...your guide to using optics.
Binoculars for Kids
When a kid looks through binoculars for the first time, a whole new world opens up to that child. Combine a child’s natural curiosity with the breadth and depth of what Mother Nature has to offer, and the possibilities are nearly endless! Here are some important things to consider when choosing a binocular for that special child in your life.
Small hands, small faces: A binocular that is too big or too heavy will quickly cause frustration and loss of interest. Because children’s features are smaller, the binocular needs to fit proportionately and be easy to hold and look through. The center focus wheel should be easy to reach, and the ocular lenses should line up with the child’s eyes.
While it may seem logical to choose a compact binocular for a child, the view through a compact binocular, with its small (20-26 mm.) objective lens, will not be as bright as, say, a mid-sized (30-32 mm.) binocular. Also, many younger children have trouble lining double-hinged compacts up to their eyes. While we do list some compact models in the Binoculars for Kids area of our website, a mid-sized binocular may be more useful now and as your child gets older.
Low Magnification and Wide Field of View: A binocular with low magnification (7x or less) is much easier for kids to handle: low magnifications afford wide fields of view and are easy to hold steady. Also, a wide field of view enables kids to find a bird or animal, and follow it as it is moving.
Eyeglass wearers: In the binocular’s specifications, look for a minimum of 15 mm of eye relief to accommodate eyeglass wearers. Most binoculars have eyecups that adjust to the individual user (child or adult).
Durability: Select a binocular that is fog proof and waterproof, and one that has rubber armoring and a good warranty.
Give a kid a binocular, and let them see the possibilities for themselves!
Small hands, small faces: A binocular that is too big or too heavy will quickly cause frustration and loss of interest. Because children’s features are smaller, the binocular needs to fit proportionately and be easy to hold and look through. The center focus wheel should be easy to reach, and the ocular lenses should line up with the child’s eyes.
While it may seem logical to choose a compact binocular for a child, the view through a compact binocular, with its small (20-26 mm.) objective lens, will not be as bright as, say, a mid-sized (30-32 mm.) binocular. Also, many younger children have trouble lining double-hinged compacts up to their eyes. While we do list some compact models in the Binoculars for Kids area of our website, a mid-sized binocular may be more useful now and as your child gets older.
Low Magnification and Wide Field of View: A binocular with low magnification (7x or less) is much easier for kids to handle: low magnifications afford wide fields of view and are easy to hold steady. Also, a wide field of view enables kids to find a bird or animal, and follow it as it is moving.
Eyeglass wearers: In the binocular’s specifications, look for a minimum of 15 mm of eye relief to accommodate eyeglass wearers. Most binoculars have eyecups that adjust to the individual user (child or adult).
Durability: Select a binocular that is fog proof and waterproof, and one that has rubber armoring and a good warranty.
Give a kid a binocular, and let them see the possibilities for themselves!
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