When using mini binoculars, you sacrifice a little on field of view (FOV).
The field of view is measured as the width of area visible at 1,000 yards.
Because of the smaller objective lens size in compact binoculars, the FOV will
be narrower. Therefore, you don't want to get a pair that is too high in
magnification because the stronger magnification lenses will cut down your FOV
too much. You want a compromising balance between magnification and FOV.
Here are some well reviewed Mini Compact Binoculars that have exceptional
viewing quality:
Editors Choice and Great Buy Awards Winner from Outdoor Life Magazine!
The
Pentax 9x25 DCF LV Mini Binoculars are an excellent choice for
compact binoculars. The high resolution phase-coated and super-reflective coated
roof prisms offer high contrast images. The brightness of the image is
comparable to full-size binoculars. They are extremely durable, lightweight and
are nitrogen-filled (JIS Class 6) to offer extreme waterproof protection.
Review of the Pentax 9x25 Binoculars:
"When first receiving these pocket binoculars, the feel and the construction of these
are very high quality. Upon testing these, the lens and focus is a lot better
than i'd anticipated. These binoculars perform like a full size pair and works
excellent with or without glasses, simply because of the 18mm eye relief and the
adjustable eye cups. I would strongly recommend these to anyone and for any
purpose." -PolarEyes'd from NY
The
Nikon 8-24x25 Travelite V Zoom Compact Binoculars are especially nice because they
give you the option of having a higher magnification if you need it so you don't
necessarily have to sacrifice FOV for greater magnification. They adjust
from 8x to 24x magnification. Just realize at the 24x, the FOV will be narrow. These
small binoculars have anti-reflective multi-coatings for
clear image viewing and have a rugged armor coating to withstand impacts.
Review of the Nikon 8-24x25 Zoom Binoculars:
"I have purchased cheaper small zoom binoculars in the past. They work okay at
the lowest zoom setting but when zooming to max the image was milky around the
edges. The first thing I tried with these binoculars was to zoom to 24X to check
out the image. I was pleasantly surprised to see clearly with no milkiness
around the edges. It's worth paying a little more for such a superb pair of
binoculars." -Big Al from CA
Low Priced Nikon No-Zoom model: The above Nikon's also come in a non-zoom version at 9x magnification for those who
don't want or need the zoom and want a cheaper priced pair: Nikon 9x25 Travelite V Binoculars.
Best Mini Binoculars on Sale at Amazon:
Mini binoculars are nice to have because of their compact size. I usually
have a pair wherever I go just so I don't miss out on a great bird or wildlife
viewing opportunity. I especially like them when going on long hikes or
backpacking trips when I am carrying a lot of items and want to cut down on
excess weight. I've also used them at sporting events and concerts.