Which binoculars should you choose for travelling ? A practical guide to making the right purchase
Taking a pair of binoculars on a trip allows you to see the world in a different light. The contours of a distant mountain, a flock of migratory birds flying over an African plain, or simply the details of a historic façade from the back of a crowded square. But with dozens of models available on the market, the choice can quickly become a headache. Magnification, objective lens diameter, weight, optical coating… these are all factors worth considering before slipping a pair of binoculars into your bag.
This guide has been designed to help you make sense of it all, whatever your travel style. Whether you’re off hiking in the Alps, on safari in Tanzania or simply enjoying a weekend by the sea, you’ll find the key to making the right choice here.
What do the numbers on binoculars mean?
Before you’re tempted by one model over another, there’s one essential step to take: understanding what the numbers engraved on each pair of binoculars mean. These numbers actually determine what you’ll see and under what conditions. Don’t panic – it’s simpler than it looks.
What does 10×50 mean for binoculars?
On a pair of binoculars, you’ll always find two numbers separated by an “x”. To put it simply, the first number corresponds to the magnification, and the second to the diameter of the front lenses, expressed in millimetres.
Let’s take a practical example. On a pair of 10×50 binoculars, the “10” means that the object being observed appears ten times closer than it would to the naked eye. The “50” indicates that the objective lenses are 50 mm in diameter. The larger this diameter, the more light the binoculars capture. This will significantly improve image quality at the end of the day or in overcast conditions.
A 50 mm objective lens therefore offers excellent light-gathering ability, but makes the binoculars heavier overall. This trade-off between visual comfort and bulk is one of the first things to consider when choosing a pair of binoculars.
What is the difference between 8×42 and 10×50?
These two configurations correspond to two quite distinct approaches to use.
An 8×42 model provides lower magnification but offers a wider field of view. In other words, you can take in a broader scene at a single glance. This is particularly useful for tracking moving animals, for example, or observing a panoramic landscape. You’ll be able to hold the binoculars at arm’s length without noticing much shaking.
The 10×50, on the other hand, offers greater magnification and captures more light thanks to its large lenses. However, it is heavier, and natural hand shake becomes more noticeable at high magnification. When used from a steady position, such as resting against a rock or a vehicle, it delivers excellent results.
To sum up, for versatile travel use, the 8×42 is often more comfortable for everyday use. For specific, stationary use, the 10×50 has the edge.
Is 10x magnification sufficient for binoculars?
For the vast majority of travel uses, yes, without a doubt. A 10x magnification effectively covers hiking, safaris, wildlife watching and even outdoor sporting events.
Above 10x, camera shake becomes harder to control without a tripod. The image may appear less stable, especially when held freehand, which ultimately detracts from the enjoyment of observation. This is why many experienced travellers stick to 10x and never feel the need for more.
The Kodak BCS400 binoculars offer precisely this 10x magnification in a compact 10×25 format. They’re designed to fit in a pocket or rucksack without adding unnecessary weight to your kit.
Choosing binoculars based on your travel needs
Knowing the figures is all well and good, but knowing how to apply them to a real-life situation is even better. After all, whether you’re heading off for three weeks in East Africa or going for a weekend hike in the Vercors, your priorities won’t be the same. The best model is always the one that suits your way of travelling.
What’s a good magnification for travel binoculars?
Most experts suggest a magnification of around 8x to 10x. These are the two magnifications that clearly offer the best balance between viewing power and ease of use in everyday situations.
An 8x model allows you to see far away whilst maintaining a steady image when held freehand. A 10x model brings distant subjects into focus a little more clearly, without making them uncomfortable to use. At lower magnifications, you can see clearly but sometimes lack detail over long distances. Above these, you gain in power but lose in stability and often in lightness.
For a traveller who wants a single, versatile pair that fits in their bag from morning to night, an 8x or 10x magnification will suit almost every situation encountered on the road.
But what about younger travellers? At Kodak, we’ve thought of them too. The Kodak BCS100 children’s binoculars (8×21) have been designed to suit little hands and little eyes. Lightweight and robust, they allow children to take full part in field observations without getting tired. They can therefore easily join you on observation trips, with magnification that’s more than powerful and sufficient enough.
What criteria should you consider when choosing binoculars for hiking?
Hiking does, after all, impose very specific constraints. Weight is generally the first hurdle. When you’re already carrying a heavy rucksack for several hours’ walk, every gramme counts. Compact, lightweight binoculars that are easy to take out and stow away quickly really do make a difference out in the field.
Next comes durability. As you know, conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. Binoculars that can withstand knocks, dust and exposure to the rain will be far more reliable than a fragile model with superior theoretical performance. Ergonomics also matter a great deal, particularly how easy they are to focus whilst wearing gloves, or the quality of the central focus wheel. This is essential for choosing the right mountain binoculars, whether in summer or winter, for that matter.
Finally, there’s the brightness of the image, which plays a significant role at high altitudes or in woodland, particularly where light can be scarce at certain times of day. A good anti-reflective coating on the lenses directly contributes to the quality of what you see.
To meet several of these requirements, you might want to consider the Kodak BCS200 adult binoculars. With their compact and lightweight 8×21 format, they’re designed to accompany active outings without weighing down your kit, all at a great price.
What are the best binoculars for hiking?
As you’ll have realised, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; there are many options available to you. For hiking, compact 8×21 or 10×25 models are the most common, and for good reason. As mentioned earlier, they fit in a jacket pocket, are lightweight and are more than adequate for spotting a chamois on the opposite slope or making out a mountain pass in the distance.
If you often hike in areas with large wildlife, a 10×42 model might be worth the extra weight. It offers better light transmission and a little more magnification for long-distance observations. But for most hikers, a well-built compact model will get more use than a high-powered one left at the bottom of your rucksack because it’s too heavy.
The key is to choose a pair of Kodak binoculars that you’ll want to reach for spontaneously, not just on special occasions. You’ll find a wide range of options on our dedicated page.
Which binoculars for a safari?
A safari is undoubtedly the most demanding use a pair of binoculars can face. Distances are often considerable, the light changes very quickly from the golden dawn to the midday sun, and the animals won’t be waiting for you.
In this very specific context, 10x magnification is generally recommended. It allows you to observe a leopard crouching in a tree several hundred metres away, or to distinguish between different species of antelope on the same plain. An objective lens diameter of 42 to 50 mm will significantly improve colour reproduction and contrast in the low-angle morning light.
Durability and water resistance also become very important factors to consider. Dust from laterite tracks, the dampness of mornings by the riverbanks, vibrations from off-road vehicles… all conditions that put the durability of a pair of binoculars to the test. If you’re looking for a pair of binoculars that meet these criteria, consider the Kodak BCS600 adult binoculars. They offer 12×32 magnification, which allows for long-distance observation whilst remaining a reasonable size for this type of expedition. They are perfectly suited to safaris and expeditions.
Our tips for choosing the right travel binoculars
Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. Understanding the specifications and knowing your intended use goes a long way. But when it comes to making a purchase, a few extra considerations can help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Here’s what a specialist sales assistant would tell you face-to-face.
What advice should you follow when choosing binoculars?
The first piece of advice – one that isn’t given often enough – is to base your choice on how you’ll actually use them, rather than on the most powerful model. Many people buy binoculars that look impressive on paper, only to find they hardly ever use them because they’re too heavy or too bulky to carry around.
Ask yourself a few simple questions before buying. How long will you be carrying these binoculars with you each day? Will you mainly be using them at dawn or in bright daylight? Do you need to share them with children or other members of your group?
Next, look at the quality of the prisms. Roof-prism binoculars are more compact and robust than Porro-prism models, which, on the other hand, often offer better depth of field for the same price. Also check the lens coating; this is another aspect that should definitely not be overlooked. A good anti-reflective coating improves light transmission and reduces eye strain during long observation sessions. Rest assured, all Kodak binoculars are designed with this in mind.
Finally, be sure to check the minimum focusing distance. Some models cannot focus on subjects closer than five or six metres, which can be a hindrance when observing butterflies, flowers or architectural details up close.
A quick reminder about the specifications: Which are better, 12×50 or 10×42 binoculars?
To wrap up, let’s have a quick look at binocular specifications and how to analyse them properly so you can choose the model that best suits your needs.
The 12×50 is a powerful configuration. The 12x magnification allows you to observe very distant subjects in good detail, and the 50 mm objective lenses capture plenty of light. It’s an excellent choice for safaris, terrestrial astronomy or wildlife watching in wide open spaces. On the other hand, they are quite heavy and bulky. At 12x, hand-shake is more noticeable, and you’ll need a steady support or good natural stability to make the most of the power on offer.
As for the 10×42, it is often described as the ultimate all-rounder. It offers less magnification, certainly, but remains remarkably versatile. The field of view is wider, the image is steadier when held freehand, and the weight is more manageable for a full day out in the field. Many naturalists and professional guides choose this model precisely because it performs well in every situation, without exception.
If you’re torn between the two and only have one pair for all your travels, the 10×42 will probably be your best travelling companion. If you’re setting off on an adventure dedicated to wildlife watching, with little walking involved, the 12×50 is definitely worth it.
So, which binoculars should you pack in your suitcase?
If you take just one thing away from this guide, let it be this: the best model isn’t necessarily the most powerful one; it’s the one you’ll want to take out every time. A magnification of 8x or 10x covers the vast majority of travel situations. A compact size fits in a pocket and is easily forgotten in your bag. Well-designed optics make all the difference between a dull image and one that really draws you in.
For families, beginners or those travelling light, compact 8×21 models are often an excellent first choice. For hikers and nature lovers, a 10×25 offers a great balance between power and practicality. And for those setting out to spot large wildlife, a 12×32 will provide that extra level of detail that makes all the difference at the crucial moment.
Kodak offers a range specifically designed to cater for these different needs, with affordable, well-built models suited to the demands of travel. Everything you need to set off with peace of mind and your eyes wide open.
