Man looking through binoculars from mountains

How to select binoculars for hiking

Off out hiking? Take a pair of binoculars with you to observe the flora and fauna in the mountains. Great fun for children and a wonderful feast for hikers' eyes: binoculars introduce you to a whole new world. Below we'll help you choose the binoculars that best suit you!

Product managers, engineers, laboratory staff: all these optics specialists work together to design our binoculars.
Your binoculars checklist goes a little something like this: how magnifying are they? What kind of adjustments can I make? And, will they weigh me down?

There are 3 main things you should consider when choosing your hiking binoculars and that's: 

  • Lens magnification
  • Focus adjustment 
  • The weight/size.

1. Lens Magnification on Binoculurs

For most of us the technical specifications of a pair of binoculars will go over our heads – it can be a bit complicated. Here’s an easy way to muddle through them and find the right magnification for you.

Binoculars are identified by one number (8, 10, 12) or sometimes two figures (8x25, 10x25, 12x32). The first number refers to the magnification, and the second number refers to the larger lens diameter.

Now, let’s go back to the beginning for a second – what is the magnification? This function increases the size of a subject that you observe from afar.

So, with an 8x magnification, the observed subject seems 8 times closer than with the naked eye. But it does not mean that it is 8 times bigger. Basically, the higher the magnification, the further you will see. Beware however, magnifications over x12 will amplify shaking.

X8 Magnification: What you are observing seems 8X closer.
X10 Magnification: What you are observing seems 10X closer.
X12 Magnification: What you are observing seems 8X closer. Increased risk of shaking.

Boy looking through bonoculars

2. Focus adjustment on Binoculars

With or without adjustment? You decide which is the most suitable for what you need  - depending on what you are looking for!

Pre-adjusted or" fix focus "binoculars are the simplest to use: they're ready-to-use with no need for adjustment. We recommend them for family hiking with children who'll be able to use them just as easily as adults with no adjustment required. There's just one thing to remember if you want to get the most out of them: for a clear view, position yourself a minimum distance of 20 metres from the object.

Adjustable binoculars give a sharper and much clearer image. An adjuster knob allows you to focus close up or at a distance!

3. The Weight & Size of Binoculars

When hiking, binoculars can quickly become heavy and cumbersome. To minimize the load in your backpack, all our binoculars weigh less than 350 grams; any heavier and they can then become annoying.

Really, you only need to think about the weight of your binoculars if you’re taking them with you on long walks or hiking trips. If you plan to keep them in the car and just use them for quick glimpses of the view, a heavier design will be fine.
Of course, when you’re walking or hiking, your binoculars can quickly become heavy and cumbersome, whether they’re in your backpack or around your neck, so opt for lightweight binoculars (i.e. weighing less than 35g). It’s worth bearing in mind that the magnification affects the total weight of the binoculars. The higher the magnification, the heavier the lenses and therefore the heavier the binoculars. A pair of binoculars with a x12 magnification will always be heavier than x10 or x8 magnification binoculars.

You can also opt for a monocular, which will take up less room in your bag and is easier to operate as it only requires one hand!

Man looking through binoculars

Good to know!

How do you avoid getting dazzled by the sun's rays reflecting off a stony path or snow?

Opt for a pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses!~The principle is simple, a "barrier" of microscopic crystals prevents the reflected light from penetrating inside the eye. This type of lens provides a good sense of perspective, visual clarity and improved contrast and relief. So, before setting off on your next mountain walk, choose a practical pair of hiking glasses that you like and which will protect you from the sun!"

How to select binoculars for hiking

Pierre-Antoine

Optics Specialist

Binoculars are fragile so you’ll need to protect them from shocks that could damage the lenses. In the event of a shock, the lenses will no longer do their job properly and you may not be able to get a clear image.

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