Buying binoculars for any purpose requires a bit of research before you can assume your choice is best suited for your purpose. Your best bet for performance and durability is with the leading manufacturers ,such as Nikon, Bushnell, Zeiss, Leupold, etc. These companies offer products that feature quality precision optics and sturdy construction.

But knowing brand names is no guarantee that you will find the binoculars most suited to your purposes. You should acquaint yourself with a few basics before making a choice.

For instance, prism binoculars tend offer a wider field of view. Do not worry about needless details regarding optics because knowing the advantages and disadvantages of prisms should be enough.

There are two types of prisms - roof and porro - each with their own special characteristics:

"Roof prisms generally provide durability, compactness, lighter weight and finer focus than porro prisms.

"Porro prisms offer bright imagery, sharper close focus and wider field of view than roof prisms but porro prisms are heavier and require larger housings than roof prisms.

On the subject of optics, you should be aware that lower magnification binoculars offer better light transmission meaning better performance in low light conditions. The reverse is true for higher magnification which allows less light to reach the eye.

The viewing capability of a binocular is measured in magnification power and millimeters. For instance, a 7 x 35 binocular means the instrument will magnify a viewed object by seven times and the number 35 relates to the front lens diameter (35 millimeters).

The next step after deciding what type of optics would best suit your purpose is comfort and handling when using your binoculars.

"Do they fit well in your hands?

"When looking through the binocular, is there a comfortable distance between your eyes and the eyepiece lenses?

"Is the entire visual field in sharp focus with no discernable distortion?

"Are colors clear and realistic?

"If important to your use, test the binoculars in low light conditions. The images should be bright and clear.

"Fold-down rubber eye cups are a necessity for eyeglass wearers.

"Do the binoculars feature a locking system that will retain the users visual acuity adjustments, avoiding a refocusing with each use?

Shopping around at stores and on the Internet for discount outlets and special sales will save you money but high-quality binoculars will not be cheap. Well-manufactured binoculars can last a lifetime. They will feature higher-grade optical glass in prisms and lenses for overall viewing excellence and a durable housing.

The old adage "You get what you pay for" rings true when buying a good pair of binoculars.