Binoculars by Use - Astronomy, Birding, Zoom

	Astronomy Binoculars View All Astronomy Binoculars	Astronomy binoculars are great for the Moon and planets, but they also reveal lots of detail in our Milky Way Galaxy and beyond! Astronomical binoculars should have apertures of at least 50mm, and their exit pupil, which dictates how much light (and therefore detail!) reaches your eye, should be from 5mm to 7mm. Astronomy binoculars can be big and heavy, and we recommend mounting larger binoculars on a good, sturdy tripod for stability and comfortable viewing over long periods of time.

	Birding Binoculars View All Birding Binoculars	Birdwatchers prefer binoculars that are relatively lightweight, produce bright images, have nice eye relief, are easy to hand-hold for longer periods of time, and have good close focus capabilities. These traits work well for a large number of uses, which means most people would be happy with a good birding binocular! Look for 8X - 10X, at least 42mm of aperture, and close focus under 10 feet, and you'll be well on your way to choosing a great binocular for birdwatching or nature observations.

	Boating Binoculars View All Boating Binoculars	Since boating usually takes place on the water, the most important trait for a boating binocular is that it be waterproof! A rubberized coating is less slippery when wet, and low magnification is usually preferred due to the exaggerated movement you'll experience when viewing through even the lowest power binoculars! An alternative choice for boaters are binoculars with image-stabilization...just make sure they are waterproof as well.

	Compact/Mini Binoculars View All Compact/Mini Binoculars	Compact or mini binoculars are very popular in today's busy world, and OPT has a huge selection to choose from. You will find compact image-stabilizer binoculars from Canon here, as well as waterproof models, zoom models...even digital camera/binocular combos. If you will be using your mini binoculars in low light conditions, try to keep the exit pupil as high as possible. Very high magnifications coupled with small lenses have their purpose, but have limited light-gathering capabilities.

	Digital Imaging Binoculars View All Digital Imaging Binoculars	Get close-up views with these binoculars and then capture the moment forever with the built-in digital camera! OPT stocks the most popular digital imaging binoculars, including the Meade CaptureView and Celestron VistaPix series. Prices vary according to imaging chip size and cool features like pop-up viewing windows.

	Golf Rangefinders View All Golf Rangefinders	Improve your golf game with a laser rangefinder! Accurately measures distance to the pin, and is USGA approved as long as the device measures distance only. Look for optics that provide bright images and displays, and good eye relief, especially for those who prefer to wear glasses during play.

	Hunting Binoculars View All Hunting Binoculars	Hunters requires binoculars that yield bright images in twilight conditions, and in certain applications, close focus ability. Look for models with an exit pupil of 5mm - 7mm, and have fully multi-coated optics for maximum light transmission. Choose a pair of binoculars that are fully waterproof for extra protection in inclement weather, and take advantage of rubberized coatings on the exterior for a non-slip grip.

	Image Stabilizing Binoculars View All Image Stabilizing Binoculars	Most people have a hard time hand-holding binoculars with magnifications of 10X or more, but image stabilization technology offers a solution! It is now possible to own a pair of 12X or 18X binoculars and enjoy shake-free images, and, if your hands aren't as steady as they used to be, image stabilizing binoculars can make all the difference in the world.

	Monoculars View All Monoculars	The traditional optical aid for pirates everywhere, monoculars, or spy glasses, are still a very useful today. Most monoculars, like the Meade Travel or Vixen models, are really portable, and can be easily kept in your shirt or pants pocket. Brass, telescoping spy glasses are also available, but tend to be more for looks than good, hard use.

	Multiple Use Binoculars View All Multiple Use Binoculars	Binoculars that work well for just about any application fall into our Multiple Use Binoculars category. The only binoculars you won't find here are larger astronomical binoculars, very compact binoculars, or binoculars with a built-in compass or other specialty accessory. Since you can use zoom, waterproof, birding, semi-compact...even boating binoculars for most purposes, we've included them here as well.

	Nature Binoculars View All Nature Binoculars	Ideal specifications for nature binoculars depend on whether the user views nature from their own back yard or at a distance, and if they enjoy observing in the early morning or evening hours. Look for close focus capabilities if you are a backyard nature lover, and choose binoculars with a large exit pupil (5mm - 7mm) for maximum light transmission if you view during low light conditions.

	Sports Binoculars View All Sports Binoculars	Sporting events are all about movement, and good sporting binoculars should make it easy to watch a game as it moves about the field. Binoculars with a wide field of view allow you to see a larger picture, and keep an eye on several players at once. Many fans enjoy zoom binoculars because of the ability to watch the game at low power, and then zoom up on a star player when desired. Choose a pair that you can easily hand-hold, since tripod use is not conducive to most sporting events.

	Theater/Concert Binoculars View All Theater/Concert Binoculars	Gone are the days when opera glasses were the only choice for plays, concerts, and yes, the opera! When choosing binoculars to accompany you to these events, think compact, think close focus (unless you are always in the cheap seats!), and look for fully multi-coated optics to reduce glare and internal reflections from stage lighting.

	Waterproof Binoculars View All Waterproof Binoculars	We decided to make our waterproof binoculars easy to find, because when you need waterproof, you need waterproof! Going fishing? You need waterproof! How about running the rapids, or whalewatching? Yep, waterproof. Remember that snow is just frozen water...and so skiing, snowboarding, hiking in winter...you guessed it...waterproof!

	Zoom Binoculars View All Zoom Binoculars	Zoom binoculars are a great idea, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering a pair. Close focus is usually not an option with zoom models due to their special optical design. Most people cannot hold zoom binoculars steady at their highest magnification, so save this feature for quick views!