Since you are going to want to see as much of the action as possible it is important that you get the pair that is right for you. Things like the comfort of the eye pieces or the slimness of the binocular are important considerations which will enhance your enjoyment if they fit with your method of use. These considerations vary in cost between manufacturers and even between models. 

Weighing all alternatives, you will then need to consider the cost of the binocular.

Binoculars can cost you anywhere from a pair of Bushnell 7×35 Focus-Free Wide-Angle binoculars ( which can run as low as $50) to a pair of Zeiss Victory FL binoculars ( which can run as much as $2000).

Most binoculars used for sporting events typically cost under $200. So they will be well within your price range.

Even with the relatively low-cost of sports binoculars, you will need to consider not only the technical specifications but the “comfort” features as well. A model that has the field of view or magnification you want, but is uncomfortable to your eyes and causes eyestrain too easily, will be a waste of your money. Fortunately, we are here to help you educate yourself so you can make the most informed decision before purchasing.

If you have a question regarding binoculars, in general, and sports binoculars, in particular, please feel free to contact us.

Additional details to consider are Eye Relief, Close Focus, Exit Pupil and Prism Type.

Eye Relief

Eye Relief is important for eyeglass wearers. The reason why this is true, is that Eye Relief is the distance the binocular can be held away from the eyes and still allow one to see the entire Field of View.

Close Focus (Focusing Distance)

The Focusing Distance is defined as the shortest distance that the binocular can still provide a sharp image.

Exit Pupil

Hold up a binocular a few inches from your eyes. You will see in the eyepieces a small circle of light. The size of the circle of light is called the Exit Pupil. As Exit Pupils go up in size, the brightness increases.

Prism Type

The Prism Type (or system) of a binocular is what turns the upside down image to upright so you can see it correctly. There are two prism types;

• Roof Prism - with this system, the objective lenses line up fairly closely. This allows the lenses to line up with the eyepiece and results in a streamlined binocular.
• Porro Prism - with this system, the lenses are not lined up with each other and result in a wider binocular. Binoculars using a porrow prism system usually provide better depth perception and a wider field of view.

Three important factors when considering a binocular are Magnification, Aperture and Field of View.

Binocular Magnification

When looking for binoculars, you will always see them identified by two numbers (i.e. - 8×40, 10×42).

The first number represents the magnification of the binocular. What it means specifically is that, for an 8 magnification, the binocular in question makes the object viewed appear to be 8 times closer than it is.

Binocular Aperture

The aperture affects how much light is let into the binocular via the front lens (the end opposite the end placed at the eyes). The second number represents the diameter of the lens which allows the light to enter. The larger the front lens, the more light is let through and the brighter the image will be.

Field of View

The field of view is the measurement, in feet or metres, of the viewing area. The viewing area is defined as that space which lies 1,000 yards away from the viewer.  Generally speaking, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view. Wide Angle binoculars are better for following sporting events due to their wider field of view.

When searching for sports binoculars, the field of view is one of the most important aspects to consider.