Sights - Binoculars
I never use binoculars. Except when I really need them.
I can go for months without picking up the pair I’ve had for several decades. And then suddenly I really need them. There might be something out at sea I really need to see, or an aircraft I’m curious about. I pick them up, sling the strap around my neck (I always put the strap around my neck because binoculars by their very nature are easy to drop) and suddenly my sense of sight is magnified enormously. I see what I need to see and then I’m done with them for however long.
I’m awfully glad I have them. Especially for emergency situations when I might really need to see something approaching.
Any binoculars are better than none. My brother-in-law gave me some I think he got for subscribing to something. Not the most powerful things in the world, and certainly not suited to my particular eyes. But I keep them in a certain location, and I’ve used them a couple of times. As I said, better than nothing.
But if you want a good pair, I suggest you go to some store and actually try some. They have as many quirks and differences as people themselves. Which is a good thing. You can look until you find a pair that matches your differences. One feature that might not be important to you, but is very important to me, is the ability to adjust both sides, then fine-adjust one side. That’s because I’m farsighted in one eye, nearsighted in the other. I actually like that, but I really, really need that adjustment in a pair of binoculars.
Most good binoculars adjust to fit the width of your eyes. But some adjust in one way, others in other ways. Some I just cannot get to come to my exact width, and that causes a bit of double vision. So it’s a good idea to go and try some. Do not expect any to be absolutely perfect. That might happen, but usually does not. Get the pair that is best of those available to you. Because, yes, any binoculars are better than none.
There are an almost infinite variety of optical choices. Magnification, field of view, etc. Some are better at medium distances, some at longer distances. Frankly, unless you know exactly what you are going to be using them for, all of the time, like a ship’s captain does, you really don’t know what will be best. So go for an average sort of set of specifications. My good pair, which has been serviceable in all sorts of circumstances over the years, has these specs:
7X35
Field 525 feet at 1000 yards
They have nice coated optics to reduce glare, and they adjust up to a wide angle of ten degrees. As I mentioned earlier, they have a fine adjustment of one side as well as an adjustment wheel for both sides at the same time.
That is my binoculars, but there are many binoculars. I hope you find a pair that suits you as well as these do me. Remember to take care of them, and they will last a very long time. So spend enough on them. Also keep them in a dry, cool place. I’ve always kept a packet of water-absorbing desiccant in their case, and that is a very good idea for two reasons. It keeps moisture from condensing within the binoculars, and it helps keep the strap strong as time goes by. Really, use the strap. It’s a hassle, but it’s the only reason I still have mine after all these years.
How about getting a pair with night vision? If you have the cash, go for it. Again, try them out before you buy. Some night vision optics are useless, and others are worse than useless. And still others are amazing. Keep looking until you find a pair like that. Let me mention beforehand that those are usually much more expensive. But worth it. If you ever find a relatively inexpensive pair that performs like the expensive ones, please let me know. Technology keeps advancing, so I expect that to happen some day. If we have enough time.
