Tip 1: Hierarchy of Needs.
Trent said that you need to start out by determining what your needs are. No single pair of binoculars can meet every need. The laws of optics and economics are both at work here. You can get small and cheap, but you can’t get small, cheap, and great low-light performance. For instance, if you are a bird-watching backpacker, then weight will be a primary factor. However, if you will only walk 250 yards to a deer stand, and use the binoculars primarily at dawn and dusk, then a larger, heavier pair will fit your needs better.

Tip 2: Stay Focused.
Options and choices are huge in the binocular market. As you determine your needs, write them down, and refine your list. Put the most important item first, and then work down. Only after you have your list done should you head to the store. It is true that you get what you pay for in binoculars, but you don’t need to overpay to get the features important to you. Determine your price limit, and if you can’t find a pair that meets your needs at that price, swallow your desire, and save a little more money before you buy.

Tip 3: The Cost of Overbuying.
Trent laughed when I told him that I once bought a very good, and expensive, pair of binoculars, and then usually left them at home because I was afraid of breaking them. He said that was not unusual. “In general, the more expensive the optics, the more durable they are and the less likely they are to be damaged in use. However, they will get bumped and scratched; but why pay the money if you won’t take them outside?” He said if you are afraid to toss them across the room to your hunting buddy, then buy a less expensive pair. Or get a buddy with better hands.

Tip 4: Roof or Porro?
Optical lenses produce images that, when viewed by the eye, are upside down and backward. To correct this, binoculars have a prism inside. Porro prism binoculars are the ‘traditional’ style, with eyepieces offset from the front lenses. Roof prisms have a straight barrel, and may be more compact. Generally, porro prisms have the best optics for the dollar, but are larger and less durable. Roof prisms are more durable, but you may need to spend more to get good optical performance.

Tip 5: Put the Coat On.
All decent binoculars incorporate lens coatings, so stay away from those that don’t. Lens coating is a process that deposits thin layers of material on the lenses, which allows more light to reach your eyes. Coating is good, multi-coating is better, fully multi-coated is best. You will pay more for this, but it is worth it in low-light conditions.

Tip 6: Understanding the Digits.
Binoculars have a pair of numbers separated by an X, such as “8 X 32.” The first number will be the magnification: an 8 means the image will be enlarged eight times. The second number is the size of the front lens element in millimeters. This is useful in comparing binoculars – the larger the lens, the more light will get to your eyes. High magnification binoculars are more difficult to hold steady, and to use on objects that are moving. Lower magnification lenses have a wider field of view.