How do I Choose Stabilized Binoculars?
Image stabilized binoculars are designed to stabilize image views and help you focus on the image to enjoy greater detail and clarity. Image stabilization is particularly helpful when using binoculars with high magnification power. Typically, it’s hard to keep an image still as you increase the magnification unless you are using a tripod.
How do I Choose Stabilized Binoculars?
If you are looking for a quality pair of image-stabilized binoculars, the market offers a wide range of models so you are spoilt for choice. Here are some of the key factors you should consider in order to make the right buying decision.
Field of View
Field of view is one of the key factors you should consider when looking for an image-stabilized binocular. This is the total area that you can see through the binoculars’ lenses without moving them around. It is measured in degrees or feet per yard. Binoculars with a smaller magnification power provide a wider field of view.
With a wide field of view, you’ll have an easy time identifying your targets and monitoring their movement as they move. For 7x or 8x binoculars, get a pair with a field of view of 6.5° to 8.5°. If the binoculars have 10x magnification, the field of view should range from 5° to 7° and 4.5° to 6.0° for 12 x binoculars.
Eye Relief
The amount of eye relief that binoculars offer is the other important aspect you should consider. This is the maximum distance from your eyes to the binocular’s eyepiece. If you wear eyeglasses, this feature is very important for you.
The pair of binoculars you choose to buy should offer an eye relief long enough to allow snug viewing with your eyeglasses on. Long eye relief binoculars also provide a wide field of view which reduces fatigue during long viewing sessions.
Aperture
Aperture refers to the diameter of the objective lens which is measured in mm. Typically, the size of aperture size largely depends on the activity you’ll be using the imaged stabilized binoculars for. If you are looking for an astronomy pair, look for a model with at least 50mm. This will optimize the amount of light transmitted to your eyes for bright and clear images. For other outdoor fun activities that mostly take place during the day, a 42mmmodel will suffice.
Lens Coating
Lens coating in image-stabilized binoculars is important for good quality images. It not only reduces internal light loss but also minimized glare when using binoculars during broad daylight. Binoculars with high-quality lens coatings provide brighter, clear, and razor-sharp images with full-color contrast.
Weatherproof
The binoculars you choose should be fully waterproof and fog proof if you are going to use them outdoors. When guarded against all-weather elements such as water, dust, sand, and dirt, the binoculars will remain functional for a long period of time. The last thing you would want is to spend your hard-earned money on a pair that gets damaged by light showers or fog. So, make sure that the pair has the best water and fog-resistant properties.
Weight
If you like to travel a lot and you like to carry your binoculars with you, go for an image-stabilized binoculars model that’s light and portable. The binoculars should be compact too, so they’ll be easy to pack and comfortable to hold. Some models are so compact that they allow for single-handed operation.
However, if you intend to use a tripod to take the weight off your hands, weight isn’t going to be so much of an issue. In such a situation, you can get a pair with bigger lenses and enjoy brighter and better image views.
Durability
Look for a pair that’s made with high-quality materials to ensure a lifetime of field performance. Also look for a binocular with durable rubber armoring which enhances durability and provides a secure, slip-resistant grip even in damp environments.
Good rubber armor absorbs shock, impacts, and reduces wear and tear. It will also be added advantage if the binoculars come with a carrying case for added protection during travel and storage.
Price
You also need to know your budget. How much you intend to spend plays a huge role in the model that you are going to buy. Since image-stabilized binoculars have more high-end features and technologies incorporated, they tend to cost more than the standard binoculars.
However, the market offers a wide range of image-stabilized binoculars at varying prices to suit the needs of different users. You can spend up to $500 for the low-cost pair and up to $2000 and above for the premium-quality models. The costlier the model is, the more high-tech features it has.
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Advantages of Image Stabilized Binoculars
- Great image stability-these binoculars provide near-perfect image stability even with high-strength binoculars.
- Wider field of view-stabilized binoculars provide a wide field of view which helps you observe mobile objects with ease.
- Reduced eye fatigue- Since the images are stabilized for you, there will be a minimal strain on your eyes even during long viewing sessions, You can also use them with eyeglasses on.
- Durable housing- image-stabilized binoculars feature higher-quality components which enhances their durability
- Multipurpose application-Image stabilized binoculars are good for multiple outdoor activities among them astronomy, bird-watching, hunting, and boating
Final Thoughts
Stabilized binoculars are highly beneficial when it comes to outdoor activities that require the use of binoculars with high magnification power. They help stabilize the images without the need to use a tripod.
They also help you in many ways regardless of the outdoor activity you are engaging yourself in. Take your time and go through the different models available on the market, then invest in a pair that suits your needs and preference.