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Autofocus binoculars do not have a self – controlled focus or automatic focusing mechanism as the name implies, but have a fixed focus with a wide depth of view. With them, objects from a fixed close distance to infinity will remain in focus. Their simple design makes them more affordable, lightweight, very easy to use, and highly adaptable to different users.
Best Auto Focus Binoculars
Below, we take a look at our top five fixed focus binoculars on the market to help you make an informed choice quickly.
1. Steiner 575 Marine 7×50 Binoculars
The Steiner 575 Marine binoculars pack a punch in their optical performance and field of view. No need for making complex adjustments, thanks to its fixed focus, it also sports a floating prism system for durability and impact resistance. It is the ideal medium power binoculars that emphasizes superb ergonomics and all-weather performance.
- Wide field of view and superb image quality.
- Fixed 20ft. to infinity focus and floating prism design.
- Durable and highly ergonomic.
2. Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof Binocular
Another top-notch gadget from Bushnell, this gadget combines outstanding image quality, ergonomics, and durability into a compact, lightweight unit. Its BaK-4 prisms and multicoated optics yield the brightest images while protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. It is US Coast Guard Approved, is waterproof and rust-resistant, and yields an outstanding 380ft. field of view.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Very durable and highly ergonomic.
- Fixed focus, waterproof, and wide field of view.
3. Celestron 71454 Echelon 20×70 Binoculars
For a little more magnification oomph, the Celestron 71454 Echelon packs a very high 20x magnification and is the ideal binocular pair for the stargazer, thanks to its large lenses for excellent low light performance. It is fully fog proof and waterproof and comes with extra accessories for added value. It is also tripod-adaptable for great image stability and viewing convenience.
- High magnification and low light performance.
- Fogproof and waterproof.
- Tripod adaptable and extra accessories included.
4. Bushnell PermaFocus Roof Prism Binocular
The Bushnell PermaFocus comes with a minimal for user-friendliness and is very compact and lightweight. Its multicoated optics yield an impressive 10x magnification, a wide field of view, and the crispiest images. It also comes in a rubberized housing that emphasizes superb ergonomics and all-weather performance.
- Very easy to use, compact and lightweight.
- High magnification and wide field of view.
- Great ergonomics and all-weather performance.
5. BARSKA Focus Free 10×50 Binocular
This gadget from Barska packs an impressive 10x magnification and comes with large 50mm lenses for the brightest images. Its simple design makes it great for both adults and kids, and it comes in a lightweight, high-strength for durability. It is also very affordable and great for the total newbie.
- Good magnification and low-light performance.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Durable and very affordable.
Auto Focus Binoculars Buying Guide
Fixed focus binoculars are the ideal optical companions for the outdoor lover who values simplicity and affordability. They are also great for both adults and kids and usually come with adjustable eyepieces to compensate for differences in eye strengths. Choosing the right auto focus binoculars requires you consider some qualities we will now look at.
This buying guide reviews the best fixed-focus binoculars on the market based on their specified and goes a step further to outline the key considerations you should make before buying one.
Magnification
The purpose of any binocular you are getting is to magnify a distant image through the eyepiece. Hence, the magnification or power of the pair you’re getting is an important consideration to make. It is a measure of how close or large a distant object appears through the eyepieces. The higher magnification, the greater the viewing range. But magnification is not the only criteria to consider as it depends on and affects other factors we will look at. In general, magnifications between 8x to 15x are great for most purposes like hunting, exploring, hiking, etc. Binoculars with higher magnification find application in stargazing and long-distance viewing.
Magnification affects the field of view of your binoculars; the higher the magnification, the narrower your field of view. Also, the higher the magnification, the less stable the image is and exaggerated slight hand vibrations are. It is always a good idea to buy a tripod stand for binoculars with magnifications above 15x for image stability.
Field of View
The field of view is the size of the viewing area available to your eyes through the eyepieces. It is measured as distance in feet or as an angle in degrees. In general, the field of view is inversely proportional to the magnification; as the magnification increases, the field of view decreases.
A large field of view is necessary to locate and track objects quickly; great for hunting and birding. From viewing fast animals to viewing objects while on the move as a traveler, a wide field of view will ensure your object doesn’t escape your sight.
A wide field of view greatly complements the fixed focus of your binoculars as you won’t need to bother with manually focusing your binoculars on fast-moving objects.
All-Weather Performance
When scouting for fixed focus binoculars, always lookout for a product with the ‘fog-proof and waterproof’ label to ensure you get a product that will serve you; come rain, come shine. The unit should be purged to ensure a clear vision that won’t cloud as temperatures change. It should also have a tight waterproof seal to prevent possible infiltration that may cloud and tamper with the functions of the internal components and should be rust-resistant.
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