Everything you need to know about powerful binoculars

Binoculars are handy tools for viewing distant objects up close. By a 'powerful' pair of binoculars, we refer to binoculars with a high ocular magnification. This allows you to view an object that is far away as if it were very close. Think of binoculars with magnifications like 10x, 12x, or 15x. The first number in the description of a binocular indicates the ocular magnification.

Powerful binoculars with a tripod

When using binoculars with a magnification factor of 12x or more, we recommend using a tripod. Binoculars with 12x magnification bring the image 12 times closer. It can then be difficult to get a good image, as you have to hold the binoculars perfectly still to do so. That's because it's not just the image that is magnified, your movements are too.

What will you be using your binoculars for?

These strong binoculars can be used for a wide variety of activities such as bird watching, stargazing or in water sports.

Water sports

On the water, you often have to deal with objects that are a bit further away, in which case strong binoculars can come in handy. Make sure to choose nitrogen-filled waterproof binoculars. This prevents condensations of the lenses.

Bird watching

When bird watching, powerful binoculars can sure come in handy. It's important to observe the bird in detail in order to identify it correctly. Strong binoculars are also useful for watching waterbirds, which are often a bit further away. Do consider bringing a tripod, otherwise your arms will get sore after a while and it will be harder to keep the binoculars still.

Astronomy

Powerful binoculars are also great for astronomers! Binoculars are easier to use than a telescope. For stargazing, choose binoculars with a wide field of view so you have a good overview.

What do you pay attention to when choosing powerful binoculars?

Besides ocular magnification, there are a few other things that are important when you choose strong binoculars. For example, also look carefully at the lens diameter. Lens diameter is the second number you see in the name of binoculars. With binoculars that have ‘12x50’ behind them, you know that the magnification ratio is therefore 12. The '50' stands for the diameter of the front lens. The larger the diameter of the front lens, the more light enters the binoculars, improving image quality and brightness. However, the larger the diameter of the front lens, the larger and heavier the binoculars will be. Binoculars with a large front lens are likely to be less portable than compact ones.

You can also choose between porro prisms or roof prisms. With a porro prism, light bends as it passes through the binoculars. These binoculars are therefore generally a bit larger and easier to produce. That's why porro binoculars tend to be cheaper. In roof prisms, the light passes through the binoculars in a straight beam (via the prisms). This makes these binoculars more compact, and they will last longer as they are more resistant to moisture.

Powerful binoculars or spotting scope?

If you want to take a very close look at an object, you have a choice between strong binoculars and a spotting scope. A spotting scope is a kind of intermediate model between binoculars and a stargazer or telescope. Main differences:

• You can't zoom in with binoculars, but you can with a spotting scope.
• Binoculars have two 'telescopes', while a spotting scope has one.
• A spotting scope is almost always used with a tripod, with binoculars it is not always necessary.

For more in-depth information about binoculars, check out our binoculars glossary or read the expert reviews on Eden binoculars.