Which binoculars suit my usage situation?
What binoculars do I need for what activity?
To determine what binoculars you need, you have to look at when you want to use them. If you take them traveling, it's easy if they fit in your bag. If you take your binoculars out on the water, it's useful if it has a floating carrying strap. Below, you can find what binoculars suit different user situations.
Bird watching
The perfect binoculars for bird watching are compact and easy to use. You don't need a very large magnification factor. Binoculars with a magnification factor of 8x is sufficient. A wide image angle is useful though, so the bird doesn't disappear from your field of vision quickly. Keep the light conditions in mind when choosing binoculars. If you want to go bird watching at night, choose a high twilight factor and large exit pupil of 5.2, for example. The higher the number, the better it'll work in low light.
On the water
Anyone who's been on a boat before, knows about the swell. If you want a stable image, the maximum magnification is 7x. Make sure to get binoculars with a nitrogen filling, so there won't be any condensation in the lens. A floating carrying straps prevents your binoculars from sinking if it falls overboard. Some binoculars have a compass, and indispensable tool on the water.
Sports, theater, concerts
To get a better look at theater show, sports game, or concert you're attending, binoculars can come in handy. Choose compact and light binoculars that easily fit in your bag. You can use a magnification factor of 8 to 10x to see face better. If you're going for an overview, 4x will be enough.
Travel and safari
During a safari, the animals are often far away, so binoculars are a necessity. Choose a magnification of at least 8x, and 10x at most. Will you be in the car a lot or will you be walking? Keep the answer to this question in mind when choosing the weight of your binoculars. Make sure the binoculars can focus on short distances as well, in case the objects are closer to you. Additionally, make sure the binoculars are dustproof.
Hunt
When you're hunting, you have to see small details from a large distance. Note: binoculars with a magnification of 10x or higher are easier to use in open areas as compared to forests. Most animals are active in the dark, so it's useful to choose binoculars with a high twilight factor of 15 or higher. Other than that, it's important that the binoculars can take a beating, and are water and dust proof.
Night
Night vision binoculars have to have an exit pupil of at least 5 millimeters. The exit pupil is the opening the light goes through, after which it reaches your own pupil. It's important that enough light comes through the binoculars, so you can see your subjects in the dark, at a large distance. Image intensifying and infrared binoculars are also suitable for night vision. The binoculars have aids like infrared LED light to see things better at night.
