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Binos for Kids

by Devon Huning

Important considerations when buying your little outdoor adventurer their first set of optics includes size and weight.

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to pack
  • Sturdy

 Anyone with kids knows how distractible they are, and if something isn’t fun or stimulating to their curiosity, their interest will wane quickly! For all kids in general, the magnification should be lower (4x-7x is recommended) with a wide field of view (FOV).

 Let’s talk about some of the recommendations for different age groups.

 Toddlers:

Don’t spend a lot of money as optics aren’t nearly as important as size and their ability to stand up to abuse – they need to be sturdy!  Another important consideration is having a ‘breakaway’ strap. These might be considered “toy” binoculars.

 Preschoolers:

Now, your considerations include weight, fitting their face and how easy they are to use (such as the focus knob). At this age, they truly become interested in what they can see, rather than just a fun toy as perceived by the toddler.

  • Light weight
  • Low power/magnification and easy to focus – consider auto focus or a toggle focus as opposed to the traditional ‘wheel’ focus knob
  • Large exit pupil
  • Wide FOV
  • Narrow inter-pupillary distance (better for fitting to their smaller faces)
  • Sturdy
  • Less expensive – plastic is an ok option

 Grade-school kids:

Now, the view is becoming more important. They really are beginning to take a great interest in what they are seeing. Wide FOV is important! Weight is still an important consideration too.

  • Low power (again, 4x-7x, although the older kids will appreciate the higher end of this power range and it won’t limit FOV)
  • Reverse Porro prism design – If you haven’t read the Binoculars-Monoculars blog, a reverse Porro prism design means that the eye pieces are farther apart than the objective lenses.

 Pre-teens:

Now, you’ll be thinking about spending more money. Quality of optics matters here, especially if your kiddo is interested in birding or other activities that benefit from detail.

  • Magnification of 7x-8x
  • Toggle focus (again, as opposed to the wheel focus)
  • Wide FOV
  • Weight is becoming less important – depends on the adolescent.

 Teens:

This group is quickly approaching the same considerations you’ll make for your own binoculars. Have a look at the Binoculars-Monoculars, etc blog on the website for more information!

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