Best High Powered Binoculars

Ask someone what makes a binocular powerful and the answer is usually simple.

More magnification.

That is true to a point. A 15x binocular will bring a distant subject closer than an 8x binocular. A 20x binocular will bring it closer still.

The mistake is assuming that bigger numbers automatically mean a better view.

What Are High Powered Binoculars?

Binoculars with magnifications above 12x to be high powered binoculars. Popular examples include 15×56, 16×70 and 20×80 models. 

These binoculars are often used when distance is the main challenge. Watching seabirds from a cliff, scanning a distant hillside or looking at the Moon are all situations where extra magnification can be useful.

Why More Magnification Isn’t Always Better

As magnification increases, so does image shake. Every heartbeat, hand movement and shift in position becomes easier to notice. The subject may look larger but it can also become harder to study. This catches a lot of people out when they first try high powered binoculars.

Where 15x Binoculars Often Shine

The 15x binoculars give you a significant boost in reach without being impractical. A lot of people can still use them handheld for short periods, especially in good conditions.

For some observers, 15x turns out to be the point where more magnification still appears to be useful rather than demanding.

The Binocular You Use Matters More Than The Number

A steady 15x binocular will usually show more detail than a 20x binocular that never settles down. That is why experienced users often talk about stability, brightness and comfort just as much as magnification.

The best high powered binoculars aren’t just the strongest. They enable you to see more but they don’t make the view any less enjoyable.