Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification of binoculars should you choose for hiking?
A magnification of 8 to 10× is ideal: powerful enough for good observation, but stable enough to hold steady by hand. Go any higher and the image shakes about without a tripod. The 8×42 or 8×32 format offers a great balance of magnification, brightness and weight.
What do the numbers 8×42 mean?
The first number is the magnification (8×), and the second is the lens diameter in millimetres (42 mm). A larger diameter gives you a brighter image in low light, at the cost of extra weight to carry.
Do you need waterproof binoculars?
For the outdoors, yes: waterproofing protects against rain, and the nitrogen filling prevents internal fogging during temperature changes. These features guarantee clear viewing in all conditions.
Binoculars or monocular for hiking?
Binoculars give you a more comfortable, immersive view with both eyes; a monocular is more compact and lightweight, ideal for the odd spot of spotting on the go. The choice comes down to your priority: comfortable viewing or maximum compactness.