7 best binoculars and telescopes

Binoculars and telescopes (the latter also called telescopes) were not invented yesterday. Optical devices were massively used during the Great Patriotic War. Moreover, without a telescope, it was impossible to imagine a ship sailing at the beginning of the 19th century. In short, humanity has already managed to appreciate the capabilities of such devices. Now binoculars can have very different shapes. There are tourist models - they have the minimum size. Well, much more massive binoculars are used to observe the stars - often their optics are complemented by an image stabilization mechanism. In today's material we will try to consider all the most popular types of binoculars and telescopes.

Binoculars or monocular which company to buy

Bushnell

The Japanese company Bushnell was born in 1948. The quality of its products can be no doubt. After all, everyone knows that the best glass lenses are made in Japan. The range of this company can be called very wide. It includes both very compact and extremely fast binoculars. Also on the shelves of shops you can find Bushnell telescopes and monoculars. Some of them come with a tripod, so big are they. Produce Japanese and other equipment necessary for tourists and hunters - night vision devices, GPS trackers, telescopes and more.

Celestron

This company was founded in the USA in 1964. Now it produces binoculars, telescopes, microscopes and some other optical devices. The brand gained recognition after the creation of the first Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Unfortunately, in 1997 the company lost its independence - Tasco bought it out. And even later, Celestron brand and technologies passed into the hands of SW Technology Corporation - a subsidiary of China's Synta Technology Corporation. Now Americans place the greatest emphasis on the creation of astronomical observation systems, but they do not forget about the less dimensional equipment - binoculars and telescopes.

Nikon

The Japanese company Nikon exists since 1917. Now more than 25 thousand people work for her benefit. For a long time the company was completely independent, but now it belongs to the Mitsubishi Group. But the concern, known for its cars, almost does not interfere in the affairs of Nikon, in connection with which the company remains original. For many years she has been engaged in the production of photographic equipment and various optical devices. In particular, on the shelves of specialty stores you can find Nikon microscopes and binoculars. The latter are distinguished by high-quality lenses and robust housing. However, buying Nikon binoculars is also a significant overpayment for the brand, which should be remembered.

Sturman

In the Russian retail you can find telescopes and binoculars from completely different companies. But the easiest way to find optical devices under the brand Sturman. Most often, they have the lowest cost. You can buy such binoculars and monoculars even in sports stores, which primarily specialize in selling clothes, having only a couple of models of optical devices on their shelves. But this does not mean that in the company's range there are only low-end models. In specialized retail outlets and online stores, without any difficulty, more advanced binoculars will be found, endowed with a waterproof case and clear lenses.

Veber

Veber brand belongs to one of the Russian importers.This means that the purchase of binoculars under this brand will almost not affect your financial well-being. Most often, optical devices Veber have a low price tag, as they are produced by little-known companies outside of their homeland, which even allow them to brand their products. At the same time, it cannot be said that all Veber binoculars are nothing good. No, it is not, but the acquisition of the cheapest models should really be avoided.

Yukon

The company Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide was founded relatively recently - in 1994. Now more than 800 people work for her benefit. The company also includes some of its subsidiaries - for example, Beltik Optik Belarus, Polaris Vision Ukraine LLC in Ukraine, and Mezon-A in Russia. All this allows you to produce a huge number of optical devices around the world.

The most popular budget binoculars and monoculars Yukon. But there are also more expensive copies on sale, differing in a significantly improved case, but also in increased size. And yet, it should be remembered that the company is Chinese, and therefore you should not hope for maximum picture quality - the best glass for Yukon specialists is not yet available.

Top telescope and binoculars ranking

In today's rankings based on customer feedback, we consider:

• Magnification;
• The magnitude of the angular field of view (real and visible);
• The diameter of the exit pupil and lens;
• Type of prism available;
• Adjusting the distance between the pupils (in the case of binoculars);
• The reliability of the used case;
• Type of eyecup;
• Other features of optics;
• Weight and size;
• Approximate price in the Russian Federation;
• Complaints of the owners.

Top telescopes

Yukon 20-50x50 WA

Maybe the Chinese can not yet get the best glass lenses, but they can greatly reduce the cost of their own products. This is clearly seen in the example of the Yukon telescope 20-50x50 WA, which cannot be called expensive. At the same time, it provides quite a good picture, enlarged 20-50 times.

Advantages:

• Adequate price tag;
• Weight does not exceed 700 g;
• The ability to adjust the magnification;
• Provides a maximum 50-fold increase;
• A lens with a diameter of 50 mm is used;
• The presence of multi-layer coating lenses;
• There is a tripod socket;
• The presence of a complete removable guide direction;
• The hull received protection from moisture, dust and shock.

Disadvantages:

• Some copies have a marriage;
• At maximum magnification, the picture deteriorates;
• The exit pupil diameter may seem insufficient.

Reviews on Yukon 20-50x50 WA indicate that this model attracts most of all with its price and reasonable dimensions. However, many customers note that the glass used here is far from ideal. With him you can not get maximum pleasure from observing the starry sky. But to use this device on the shooting range or somewhere else is quite possible. It should also please its reliability - the rubberized case must withstand even a fall from a small height.

KOMZ ZT 8-24x40 Zenitsa

The Soviet Union collapsed many years ago, and one of its creations is still being produced. We are talking about the optic tube KOMZ ZT 8-24x40 "Zenica". Over the past years, the design of the device has not changed much, only glasses are now used a little better.

Advantages:

• Quite a good exit pupil diameter;
• Metal case;
• Possibility of mounting on a tripod;
• The magnification is adjustable;
• Still not the highest price;
• Compact size and low weight (580 g);
• High quality rubber eyecup;
• Bright and contrasting picture.

Disadvantages:

• Maximum provides only a 24-fold increase;
• Blurred image around the edges of the lens at high magnification.

For the first time, this telescope appeared in Soviet times. Even then, buyers admired her.And now this model is endowed with better lenses, due to which it has become even better. Reviews on KOMZ ZT 8-24x40 Zenitsa show that the owners of the pipe are delighted after each use. Everything is in order here with the dimensions and with the thread for the tripod (it is in the steel sleeve, not aluminum), and with the build quality.

Best Theater Binoculars

Veber Opera BHC 3x25R Lornet

This binocular has a body with a golden color. Due to this, it looks incredibly attractive. As for its increase, it is threefold. Not much, but this is enough to get a better look at the artist on stage.

Advantages:

• Minimum size;
• Metal case;
• 25mm lens;
• Convenient adjustment of the distance between the pupils;
• Included is a beautiful case;
• Cute design;
• Price does not exactly scare an amateur go to the theater and the opera.

Disadvantages:

• Some buyers have a claim to the assembly.

Reviews of the Veber Opera BHC 3x25R Lornet show that this binocular is the best of its kind. Only some people are able to embarrass who have come across instances with not the highest quality assembly. The rest of the binoculars have no complaints. It is equipped with a metal case that pleasantly cools the hands. Well, the device gives a bright and clear picture, which is the most important characteristic.

Best monocular

KOMZ MP 15x50

Another device with a proven design, produced more than ten years. It has a 15-fold increase, which is enough for most of its owners. Weight does not exceed 500 g

Advantages:

• Metal case;
• Not a bad magnification;
• Large exit pupil;
• A 50mm lens is used;
• Inside is a Porro prism;
• Lenses are multi-coated;
• There is a version of a monocular with a ranging grid.

Disadvantages:

• Afraid of falls;
• The price may seem too high;
• No tripod socket;
• Poor equipment.

Reviews on KOMZ MP 15x50 show that people complain about not the richest set. In fact, the buyer for very decent money receives only a monocular and a modest case. The manufacturer did not think about the protective covers or accessory with a tripod socket. Fortunately, the monocular copes with its task perfectly, otherwise it would not have got into our selection. It has a familiar shape, due to which it is easy to hold it in your hands, but the picture issued by the device is of very high quality.

The best binoculars for watching the starry sky

Nikon Monarch 5 20x56

Very expensive binoculars. But its acquisition is worth it. The device can easily replace many telescopes. It has a large exit pupil, and the binoculars' internal voids are filled with inert gas, which makes it almost eternal. Only the plastic case is able to confuse the buyer. But such a material is chosen to reduce weight, the metal case would increase the mass of the device to two kilograms, which many would consider unacceptable.

Advantages:

• Filled with inert gas;
• The field of view (1 km) reaches 58 m;
• Exit pupil of a decent size;
• Possibility of mounting on a tripod;
• The presence of low dispersion lenses;
• Rubberized housing supplemented by protection from moisture and dust;
• Retractable eyecup, made of rubber;
• Lenses have a diameter of 56 mm.

Disadvantages:

• The weight is still not small (1.23 kg);
• Very much will not afford;
• A 20-fold increase may seem small;
• No image stabilizer.

If you are going to buy this binocular, then get ready for the fact that you will only have to use it with a tripod. Without an accessory, you will not be able to hold such a weight in your hands exactly. This is evidenced by reviews on Nikon Monarch 5 20x56. Unfortunately, the Japanese did not guess to give their creation an optical image stabilization that would save the situation. Or did not want to, because it would greatly increase the price tag.However, first of all, this model is designed to observe the night sky, and for this you will need a tripod in any case, so you will quickly forget about the main lack of binoculars. Much more you will be glad that it has an unusually large luminosity, aided by very large eyepieces.

The best tourist binoculars

Canon 10x30 IS

The Japanese company Canon has been engaged in the manufacture of photographic equipment for many decades. In its assortment there are excellent cameras endowed with an optical image stabilizer. And more recently, this element of the design, it was decided to give some Japanese binoculars. In particular, Canon 10x30 IS can boast of the absence of jitter.

Advantages:

• Not the largest size and weight (600 g);
• The focusing distance starts from 4.2 m;
• An optical stabilizer is present;
• The instrument includes a Porro prism;
• Very large exit pupil;
• Multi-coated glass;
• Binoculars are protected from dust and moisture.

Disadvantages:

• Not the largest diameter lenses;
• Only a 10-fold increase;
• Enough high cost.

With such binoculars, it is impossible to observe the stars. This does not contribute to small eyepieces (their diameter is only 30 mm) and a 10-fold increase. But the reviews on the Canon 10x30 IS show that the device shows itself well on tourist trips. It helps to get a better view of the objects of architecture. Also from the binoculars will be a great benefit in the wild, when you want to watch the birds and animals.

The best binoculars for hunting

Pentax 7x50 Marine Blue

In the realities of Russia, hunting most often occurs in the forest. In such conditions, the multiplicity of the increase does not play a big role. Therefore, it makes sense to consider buying Pentax 7x50 Marine Blue. This binocular offers only a 7x magnification. But he has a high luminosity and rubberized body. This allows you to hunt at dusk or at dawn, and not to be afraid to drop the device on the ground.

Advantages:

• Inside there is an inert gas;
• Metal case;
• There is protection against moisture and dust;
• The device includes a compass and a range finder;
• Minimally focuses on an object three meters from a person;
• Roof prism is used;
• The presence of aspherical lenses;
• Retractable eyecup;
• Compact size and light weight (976 g).

Disadvantages:

• Not detected.

The only binoculars in our today's collection, which has no significant drawbacks. Even its price can hardly be called high - you will not find a cheaper device with inert gas inside. Reviews of Pentax 7x50 Marine Blue indicate that binoculars can survive any cataclysms. Its only vulnerable part is the compass - over time, an air bubble may appear inside it, due to which this element will refuse to work. The rest of the design of the device does not cause any complaints.

Which binoculars, monocular or telescope to choose

1. Universal binoculars do not exist. One way or another, you will definitely encounter certain limitations. For example, the Pentax 7x50 Marine Blue is ideal for hunting, but it’s pointless to watch the night skies with such a device - you need binoculars or telescopes with much larger lenses for this purpose. In particular, Nikon Monarch 5 20x56 does an excellent job with this task. But this model is absolutely not suitable for use in tourist trips - you will definitely be prevented by large sizes. Therefore, somewhere abroad it is better to use Canon 10x30 IS. An additional advantage of this binocular is the optical stabilizer, which allows you to enjoy the view without any shaking caused by hand shaking.

2. But sometimes instead of binoculars, it is much easier to use a monocular or a telescope. For example, it is easier to take a compact KOMZ MP 15x50 with you than trying to find a place in a backpack for huge binoculars. Well, in favor of the telescopes, fans make their choice to watch the stars. The most popular telescopes now are KOMZ ZT 8-24x40 Zenitsa and Yukon 20-50x50 WA. We recommend that you pay attention to the domestic product.It is more reliable, and the glass used in it is much more enlightened.

3. Well, as for going to the theater, for these purposes you can buy Veber Opera binoculars BHC 3x25R Lornet. But do not worry if you do not find it on sale. Practice shows that theatrical binoculars are quite similar to each other, differing only in appearance. Therefore, as a picture you are viewing, you will definitely not lose, even if you buy another model.