Bring binoculars if you’re planning a trip and open new vistas and engage your curiosity to what’s beyond your vision. Binoculars are a travel accessory you’ll use time and again, but only if you remember to bring them.
If you own binoculars:
- Use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe away any dust on the eyepieces and lens.
- Adjust the strap so it hangs comfortably around your neck.
- Adjust the eyepieces by squeezing and spreading the barrels to fit the width of your eyes.
- To focus close your right eye and focus. Then close your left eye and open your right eye. Turn the diopter focus wheel on the right eyepiece to correct any differences in your eyes.
TIP: Don’t lend your binoculars to someone unless you want to readjust the eyepieces and diopter adjustment. No two sets of eyes are the same.
If you’re choosing binoculars for traveling, here are features to consider:
- The first number is their zoom power or magnification. The second number is the diameter of the lens. For example, 8×42 means the binoculars have 8 times magnification and 42 mm lens.
- Consider their physical size and weight. They should be comfortable hanging around your neck and lightweight to carry and pack.
- Get your hands on different types of binoculars at a photography or outdoor retail store where you can get a feel for their size and weight and viewing power and ask questions.
- Choose binoculars you can afford.
Our firsthand experience using binoculars when traveling: 8×25 compact binoculars are a good choice for traveling because they’re lightweight and easy to tuck into a backpack or purse. The first number”8” is its magnification which makes an image 8 times closer than what you see with your eyes; it’s good for a wider field of view. The “25” is the size of the objective lens measured in millimeters that defines how much light the binocs can gather. A larger objective lens has more light gathering power so the image resolution will be higher and brighter.
Gene and Katie Hamilton travel the U.S. extensively in search of a favorite place. They are members of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
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