Binoculars and Monoculars

With so many binoculars to choose from, it can get overwhelming. At Sirius Optics, we are here to help you choose the right one for your needs. So how should you choose binoculars or monoculars? It really comes down to budget, personal preference, and your needs. We are here to help. Come visit our showroom, talk to our staff, and try out a few pairs, or just give us a call. We also have a 30-day return policy (for store credit) for binoculars if you find that the pair you’ve bought it doesn’t suit you.

The Basics

What do the numbers such as 8x42, 10x42, 10x50, 10-30x50 etc. on binoculars mean? The first number before “x” indicates magnification or range of magnification. The second number tells you the size of the objective lens in front in millimetres. 8x42 binos therefore has a magnification of 8 times, and an objective lens 42mm in diameter. Generally, the bigger the objective lens, the brighter the view will be, but the binos will also be bigger and heavier.

Other Features & What to Consider

As for other features, most binos today are waterproof and fog-proof, making it suitable for wet and humid conditions. The size and weight of the binoculars is also an important factor for many people. Those that are larger (50mm and above) often tend to get too heavy to comfortably hold for long periods of time. There are binoculars for specific purposes too. For example, some marine binoculars can float and have built-in compasses.

MonocularS

Some people call monoculars "mini telescopes", and sometimes we call them “half a binocular”, but there is nothing half as bad about them. They are super compact, easy, and fun to use. Some monoculars have special features such as night vision or even automatic bird/wildlife identification.