Binoculars make faraway objects look near when you view them. Binoculars can be used for many applications. You can use it for hunting, stargazing, viewing sports events or concerts or locking on a target when you play golf. The thing is, a pair of the best binoculars can be very handy when you go outdoors and literally “look” for some adventure.
But then again, not all binoculars are created equal. There are binoculars best for hunting while others are specially made for stargazing. On the other hand, some of the best binoculars for the money are those that you can use for multiple purposes.
You should know which specs and features to look for in choosing the best binoculars. You can also go the easy way by looking at the top rated binoculars on the market and look at their reviews. Here, we’ve put a comprehensive list on the different types of binocular. You will also find the best rated binoculars and a binocular comparison guide. This way, you can choose what is the best binoculars most suited for your preferred viewing activity.
Not all binoculars are created equal. You can compare binoculars by their size, weight, application, and magnification power. What’s important is that you know the different types of binoculars for you to find the best value binoculars for your needs.
Basically, there are two major types of binoculars according to prism design. The rest of the binocular types can be categorized according to their uses and applications.
TWO MAJOR TYPES OF BINOCULARS
Roof Prism Binoculars
Binoculars with a roof prism mean that the prism follows a straight line for a more compact build and appearance. Some of the best lightweight binoculars are roof prism binoculars because of their compact and portable design. They also have less internal parts and are more likely to be dust, fog, and waterproof compared to Porro prism binoculars. However, binoculars of this type have lesser image quality compared to Porro prism. On the other hand, some of the best binocular brands make high quality roof prism binoculars similar to Porro prisms. Most of the best binoculars for sports are roof prism type.
Porro Prism Binoculars
This type of binoculars uses offset Porro prisms to provide higher quality images. They also have wider spaces between the objective lenses to achieve better image quality. This is also the reason why Porro prism binoculars are much larger in size. They also have more complex moving parts so they’re rarely waterproof. The top binoculars for hunting and stargazing are usually Porro prism type.
TYPES OF BINOCULARS ACCORDING TO APPLICATION
Astronomy binoculars
These binoculars are usually used for stargazing. Sometimes called “giant binoculars”, astronomy binoculars often have higher magnifications and larger objective lenses. These features allow them to work well even in low light conditions especially at night.
Golf rangefinder binoculars
This is a special type of binocular since it provides exact object distance like that of a golf ball to uses. Some models of golf binoculars are made with lasers or GPS for better targeting to help golf players become better at their game.
Hunting binoculars
Hunting binoculars are the perfect equipment for several outdoor activities like hunting or camping. This type of binoculars is also sometimes used for birdwatching, sporting events, or stargazing.
Marine binoculars
This type of binoculars is designed to be fully waterproof and fog proof. Simply put, marine binoculars are made to be tough to withstand strong weather conditions. Most people who use marine binoculars are those who work frequently in and around wet areas or water. Some models of marine binoculars are even equipped with a built-in compass or can stay afloat in the water.
Night vision binoculars
As the name implies, these are special binoculars equipped with night vision to allow you to see things even in the dark just like it’s daylight.
Binocular brands
Although there are many manufacturers, the best rated binoculars are those made by the best brands.
Barska
Barska makes one of the best binocular for sports and other activities requiring precision optics. They're another name to reckon in the optics industry. Their make a variety of optics products to address every viewing need of their clients. They make rifle scopes, tactical scopes, spotting scopes, telescopes, microscopes, and binoculars. Aside from high quality optics, they also provide the best binoculars for the price. They are the rand that you should look for if you are on a budget.
Bushnell
Bushnell is a name well-known in the U.S. for top of the line binoculars and other optic equipment. They make pretty much everything from microscopes, rifle scopes, telescopes, and binoculars, of course. It was the genius of David P. Bushnell that made the company’s name synonymous to high quality optic equipment. In fact, Bushnell is the top manufacturer that makes the best binoculars in the world. Proofs of it are the awards they receive for providing high quality products.
Celestron
Nothing can hold a candle against Celestron especially if you’re talking about astronomy binoculars. The company has been one of the leaders in the optics industry. They make the best pair of astronomy binoculars, telescopes, and other optics equipment. With Celestron binoculars, you can be sure of having a great view. The company takes pride in making excellent optics. Their wide range of their binocular products definitely reflect that.
Nikon
Nikon is more popularly known for their digital cameras. But right now, they’re also making a big name in the optics industry with their stellar binoculars. Thanks to their advanced imaging technology, Nikon’s binoculars are one of a kind. They also make excellent grade lenses which makes them one of the best providers of binoculars.
Steiner
Steiner is without a doubt one of the most advanced optics provider in the world. What makes Steiner one of the best binoculars providers is that they extensively test every lens and pair of binoculars for quality. Their products are one of the best rated binoculars with excellent quality. They also pride themselves in creating long-lasting binoculars. If you want to invest on a good pair of binocular, then you should choose one from the German company, Steiner.
Top Ten Binoculars
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Top 5 Best Binoculars
At this point, you might be curious to know what are the best binoculars that you should consider buying. Or are you looking for the best binoculars for the price? Or do you want the best sports binoculars? Whatever it is, our compilation of the top 5 best binoculars will help you make the decision in no time.
We considered several factors in ranking the top binoculars. These are: popularity, lens quality, efficiency and performance, ease of use, and price.
Bushnell takes the top spot with its compact folding binocular. What makes the PowerView series one of the best is that it comes with fully-coated optics for better and brighter viewing images. It’s also comes with a contemporary style and has a rubber armor build for shock absorption and non-slip firm grip. Knowing Bushnell, this compact binocular is also made durable to last you a long time even on active use. It’s also equipped with roof prism for general purpose viewing. You can use it hunting, stargazing, or watching sports events or even concerts.
This binocular also has fold-down eyecups so it’s very easy to adjust to make for comfortable viewing. It also comes with a center focus system for fine object focusing. Another quality factor is the presence of BaK-7 prisms for excellent images.
Up next is the Celestron SkyMaster binocular. Knowing Celestron, it’s no surprise that one of their best binoculars are meant for viewing the cosmos – it’s their forte anyway. What makes the SkyMaster one of the best optics for viewing is that it comes with high-end specs. There’s the multi-coated optics for clearer and brighter images. The large apertures of the binoculars also work perfectly on low light conditions. This makes the SkyMaster unbeatable if you prefer stargazing. You can also bring this pair if you want to have a more enjoyable concert experience.
On the third spot is another binocular from Bushnell, the Falcon. Unlike the first two on the list, the Bushnell Falcon is a compact binocular that is lightweight and very portable. But even if it’s small, the Falcon packs some stunning HD clarity thanks to its stunning optics. This is because the Falcon uses the better auto-focusing porro prism so the 7x magnification does much better when viewing. It’s also tested extensively so you can be sure that it’ll last a long time with its quality materials and strong build.
Aside from that, the Falcon also has an insta-focus feature for better viewing. The multi-coated lenses provide sharp images. The fold-down eyecups makes viewing more comfortable especially for those who wear eyeglasses. The storage case is an added bonus for more convenience. All in all, the Bushnell Falcon binocular is very versatile and can be used for many viewing applications.
Another high quality binocular is the Performance Optics from Bushnell. Just like with the Falcon, this binocular is equipped with Porro prisms and multi-coated lenses for sharper and clearer views. It also has a higher magnification at 10x and auto-focus feature. It’s also very lightweight with a durable design using abrasion-resistant finish.
If you love the outdoors and you always go on camping or birdwatching, then this is the binocular fit for you. The Performance Optics Falcon binocular is also worth a try since it’s very affordable.
Last, but not the least, is another Bushnell binocular. This time, you get their Super High Powered Surveillance binoculars. Judging by its name, you’d think that this binocular pair is something you’d use for some serious tailing and investigation. But then again, this pair of binoculars comes with a whopping 50mm aperture with 20x magnification for a very clear view. It also uses multi-coated porro-prism for superior viewing contrast and brightness. The addition of excellent BaK-7 prism glasses is also another reason why this pair would be your perfect surveillance buddy.
You’re also sure that this surveillance binoculars is built like a tank. It's shock-absorbent and has a non-slip rubber armor body. It’s also equipped with Insta-Focus so it’ll be no problem if you have to lock in on moving targets.
One of my favorite ways of using binoculars though is for stargazing. The video that really kicked it off for me was this one shared below.
You can find that book they were talking about by clicking here
Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com