Telescopes have always been in a mixed state in the optical industry. Ordinary products and small workshop products are displayed on the same web page, and consumers are easily attracted by various decorative words. Different telescopes also have different usage environments: astronomical observation, birdwatching, military use, or travel, etc. If you don’t have enough knowledge about telescopes, it will be difficult to choose.
Below, we will tell you how to choose a pair of binoculars suitable for travel from several aspects.
It should be noted that this article only focuses on the telescopes used in daily travel. Telescopes for other usage scenarios may have different selection criteria.
When many people buy telescopes, the first thing they focus on is the magnification, thinking that the higher the magnification, the better. To cater to this misconception of consumers, some merchants even fabricate false magnification, such as “99x”. In fact, even for astronomical telescopes, excessively high magnification will reduce the observation experience.
For handheld travel telescopes, the magnification should not be too high. Excessively high magnification will cause the telescope image to shake, making it difficult to observe. Especially when you need to observe for a long time, such as at a concert, holding a shaking telescope will make your arms tired.
Generally speaking, the best magnification for handheld telescopes is between 7-10x, which can meet the magnification requirements and maintain stability. I personally prefer to choose an 8x telescope, which achieves a good balance between magnification and stability. In addition, 8x telescopes are compact in size and lightweight, not too heavy to carry when traveling.
Binoculars have two types: prism type and Porro type, the difference being the structure and arrangement of the internal prisms. Prism-type telescopes are compact in size and lightweight, more suitable for portability. Porro-type telescopes, although larger in size and heavier, usually have higher optical performance. For travelers, I would recommend prism-type telescopes because they are more portable.
In addition to magnification and size, the diameter of the eyepiece is also a factor to consider. The eyepiece diameter affects the brightness and field of view of the telescope. The larger the diameter, the more light the telescope can collect, and the brighter the image will be. But increasing the diameter also means that the size and weight of the telescope will increase.
For travelers, I recommend choosing an eyepiece diameter of 30-42mm. This range of diameters can provide sufficient brightness, while not making the telescope too heavy. In darker environments, a 42mm diameter can provide a better observation experience.
Finally, the durability and waterproofness of the telescope are also factors to consider. During travel, the telescope may encounter various impacts and challenges, so it is important to choose a durable and waterproof telescope. Many high-quality telescopes have waterproof and shock-resistant functions, which can be used in various environments.
In summary, choosing a pair of binoculars requires considering many factors, including magnification, telescope structure, eyepiece diameter, durability, and waterproofness. Choosing the right telescope can enrich your travel experience.