Get a Better View With a Pair of Binoculars
Whether you are outside looking for animals or in a venue trying to get a better view of the stage, having a pair of binoculars can come in handy. Binoculars come in all sizes, so you can find anything from ones that can you can easily stash away to ones that can do serious work out in the field. Many of the types that can be found on eBay also feature adjustable magnification.
What features should be considered?Once you know where you'll be using your binoculars, you can start to narrow down your options. Some aspects to consider include:
- Size and weight - Compact binoculars may be able to fit in cargo pockets or at least small backpack pouches. Large ones might come with their own bag, which can be worn around the neck for brief periods when not in use. The actual size of the front lens, on the opposite side from where you view with your eyes, is measured in millimeters. A larger front, or objective, lens will let in more light and produce crisper optics, but the tradeoff is that the binoculars will be heavier.
- Angle of view - Also called "field of view," this refers to the width of what you are seeing. Typically, a wide-angle model will have an angle of view more than 60 degrees.
- Zoom capability - This allows you to adjust your magnification. When you're hunting, you may be at varying distances away from your target and will need to change your optics accordingly.
Binoculars that are to be used outside should be resistant to some weather conditions. Often, the optic will have a type of seal that can keep moisture from getting in the interior tubes. Depending on the strength of the seal near the optics, binoculars could be waterproof to certain depths. Many models are made with aluminum, since it is strong, light, and resistant to corrosion. Marine binoculars are usually made with polycarbonate. Many outdoor binoculars can be found on eBay.
Are historic binoculars available?You can still find historic models, such as American binoculars used in WWI and Japanese binoculars used in WWII. These can have heavy-duty, metal housings and sometimes come with compasses attached to them.
What are some manufacturers of binoculars?Some of the manufacturers you can find on eBay include:
- Bushnell
- Nikon
- Zeiss
- Steiner