Binoculars

Finding the Best Binoculars for Kids

A pair of binoculars is an ideal gift for a kid for a number of reasons. For one, kids can use their binoculars to look at birds, tall trees and deer along with countless other things in nature. A pair of binoculars can spark a kid’s interest in learning more about the world around him or her. Plus, kids can use binoculars practically anywhere including a local park, a zoo and even in their own backyard. Parents interested in getting this gift for their child should make sure they get the best possible pair of binoculars. Consider some desirable features to look for in binoculars.

Durability

A pair of binoculars meant for a child must be durable. A kid’s binoculars should be able to withstand being stuffed in a backpack, dropped and passed around to friends. GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are an example of durable binoculars made for curious kids. These binoculars are designed for children who are three years old or more. They are a perfect fit for kids and are made to endure through years of use. The breakaway neck strap and 2X magnification make these binoculars an ideal choice for a younger child.

Lightweight Binoculars

Kids are not likely to use binoculars that are too heavy and bulky. That’s why it’s important to get a lightweight pair that a kid can raise to his or her eyes in a matter of seconds. Plus, parents want to encourage their child to carry the binoculars around so they won’t miss seeing a rare bird or an interesting insect. A simple, lightweight pair of powerful binoculars is the perfect choice for a child.

Excellent Magnification

A kid should have binoculars that allow him or her to see birds, trees, bird nests butterflies and other natural objects in detail. Carson Kid’s Binoculars are an example of a durable pair of binoculars with great magnification capabilities. A kid can view objects at 5X magnification. With magnification of this power, kids can see the details on the feathers of a hawk sitting up in a tree or spot the designs on a butterfly that’s resting on a flower several feet away. These are perfect for kids who want to carry along a pair of binoculars wherever they go.

Easy to Use

In order to get a kid to take a pair of binoculars out of its case on a regular basis, parents must find a pair that is easy to use. Kids should be able to adjust the view to suit their vision in a matter of seconds. The easier the binoculars are to use, the more likely a kid is to use them every day!

Easy to Clean

If a child takes his or her binoculars out into the woods or to the park, they may get a little mud or dirt on them. Parents must look for binoculars that are easy to clean and maintain. For instance, a child should be able to wipe any dirt or dust off the lenses of the binoculars with a lens cloth in a matter of seconds. After all, learning to maintain the condition of their binoculars is part of being a responsible owner.

A Strap and Case with the Binoculars

Parents are wise to look for binoculars that are available with a strap and a case. The strap is helpful if a kid wants to walk in the woods or through a field with the binoculars. This way, the binoculars are likely to stay off the ground. In addition, a kid who keeps the binoculars around his or her neck is less likely to misplace them. In addition, a case is helpful in keeping the binoculars safe during a journey. Perhaps a kid wants to take them along on a camping trip or to a friend’s house for a hike. A sturdy case can prevent liquids from spilling onto the binoculars and save them from needless nicks and bumps.

An Affordable Price

Chances are, a child who really gets interested in observing nature will eventually want to get a pair of binoculars with higher magnification and more features. This is why it’s wise for parents to pay an affordable price for a child’s first pair of binoculars. The two types of binoculars for kids mentioned above both have affordable price tags.

A Fun Look

Today, binoculars for kids are available in many other colors beside basic black. Kids can express their own personalities with the look of their binoculars. Some colors include dark green, camouflage, pink and blue along with others. Of course, a kid can also opt for black. A kid who likes the appearance of his or her binoculars is more likely to make good use of them.

Rifle Scopes

The Best Long Range Rifle Scope

best long range rifle scopeWhenever you are looking for a long range rifle scope, there a few different aspects that you need to consider that are different from those when looking for a shorter ranged rifle scope. Below is a list of the features and aspects that are needed i order to have a high quality long range scope. Sometimes you have to trade off some features for others, especially if you are on a budget.

What are the most important features that I need when looking for a long range rifle scope?

1. The first thing you should focus on is the quality of the glass used for the scope. Although the glass used in any scope is important, with long range rifle scopes the use of high end glass is extremely important. It often can be the difference between a long range scope that cost $300 or one that costs over $3500. Some of the best manufacturers that use the high quality glass needed for a great long range rifle are Nightforce, U.S. Optics, Schmidt & Bender, and Swarovski.

2. The second thing to look at is the objective size. With long range rifle scopes, the more light is always better. However because of the diminish returns of benefits with larger objective lens, a 50mm objective is one of the best sizes. However, most long range shooters prefer at 56mm objective.

3. The third thing to look at is the zoom range and power. On average, you want at least 18 times magnification when long range shooting. The sweet spot for most shooting scenarios with a long range rifle is 5 to 25 times magnification.

4. The last and one of the most important things to look for is the elevation adjustment range. Basically what the elevation adjustment range is how much of an adjustment a scope allows internally. The sweet spot for this is around 100 MOA or 27.3 millimeters of elevation adjustment. One of the best ways to judge if a long range scope is good for this aspect is by making sure that it has a larger tube diameter.

Top Two Long Range Rifle Scopes Currently on the Market

There are a lot of different long range rifle scopes that people can choose from, but below are two of the most popular long range scopes on the market.

Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50mm LR/T M1

This is one of the top two long range rifle scopes on the market, and it is manufactured by Leupold, which is one the best brand companies that has perfected these types of scopes. On average, the Leupold Mark 4 costs anywhere from $1,400 to $1,750. The price greatly depends on where it is purchased and if you choose to add any extra features that don’t currently come with this scope.

Leupold Mark 4 LR T M1Features:

  • The Leupold Mark 4 LR/T comes with 8.5 to 25 times magnification, and it has a 50 millimeter objective lens.
  • There is a standard issued flip open lens cover that measures 14.5 inches, and this part weighs 22.5 ounces.
  • It has a side focus parallax that is meant for fast adjustments, and this makes it easier to focus from 75 yards to infinity.
  • This long range rifle scope is constructed in order to be completely water proof.
  • The Index Matched Lens System on this scope is what offers the shooter an unsurpassed sharpness, contrast, and brightness.

Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm-NPR1 ZeroStop & (2X High Speed Knobs)

Nightforce is one of if not the best brand manufacturers of long range rifle scopes on the market today, and their NXS 5.5-22x56mm-NPR1 ZeroStop is only one of their top products. It has a large variety of features that puts it on the top list of long range rifle scopes. On average, this scope generally runs anywhere from $1,700 to $2,000, but like everything else, that all depends on where you purchase this particular scope. Below is a direct list of features that make this one of the top long range rifle scopes.

Nightforce NXSFeatures:

  • The Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope is composed of 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum.
  • It is great regardless of the weather, because it is both water proof and water resistant.
  • This long range scope comes available with a ZeroStop version that allows the ability of the scope to always return to zero.
  • It went through rigorous testing to make sure that it was perfected.
  • It has a proprietary titanium beta erector spring that delivers three to four times the spring pressure of other scopes.
  • It is designed for accuracy and speed in all types of situations.
  • The Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope has a 100 M.O.A. of internal adjustment.