Choosing the Right Binocular



The old adage, "you get what you pay for" is true when it comes to choosing a pair of binoculars.

Most binoculars which have a suggested retail price of under $50 will cause eye strain, appear dim and will not hold up under any outdoor activity. On the other end of the spectrum, units retailing over $500 cause people to be scared to use them for fear of breaking the binoculars! And does one really get more value by paying more money

Somewhere in the middle is where most people fall. Here is some criteria when it comes to choosing a pair of binoculars.

First is to look for a name brand known for quality. Names which come to mind are Leupold, Nikon, Bushnell and Burris. There are others as well. By buying from a known name brand you will not only get a quality product but outstanding customer service if needed and very generous warrantees.

Second is to look for a waterproof binocular. Waterproof optics are usually made better. And waterproof is not the same as water resistant. What is the difference A chicken is water resistant; a duck is waterproof.

Third is to determine how hard you are on equipment. You may want to look at something which can take some punishment.

Remember that you are buying a piece of equipment which should increase your enjoyment of the outdoors. Eye strain, dim light gathering and fuzzy images are part and parcel of cheap optics. You should be able to use your binoculars all day and not have tired eyes or a headache. Case in point, I was fortunate enough to go on an antelope hunt with my father-in-law. Antelope hunting is done in the wide open west where binoculars are as important as a rifle. We started at sunrise and ended at sunset scouting the area. We glassed and glassed and glassed and then glassed some more. At the end of the day I had no eye strain, no headache. The binoculars I was using was a pair of Leupold Wind River Mesa 8X42s. You can get these for under $160. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Visit us at www.sportsmanoptics.com and use our email form to ask us questions on binoculars, rifle scopes, spotting scopes and rangefinders. You want to have as much information as possible before you make an investment in a pair of binoculars. We would be happy to help.





Choosing the Right Binocular