We recently noticed a tiny water drip above our dining room table. It looked like we had a roof leak.  Instead of dragging the heavy ladder out to check the roof we grabbed a pair of binoculars that we always keep handy. From the yard the binoculars gave us a close up view of our shingles without the hassle and danger of being on the roof. They looked OK.

We next checked upstairs pipes. Sure enough we found a slight leak that was easy to fix. We were happy we never had to go up on the roof.

From the yard the binoculars give us a close up view of our shingles without the hassle and danger of being on the roof.

Although many people consider binoculars only useful for wildlife or sports viewing, we find them handy for household inspections. We usually have a pair handy and mostly use them for viewing nature and occasionally when we go to the theater or a ball game.

Binoculars have undergone an amazing boost in quality since grandma bought a pair years ago. Today they are available in all sorts of shapes, sizes and  magnifications. Relative to inflation, they are less expensive than those of yesteryear. Unfortunately, with so many types on the market buying the perfect pair can seem complicated. Here’s how we choose ours:

First, know what the numbers mean. Binoculars  have two numbers, such as 8X42. The first number indicates its magnification. For example objects will look 8 times closer with an 8 power scope.The second number is the objective lens. It is the diameter of the lens farthest from the eyes.The bigger the number the larger the glass will be and the more light the lens will admit. A high number, such as 8X50 will allow the best viewing in dim light and are excellent for astronomy. The downside is their size.  They are large. Ten or twelve power binoculars will bring images closer than 8 power but they have two downsides. The higher the power the harder it is to hold them steady.The image will jiggle a bit. Also, the field of view gets smaller as power increases.Trying to locate a tiny bird in a distant tree grows increasingly difficult as power expands. Some binoculars have an image stabilizer which helps. Read the specifications to learn many details of any pair.

Second, decide what you are going to use them for. Most people are best served with a general purpose pair. Usually this means 8X42. These are perfect for use around the house or carrying in the car. For travel and concerts, tiny  8X20 compact binoculars are about the size of a cell phone and weigh next to nothing. They are a bit less comfortable to use than full size ones but will bring a colorful bird, scenic view or performer  up close. Some binoculars are water proof, a plus for anyone using them from a boat or out in the rain. Rich prefers binoculars that focus closely since he often views butterflies or bees on flowers just past his toes. Not all binoculars focus closely.

Third, decide how much money you will spend. We avoid bargain basement binoculars that sell for around $29. They are hard to use and don’t give a good view. They also break easily. On the other extreme are expensive, usually European, binoculars. We’ve never had the cash to buy one of these. Happily, hundreds of excellent binoculars are on the market.  They start at around $100 or $125 a pair and range up to around $500. The higher priced ones usually give a brighter image and are clear even toward the edge of the viewing area.

The Binoculars We Use At Winding Pathways

Alpen optics provide quality with great value.

We have several pair of binoculars. Here are the ones we most often use:

Marion prefers 10X32 Alpen Apex around the house and while car touring. These have excellent optics and are relatively small sized. They fit her smallish hands well.

Rich prefers 8X42 Alpen Wings ED for yard and car use. He keeps a pair of Alpen Apex 8X42 in his pickup truck all the time.These are somewhat larger than the pair Marion prefers and fit his large hands well.

Both Rich and Marion carry a pair of Alpen Wings ED in 8X20 when traveling or heading for the ball field or theater. Tiny  with excellent optics they easily slip into a purse or jacket pocket.

While we have enjoyed using many other brands of binoculars that provide excellent viewing at reasonable cost, we particularly like Alpen.