Binoculars make a wonderful gift idea for anyone you may need to purchase a present for that likes to see things close-up. Sports events, scenery, wildlife, even the night sky are seen much more clearly with the use of binoculars. These gifts can range from under $100 to over $1,500, depending on the strength of magnification you select. Before choosing the gift, consider exactly what the recipient’s primary use of the binoculars will most like be so that you can select just the right set of binoculars for them.

Just like anything else, when you purchase a pair of binoculars you want to know that you are purchasing the best possible pair. The huge variety in price can make he process of selecting and purchasing the best pair of binoculars confusing, as can each individual pair of binoculars specifications. Before you go shopping for a pair of binoculars you need to sit down and decide what you will be using the binoculars for. Will you be hunting, whale watching, or watching birds, or looking for a pair of military binoculars. Knowing what you will be using the binoculars for will give you a specific type of binoculars to look for. If you are planning on using your binoculars for birdwatching you want to look for a pair that is designed with good image quality. If you are planning on taking your binoculars on the family boat you will want a pair that is completely waterproof. Once you have decided what you will be looking for decide what you can afford to spend. Set a budget and stick to it. Try to decide on a size that is convenient. Like cameras and cell phones, binoculars are getting smaller and smaller. The advantage of compact binoculars is that they are easy to carry and use. The downside to a pair of compact binoculars is that it is easier for a unorganized person to lose them. It is also easier for a thief to walk off with a pair of compact binoculars. The general rule of thumb is, unless your a private investigator, to avoid purchasing a pair of binoculars with a magnification greater then 10X’s. Magnification over ten tends to cause the binoculars to loose some of the image’s crispness. The image is also duller when the magnification is greater then ten. Binoculars that are designed with a roof prism make the best use of natural lighting. Binoculars that have lenses that are coated with red, are designed to enhance the image. Dark coated lenses provide the best image and last longer then uncoated lenses. Even if you aren’t planning on taking your new binoculars on a boat, spending a few extra dollars on a pair that has waterproof housing. You may not be planning on getting them wet, but things happen; you might trip and drop them in a mud puddle, take them out on a foggy day, or might get caught in a freak rain shower, and don’t forget about small children and their fascination with dropping electronic equipment in toilets. The waterproof housing will pay for itself again and again. Know the marketplace. Spend some time learning if there are any retail stores that sell binoculars. Scan the Internet, there are hundreds of binocular dealers on-line, these dealers typically offer the lowest prices. Another perk to on-line binocular dealers is that you are typically corresponding via e-mail, this makes the dealer seem less pushy then one you may encounter in a retail store that is working for a commission. The best plan is to get to know an on-line binocular dealer. Start asking questions, start researching binoculars, keep a list of pros and cons of different binoculars that are in your price range. After you have selected a few pairs that sound promising, drive to a binocular dealer and try out each of the pairs you have selected. Test their range of vision, and the clarity of the lenses. Make sure the binoculars are comfortable and you understand how they function. If you wear glasses, make sure they are on when you are trying out binoculars. After trying out binoculars find out where you’ll get the best price, the retail store or the on-line dealer.

Binoculars used to weigh as heavy as 6 pounds and were huge compared to all the styles offered today. Just the government issued binoculars were enough to make our servicemen groan. After you carry around a little 6 pound baby just half a day without a stroller or baby carrier to give you relief, you’ll understand how something as seemingly lightweight as 6 pounds can wear on your muscles. Added to the other gear an outdoors activity adds to a person’s burden, this is an unwelcome strain. Most Steiner binoculars are used for outside activities of some type. Military, police officials, hunters, birders, mariners, fishermen, and more get their enjoyment from this brand. A good, quality set of binoculars can enhance the outdoors excursions of many different fields of work and enjoyment. For birdwatchers, it is recommended to beware of those little extras that are offered with a pair of binoculars and focus on what is most important to avoid paying for things that won’t be of specific use in your area. Zoom, image stabilization, and fixed focus may add to the cost while taking away from what you could truly benefit from. Color and style won’t matter if it reduces the qualities that will be of the most use for your experiences. The Steiner Company has been operating since 1947 and has grown from a one-man operation to a staff of at least 300. They have representatives all over the country. Some of their newest products include: 1. Peregrine XP 2. 10×40 Predator Pro 3. Commander XP 7×50 C 4. 12×30 Wildlife Pro 5. Nighthunter XP with NANO protection The Peregrine XP is offered as an 8×44 or a 10×44, has water-repellant coating on the objective and ocular lenses, and provide a high depth of field. Steiner has benefited police departments with their 7×50 and 10×50 police binoculars, making our public and our officers more secure. If the police have reliable tools to perform their jobs, we all benefit. Steiner provides them with binoculars that are waterproof, shockproof, fog proof, lightweight for long hourly use, have long range vision, and operate with little or no lighting. They are, of course, available for public use should you desire to pay around $400 for this type quality. Many versions of binoculars can be used in more than one area. Keep this in mind when you shop around and remember that a quality pair, no matter whether the price is low or high, can provide you with years of good service. It helps to scour the customer service reviews to help you determine if the negative points of any one pair will outweigh the positives required for your particular use. What one person sees as a negative problem may not bother you in the least. Steiner has a wide price range for different budget levels. They are available used if you prefer to try your luck at online auctions, which can sometimes still provide reviews. Pawn shops, an ad in the newspaper, or other binocular users are sources for finding used binoculars. Just remember that the warranty will be less if any at all for a used pair, and parts on used items sometimes have become obsolete.