Compact Binoculars

What are binoculars for when walking?

Binoculars bring distant details within reach of the eye: watching a chamois on a ridge, following a bird of prey, scoping out the next stretch of a route, or picking out detail on a summit. It's both a pleasure in itself and a practical tool for reading the terrain from afar. For walking, you want a balance of power, brightness and compactness, since everything has to be carried on your back.

Magnification and diameter

Two numbers define a pair of binoculars, for example 8x42: the magnification (8x) and the lens diameter (42mm). A magnification of 8 to 10x is plenty and stays steady when handheld; beyond that, the image starts to shake. The diameter governs brightness: the larger it is, the clearer the image in low light, but the heavier the binoculars become. An 8x32 or 8x42 is a good compromise for walking.

Compact, lightweight and weatherproof binoculars

When walking, compactness and weight matter most: binoculars that are too heavy just stay in your backpack. A compact model is quick and easy to pull out. Weatherproofing and nitrogen filling prevent internal fogging and protect against rain - both important for outdoor use. Good optical quality (coated lenses) gives a clear, high-contrast image.

Comfort and use

Check the comfort of the grip, the dioptre adjustment and the eye relief (for glasses wearers). Light and practical, binoculars are the perfect addition to any walker's kit. Compare them with the monocular, which is even more compact, and find everything in our walking accessories range.