Binoculars – Whether for hunting purposes or for amateur use when camping with a roof tent, binoculars are a real must-have.
With such a large selection, it’s not always easy for amateurs to find their way around.
Here you will find all types of binoculars and their advantages and disadvantages.
Do you already own a great pair of binoculars?
Then it’s important that they last a long time.
With a few simple tricks, you can keep your binoculars in top condition so that they offer you the perfect view for years to come.
Camping Ratgeber:
Binoculars: target groups and suitable models
“What kind of binoculars do I need?” is probably the first question many beginners ask themselves.
There are different optics, prisms and sizes.
Another selection criterion is the ulterior motive behind the purchase of the binoculars.
A different model is better for hunting than for birdwatching.
For occasional observation, a pair of 7 x 42, 7 x 50 or 8 x 42 binoculars will suffice. If you are a passionate observer, I would recommend a 10 x 40 or 10 x 50.
You should also bear in mind that visibility is different at dusk, so an 8 x 56 is more suitable.
It is also more practical to take compact or foldable pocket binoculars on mountain and hiking tours.
- For occasional observation = 7 x 42, 7 x 50 or 8 x 42
- Passionate observer = 10 x 40 or 10 x 50
- For hikers = compact/foldable
- For hunters = 8 x 56
Types of binoculars: Day and twilight binoculars
Binoculars are a dime a dozen.
Numerous models, all of which fulfill different purposes.
Whether a noble visit to the opera, birdwatching in the great outdoors or observing the mystical creatures of the deep night.
For all these occasions, there are important differences to consider when buying.
These are the most popular types of binoculars:
- Compact binoculars
- Universal binoculars
- Twilight glass
- Large binoculars
- Bird glass
- Marine binoculars
- Opera glasses mostly 3×25
Everything has its pros and cons, especially when you compare price and performance.
As an amateur, you may not need the latest luxury product with the best optics, but rather a compact and handy device.
That’s why you should find out in advance what the advantages of the individual models are.
If you want to observe the stars like the professionals, then large binoculars are the best choice.
Or if you prefer to enjoy the impressive plumage of birds in all its glory, then you should definitely go for the bird binoculars.
Compact binoculars: ideal for cycling tours
The compact binoculars are ideal for beginners.
They don’t weigh too much, are small and sit well in the hand, which makes them ideal for cycling and hiking tours.
They are also reasonably priced compared to the other binoculars.
My recommendation: If you don’t want a professional device with extremely high resolution, even at dusk, then you should go for the compact binoculars!
Advantages of compact binoculars
- Weigh less, compact and small
- Ideal for cycling and hiking tours
Disadvantages of compact binoculars
- Only suitable for daytime observation in good light conditions
- Spectacle wearers usually have to take off their glasses
Universal binoculars: Nature observation
Whether it’s twilight or daylight, you’ll always get bright images with universal binoculars.
There are also models that are specially adapted for spectacle wearers.
The only disadvantage is that universal binoculars can easily weigh up to a kilogram, which makes them unwieldy for long-distance cycling or hiking tours.
Advantages of universal binoculars
- Well suited for observing nature in daylight
- Bright images even at dusk
- Models for spectacle wearers
Disadvantages of universal binoculars
- Heavy to carry over longer distances on bike tours (up to 1 kg)
Bird glass: true-to-life images
Especially if you live in the city, you know you’ve arrived in the great outdoors when you hear birdsong.
In the dense treetops, however, it is difficult to immediately spot the little spotted woodpeckers and blue tits.
The bird glass allows you to see lifelike images of the enchanting colorful plumage of birds in high resolution.
Unfortunately, you have to invest a little more in terms of price.
Advantages of a bird glass
- Mostly equipped with phase coating and high transmission
- True-to-life images thanks to high resolution
Disadvantages of a bird glass
- High acquisition costs
Twilight glass: Suitable for hunters
If you want to have a good view even at dusk, you should reach for twilight binoculars.
This is usually the hunter’s favorite, as many animals only become visible in the dark.
You can see just as well with twilight binoculars during the day, the only problem is once again the weight.
Advantages of twilight glass
- Suitable for hunters
- For daytime and twilight observation
Disadvantages of twilight glass
- Often quite heavy and expansive
Marine binoculars: Waterproof with compass
The marine binoculars are a real all-in-one wonder.
They are waterproof, can calculate distance and have an integrated compass.
With so many functions comes the small disadvantage – the Porro design.
To make all this possible, it is very large and doesn’t fit easily into a fanny pack.
Read more about the functionality and orientation here: Compass.
Advantages of marine binoculars
- Waterproof and often equipped with an integrated compass
- Some can calculate distances
Disadvantages of marine binoculars
- Porro design and therefore rather large
Large binoculars: Magical stargazing
Due to the high level of light pollution in large cities, it is rare to see a clear starry sky.
Yet this is highly impressive and romantic.
If you still don’t want to miss out, we recommend large binoculars.
They are a great alternative to a telescope and provide four times as much light as universal binoculars.
There are also models with a 45 degree view.
However, you should bear in mind that you will need a tripod for large binoculars as they are too heavy to simply hold in your hand. 
Advantages of large binoculars
- Four times as much light as a normal universal lens
- Ideal for stargazing
- Alternative to telescope
- Available with straight or 45° view
Disadvantages of large binoculars
- You usually need a tripod
- Too heavy for easy holding in the hand
- Porro construction
Optimal care: binoculars like new!
Once you’ve found the right binoculars, it’s important to look after them properly so that you can use them for a long time.
With just a few simple steps and a few simple tips, your binoculars will shine like new.
It is important to always clean the grease and dirt residues, otherwise, in the worst case, fungus can form on the outer layer.
To prevent this, you should also avoid storing your binoculars in a damp and dark environment.
Just follow these tips and your binoculars will look like new:
- Removing traces of grease
- Removal of minor dirt residues
- Maintaining the binocular rubber coating
- Cover the lenses with the protective cover
Reading tips! Other useful outdoor equipment
Alternatively, if you are looking for more helpful tips and suggestions on camping, you can read other articles here that will help you get the most out of your camping vacation and enjoy a carefree time.
Maneuvering aid: instructions, variants & advantages
You often come back to the campsite late in the evening after a long, eventful day.
You’re already a bit tired, it’s dark and you still have to park your motorhome, caravan or camper van at your pitch?
It’s not as easy as you might think.
To save yourself this complicated and stressful procedure, you should purchase an appropriate maneuvering aid in advance!
This makes maneuvering and manoeuvring on the campsite super easy and can be done in just a few minutes without much effort, stress or complications.
Read more about a maneuvering aid for your caravan here.
Drive-on wedges: For caravans or motorhomes
Wheel chocks prevent your car from rolling away and can be particularly useful on uneven ground at the campsite to keep it properly aligned.
To prevent you from rolling out of bed at night or your plates slipping off the table, you should definitely take suitable wedges with you to enjoy a carefree time on the campsite.
Find out everything you need to know about wheel chocks for the road here!
Trailer coupling: Rigid and detachable models, costs & tips
Traveling with a folding caravan or camper is super easy.
But there is one important little thing to consider when driving with a trailer – the trailer coupling.
It ensures that the trailer drawbar is completely enclosed and still remains movable.
The ball socket encloses the ball head and prevents the trailer from detaching from the vehicle.
Here you can find out all about the different models and what else you need to consider.
