CHOOSING A PAIR OF BINOCULARS
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| Where to Buy

Binoculars come in many sizes and shapes, and prices vary from less than $100 to well over $1000.

Before buying a pair of binoculars, first determine how you plan to use them.  Binoculars for the occasional sporting event do not need to be as finely crafted as a pair that you may want for an activity such as bird watching. 

When deciding on what pair is the proper one for you, it is important to handle a variety of brands and models.  Take note as to how heavy and comfortable they feel in your hands and how easily and finely they focus.  When testing the binoculars, focus as far as you can in both directions and check clarity of objects in the short and long view.  Eyecups should be folded back or turned in towards the binoculars when viewing with glasses on.

There are two main types of binoculars, porro prism and roof prism.  In porro prism binoculars, the objective or front lens is offset from the eyepiece.  Porro prism binoculars provide greater depth perception and generally offer a wider field-of-view.  Because of the simplicity of this system, some of the best values can be with a porro design.  In roof prism binoculars, the prisms overlap closely, allowing the objective lenses to line up directly with the eyepiece.  The result is a slim, streamlined shape in which the lenses and prisms are in a straight line.  Roof prism binoculars are less bulky and more rugged than an equivalent porro prism model.

Binoculars are often referred to by two numbers separated by an "x".  The first number is the power or magnification of the binocular.  The second number is the diameter of the objective or front lens.  The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the binocular and the brighter the image.  As an example, an 8x40 binocular would have a magnification of 8x and hence the object being viewed would appear to be eight times closer than you would see it with the unaided eye.  This particular model would have an objective lens of 40mm which would mean the front lens diameter is 40mm.  To get the diameter of the exit pupils, which indicates how much light reaches your eye, divide the diameter of the objective lens by the power of the binoculars.  In our example, the value would be 5 which is considered an acceptable brightness.  Brightness becomes important when using the binoculars in low light situations, such as dusk and dawn, and for viewing the stars.

It is worthy to note that binoculars with straps worn around the neck can cause neck pain.  Check on alternative methods, such as harnesses, for carrying.  If you plan to use your binoculars where they may become wet or catch lake spray, consider purchasing rubber-armored binoculars.  All-weather binoculars are quite common and a very worthwhile investment to eliminate concern with the elements.

For those serious bird watching enthusiasts or avid sportsman, image stabilizer binoculars may be for you.  This technology instantly compensates for "binocular shake" with the simple touch of a button.  The image stabilization system not only compensates for handshaking but also minute vibrations.  Canon has become world famous for it's image stabilizer binocular technology.  Needless to say, this technology comes with a price but it is definitely worth it if you are serious about your binocular usage and are concerned about the steadiness of your image during viewing.

A final point to consider when making your binocular purchase is warranty.  Warranties vary between companies and can impact your decision.  It is also important to find out if the company warranty applies no matter where you purchase the binoculars.

At Bird Films we recommend you purchase a "name" brand pair of binoculars.  We carry the highest quality binoculars from Nikon, Pentax, and Canon because each of these companies has a long running tradition when it comes to quality lens components as seen in their cameras.  Buying a quality pair of binoculars will ensure you get good quality components.    There are many brand names out there and an economy priced pair quite often means an "economy" type model.  Remember, as they say, you get what you pay for!

 WHERE SHOULD I BUY

Binoculars can be purchased almost anywhere these days and prices are very competitive.  It is, however, our opinion that the best place to purchase a pair of binoculars is from a photo specialty shop such as Bird Films because you receive superior knowledge, information, and service that you rarely do from big box merchandisers.  Cost is not the only factor to consider when purchasing a pair of binoculars.  Photo specialty is renown for its follow up service and attention after the sale.  Bird Films service is always personal and we specialize in helping you before and AFTER your purchase! ...  and remember, Bird Films will match ANY competitors current advertised price - just bring in the ad at time of purchase!

"TRUST THE PEOPLE KODAK TRUSTS".... Bird Films since 1928!