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Field guide · Choose with context

Optics buying advice

A practical route from use and handling to the right optical format and specification.

Begin with the subject, distance and amount of time you expect to carry the instrument. Then compare magnification, objective size, field of view, eye relief, close focus, weather protection and support.

Our current review set starts with binoculars for birdwatching. The wider category guides cover binoculars, monoculars and spotting scopes.