A binocular allows you to view distant objects like birds, ships, buildings, people, and whatever else you want to observe from a comfortable vantage point of your own choosing. Binoculars give you the added bonus of viewing from both your eyes which don’t put too much stress on your eyes. Mostly binoculars allow for only a single zoom, but there are various models which allow for more magnification. But with increased magnification or zoom, the durability and portability of the binocular decreases. In spite of that you can find some very amazing high power binocular options. Before you buy one, though, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

Realistic Expectations

A binocular is a man-made instrument, like any other. Even high power models have their limitations. When you view an object through a binocular, you can’t expect it to show you a high definition image because of the atmosphere in which it is operating. The atmosphere, which is a boundless sea of air, has many things in it which would distort or make the image less clears than it should be. This isn’t any flaw of the instrument, but a limitation that any manmade object will have. When using binoculars to view a far off object, keep in mind that there might be smoke, smog, or fog in the air, and that even on a clear day, the binoculars will probably not show you all the intricate features on the object.

Tripods – You Best Friend

When using high power instruments to view distant objects, a tripod or mount is very helpful. It has little to do with the weight of the instrument and more to do with the stability of the image. If you have binoculars that you are using for extended periods of long distance viewing, it is good to have a tripod to mount the binoculars on since that will leave your hand free and also allow for a more stable image than if you were to hold the binoculars in your hands the entire time.

Quality Comes with a Price

Anything good is never free, and that is true for optical quality also. Optical quality is a good investment if you are a serious observer, otherwise low quality binoculars will also suffice. When you want binoculars with higher magnification that will cost you. Most binoculars offer good images even at lower magnification. But there are few high power models which offer the same quality of image at higher magnification. The reason is simple – at higher magnifications, stability of the instrument and lighting play an important role and the image may not be as sharp as at lower magnifications. The few models that do offer sharp images at higher magnifications are expensive.

High power binoculars are great options for serious observers and for people who need images to be sharp are higher magnifications. The above guidelines are aimed at helping you understand what to expect when you buy your high power binoculars.