Every year, about eight million binoculars are sold worldwide – an enormous number, but considering the numerous functions, models and possible applications, this relatively large market is absolutely justified. The target group is primarily people who spend a lot of time outdoors: hikers, hunters or birdwatchers use binoculars regularly. However, the purchase of such a product should be subject to some selection criteria in order to achieve particularly high efficiency.

Models and variants of binoculars in the trade

Basically, the selection of modern binoculars is very large, which can complicate the purchase of a suitable product: Only who knows what he claims to the binoculars has, can find the right product.

Basically, of course, binoculars are available, which are sold as all-round models. These products are characterized by their many different uses and are therefore perfect for newcomers to the binoculars want to test in different scenarios and do not want to commit to any specific area. Even as a second binoculars such a model can be useful.

Binoculars for bird watching are usually rather small, have a low weight and are therefore very handy and flexible. They are often already very cheap available.

In these properties they resemble mini binoculars, which are often available in monocular design. That means these models are one-eyed. They can usually be retracted and are so extremely handy, small and easy to transport. However, compared to other binoculars, the picture quality is usually worse.

So-called twilight glasses are often used by hunters and observers of wild animals. Unlike many other models, they also provide a clear picture at dusk and in the dark. However, these models are often rather big and heavy.

These examples represent only a small part of the large offer – furthermore binoculars can be distinguished in the kind of the used prisms or the objectives. The individual variants and designs may also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

What should be considered when buying a binoculars?

Consumers must pay attention to the purchase of binoculars – the individual criteria and influencing factors are very confusing, especially for laymen and beginners. It is important to know your own requirements. For this purpose, the above purposes provide a good guide.

Basically binoculars can be distinguished according to their weight. Those who move a lot during their observation – for example, animal watchers – need a model that is light. For astronomical observations, however, massive telescopes are used, since the location usually does not need to be changed and thereby also a better image quality can be achieved.

The biggest factor influencing the purchase, however, is probably the image quality. Color fidelity and sharpness are responsible for this and are largely determined by the quality of the installed prisms: Most models are sold with roof prisms and Porro prisms, the nature of the prisms is less crucial. It is more important that the quality of the glass is high quality. As very good manufacturers Steiner, Nikon, Eschenbach and Vanguard apply.

The possible enlargement of the image can also have some influence on this. A common misconception here is that a higher magnification of the image automatically corresponds to a higher quality of the binoculars. With most binoculars, however, the color quality and the sharpness of the image suffer enormously with high magnification.

Laymen and beginners should ideally seek advice before buying the first binoculars. Mostly a universal binocular is the best choice for inexperienced beginners, as the price-performance ratio for their needs is more balanced here.