Binoculars

Choosing the right kind of binocular may be a more complicated task than it appears at first glance. There are many different types to choose from. At Southern Photo, we carry several product lines from renowned manufacturers of sport optics such as Nikon, Olympus, and Promaster. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select from all the different types available. It is important to know that, although the nomenclature associated with binoculars varies somewhat from manufacturer-to-manufacturer, the majority of binocular manufacturers use the classifications described here:

Ultra-Compact and Mini Binoculars

Generally include objective lenses not larger than about 32mm in diameter, are of a straight-line roof prism design, and are foldable for compactness and ease of transport. Mini binoculars are small, light weight, and highly versatile in their range of applications: as a moderately-priced gift, for example, it is a rare person who will not enjoy, and find many uses for, a mini binocular. Because of their relatively small objective lenses, however, mini binoculars are not intended for high-resolution birding or other nature applications.

Compact Binoculars

Utilize porro prisms to invert the image and usually are styled to form-fit comfortably in the observer's hands; objective lenses are typically 27mm in diameter or less. As their name implies, compact binoculars, while larger than mini binoculars, are relatively small and easy to carry. For sporting events, as a gift item, or as a general-purpose travel binocular, compacts are extremely popular, because, again, for all but the most advanced applications, compacts provide a good trade-off between weight, performance, and cost.

Standard Porro Prism Binoculars

Most binoculars referred to as general-purpose are standard porro prism models. The typically larger objective lens apertures, 35mm or more, of these models enable bright, high-contrast images on the entire range of viewing subjects, from sporting events, to long-range animal observation in the wild, to high-resolution study of a bird's feather structure. A moderately-priced, high-quality, standard porro prism model is a binocular for almost any observing application. Standard porro prism binoculars are available in a wide range of specifications and price points.

Zoom Binoculars

Offer the convenience of zooming to higher or lower powers at the touch of a finger. Some models permit powers from 8x wide-field to 24x high-power, and with high-resolution imaging and sharp image focus at all magnifications.

Waterproof Roof Prism Binoculars

Provide high-quality binocular resolution and performance. Designed for any application where waterproof performance is desired, but not at a premium cost. Waterproof roof prism binoculars are typically of 25mm objective lens aperture or larger and include sleek, straight-line roof prism styling. Typical applications are hunting, boating, and camping. The straight-line roof prism is comfortable to hold and offer much of the optical performance of binoculars costing hundreds of dollars more. Some waterproof roof prism binoculars are also nitrogen-purged to eliminate internal fogging.

Waterproof Phase-Coated Roof Prism Binoculars

Provide professional-level binocular resolution and performance. Designed usually for advanced applications, such as for serious birders, expeditions, and hunting,; and incorporate the finest optical glasses, multi-coatings, phase and silver coated prisms, nitrogen purging, and multi-element eyepieces. The result is an uncompromised, bright, extremely sharp, high- resolution image throughout the field of view, and with a level of image fidelity unobtainable in lesser binoculars. Although premium-grade standard roof prism binoculars are not inexpensive, they are usually treasured for a lifetime.