So you've decided to explore the exciting world of binoculars. Whether you've been thinking about buying binoculars for some time, or just want to figure out which pair will be best for you, this quick guide from our expert team at Ted's Cameras will help you get started.
Here are the key questions to consider before you shop:
1. What's Your Price Range?
Top-of-the-line binoculars deliver crisp, bright images in a comfortable and durable package. Lower price points also offer some great options, but usually involve a trade-off between size and image quality.
When shopping for binoculars, you'll encounter a wide range of prices. Understanding key specs — such as magnification and objective lens diameter — will help you determine which pair best suits your needs and budget.
2. What Do the Numbers Mean, and Why Should You Care?
Binocular specifications are straightforward once you know what they refer to:
- Magnification — Binoculars are identified by two numbers: magnification power and objective lens diameter. For example, 8x35 binoculars have a magnification of 8x, meaning an object will appear 8 times closer than it would to the naked eye.
- Objective Lens Diameter — The second number refers to the diameter of the front (objective) lens in millimetres. In 8x35 binoculars, the objective lenses measure 35mm. A larger objective lens gathers more light, resulting in a brighter image — particularly useful in low-light conditions.
3. Do You Want a Compact Size or Crystal-Clear Image?
The prism design inside a pair of binoculars has a significant impact on both image quality and size. Porro prism binoculars often deliver a brighter, more three-dimensional image, but tend to be larger and heavier. Roof prism binoculars are more compact and travel-friendly, though they typically come at a higher price point for equivalent optical quality.
Here are the common size categories to help guide your choice:
- Full-Size (e.g. 8x42, 10x50) — Capture more light and perform better in low-light conditions. Ideal for serious wildlife viewing or marine use, but may be too bulky for backpacking.
- Mid-Size (e.g. 7x35, 10x32) — A versatile choice for on-the-go wildlife and sports viewing. Well suited to outdoor events where lighting conditions are generally good.
- Compact (e.g. 8x25, 10x25) — Best for daytime outdoor activities like hiking and travel. Lighter and more portable, though less comfortable during extended use and with reduced low-light performance.
4. What Magnification Will You Need?
The right magnification depends largely on your intended use. An 8x or 10x magnification is a popular all-rounder — great for birdwatching and wildlife at a distance. For stargazing, a higher magnification such as 15x or 20x is more appropriate, though a tripod may be needed to keep the image steady.
We recommend testing a range of models in-store. The size of your hands, your face shape, how your eyes naturally focus, and the strength of your arms can all influence which pair feels most comfortable and natural to use.
5. How Important Is Eye Relief to You?
Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece lens and the point at which the full image is visible — typically ranging from 5mm to 23mm. This is particularly important for glasses wearers.
Most binoculars feature adjustable eyecups to accommodate comfortable viewing with or without glasses. If you plan to use binoculars while wearing glasses or sunglasses, look for a model with at least 15mm of eye relief. Set the eyecups to their minimum position and check that you can see the full image without any dark vignetting around the edges.
Get Expert Advice
Buying a quality pair of binoculars isn't a decision to rush. Take your time, do your research, and don't hesitate to reach out to our team for personalised advice.
You can contact us online, call us on 1300 768 833, or drop into your local Ted's Cameras store — our staff are always happy to help you find the right pair.