How To Find The Best Binoculars Under $200

 

You will find that there are many different kinds of binoculars available to buy, ranging from the top binocular brands, to the cheap binocular models. The prices you see on the shelves can vary by hundreds of dollars. There is no simple answer to the question "which is the best binocular?" simply because all binoculars are not created equally. Each brand has their own unique features, but there are certain features that are shared by virtually all binocular brands. To simplify this problem, I have distilled the key features that are common to the best binoculars under $200, and explained why below:

You will find that there are many different kinds of binoculars available to buy, ranging from the top binocular brands, to the cheap binocular models. The prices you see on the shelves can vary by hundreds of dollars. There is no simple answer to the question "which is the best binocular?" simply because all binoculars are not created equally. Each brand has their own unique features, but there are certain features that are shared by virtually all binocular brands. To simplify this problem, I have distilled the key features that are common to the best binoculars under $200, and explained why below:

Foresight & Objective Identification - All binocular brands will be able to identify a target and focus it correctly, but not all will be equally accurate. Foresight refers to the ability of a binocular to see things clearly at all distances. A binocular with a high foresight can provide clear vision up to about 100 yards, but it will fail at longer distances. For this reason, it's essential to make sure that the binocular you are looking at has a high enough foresight.

Waterproof & Fog proof - All good binocular brands will be able to guarantee some level of waterproofing. This means that if the lenses are for use outside, then the lenses will be protected from water and will not develop any problems. Most modern smartphone mounts come with a rubber lens hood to help protect the lens from fog. The advantage of a water resistant or fog proof binocular is that they are less prone to developing problems, especially if they are used outdoors.

Lenses - The size of the lens is an important factor when purchasing binoculars of any kind. Whilst a large lens size may look better for watching movies, outdoor activities, etc, the amount of light that is available to the eye will affect how well you can see. Larger lenses tend to produce more light, which makes it easier to focus on small objects at different distances. However, if you intend to use your binocular outdoors, then it's best to select a smaller lens size, which produces less light and gives a clearer image at various distances.

Warranty - Many manufacturers will include some form of warranty for their binocular products. The best way to determine the warranty of a product is to read the fine print. Most warranties will last between one and ten years. If you are buying a pair of binoculars at the lowest price point possible, they might be limited in the lifetime of the item.

Coatings - One of the features that will set a certain binocular apart from others is its coating. Some binocular manufacturers will opt for multi-coated lenses, which tend to be stronger and are less susceptible to scratching or pitting of the lenses. Other manufacturers will opt for polycarbonate lenses, which offer excellent protection against abrasion, but which are a little bit thicker. Generally speaking, polycarbonate lenses are a little bit more expensive than multi-coated ones, however you might find that they are worth the extra money if you intend to use them outside a lot.

Focal Length - This is probably the most obvious feature of any binocular, and often the most misunderstood. The focal length refers to the distance between the lens and the objective, and refers to the distance at which the eye will need to move to see the center of the picture. The common recommendation is that a longer focal length produces a more expansive field of view, and will give you more versatility when taking pictures. On the flipside, a shorter focal length produces a smaller field of view, which makes it great for close up photography. Both types of binocular should have the ability to focus on the center of the target, so you'll want to make sure that whatever model you select has a long enough focal length.

Extra Features - As with most technical devices, there are some extra features that you will absolutely need in order to take advantage of everything the binocular has to offer. A water resistant casing is one such feature, as is a rubber lens hood. When buying advice, it's always important to make sure that the additional features are documented and explained clearly, or you could end up buying a device that will fall apart after a few months. Most people who buy binoculars want features that will help them to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, so extra features that will also allow for more comfort while using the device are definitely worth considering.