Which Power and Size of Binocular Should I Choose?
If you are trying to decide between different sizes of binoculars (for example, 8x42 or 10x50), here is some helpful information:
Magnification - The first number refers to the power, such as 8x or 10x. The lower the power, the easier it is to focus and hold the binocular steady, so use higher powers only as necessary.
Size - The second number is a measure of size: it's the effective diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. This is the biggest lens in the binocular and it points towards your object. The bigger the size, the more light it gathers, so images are brighter and you can see fainter objects. However, the larger the size, the heavier the binocular is, so it can be harder to keep the binocular steady in your hands.
BY LEVEL:
For a beginner, select lower powers and smaller diameters. A great starter "full size" binocular is a n8x42. Or you try one of our compact binoculars.
For more advanced users, you can try a 10x42.
BY APPLICATION:
For astronomy, a 10x50 or 12x50 is best to see faint objects.
For hunting, an 8x42 works for most hunting purposes, but for longer range, a 10x42 may be more useful.
For bird watching, we recommend 8x42 for beginners and 10x42 for more experienced binocular users.
BY COST:
Lower budgets - A compact binocular is the most economical choice. Compact binoculars are typically anything below 42 mm. You may also want to consider a monocular for a cost-effective solution.
Higher budgets - Binoculars with higher powers and sizes are more expensive, but they offer the highest light-gathering ability.
Magnification - The first number refers to the power, such as 8x or 10x. The lower the power, the easier it is to focus and hold the binocular steady, so use higher powers only as necessary.
Size - The second number is a measure of size: it's the effective diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. This is the biggest lens in the binocular and it points towards your object. The bigger the size, the more light it gathers, so images are brighter and you can see fainter objects. However, the larger the size, the heavier the binocular is, so it can be harder to keep the binocular steady in your hands.
BY LEVEL:
For a beginner, select lower powers and smaller diameters. A great starter "full size" binocular is a n8x42. Or you try one of our compact binoculars.
For more advanced users, you can try a 10x42.
BY APPLICATION:
For astronomy, a 10x50 or 12x50 is best to see faint objects.
For hunting, an 8x42 works for most hunting purposes, but for longer range, a 10x42 may be more useful.
For bird watching, we recommend 8x42 for beginners and 10x42 for more experienced binocular users.
BY COST:
Lower budgets - A compact binocular is the most economical choice. Compact binoculars are typically anything below 42 mm. You may also want to consider a monocular for a cost-effective solution.
Higher budgets - Binoculars with higher powers and sizes are more expensive, but they offer the highest light-gathering ability.
Updated on: 07/03/2025
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