Choosing Binoculars by Use

> Birdwatching binoculars

Whilst you can enjoy birds without them, binoculars along with your bird book are the most essential tools to any bird watcher. But which pair is right for you, In my article I go through which feature to look out for as well as review some of the best, cheapest, lightest, smallest, strongest birding binoculars on the market >> Binoculars for Birding.

> Safari binoculars

Slightly different than pure wildlife binoculars as they will also be designed for travel as well as wildlife viewing and must also be able to hold their own as bird watching binoculars. View my article on how to choose the ideal >> Binoculars for Safaris.

> Marine binoculars

Binoculars that have been specifically designed for on the water need to have specific features, these include being fully waterproof as well as tough, some other features to look out include some that float and others come with a compass and are also rangefinder binoculars. Take a look at my guide to the >> Best Marine Binoculars.

> Hunting binoculars

The ideal hunting binoculars will vary depending on conditions as well as the type of hunting and your terrain, but common features include the need for them to be tough and have excellent light gathering characteristics. View my article on how to choose the ideal >> Binoculars for Hunting.

> Night Vision Binoculars & Other Devices

Open up a whole new world after dark. I have used them on safari with incredible results so follow me as I take a look at the difference between night vision glasses and other night vision devices, including binoculars, monoculars and night vision scopes as well as discovering how they work and what features to look out for when deciding which one to buy >> Night Vision Glasses & Devices.

> Binoculars for Astronomy

Not only telescopes are used for astronomy and you will be amazed what you can see with a normal pair of binoculars as well as those specifically designed for astronomy. Read my guide what too look out for when choosing >> Astronomical Binoculars.

> Binoculars for Sports

If you are lucky enough to have tickets to your favorite sporting event, be it football, soccer, baseball, athletics, golf, tennis, horse racing, motor racing, basketball, cricket, rugby, ice hockey, beach volleyball and many many more, a good pair of binoculars will add to the enjoyment of the occasion. Read my guide to the >> Best Sports Optics.

> Binoculars for Camping

There is so much to see and do in the great outdoors and that is one of the reasons that a good pair of binoculars is so important for that camping trip. But what exactly makes a good camping binocular? As with binoculars, there are many different types of camping, ones where you hike carrying all your equipment were size and weight is vitally important, to a luxury camping trip in your RV, Motorhome or campervan. To find the optics that are right for you, read my guide to the >> Best Camping Binoculars.

> Opera Binoculars & Theatre Glasses

Whether you are looking for a general use compact binocular that is also suitable to take to the theatre or opera or for specifically designed opera glasses read my guide to the best Opera Binoculars & Theatre Glasses

>> Guide to Opera Glasses & Theatre Binoculars.

> Butterfly Binoculars

Binoculars are not always used for viewing objects far away and if you have never looked at a butterfly through a pair of binoculars, you should give it a try. The amount of detail and colours that you see is incredible and all at a distance that does not scare it away.

>> Best Binoculars for Viewing Butterflies through Binoculars.

> Plane Spotting Binoculars

There are two main types of binoculars for plane spotting - high altitude spotting where you use binoculars to identify aircraft at very far distances or binoculars that you would take with you to an air show or next to a runway. Other than them both needing fairly large magnifications, the requirements are fairly different so for some advice on how to choose both take:
Read my guide to the >> Best Binoculars for Plane Spotting.

> Binoculars for Space Shuttle Launch

I was recently asked by a reader as to which binoculars I would recommend to him, to take to watch the launch of a space shuttle from Cape Canaveral in Florida. I thought that even though this is a very specific use for a pair of optics, by answer may be useful to others: Read my guide to the
>> Best Binoculars for Space Shuttle Launch.

> Skiing Binoculars

As well as enabling you to enjoy the fantastic mountain views and see some wildlife, a good pair of binoculars will come in very handy especially if you ski off-piste. This is because before going down it is preferable, even important to "scout" the downhill terrain to determine an optimal path to go down and identify possible dangers ahead. Also for navigation you need to look around. Read my guide to the >> Best Binoculars for Skiing & Snowboarding.

> Surfing Binoculars

These are not binoculars that you use whilst surfing, rather ones that you use to watch people surfing either at competitions or just your friends. A great pair is similar to a general all purpose sports binocular, but with a few added requirements. These include the obvious need to be waterproof, not only to protect from sea spary, but also from sand and dust. Read my guide to the >> Best Binoculars to Watch Surfing.

> Women's Binoculars

Most binoculars have a strong masculine look to them, but a few manufacturers have decided to design binoculars with a softer, more feminine look to them.

From safari & birding binoculars, to optics ideal as a functional, stylish accessory to a day at Wimbledon or the races. >> Binoculars for Women.

> Bushnell Golf Range Finder

Not only do Bushnell produce some of the best binoculars in the world, but the fact that they were pioneers in golf laser rangefinders as well as the GPS versions and all come with patented Bushnell Pinseeker technology mean are the most used brand by tour professionals. Take a look at my guide to >> Bushnell Golf Range Finders.