The best binoculars are the ones you’ll actually use. And oftentimes, that means going with a more compact pair. Luckily, you can get a packable pair without sacrificing too much.
The main thing with compact binoculars is light transmission. It won’t be too much of a problem during the day, but at sunrise and sunset, you may notice the quality of the image decrease.
Bottom line — if you plan to use your binoculars often or for important tasks like hunting or birdwatching, it’s worth investing more and hauling a bigger set. If your use is casual, a compact pair will work great.
One of our favorite compact binoculars, the Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 ATB Binoculars, easily fits in the palm of your hand; (photo/Kylie Mohr)