Rating of the best binoculars and telescopes by user feedback

Binoculars and telescopes( the latter are also called telescopes) were not invented yesterday. Optical instruments were widely used during the Great Patriotic War. Moreover, without a telescope it was impossible to imagine a ship sailing to the sea at the beginning of the 19th century. In a word, mankind has already appreciated the possibilities of such devices. Now binoculars can have a variety of shapes. There are tourist models - they have minimal dimensions. Well and for observation of stars much more massive binoculars are used - often their optics is supplemented with the mechanism of image stabilization. In today's material, we will try to consider all the most popular types of binoculars and telescopes.

Binoculars or monocular of which firm to buy

Bushnell

The Japanese company Bushnell was born in 1948.As its products can not be doubted. After all, everyone knows that the best glass lenses are made in Japan. The assortment of this enterprise can be called very broad. It includes both very compact and extremely high-speed binoculars. Also on the shelves of shops you can find telescopes and Bushnell monoculars. Some of them come with a tripod, their dimensions are so large. Produce the Japanese and other equipment needed for tourists and hunters - night vision devices, GPS trackers, telescopes and more.

Celestron

This company was founded in the USA in 1964.Now she produces binoculars, telescopes, microscopes and some other optical instruments. The brand was recognized after the creation of the first telescope of the Schmidt-Cassegrain system. Unfortunately, in 1997 the company lost its independence - it was bought by Tasco. And even later, the brand and technology Celestron passed into the hands of SW Technology Corporation - a subsidiary of the Chinese Synta Technology Corporation. Now Americans are making the greatest effort to create astronomical observation systems, but they also do not forget about less bulky equipment - binoculars and telescopes.

Nikon

The Japanese company Nikon exists since 1917.Now more than 25 thousand people work for its 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 instruments. In particular, on the shelves of specialized stores you can find microscopes and binoculars Nikon. The latter are distinguished by high-quality lenses and a reliable body. However, the purchase of Nikon's binoculars is also a significant overpayment for the brand, which should be remembered.

Sturman

In Russian retail you can find telescopes and binoculars from completely different companies. But it's easiest to find optical instruments under the Sturman brand. Most often they have the lowest cost. You can buy these 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 there are only budget models in the company's assortment. In specialized retail outlets and online stores, even more advanced binoculars, equipped with a waterproof case and enlightened lenses, will be found without any difficulty.

Veber

The Veber brand belongs to one of the Russian importers. This means that the purchase of binoculars under this brand will not affect your financial well-being. Most often Veber optical devices have a low price tag, as they are produced by companies that are little known outside their homeland, which even allow them to brand their products. However, it can not be said that all Veber binoculars are not good. No, it is not, but the purchase of the cheapest models really should be avoided.

Yukon

Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide was founded relatively recently - in 1994.Now more than 800 people work for its benefit. The company also includes some subsidiaries - for example, the Belarusian "Beltik Optik", the Ukrainian "Polaris Vision Ukraine LLC" and the Russian "Mezon-A".All this allows to produce a huge number of optical instruments around the world. The most popular are budget binoculars and monoculars Yukon. But on the sale there are also more expensive specimens, differing greatly improved body, but also increased size. And yet it should be remembered that the company is Chinese, so do not rely on the maximum quality of the picture - the best glass specialists Yukon is not yet available.

Rating of the best telescopes and binoculars

In today's rating based on customer reviews, the following are taken into account:

• Multiplicity of magnification;
• The magnitude of the angular field of view( real and visible);
• Diameter of exit pupil and lens;
• The type of prism available;
• Adjusting the distance between the pupils( in the case of binoculars);
• Reliability of the used case;
• Type of Eyecup;
• Other features of optics;
• Weight and dimensions;Approximate price in the Russian Federation;
• Complaints of the owners.

The best viewing chambers

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 telescope Yukon 20-50x50 WA, which can not be called expensive. At the same time, it provides quite a good picture, enlarged 20-50 times.

Pluses:

• Adequate price tag;
• Weight does not exceed 700 g;
• Ability to adjust the magnification ratio;
• Maximum provides a 50-fold increase;
• A lens with a diameter of 50 mm is used;
• Presence of multilayer coating of lenses;
• Tripod socket available;
• Presence of removable direction reference;
• The housing has been protected from moisture, dust and shock.

Disadvantages:

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

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

KOMPZ ZT 8-24x40 "Zenica"

The Soviet Union collapsed many years ago, and one of its creations is still produced. This is the telescope KOMZ ZT 8-24x40 "Zenica".Over the years, the design of the device has not changed much, only the glass is now used a little more high-quality.

Pluses:

• Completely sound exit pupil diameter;
• Metal housing;
• Ability to mount on a tripod;
• The magnification of the magnification is adjustable;
• Still not the highest price;
• Compact size and light weight( 580 g);
• Eyecup from quality rubber;
• Bright and contrasting picture.

Disadvantages:

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

For the first time this telescope appeared in Soviet times. Even then, consumers admired her. And now this model is endowed with better lenses, due to what it has become even better. Reviews on KOMZ ZT 8-24x40 "Zenica" show that the owners of the pipe are delighted after every use. Here everything is in order and with dimensions, and with thread for a tripod( it is in a steel bushing, not aluminum), and with the quality of assembly.

Best theatrical binoculars

Veber Opera BHC 3x25R Lornet

This binoculars has a body with golden color. Due to this, it looks incredibly attractive. As for its increase, it is threefold. A little, but this is enough to better consider the artist on the stage.

Advantages:

• Minimum dimensions;
• Metal housing;
• 25mm lens;
• Convenient adjustment of the distance between the pupils;
• Included is a beautiful case;
• Cute design;
• The price does not really scare the fan to go to the theater and the opera.

Disadvantages:

• Some buyers have claims to the assembly.

Reviews on Veber Opera BHC 3x25R Lornet testify that this theatrical binoculars is the best in its kind. Only some people are capable of confusion, who got copies with not the best quality assembly. In the rest, there are no claims to the binoclast. It is equipped with a metal case, which pleasantly cold hands. Well, the device produces a bright and clear picture, which is the most important characteristic.

The best monocular

KOMZ MP 15x50

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

Pluses:

• Metal housing;
• Not a bad increase multiplicity;
• Large exit pupil;
• A 50 mm lens is used;
• Inside is the Porro prism;
• Lenses have a multi-layer coating;
• There is a monocular version with a rangefinder grid.

Disadvantages:

• Fear of falling;
• The price may seem overestimated;
• No tripod socket;
• Poor configuration.

Reviews on KOMZ MP 15x50 show that people complain about not the richest bundle. In fact, the buyer receives only a monocular and a modest case for very decent money. The manufacturer did not think about the protective covers, nor about the accessory with the nest under the tripod. Fortunately, with its task the monocular handles perfectly, otherwise it would not have got into our selection. It has a familiar form, due to which it is easy to hold in hands, well, the picture displayed by the device has a very high quality.

Best binoculars for observing the starry sky

Nikon Monarch 5 20x56

Very expensive binoculars. But its purchase is worth it. The device can easily replace many telescopes. It has a large exit pupil, and the internal voids of binoculars are filled with an inert gas, which makes it virtually eternal. The only thing that can confuse the buyer is a plastic case. But such material is chosen for weight reduction, the metal case would increase the mass of the device to two kilograms, which many would consider unacceptable.

Pluses:

• Filled with inert gas;
• The field of view( at 1 km) reaches 58 m;
• An exit pupil of decent size;
• Possibility of installation on a tripod;
• Presence of low-dispersion lenses;
• Rubberized housing is additionally protected from moisture and dust;
• Retractable eyecups made of rubber;
• Lenses have a diameter of 56 mm.

Disadvantages:

• Weight is still not small( 1.23 kg);
• Very many will not afford;
• 20-fold increase may seem small;
• No image stabilizer.

If you are going to buy this binoculars, then prepare to use it only with a tripod. Without an accessory, you will not be able to hold such a weight in your hands smoothly. This is evidenced by the reviews on the Nikon Monarch 5 20x56.Unfortunately, the Japanese did not think to give their creation an optical stabilization of the image, which would save the situation. Or did not want, since this would greatly increase the price tag. However, in the first place this model is designed to observe the night sky, and for this you in any case need a tripod, in connection with which you quickly forget about the main shortage of binoculars. Much more you will rejoice that he has an unusually large aperture, which is promoted by very large eyepieces.

Best travel binoculars

Canon 10x30 IS

Japanese company Canon has been manufacturing photographic equipment for many decades. In its assortment there are excellent cameras equipped with an optical image stabilizer. And recently, this element of the design was decided to give and some Japanese binoculars. In particular, the lack of jitter pictures can boast Canon 10x30 IS.

Advantages:

• Not the largest size and weight( 600 g);
• Focusing distance starts from 4.2 m;
• There is an optical stabilizer;
• The device includes a prism Porro;
• Very large exit pupil;
• Glass with multilayer coating;The binoculars are protected from dust and moisture.

Disadvantages:

• Not the largest diameter of lenses;
• Only 10-fold increase;
• High enough cost.

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

The best binoculars for hunting

Pentax 7x50 Marine Blue

In the realities of Russia, hunting usually occurs in the forest more often. Under such conditions, the multiplicity of the increase does not play a big role. Therefore, it makes sense to consider purchasing a Pentax 7x50 Marine Blue. This binocular offers only a 7-fold increase. But it has a high aperture and a rubberized casing. This allows you to hunt in the twilight or at dawn, and also not be afraid to drop the device to the ground.

Pluses:

• Inside is an inert gas;
• Metal housing;
• There is protection from moisture and dust;
• The device includes a compass and a range finder;
• Minimizes focus on an object three meters from a person;
• The prism Roof is used;
• Presence of aspherical lenses;
• Retractable eyecups;
• Compact size and light weight( 976 g).

Disadvantages:

• Not detected.

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

Which binoculars, monocular or telescope to choose

1. Universal binoculars do not exist. Either way, 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 - for this purpose you need binoculars or telescopes with much larger lenses. In particular, this task is perfectly handled by Nikon Monarch 5 20x56.But this model is absolutely not suitable for use in tourist trips - you will necessarily prevent 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 trembling.

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

3. Well and as to a campaign in theater for these purposes it is possible to buy a binocular Veber Opera BGTs 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 preview image, you will not exactly lose, even if you buy another model.