Nikon 8x42 Monarch M5 Binoculars (Black)
- Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Phase-Corrected Dielectric-Coated Prisms
- Anti-Reflection Fully Multicoated Optics
ZEISS 10x25 Terra TL Compact Binoculars (Night Blue/Black, Open Box)
- Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Objectives
- Schmidt-Pechan Roof Prisms
- ZEISS Hydrophobic Multicoated Optics
- 54° Apparent Angle of View
Vortex 8x42 Diamondback HD Binoculars
- High Definition Optical System
- Phase-Corrected Roof Prisms
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Wide 60° Apparent Angle of View
Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8x42 Binoculars
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Silver-Coated Roof Prisms
- Multicoated Optics
- 377' Field of View
Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 Binoculars
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Silver-Coated Roof Prisms
- Multicoated Optics
- 367' Field of View
Vortex 10x42 Diamondback HD Binoculars
- Extra-Low Dispersion HD Optical System
- Phase-Corrected Dielectric-Coated Prisms
- Anti-Reflection Fully Multicoated Optics
- Wide 63° Apparent Angle of View
Nikon 10x42 Monarch M5 Binoculars (Black)
- Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Phase-Corrected Dielectric-Coated Prisms
- Anti-Reflection Fully Multicoated Optics
Nikon PROSTAFF P7 8x42 Binoculars
- Antireflective Lenses, Dielectric Prisms
- Oil/Water-Repellent Lens Coating
- Locking Diopter Saves Your Setting
- 377' Field of View
Nikon 8x42 Monarch M7 Binoculars
- Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Phase-Corrected Dielectric-Coated Prisms
- Anti-Reflection Fully Multicoated Optics
Nikon 10x25 Aculon A30 Binoculars (Black)
- Lead and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Compact Roof Prism Design
- Antireflection Multicoated Optics
- Closed-Bridge Configuration
Nikon 8x42 Aculon A211 Binoculars (Black, Refurbished by Nikon USA)
- Aspheric Lens Design
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- BAK4 Traditional Porro Prism Design
- Anti-Reflection Multi-Coated Optics
Swarovski 8.5x42 EL Binoculars
- Fluoride Glass Objective Lenses
- Phase-Corrected Roof Prisms
- Complete SWAROVISION Optical System
- Field-Flattener Lens System
Nikon 10x42 Monarch M7 Binoculars
- Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Phase-Corrected Dielectric-Coated Prisms
- Anti-Reflection Fully Multicoated Optics
Nikon 8x42 Monarch M5 Binoculars with ProStaff Suspender Harness Strap
- Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements
- Phase-Corrected Dielectric-Coated Prisms
- Antireflection Fully Multicoated Optics
- Harness Reduces Neck Strain & Fatigue
Nikon PROSTAFF P7 8x30 Binoculars
- Antireflective Lenses, Dielectric Prisms
- Oil/Water-Repellent Lens Coating
- Locking Diopter Saves Your Setting
- 456' Field of View
Vortex 8x32 Diamondback HD Binoculars
- High Definition Optical System
- Phase-Corrected Roof Prisms
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Wide 65° Apparent Angle of View
Pentax 8.5x21 U-Series Papilio II Binoculars
- Aspherical Lens Elements
- BAK4 Porro Prisms
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Angle of View: 6°
Vanguard 8x42 Endeavor ED Binoculars
- Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass Lenses
- Roof Prism
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Open-Bridge Design
Nikon 8x30 Monarch M7 Binoculars
- Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- Phase-Corrected Dielectric-Coated Prisms
- Anti-Reflection Fully Multicoated Optics
Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 Binoculars
- Aspheric Lens Design
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- BAK4 Traditional Porro Prism Design
- Anti-Reflection Multicoated Optics
Vortex 10x42 Viper HD Binoculars (2018 Edition)
- High-Density Extra-Low Dispersion Glass
- Phase Corrected and Dielectric Coated
- XR Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Scratch-Resistant ArmorTek Lens Coating
Vortex 8x28 Diamondback HD Binoculars
- High Definition Optical System
- Phase-Corrected Roof Prisms
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Field of View: 332' at 1000 Yards
Nikon 10-22x50 Aculon A211 Binoculars
- Aspheric Lens Design
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- BAK4 Traditional Porro Prism Design
- Anti-Reflection Multicoated Optics
Other Buying Options
Vortex 10x50 Diamondback HD Binoculars
- High Definition Optical System
- Phase-Corrected Roof Prisms
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Wide 60° Apparent Angle of View
Opticron 8x42 Oregon 4 PC Oasis Binoculars
- Phase-Corrected BAK4 Roof Prism
- Anti-Reflection Multicoated Optics
- Wide & Immersive Field of View
- Comfortable Eye Relief and Exit Pupil
ZEISS 10x42 Conquest HD Binoculars
- Schmidt-Pechan Roof Prisms
- HD Lens System
- Aluminum Housing
- Multi-Layer Coating
Carson HU-530 Hawk Kids 30mm Beginner Field Binoculars
Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme ATB Binoculars
- Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
- BAK4 Traditional Porro Prisms
- Fully Multicoated Optics
- Wide 60° Apparent Angle of View
Learning About Binoculars
Also known as field glasses, a pair of binoculars is an optical magnifying instrument made of two telescopes. They are made of lenses and prisms mounted inside metal and plastic frames. Compared to monoculars, they produce three-dimensional images and give magnified images a true sense of depth.
Types of Binoculars
You can classify binoculars by size, usage, and prism arrangement. When categorized by size, there are full-sized, mid-sized, and compact binoculars. Compact and pocket-sized models have small lenses while full-sized and large ones pack lenses big enough to show clear images in low-light conditions. Mid-sized units balance power, weight, and light transmission, and are the ones most suitable for wildlife observations. Hunting binoculars are usually mid-sized models while astronomy ones are large, and may require mounting hardware.
Binoculars use either roof or Porro prisms. Roof-prism or DCF (Dach Center Focus) models have overlapping prisms, while Porro prism (ZCF or Zeiss Center Focus) have staggered ones. The DCF arrangement produces slim, straight H-shaped instruments with eyepieces directly behind objective lenses, while ZCF models are conical or M-shaped instruments. Porro prisms produce greater depth perception and wider field of view.
What Do the Numbers on Binoculars Mean?
Binoculars usually have two set of numbers printed on them. These are magnification, and the size of the objective lenses used. For example, an 8x20 model makes subjects look 8x bigger while the diameter of its objective lenses is 20mm. Bigger lenses capture more light and are better in low-light conditions. For improved visibility at night, consider a pair of night vision binoculars.
For bird watching or to observe sporting events, look for models with 7-12x magnification. These have fields of view wide enough to enjoy fast-moving action. Higher magnifications, such as those on astronomy binoculars and spotting scopes, narrow your field of view but show faraway subjects in detail. Zoom binoculars have a unique design that allows adjustable magnification. A 10-22x50 model has 55mm objective lenses with a minimum magnification of 10x and a maximum magnification of 22x. Spotting and riflescopes are popular magnifying instruments with this feature.
Features to Look for in Binoculars
Models with coated lenses produce brighter images. Lens coating prevents light scattering and reduces glare by cutting down on light reflection. Fog-proof lenses resist fogging in cold and humid conditions. For nighttime observations, choose a pair of infrared binoculars, as these provide night vision.
Build quality is also important. If you plan to spend time outdoors, look for a unit with a water-resistant, waterproof, or weather-resistant shell. A shockproof housing also protects your precious instrument if you accidentally drop it. Models with compasses are especially useful on hunting and backpacking trips. To record what you’re observing, choose a pair of binoculars with a camera.
Carry a pair of binoculars to observe the wonders of the natural world in close detail wherever you go. Browse the large inventory of optical instruments at B&H Photo and Video to find the magnification tool you need.