Binoculars For Kids Buyers Guide

The love for binoculars is seemingly never-ending. With all the world's technology, zooming in to objects at a distance has always been fascinating! It all starts with curiosity as a kid, especially when you want to explore the world and spot things at a distance!

Binoculars are exciting inventions that are very close to magic. You get to see objects that are far away with utmost clarity. Even HD videos and modern cameras have no match for their authentic view. Therefore, any kid would like to have these.

However, if you're looking for the best binoculars for kids, you might need a guide. There are 'toy' binoculars and then the real binoculars. Countless companies, magnifying capabilities, and, most importantly, durability to consider when deciding binoculars for kids!

Hence, this full-fledged guide will help you get all the essential information regarding any buying decision you have to make. Let's begin!

Why do you need binoculars for your kids?

Binoculars are handy tools that allow you to look at objects that are far away with exceptional clarity. You can use them to spot people or things. Many people use them for bird watching, star gazing, or wildlife observation while traveling.

A binocular has a bigger lens (called aperture) to capture lights from the area and focus it inside on a smaller lens (focus lens). You place your eyes close to the smaller lens to see the objects from far away.

Most of the binoculars come with an option to zoom closer to the objects easily. Now there are terms that you should know.

The magnifying power of a binocular is the distance it can cover. Zoom is different. It shows you how much you can adjust the magnifying power of the binoculars. Most of the time, the zoom is adjusted by working with aperture and focus lens. You will find more details about it in the factors to consider.

Reasons to get binoculars for your little one

Now that you have a quick catch-up on how binoculars work, the question arises, why do you need them? Well, they are great tools to have and can make almost any outdoor activity fun. You can bond with your kid better, and you both have an individual pair of binoculars. There's more!

Curiosity for the outside world

Today's generation is too busy with technology and all the 'smart devices.' At this age, it is paramount that kids are exposed to the outside world. To do so, you need to build curiosity in them. They need inspiration to go out and explore. Getting binoculars for kids can help you achieve that.

They will grow curious to explore the outside world and check what else they can spot with these brilliant inventions. All of this could lead them to rediscover their love for the outside world. From discovering birds and animals to spot trees and people, there's so much they can do outside.

Great for adventure time

Kids love to play 'pretend,' a game in which they pretend to be someone. They may pretend to be a sailor, archaeologist, or wildlife expert if they have binoculars. More importantly, binoculars can make outdoor adventures fun.

Imagine playing hide and seek with a pair of binoculars, doubling up the fun. There are many other similar advantages of using binoculars for kids.

Developing interest in a profession

Several research types point out that you develop an interest in a specific profession at a young age. If your kids start playing pretend, or learn about various exciting disciplines, they might want to pursue it in the future.

Just imagine, you can get the next archaeologist, wildlife expert, or historian. Many kids who get binoculars are more inclined to become an explorer of the world and adventurers. Either way, it is better than having them stick inside with gadgets and blinding their eyes.

Great for vision

Kids are still under development. Their retina is still developing. By getting simulation, it is proven by experts that kids' vision can grow sharper. Impaired or weak eyesight is one of the most prevalent problems across the globe. By getting binoculars, you can prevent weak eyesight in your kid.

That's right! Binoculars help in better simulation and development of vision. It's way better than harmful light rays from gadgets that will indeed affect their eyesight. So if you want your kid to have better sight, you should consider buying binoculars for kids.

Traveling companion

Apart from the apparent use at home, binoculars for kids can be a great asset when you're on tour. Often, kids fail to witness the world's beauty due to a lack of retina development or height and reach. Your kids might develop a taste for traveling if they have binoculars for better views.

More importantly, you can amplify their experience by giving them binoculars. Imagine the things they will discover if they use binoculars while traveling. It is a great way to keep them interested in something and engaging.

If you use binoculars to spot animals, birds, and other scenes, kids should have access to these views as well. That's where these binoculars can play a vital role.

Your peace of mind

Correlatively, some kids may grow tired of constantly walking in places that are historical or for sightseeing. Binoculars for kids can keep them busy by engaging them in the enticing activity of spotting people and things. You will have peace of mind during your travels.

By keeping your kids busy, you will have a better experience of the tours. More importantly, a kid that spots new things often informs parents about it. So, you will consistently get the latest updates from your child. Thus, there is less chance for your kid to get stranded in a crowded area as they will always try to tell you new things they find.

Safeguard your binoculars

Children learn by imitating adults. Thus, if you have a pair of binoculars, your kid would try to use them. Adult binoculars are more massive, more delicate, and undoubtedly costly. Your kid can potentially damage them by dropping them or mishandling them.

To prevent that and to keep your peace of mind, you can buy them binoculars for kids. That's the best way to protect your binoculars from them.

Factors to consider when buying binoculars for kids

With all the factors in mind you can make a rewarding choice. We have classified the factors so that you can quickly go through the guide to buy binoculars for your kids.

Types of binoculars

There are toy binoculars and authentic binoculars available for kids. Therefore, you have to start by considering which would suit your kid the best.

Toy binoculars

If your kid is young, then you can buy toy binoculars. Similarly, if your kid often destroys the binoculars, then there's no point getting costly and 'real' binoculars for them.

Until they learn how to use binoculars properly, you should buy toy binoculars. Toy binoculars are great for training your kids to use binoculars and teach them its value before you buy them a real one.

Original binoculars

Yes, there are actual binoculars available for kids ranging from 4 to 12 years of age. These offer a certain level of magnifying power. These can be heavier with the use of original components and lenses.

Thus, your kid would need to learn how to use them. This is an excellent option to go for if you want your kids to enjoy binoculars.

Magnifying power

It all starts with deciding the magnifying power for your kids. You have to avoid getting binoculars with higher powers for kids. The standard requirement is around 8x to 10x magnifying. If binoculars don't provide apt magnifying power, then there's no need for you to get them, right?

There are some other things that you'd have to consider with magnifying power:

Image stability

Higher magnifying power means the sensitivity of the binoculars will be higher, as well. Thus, it will result in more image shake that could distort your child's perception. More importantly, it can make the whole 'viewing' experience an unpleasant one. So you need to get binoculars with more image stability.

Field of View

How much area do the binoculars cover when you look through them? That's what you get from FOV specification. A higher number means that it takes wider scenery into view and provides it to your child. Getting a better field of view would enable the kid to track objects easily, especially animals and birds, without losing focus.

Closest focus distance

The closest focus distance is smaller numbers you find on the binoculars. It tells you about how close the object can be for the binocular to show precise details. You can shift the closest focus range. Most of the binoculars have this option.

Ease of use

The third most important factor for you to consider is the ease of use. This is a combination of several aspects, such as size, weight, and features. However, it is all simplified into this category to help you make a quick decision regarding binoculars for kids

Size

Binoculars for kids should have an adjustable size, especially if you plan on using it for a long time. Your kids are consistently growing, so it is better to have binoculars with a fold and unfold type mechanism to spread them apart to set the eyes comfortably. Size accuracy is essential for the best experience for your kid.

Weight

Try to get lightweight binoculars as they won't like anything too heavy. More importantly, they may injure themselves or others by using heavier binoculars. If there are neck-straps, then dropping heavy binoculars could also hurt their neck. Therefore, weight should be a critical consideration in binoculars for kids.

Zoom and dials

Most of the binoculars, even for kids, have a mechanism to set zoom. While your kid might not know how to use it properly, they should be able to use it comfortably. If they can't reach it with ease, there's no point in having binoculars.

Remember, zooming requires you to keep looking through binoculars for the experience. Thus, it should be easy for a kid to use the zooming dial while looking through the binoculars.

Quality of binoculars

Another most important consideration you can make is regarding the quality of binoculars. We're not talking about toys because they are cheaply built and not for quality. We are looking further than that and going to talk about inspecting material and component accuracy.

Material

Plastic is the most common material for binoculars, but not durable. You might require a rubber casing on top of it to make it withstand wear and tear. The lens could either be glasses or fiber, so you have to consider that, as well.

The most critical factor for the material is that it should be non-toxic. There are eco-friendly or biodegradable materials available for binoculars, but they can't be too costly. Just look for non-toxic material for kids as they are prone to licking or putting binoculars in mouth, regardless of how old they might be.

Aluminum could be a durable choice for binoculars. However, while it is lightweight, it could still be significantly heavier for a kid to handle.

Components

The quality of components is equally essential. For example, the scratch-resistant and dust-proof lens could be better. Kids are most likely to mishandle a binocular, so these could be a great way to ensure a long life for binoculars for kids.

Component accuracy also matters. Make sure that the numbers on the components and specifications provided are accurate. For this, you can test out different binoculars and see which one your kid likes more. If they are too young to decide, you can check them out by yourself.

Accuracy matters because whatever they will learn about adjusting the binoculars will stay with them for their lives.

The age factor

Whether it's magnifying power, buying real or toy binoculars, or ease of use, it all breaks down to your kid's age. There are age-specific binoculars, and it is pivotal for you to consider the recommended age given on the binoculars.

These recommendations are after research and trials. Thus, you will always know the best type of binocular for your kids. Most of the binoculars have 4+, 8+, and 12+ age groups available. However, you may also find some that are more specific, like 7, 6, etc.

Developing retina

A kid's retinas are consistently developing. Thus, you can't buy too powerful binoculars that could strain it. Similarly, retinas need to be protected. However, as kids retinas are under development, getting accurate age recommended binoculars for kids can help them get healthier retinas with optimum vision.

Safety measures

Most of the features available in binoculars strongly depend on the age group. For example, binoculars for younger kids would have a better shock-absorbing design and durability. After all, durability matters a lot for binoculars. Some may have a digital view, shades to protect from the sun, and other similar integrations.

Correlatively, it's possible that binoculars for kids could be costlier than binoculars for adults.

Storage requirement

You might forget about it when buying binoculars for kids, but we are here to remind you that storage option matters. It correlates to the longevity and maintenance of binoculars. Often, it might also relate to the travel-friendly appeal of the binoculars.

Protective case

A protective case is something you shouldn't avoid in binoculars for kids. Mainly because it will extend the binoculars' lives and make it easier for the kids to carry it around. The protective case is shock absorbent, and it can withstand accidental drops and falls.

Portability

Straps are important for your kids to carry the binoculars. They are most likely to drop the binoculars or forget about them. Thus, they need to wear them all the time. Make sure that the binoculars for kids are lightweight to avoid any accident.

Can the kid hold it easily and carry it around without feeling stressed? Then the binoculars are perfect and travel-friendly.

The price factor

It all breaks down to the cost and how much you are willing to invest in the binoculars. Depending on the cost, the feature will vary. Some have shock absorption. Others would have anti-glare or sun shades, and so on. Some binoculars may have a little more 'clarify' for dim lights, which could be an enticing factor.

The quality of the material and features depend on how much you are willing to invest.

How to buy according to age?

Here we have a quick guide to help you buy binoculars for kids according to their age. This is an essential factor of all, so let's consider these:

Toddlers

Toddlers are all about learning from watching their parents. Thus, they will try to imitate you the most. For them, durability should be the primary consideration. They are most-prone to damaging the binoculars, dropping them, or hitting them around. Visuals and optics or quality of lens don't matter as they are most likely not going to use it to view much.

Preschool kids

This is possibly the age where the kid will start showing some interest in looking at things through binoculars. As they are still developing interest, it shouldn't be too complicated. Frustration and stress should be minimal.

Thus, ease of use should be prioritized. Lightweight design with large exit pupils is the way for them to go. A wide field of view is the most important and small binocular size to fit the hands. Yes, this is the age where you have to consider a lot of things.

For focus, instead of a manual dial, aim for autofocus. You can go for cost-effective and cheaper binoculars with all of these features by shrinking down the material's size and quality.

Kids (Pre-teens)

By now, you would know if your kid genuinely wants binoculars or not. If the answer Is yes, then you can start getting full-fledged binoculars for them. Get an adjustable dial to start teaching them how to use it. These devices should still have proper protection and size. You can shrink down the field of view and get a higher magnifying capacity (But still under 8 to 10x).

Once your kids start entering the teen phase, you can buy them adult binoculars without any problem.

FAQs: Best Binoculars For Kids

Q: When should you get new binoculars for kids?

A: If your kid's binoculars have survived long enough for them to age, it might be time for you to consider buying new binoculars. The best time to purchase new binoculars is every four years.

For example, the first binocular at the age of 4, then 8, then 12 or 13. Because each age group has a different requirement for binoculars and eyes develop throughout these times.

Q: Are binoculars stressful for the eyes?

A: Binoculars for kids are not too stressful. If you got the right size, there's no way for the kids to feel stressed. However, the wrong size can make a significant impact and stress out your kid. Correlatively, it is better to take breaks from using binoculars.

Nobody consistently uses binoculars. It would be great to make sure that proper breaks are taken.

Q: How to maintain kids binoculars?

A: Cleaning and maintenance of binoculars for kids should be similar to an adult binocular. You would have to clean the lens, brush them if there is dirt and polish, or lubricate the body from time to time. Don't neglect cleaning and maintenance. Alternatively, you can teach your kids how to clean binoculars.

Conclusion

There you have it, the best guide regarding binoculars for kids. Remember that magnifying power and comfort to use matters the most. Material and durability come under second consideration. As long as you keep our guide under consideration, you will always find the best binoculars for kids.

There's no point for you to contemplate toy binoculars unless it's for toddlers. Now, remember, you might have to keep them colorful and extravagant in design to entice your kids. After all, they might want to show it off to their friends.

We answered most of the questions, gave you some tips, and added a buying guide for binoculars for kids according to age. Hopefully, it is all helpful for you to make an informed decision.