layer of protection. Binoculars with water and fog resistance avoid fog or dew drops from getting into the binoculars to distort your viewing even in humid climates.

Accessories

Usually, binoculars come with additional accessories for ease of usage. Items like carrying cases, neck-straps, cleaning cloths, rain guards, and lens covers would be extremely useful for binoculars ’ long life. Hard cases are durable and will better protect your binoculars from falls, but may also be bulky, heavy, and somewhat more difficult to carry. If portability is what you’re looking for, you may prefer a soft case, which may be lighter, smaller, and easier to carry.

Warranty

If you are investing a big amount you would definitely want security from the company in case of any technical or mechanical accident.