If you’re looking into getting some great glass, then chances are you want to think of more than one use for them. There are a lot of things that binos get used for but it’s our ability to adapt to different situations and keep them off the shelf as much as possible that makes the investment worth it.
If you’re looking for some more great uses then read on and we’ve got you covered!
1. Scouting for Hunting
When you’re hunting, your binoculars may just be your best friend.
Almost every large game hunter will have a pair somewhere in their bag. Their use for spotting herds of deer, large predators, and even using binoculars for elk hunting at long distances is well known.
With a sharp eye and a great pair, they’re even great for bird hunting although that’s not the best use for those who aren’t intimately familiar with the brush and camouflage patterns of their quarries.
Many small game hunters miss out, however: if you’re frequently finding the woods dry of squirrels or can’t find a rabbit to save your life you may be scaring them off before you even get there. Getting a nice compact pair to go along with your .22 is a great idea for the small game hunter and small pairs can fit in most bags without any problems at all.
2. Birdwatching
Bird watching is a great hobby for those who like to get outdoors and just observe wildlife rather than bringing it home for the freezer. Depending on your area it may be a great accompaniment as well: not all beautiful plumage belongs to game birds after all.
Birding isn’t as easy as many people seem to think: many of the rare and beautiful birds which dot the landscape are wary of people. It may not be the same rush but there’s something undeniably appealing about observing birds unaware.
Some people even use specialized pairs to snap photos of their rarer finds. Just make sure that it’s something you can carry comfortably along with you on your hikes. Many people prefer full-size models but they’re not always the best option on longer hikes.
3. Hiking the Backcountry
Many people don’t drag along glass when they’re on long hikes. It’s a decent way to do things but it’s always good to be able to keep an eye on the trail ahead.
In the backcountry, away from the usual trails, they’re pretty much essential. There’s nothing quite like being able to make sure that you’re taking the right road.
As a general rule, you should be looking ahead to make sure that the trail is both clear and headed where you’re planning on walking. Without binoculars, it’s nearly impossible to get a good view more than a half-mile ahead and that makes leaving them at home a huge mistake.
4. Observing Marine Life
Marine life may not be an extra use for your binoculars, but if you’re a big fan of long beach whale watching or just observing the birds as they come down for their meals.
Marine binoculars are usually specialized but you’ll be well off with a cheap pair in all actuality. Lower magnification is actually a plus when you’re on a rocking boat, as long as you’re careful not to let your binos fall overboard.
All-in-all, you really don’t need a specialized set, although they’ll help, to get the most out of your marine life watching. There’s a lot of excitement in catching a breaching whale at a distance.
5. Stargazing
You don’t need an expensive telescope to get a good look at celestial bodies. Pick up a set of binoculars with high magnification and turn them skywards to see things up close at a much farther distance.
With enough magnification, you may even be able to make out the rings of Saturn and catch a glimpse of some of the closer nebula and clusters. You may not be able to get a laser-focus on Andromeda but if you’re willing to get somewhere with low light-pollution you may just find that there’s a lot more to be seen with a pair of binos than you originally thought.
6. Sporting Events
You don’t have to miss the action just because you’re in nosebleed seats. With a good pair of binoculars, you can get right in the action no matter what seats you end up in.
Getting a better-than-high-definition view of the sporting arena and paying less on tickets sounds like a good time to us!
They’re actually one of the main reasons people purchase binoculars these days. The truth is that they aren’t only found on the shelves of outdoorsmen. Give a pair a shot the next time you hit the stands and you’ll be surprised at how little you miss.
7. Concerts
Sports arenas aren’t the only leisure activity enhanced with a good set of binos. Many people bring them to stadium concerts to get a closer view of the action when they’re in seats that are farther back.
It’s a simple and easy way to get the visual experience of a concert alongside the music without having to shell out for expensive front row tickets.
Keep Your Binos Close!
Binoculars can be used for more than most people give them credit for, and we’ve barely scratched the surface of what you can do with them.
There’s a reason that good pairs are sought out by people from all walks of life: being able to see much farther than the unaided eye is often more useful than we give it credit for.
Whether it’s for shows and games or as a vital piece of survival gear, there’s no reason to not go out and snatch up the pair best suited for your needs today.
