What To Look For
Look for binoculars with sufficient eye relief, which is the distance between the eye lens and the point at which a clear image is visible. Binoculars with longer eye relief allow users to hold them slightly away from their faces. This is a must for people whose glasses get in the way of them holding their eyes directly to the binoculars. William Cook, chief optical expert for the United States Navy, recommends 15 mm of eye relief for people who wear glasses.
Look for small-sized binoculars with magnification powers 8x or lower. This is the first of the two main numbers on the binoculars, such as 7x35. In addition to being more compact, binoculars with lower magnification powers are also more forgiving for those who wear glasses, according to writer and bird watcher John E. Riutta at the Binocular Site.
Common Pitfalls
All binoculars have two main numbers on them, such as 10x50. Small numbers mean compact binoculars--but also poor distance vision. The greater the numbers, the farther you can see clearly. Look for a balance between size and viewing quality, depending on where you plan to use your binoculars. Don't fall for all binoculars labeled "long eye relief," as some of these only have eye reliefs of 13 mm--not long enough for the average person who wears glasses.
Where To Buy
Several Internet websites sell binoculars, such as binoculars.com and opticsplanet.com. These have the widest selection and range of prices, but shoppers forfeit the option of testing the binoculars before purchasing. For guaranteed quality, consider purchasing binoculars from established companies, such as Nikon, Canon or Olympus. Local outlets, such as Best Buy and REI, also sell binoculars. They are convenient for people to get a feel for the binoculars firsthand before purchasing, though their selection can be limited.
Cost
Shoppers on a budget can find basic binoculars for under $100. Most compact binoculars cost between $100 to $250, even from quality companies like Nikon and Olympus. High-end binoculars from companies such as Zeiss--which manufactured the lenses that took photographs on the moon in 1969--cost up to $500 for a compact set.
Comparison Shopping
Binoculars come in two primary types, roof prisms or Porro prisms. Roof prisms have straight, sleek design, with the eyeholes aligned behind the front lenses. They are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for traveling or hiking. Because it costs more to manufacture them, they have heavier price tags. Meanwhile, Porro prisms have eyeholes that are not positioned in alignment behind the front lenses. Though they are slightly bulkier, they have more mid-range options for shoppers who want to find a balance between high quality and an affordable price.
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