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 |  | Compact: $15-$750+ |  | Mid-Sized: $75-$2,000+ |  | Night Vision: $50-$5,000+ |
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Binocular prices increase based on the quality of the optics; higher quality optics deliver brighter, sharper, higher resolution images. Binoculars are typically labeled with two numbers, such as 7x40. The first number refers to the level of magnification (in this case, 7x) while the second number is the size in millimeters of the objective (front) lens (in this case 40mm). The larger the lens, the more light passes through it, making the image brighter.
Typical costs: | - Small, compact binoculars are ideal for watching sports and light enough for traveling and outdoor hobbies. Expect a magnification level of 7x-12x as anything larger will usually require a tripod. Binoculars with a roof prism system are generally slimmer; those with a Porro prism system provide a wider field of view. Compact binoculars cost $15 to $750 or more. The Galileo DM-010 10x25 compact binoculars, for example, cost about $55, weigh 13.6 ounces and at a distance of 1,000 feet offer a field of view of 273 feet. The high-end compact Swarovski 10x25 Pocket B[1] binoculars produce higher resolution images, weigh just 8.1 ounces and cost about $750. They offer a field of view of 285 feet and can focus as close as 16 feet.
- Standard or mid-size binoculars are suitable for bird watching, wildlife viewing and hunting. Look for a waterproof and rugged construction. Expect an objective lens of 36mm-50mm for use in lower light situations but a narrower field of view. These binoculars cost about $75 to $2,000 or more. The Nikon Monarch 8x36 ATB[2] all terrain binoculars sell for about $250 and offer rubber armoring for shock resistance and a secure grip, plus a field of view of 122 feet at a distance of 1,000 feet. In comparison, the Zeiss Victory FL 7x42 T[3] binoculars cost about $2,000 and offer optimal light transmission for wildlife viewing in low light situations, a field of view of 150 feet at 1,000 feet and high quality optics.
- Full size binoculars are ideal for use in low light situations and for astronomy, and cost $100 to $2,000 or more. Expect a high magnification level, large objective lens and large aperture. A tripod may be needed for comfortable viewing over long periods. Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 costs about $300 and offers a large aperture, high quality BAK-4 prisms and an integrated tripod adapter. The Canon 18 x 50 IS All Weather [4] binoculars cost about $1,200 and include an optical image stabilizer for shake-free viewing, precluding the need for a tripod.
- Some binoculars include an integrated digital camera for taking photos, while others can record video images. Expect to pay $30 to $200. The Meade Captureview 8x22 VGA/CV-1 records 640x480 megapixel photos or 30-second QVGA video clips to 8MB memory. Images and video are downloaded via USB and the unit costs about $49.
- Night vision binoculars produce green-colored images, ideal for viewing wildlife or hiking at night. Expect to pay $50 to $5,000 or more. Night Owl Tactical Series G1 night vision binoculars include a head strap for hands-free use and cost about $670. These binoculars offer 1x magnification and a 26mm objective lens with a viewing distance of 455 feet. Costing about $2,300, the ATN Night Raven-2 3x50 night vision binoculars offer 3x magnification and incorporate a built-in infrared illuminator for clear viewing in total darkness.
- Zoom binoculars are labeled with three rather than two numbers to illustrate the range of magnification offered by the zoom and cost from $20 to $600 or more. The Bushnell Powerview 7-21x40 is a standard size with a 7x-21x zoom lens and a price tag of about $65. The Vixen Optics Geoma 9-22x50 ZCF[5] costs about $490 and offers a Porro prism system.
Related articles: Digital Camera, Bird Feeder
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What should be included: | - Most binoculars offer a center focus wheel and a right eye diopter to make adjustments in focusing according to the strength of each eye.
- Eyecups or rubber eyepieces help exclude stray light. For eyeglass wearers, the distance from eyeglasses to eye should closely match the eye relief of the binocular eyecup.
- A limited lifetime warranty covers the binoculars against defects in material or workmanship for the life of the purchase.
Additional costs: | - Nylon or soft leather carrying cases cost $15 to $100; hard cases for waterproof and crushproof protection cost $30 to $400 or more.
- Neck straps cost $15 to $65; a special shoulder harness to take the weight off the neck sells for about $20.
- Tripods cost from less than $10 to several hundred dollars for professional-grade equipment.
- A microfiber lens cleaning cloth costs about $5, while lens cleaning wipes cost about $2 per pack.
Discounts: | - Some retailers such as OpticsPlanet.com[6] offer discounts for open-box or demonstration model binoculars.
- B&H Photo Video[7] offers discounts for Federal, educator and student buyers.
Shopping for binoculars: | - Just-Binoculars.com offers a buying guide for binoculars.
- Find competitive prices online at sites such as Amazon[8] then look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Ritz Camera[9] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: jock in Istanbul, Other. | Posted: April 7th, 2015 01:04PM |
| Brand: simor | Size: 7x18 field 65 deg |
| Features: stainless housing |
Purchased at military post exchange, Turkey, 1963. Don't recall the price--put $10.00 since it's required information. Almost certain it was less than $20.00 Wife uses them for bird-watching from kitchen breakfast table. Solid, quality feel, appears well made. |
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External Resources: | - www.swarovskioptik.us/en_us/products/pocket
- www.nikonsportoptics.com/Nikon-Products/Binoculars/7513/Monarch-8x36-ATB.html
- sportsoptics.zeiss.com/worldwide/en_us/home.html
- www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/binoculars/image_stabilizer/18_x_50_is_al...
- www.vixenoptics.com/binoculars/geoma_bino.html
- www.opticsplanet.com/binoculars-demo.html
- www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Binoculars-Scopes/ci/978/N/4294541872
- www.amazon.com/Optics-Camera-Photo/b?ie=UTF8&node=499320
- www.ritzcamera.com/binoculars-2.htm?bct=t13028510%3Bcibinoculars-and-telescopes
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