Binoculars

 Even though it might seem that monoculars still have the advantage of being easier to mount on a tripod, the truth is that it doesn't matter – practically every modern manufacturer supports tripods with a standard thread in most of their models on the market.

Binoculars are standardly equipped with two converging lenses, between which a pair of optical prisms are added, rotated 90° relative to each other. These prisms are not there by accident; the image is rotated four times within them, resulting in total reflection, so that the initially seemingly inverted image appears to "straighten itself out" at the exit. The bright side is that its length is incredibly shortened compared to other types of telescopes, allowing the use of objectives with longer focal lengths (thus increasing the magnification of the binoculars).

In contrast to monoculars, binoculars need to be held with both hands, but this small disadvantage is more than compensated for by their stability and the ability to provide their owner with a full 3D image, which is literally invaluable (and not just in nature).

It might seem that binoculars are always produced exclusively with a pair of lenses for both eyes, but that is not the case – there are indeed binoculars for one eye, but they are used more rarely today. However, what you will find with every binocular is its magnification, for example, indicated as 8×50. What does this signify? Firstly, that the given binocular has eight times magnification, and secondly, its lens has 50 mm.

This is something that cannot be changed once set in practically all binoculars, so it is essential to carefully consider and test everything before purchasing. As for handheld binoculars, magnification is not everything! The decision should be based on a combination of all factors and realizing that the smaller the resolution you have, the more stable the image will appear.

 Carrying the largest binocular everywhere is possible, but you will pay for it with weight, often exceeding one kilogram. If you want something more balanced, a golden middle path, it is not a bad choice, especially if you are on a budget or do not want to carry such weight. Those who really want the lightest option will have to compromise a bit on top optics and stability and opt for a smaller model (still more than enough for ordinary tourism).

Definitely do not immediately go for over 10x binoculars, as even 8x is on the edge of stability and usability for most people. It would be better to choose a 7×50 model instead of the 8×35 model, as it will be slightly more stable and will have better sharpness thanks to the larger optics, being usable for longer in the evening. The field of view of the binocular indicates at what distance you will see a certain length (usually at a thousand meters, yards, or feet × the respective length you will see at this distance, but sometimes it is also given in degrees).

The practicality and popularity of binoculars lately caused that they have practically everywhere replaced the previously used monoculars (somewhere exclusively – see naval telescope): they spread in the military, hunting, among experience seekers and those admiring wildlife in the mountains, in ordinary tourism and are also useful for regular people wanting a closer look at something (a shy bird for instance, ...).