Binoculars Buying Guide NZ — How to Choose the Right Binoculars

Binoculars are an essential piece of equipment for bird-watchers and hunters, but they're also great if you just want to get a closer look at something. They can be used anywhere from hunting wild animals to watching birds in their natural habitat — and it can be a little overwhelming to shop for binoculars because many models are available at a wide range of prices. Whether you're looking for binoculars on sale or just trying to decide which type is best for your budget, this guide will help you make the right decision.

What are binoculars for?

Binoculars are a great tool for many different purposes. They can be used to see things far away, whether it's the birds outside your window or an entire football field. They're also useful for viewing wildlife or even the stars or moon on a clear night.

Why should you use binoculars?

Binoculars are great for any number of reasons. You can use them to see far away objects up close, like if you're birdwatching or hunting, or if you're watching sports events from the audience. They're also perfect for traveling because they pack easily and weigh less than most cameras would! Binoculars can even be used for other outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. And camping — who doesn't need to spy on bears snacking on your campsite?!

Important Binocular Specs You Should Know About

There are a few technical terms you should know about when shopping for binoculars. Choosing the binoculars with the right specs will help you enjoy your hobbies to the fullest!

The size

Binoculars are classified in three main sizes based on their objective lenses. Compact binoculars have objective lenses of less than 30 millimeters. Then, you have mid-size binoculars with objective lenses from 30 to 40 millimeters. Finally, the full-size binoculars have objective lenses larger than 40 millimeters.

You can easily carry compact models in a bag, which is great for convenience. However, compact binoculars do not provide the brightest image. All other things being equal, the larger the objective lens, the more light it captures and the brighter the image.

Mid-size binoculars are a good compromise between brightness and convenience. They capture more light but are lighter and easier to carry around than large binoculars.

The magnification power

You can find a wide range of magnification power, but most binoculars have a magnification between 8 and 10. If you look through binoculars with a magnification of 8, you will see objects 8 times closer than they appear with the naked eye — the higher the magnification power, the more detailed the image.

However, it is difficult to get steady images with high magnification power. If you want binoculars to practice a hobby that causes you to be in constant motion, like whale-watching on a boat, a very high magnification power might not be the best choice.

The field of view

The magnification power is indirectly related to the field of view — the lower the magnification, the wider the field of view and vice versa. In general, wide field of view binoculars are better for viewing objects in the foreground, while high magnification binoculars are more useful for viewing distant objects.

If you choose a binocular with higher magnification to have a more detailed image, you might struggle to find small objects in large spaces because of the narrow field of view. Consider something like Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Binocular if you want great balance of both, or the Bushnell H20 2 10x42 Binoculars for wet environments.

The Exit Pupil

The exit pupil is calculated by dividing the objective's diameter by the magnification power. For example, if a binocular has an objective diameter of 42 and a magnification power of 8, the exit pupil is 5.25 mm (42/8).

If you need to use binoculars at dusk, dawn, or in an area with a lot of shadows, choose binoculars with a higher exit pupil number — the higher the number, the brighter the image. The exit pupil is less relevant if you practice your hobby in daylight or under direct sun.

What strength of binoculars is best?

The magnification of binoculars can mean the difference between spotting a deer at 100 yards or not. Here are some examples:

• If you're looking for serious hunting gear, you'll want something with higher magnification like 7x or 8x — these allow you to see your target in greater detail, especially important for small animals like birds or rabbits.
• If you're just going on an afternoon hike with friends, lower magnifications (5x–6x) should be fine as long as they're still powerful enough to get the job done.
• Remember: higher magnifications mean smaller field-of-view (FOV), while lower magnifications mean larger FOVs — more area covered per glance.

Pros and Cons of Different Prism Types

The prisms carry the light from the environment through the binoculars and into your eyes. There are two main types:

• Porro prism. Found on more classical binoculars, where the objective lenses are not aligned with the eyepieces. Easy to recognise because the eyepieces are closer together than the objective lenses, so the barrel is wider. Usually cheaper with larger objective lenses and brighter images, but heavier, often not waterproof, and less impact-resistant.
• Roof prism. Prisms are aligned with the eyepieces, making them more compact. Usually waterproof, more durable, and easier to carry. Higher-end binoculars typically use roof prisms for better optical quality — but they cost more and need phase correction technology to guarantee image quality.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Binoculars

Think about the main reasons you want binoculars:

Birdwatching: Mid-size and large binoculars with a magnification of 8 are popular choices. A magnification of 8 makes it easier to locate small birds in a wide field, and bulkier binoculars are usually not a problem since birdwatchers don't walk long distances.

Backpacking: You might prefer a lighter, more compact model. Durable, waterproof binoculars are a wise investment to prevent damage from drops or rain.

Stargazing: You want maximum magnification — you'll likely also need a tripod to keep the binoculars steady for a clear image.

Budget: The higher the price, the better the optic technology. Fog and water protection plus protective rubber coating can also push the price up. If you'll use them often, it's worth investing in quality. For occasional use or for kids, a lower price range may suit you fine.

What about binoculars for kids?

If you're looking for kid-friendly binoculars, there are a few things to consider. First, they should be lightweight and easy to use. A pair of heavier binoculars with a narrow field of view won't be much fun for your child to play with. Likewise, if the focus is difficult for them to operate or requires too much strength, it might become frustrating after a while.

Conclusion

There are thousands of different types of binoculars, so it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are best for you. The key is to remember that there's no one size fits all solution — you need to have a goal and ensure whatever type of binoculars you buy is designed to meet your needs.

At Dwights Outdoors, we sell a wide variety of binoculars. Browse our collection of binoculars to find the right pair for your needs and budget. Contact us at online@dwights.co.nz or via our contact form if you need assistance.