Choosing the right binoculars for children can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand what to look for to ensure your child gets the most out of their binoculars. This article will guide you through the process, providing detailed reviews of the top binoculars for children in 2023.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the reviews, it’s crucial to understand the key factors to consider when choosing binoculars for children. These include size, weight, durability, magnification, field of view, exit pupil, and optical quality. Each of these factors plays a significant role in the overall performance and usability of the binoculars.
Size and Weight
The binoculars should fit comfortably in the child’s hands, and they should be able to use the focus knob easily. They should not be too heavy, so the child doesn’t get tired holding up the binoculars for viewing or strain their neck if wearing them with a binocular strap.
Durability
Children’s binoculars should be able to withstand drops, bumps, and the normal abuse that comes with a child’s use. Look for binoculars with a robust build and shockproof design.
Magnification and Field of View
The higher the magnification, the more difficult it is to hold the binoculars steady, which may be more challenging for children. A wide field of view helps with being able to find birds, which is often the most frustrating for kids.
Exit Pupil and Optical Quality
A larger exit pupil allows more light to come into the binoculars for viewing in dimmer light and is easier for the child to keep their eyes centered over the eyepieces. The optical quality becomes more important for pre-teens and teenagers, where you would want to consider getting an adult entry-level/beginner bird watching binoculars.
Top Picks for Different Age Groups
Toddlers and Preschoolers
The GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are a fantastic choice for toddlers and preschoolers eager to explore their surroundings. These binoculars are designed with a large, soft rubber eyepiece mold, making it easy and comfortable for young eyes. They are lightweight and come with a breakaway neck strap for safety. With 2x magnification and no focus knob, these binoculars are simple and easy for a toddler to use.
Key Features
- Comfortable and Safe Design: The large, soft rubber eyepiece mold ensures a comfortable viewing experience for your little ones. The breakaway neck strap adds an extra layer of safety.
- Lightweight: The Kidnoculars are lightweight, making them easy for toddlers and preschoolers to carry around on their adventures.
- Easy to Use: With 2x magnification and no focus knob, these binoculars are designed to be simple and straightforward for young children to use.
Elementary School Aged Kids
For elementary-aged children, the Kidwinz Kidnoculars are a great choice for a combination of quality and affordability. Their 8×21 kids binoculars are shockproof, have comfortable rubber eye cups, are foldable, and are easy to focus.
Compact and Colorful Design
The Kidwinz Kidnoculars are small, lightweight, and easy to carry, perfect for young children’s hands. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, black, green, yellow, red, orange, purple, pink, classic green, camo, navy blue, sky blue, and rose, catering to every child’s preference.
Safety and Comfort
Designed with children in mind, the eyepieces of the Kidwinz Kidnoculars are surrounded by soft rubber for eye protection. The grip is ergonomically designed to fit small hands comfortably, and the binoculars are shockproof to withstand the rigors of active play.
Easy Adjustment
The Kidwinz Kidnoculars are equipped with a center knob that adjusts the fit to match the eye distance gap for each child, ensuring a comfortable and customized viewing experience.
High-Resolution Viewing
These binoculars offer a high-resolution magnification of 8X with a 7.2 viewing angle. The rubber surround is shock-proof, enhancing the durability and longevity of the binoculars.
Package Contents
The Kidwinz Kidnoculars package includes a lanyard, lens cloth, operations manual, velvet bag, carrying bag, color box, and an after-sales service card, providing everything needed for maintenance and transport.
Product Specifications
The binoculars measure 3.5 x 2.3 x 1.5 inches and weigh 9.6 ounces. They are recommended for children aged 3-12 years, making them a suitable choice for elementary school-aged kids.
Pre-Teens
For pre-teens, the Bushnell 7×35 PermaFocus Binoculars are a good choice because of the auto-focus feature, wide field of view, and are relatively inexpensive without compromising quality at this price range.
Auto-Focus Feature
The Bushnell 7×35 PermaFocus Binoculars are equipped with an auto-focus feature, making them a suitable choice for pre-teens. This feature eliminates the need for constant adjustments, allowing young users to enjoy a seamless viewing experience.
Wide Field of View
These binoculars offer a wide field of view, enabling pre-teens to explore their surroundings in greater detail. This feature enhances the overall viewing experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable.
Affordable Quality
The Bushnell 7×35 PermaFocus Binoculars are relatively inexpensive, making them an affordable choice for pre-teens. Despite their affordability, these binoculars do not compromise on quality, offering reliable performance at a reasonable price.
Product Specifications
The binoculars come with a 7×35 magnification, providing a clear and detailed view. They are designed to be user-friendly and durable, making them a suitable choice for pre-teens who are beginning to explore the world around them.
Teenagers
For teenagers, the Nikon Action Binoculars are a very good beginner birding binoculars at a budget price. They are adult-sized and heavier than kids binoculars, so you may want to get them a binocular harness instead of using the default neck strap. The harness will distribute the weight better and not put so much strain on their neck.
Beginner Birding Binoculars
The Nikon Action Binoculars are an excellent choice for teenagers, especially those interested in birding. These binoculars are designed to provide a clear and detailed view of distant objects, making them perfect for beginner bird watchers.
Adult-Sized and Durable
These binoculars are adult-sized and heavier than kids’ binoculars, providing a more robust and durable option for teenagers. Their sturdy construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Binocular Harness Recommendation
Given the heavier weight of the Nikon Action Binoculars, it may be beneficial to use a binocular harness instead of the default neck strap. The harness distributes the weight more evenly, reducing strain on the neck and enhancing comfort during prolonged use.
Product Specifications
The Nikon Action Binoculars offer high-quality viewing at a budget-friendly price. They are designed to be user-friendly and durable, making them a suitable choice for teenagers who are beginning to explore the world of birding.
Tips for Birding with Children
When choosing a pair of binoculars for your child, be careful not to sacrifice field of view for compact size. If your child must keep his or her eyeglasses on while viewing through binoculars, then you will want to get a pair that either has sufficient eye relief and/or at least eye cups that can be rolled down so that they can put their glasses closer up to the eye pieces.
Conclusion
Choosing the right binoculars for your child can significantly enhance their birdwatching or wildlife watching experience. By considering factors such as size, weight, durability, magnification, field of view, exit pupil, and optical quality, you can ensure that you choose the perfect pair of binoculars for your child.
