Not taking binoculars -
or taking the wrong ones

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Binoculars are essential

Safari wildlife seldom comes as close as you would like.

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Bring  your own

Don't rely on the tour operator's brochure phrase "binoculars provided". Otherwise, you may have to share the promised binoculars with other tour members.

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Defects

Even if you don't have to share the binoculars, they could be defective due to repeated misuse by hundreds of safari-goers before you.

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Power

Under 8 power is too weak for safari-viewing purposes. For most people, over 10 power produces image shake.

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Field of vision

It specifies how much you can view through your binoculars from left to right and top to bottom. The bigger the field of vision, the greater the area your binoculars will capture.

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Numerical indicators

The power and field of vision are indicated as, for example, 10x40. The first number is the power, the second is the field of vision.

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Names

Be an insider. Call bincolulars "binocs" or, better yet, "bins".

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Buying checklist

Use quality binoculars because what you see is what you experience. Here are features you should consider when purchasing binoculars:

Bright image (for dawn & dusk)
Crisp, true-color image
Roof-, not porro-prisms
100% water/fog/dust proof
Filled with nitrogen
Twist-out eyepieces (for glasses)
Image stabilizer (expensive)
Rugged and shock resistant
Long, if not lifetime, warranty

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