2023-09-14
Binoculars have always been mixed in the optical industry. Regular products and small workshop products are displayed on the same web page, and consumers are easily attracted by various adjectives. And different telescopes have different usage environments: astronomy, bird watching, military or travel, etc. If you don’t know enough about telescopes, choosing one can be difficult. Below we will tell you how to choose a pair of binoculars suitable for travel from several perspectives.
It is important to note that this article only focuses on telescopes used for daily travel. Telescopes in other usage scenarios may have different selection criteria.
When many people buy a telescope, the first thing they pay attention to is the magnification, thinking that the greater the magnification, the better. In order to satisfy this misunderstanding of consumers, some merchants even make up fictitious magnification factors, such as "99 times." In fact, even for astronomical telescopes, too high a magnification will degrade the viewing experience.
For handheld binoculars used for travel, the magnification should not be too high. Too high a magnification will cause the telescope image to shake and look laborious. Especially when you need to look at it for a long time, such as at a concert, holding a shaky telescope can tire your arms.
Generally speaking, the best magnification of a handheld telescope is between 7-10 times, which can take into account both magnification and stability. I prefer to choose an 8x telescope, which has a good balance between magnification and stability. In addition, the 8x telescope is smaller and lighter, so you don’t need to carry a heavy telescope when you go out.
There are two types of binoculars: roof type and porro type, the difference lies in the structure and placement of the internal prisms. Roof-mounted binoculars are smaller in size and lighter in weight, making them suitable for portability. Porro style binoculars, while larger and heavier, generally offer higher optical performance. For travelers, I would recommend roof mounted binoculars as they are more portable.
In addition to magnification and volume, another factor to consider is the diameter of the objective lens. The diameter of the objective lens affects the brightness and field of view of the telescope. The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can collect and the brighter it will appear. However, increasing the aperture also means that the size and weight of the telescope will increase.
For travelers, I would recommend choosing an objective lens diameter of 30-42mm. This range of apertures provides sufficient brightness without making the telescope too heavy. In darker environments, the 42mm diameter can provide a better visual experience.
Finally, something to consider is the durability and water resistance of the telescope. Telescopes may be exposed to various shocks and challenges during travel, so it is important to choose a durable and waterproof telescope. Many high-quality telescopes are waterproof and shockproof, allowing them to be used in a variety of environments.