Buying guide for best travel binoculars
When you’re taking in beautiful outdoor scenery, having a good pair of binoculars helps you get a closer view of all the sights. When you’re traveling, though, you don’t want a heavy, bulky pair that’s going to weigh you down and make packing more difficult. Travel binoculars may be smaller than traditional models, but they’re lightweight, compact, and still allow you to observe every detail of the great outdoors.
Choosing a pair of travel binoculars can be difficult because there are so many options to choose from. You have to decide on the best size, magnification, and other features to find the right travel binoculars for your viewing needs. Sorting through all those choices can definitely get overwhelming.
What are travel binoculars?
As their name implies, travel binoculars are designed specifically for use when you’re on the go. They are lightweight and compact, so you can easily fit them in a backpack or other travel bag without it feeling too heavy.
But travel binoculars don’t necessarily sacrifice performance because they’re smaller than traditional binoculars. A good pair of travel binoculars still provides effective magnification, which allows you to pick up every detail of far-off flora and fauna.
Travel binoculars can come in handy for a variety of activities, including road trips, camping trips, hunting, hiking, whale watching, bird watching, and safaris.
Features to consider for travel binoculars
Size and weight
When you’re shopping for travel binoculars, size is usually the most important consideration. A good pair of travel binoculars should be lightweight and compact, so you can easily keep them in your backpack or other travel bag – or wear them around your neck when you’re on the go.
Most travel binoculars have lenses with a diameter between 21 and 30 millimeters to maintain a compact size. Many models are foldable, so they are more compact for packing.
Keep the weight of the binoculars in mind, too. Ideally, travel models should weigh less than a pound to make sure that they don’t weigh down your bag or strain your neck.
Magnification
No matter what type of binoculars you’re shopping for, magnification power is a key feature. Binoculars are rated with two numbers, such as 8x25. The first number refers to magnification power, while the second number refers to lens diameter. Most travel binoculars have a magnification power of eight or 10, which means that an object will appear eight or 10 times closer when viewed through the binoculars.
Eye relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the binoculars’ eyepiece and your eyes for effective viewing. All binoculars have eyecups of some type that keep your eyes at the proper distance to see clearly. For travel binoculars, look for a pair with eye relief of at least 12 mm.
Waterproof
Travel binoculars that you’re taking on the go should be durable enough to hold up to the elements. That’s especially true if you plan to take your binoculars with you when you go boating or fishing.
Choose a pair of travel binoculars that are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged in the rain or splashed with water. Binoculars that are rated IXP8 can be submerged in up to three feet of water without experiencing any damage, while those that are rated IPX0 aren’t waterproof at all. For the best results, opt for a pair of travel binoculars that are rated IPX4 or above.
Fog-proof
If the lenses of your travel binoculars fog up due to weather conditions, you’ll have a tough time seeing the sights – and it can be difficult to clear the fog away. While you’ll pay a little more, it can be worth it to invest in a pair of fog-proof travel binoculars, especially if you frequently travel to humid climates.
Lens coating
For the highest-quality and most durable travel binoculars, look for a pair that has some type of lens coating. These models will hold up better to wear and tear, so you can continue to see clearly for years to come. A lens coating can also help reduce glare and provide sharper images. For the best results, you may want to invest in travel binoculars with fully multi-coated lenses that limit reflections and boost image quality.
Carrying strap
Some travel binoculars come with a carrying strap to make them easy to carry around. You can find binoculars with straps that are only long enough to carry by hand, as well as models with straps that are long enough to wear around your neck. For the most comfortable option, choose a pair of travel binoculars with a padded, adjustable strap.
Expert Tip
Don’t use your fingers to brush away dirt or debris from the lenses of your travel binoculars, as you may scratch them. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth.
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Prices for travel binoculars
Travel binoculars vary in price based on their magnification power and size. In general, though, they usually run from $7 to $450.
Travel binoculars with a magnification power below eight and a lens diameter between 20 and 30 mm usually cost between $7 and $25.
Travel binoculars with a magnification power of eight and a lens diameter between 20 and 32 mm usually cost between $25 and $130.
Travel binoculars with a magnification power between eight and 10 and a lens diameter between 32 and 42 mm usually cost between $130 and $450.
Tips
When you’re packing travel binoculars in a backpack or other travel bag, it’s a good idea to keep them in a case to prevent damage.
Always use a non-abrasive microfiber cloth to clean the lenses of travel binoculars. Rougher materials may scratch the lenses.
If you’re trying to look at something small like a bird with travel binoculars, it often helps to focus on a distinctive item like a bright flower that’s nearby. The bright flower can help you locate the bird once you’re looking through the binoculars.
FAQ
Q. What features should I look for in travel binoculars if I wear glasses?
A. If you need to wear your glasses when you use travel binoculars, it’s important to pay attention to the eye relief. Because your glasses will increase the distance between your eyes and the eyepiece, you should choose binoculars with an eye relief that falls between 16 and 20 mm, so you’re able to see the full view even with your glasses on. Some travel binoculars even have eyecups that fold down, which makes them even easier to use with glasses.
Q. Can I use travel binoculars with a tripod?
A. Unlike full-size binoculars, travel models don’t feature built-in tripod mounts. If you want to use your travel binoculars with a tripod, you’ll need a tripod adapter to connect the binoculars to the tripod. Most travel binoculars don’t come with an adapter, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.
Q. Do travel binoculars usually come with warranty protection?
A. Most mid-range and high-end travel binoculars come with some type of warranty protection. Some models offer one to three years of warranty coverage, while others provide a lifetime warranty. However, be sure to read the terms of the warranty carefully to determine what type of damage is covered. Many warranties don’t cover wear and tear.
