Compact, lightweight binoculars

[Optimist]

I've been thinking it would be nice to have a pair of very lightweight, compact binoculars. Something super convenient to carry. High magnification is not necessary, and low magnification would actually be better for twilight situations. I think 4x would be fine for my purposes.

It seems like most hunting binoculars start at 8x or higher and are pretty bulky for what I'm thinking of. I've got a pair of Vortex 10x36 and they're not bad but on the heavy side for carrying around without a specific reason. Maybe I should look into bird watching binoculars?

The other thing I should maybe look into are monoculars. I know they cause more eyestrain over long term but usually I'm just curious about something I can't identify and after a few seconds I'm satisfied.

I have carried a detached 3x magnifier meant for red dots, but eye relief was really annoying (I imagine on a rifle it's not such a big deal since people set it up and then their head is generally in the same place). I've also used a cheap 5x Sig laser rangefinder but the field of view was super tight.

[Moab]

I researched this awhile back. But it's long forgotten. I remember looking at "stadium glasses" or "stadium binoculars"? I think Leopold might make a pair. But then I inherited a small set of Nikon binos from my FIL. I think the aperture is closer to 20 or 30. 

I carried a pair of super cheap 15 or 20(?) aperture ones my grandfather gave me years ago. Worked fine. Kind of heavy for what they were. But still very small and light. There are a couple different kinds of lenses. That dictate performance and cost. But I remember at the time not wanting to spend the money on the higher design. But this was years ago.

I would research type of binos first. Then maybe top ten small binos or something like that. 

[majorhavoc]

Don't overlook the importance of an appropriately sized objective lens for any given focal length.  All the magnification in the world does little good if there isn't sufficient light gathering.  It's especially important when looking at inexpensive compact binos, which will have lower quality optical glass. 

The amount of "times" magnification is what attacts unsophisticated buyers.  If it's paired with too small an objective, you end up with a product that isn't all that useful in anything but the brightest of conditions.

[Optimist]

I researched this awhile back. But it's long forgotten. I remember looking at "stadium glasses" or "stadium binoculars"?

That's a good idea. I do remember coming across a lot of binoculars meant for watchign sports when I was researching lightweight binoculars a few years ago. There was even an interesting pair that folded into a very flat rectangular box meant for watching plays/opera. Obviously those aren't sealed at all and I'm sure wouldn't hold up to any sort of hard use, but I thought it was an interesting idea.

I did get a set of "Vivitar Sports" binoculars at an outlet store last year for about $5 IIRC. They are very light, but very flimsy feeling. I was thinking about having them to give to kids and visitors who want to borrow binoculars so that I wouldn't have to worry about my expensive ones getting left out in the woods. I should just use them for myself this summer. They'll probably have bad fogging problems in the spring/fall but it's worth a shot.

Don't overlook the importance of an appropriately sized objective lens for any given focal length.  All the magnification in the world does little good if there isn't sufficient light gathering.  It's especially important when looking at inexpensive compact binos, which will have lower quality optical glass. 

The amount of "times" magnification is what attacts unsophisticated buyers.  If it's paired with too small an objective, you end up with a product that isn't all that useful in anything but the brightest of conditions.

I remember reading abotu that when researching rifle scopes. You probably already know this, but the layman's version of what I understood was that the "exit pupil" was determined by dividing the objective lens by the magnification. So For example my 10x36 binoculars have a 3.6mm exit pupil. About the most a human eye can dilate is 7mm, and many people (especially as they age) have pupils that can't dilate that wide. My understanding (but I'm not 100% sure) is that exit pupil over 7mm isn't necessarily totally wasted because it can give more forgiving eye positioning so that optics are faster to use in awkward positions. Again, that last part I'm not as sure about. From what I've read 5mm+ is best for something that might be used in lower light.

The frustrating thing is most of the lighter weight binoculars I've found are pretty high magnification with small objective lenses, often with ~2-3mm exit pupils. About the best that is commonly available seems to be 8x36. For my purposes I think 4x25 would be pretty nice. I have seen some monoculars like that, but they are meant for up-close study of museum pieces and it seems like they have frequently have a fixed focus at very short range.

Some flip-over magnifiers have a pretty good exit pupil. Like I said I tried one and had a finicky time finding the right eye relief. That cot me thinking though that maybe if I got one of those rubber eye cups I could fiddle wit it until it was at just the right distance to be the right eye relief when barely touching my glasses and then super glue it in place. A cheap prism scope might work as well, as they are often about the same weight.

[Moab]

I have that nice set of medium small Nikon binos. But honesty a rifle scope would be my go to. Just to cut weight. 

But you aren't talking bugging out. Just daily use. I'd go with 8x36. I have a nice set if Pentax 10x40(?). They weren't expensive but have great clarity. I keep them in my Jeep. 

[Moab]

Just saw these on sale.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362119628?pid=119628&utm_source=hot-buy&utm_medium=email&utm_content=product_5_link&utm_campaign=coldsteel-ad-10

12.7 Ounces.

[Moab]

Saw these thought of you. Leupold BX-1 Rogue Compact Binoculars 10x25, 1.08lbs. $64.99.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362119628?pid=119628&utm_source=general-promotion&utm_medium=email&utm_content=product_5_link&utm_campaign=hb-ammo-imi

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Leupold BX-1 Rogue Compact Binoculars

Specifications
Product Information
Magnification/Objective Diameter 10x 25mm
Color Black
Length 4.3 Inches
Waterproof Yes
Weight 12.7 Ounce
Magnification 10
Minimum Power 10
Power Variability Fixed
Maximum Power 10
Lens Coating Fully Multi-Coated
Warranty Leupold Limited Lifetime Warranty
Lens Covers Included No
Fog Proof Yes
Objective Lens Diameter 25 Millimeter
Eye Relief 15 Millimeter
Prism Type Porro
Minimum Focus Distance 14.1 Feet
Field of View @ 1000 Yards 294 Feet
Delivery Information
Shipping Weight 1.080 Pounds