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Best
binoculars
for travelers

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Best under $100

Nikon 8217 8x25 Trailblazer ATB

Compact

$79

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Best $100 to $200

Pentax Papilio 6.5x21

Compact

$100

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Best $200 to $500

Nikon 7430 Monarch ATB 8x42

Full size

$264

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Best $500 to $1000

Canon 12x36 IS II

Image Stabilized

$533

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Best over $1000

Carl Zeiss Victory FL 10x42

Luxury (for birders)

$2,299

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Binocular tips
for travelers

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Understand the
numerical indicators

They indicate the binoculars power and field of vision. For instance, 10x40. The "10" tells you the power, the "40" specifies the area size of the field of vision. Both affect your viewing experience.

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Power

For traveling use, you need at least 8 power. However, over 10 power produces image shake for most people. It also increases a binoculars' bulk and weight.

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Field of vision

The larger the field of vision, the more of the environment your binoculars will capture. This is especially important for viewing moving objects like birds.

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Buying checklist

Here are some other capabilities to look for:

You want a bright image for dawn and dusk viewing.

The image should be crisp and true colored - and have a 3D quality.

A roof prism is better than the porro variety.

Adventure travelers need 100% waterproofed binoculars - and they should be rugged and solidly constructed (a short or wimpy guarantee suggests they are not).

If you wear glasses, buy binoculars with twist-out eyepieces (so you won't have to remove your spectacles).

Though unfortunately expensive and hefty, image stabilization binoculars work visual wonders.

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