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Nikon
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Single hinge
Binoculars series
Nikon Prostaff P7

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Single Hinge Binoculars

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Introduction

How often have you held on to something familiar merely because it was something you knew? This may be the case with binoculars that sport a classic single hinge design, as it has been around for so long. The name comes from the fact that the two barrels of the binocular are linked with a single hinge. This is the standard binocular design and is the most common for many users.

The single hinge design is used in both Porro and roof prism binoculars and found in all price classes, which cannot be said for open bridge binoculars. They feature a single, long joint, and are used with either central focusing, or with focusing separated for each eye. In the last decades, the length of the hinge has been getting shorter and shorter, like on the Vortex Diamondback HD. This is also one of the advantages. Here are more:

Steiner Ranger Xtreme 10x42

Pros

Along with the advantage above, another one is that these binoculars prove to be sturdy and reliable. Many times single hinge binoculars tend to be cheaper to produce and consequently, cheaper to buy. If you are not willing to spend much money on a pair of binoculars, this is an immense benefit for you. Notwithstanding, the single hinge design models may not cost a lot, but they sure do look like a million bucks, as they have a classic design to them.

Cons

Many factors need to be taken into account before you go out and purchase the first pair of binoculars that you have had your eye on. The only big disadvantage of single hinge binoculars we can pinpoint at the moment is the limit towards a comfortable use when viewing, in comparison to binoculars with an open bridge design.

Vortex Viper HD 10x50

Conclusion

There are different styles of binoculars on the optics market today, and different styles suit different people. Binoculars with a single hinge design are more affordable than the open-bridge design ones. They sport the most common construction, and it is what most users are used to. It is true that one cannot go wrong with a classic, but if your mindset is “I like to hold on to what I know”, maybe you should still reconsider your choice.

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Nikon Prostaff P7 8x30

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Nikon Prostaff P7 10x30

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VIDEO

Compact binoculars are a versatile category of binoculars, a great choice for various outdoor activities. Even though they are not as small as pocket binoculars, they are considerably less bulky than 42mm objective lens binoculars. That makes binoculars suitable for sports, hiking, traveling, safari, camping, and even birdwatching and hunting.

The narrow objective lenses (28–36 mm in diameter) provide a small exit pupil, which is why observing in low-light conditions does not bear fruit – this type of binoculars are best used during the daytime. Binoculars easily fit into pockets of trousers or shirts and are very easy to hold in hands and carry around the neck.

There is no need to mount binoculars on a tripod because they are light – the shaking of hands isn't as noticeable as with bigger, heavier binoculars.

Features of Compact binoculars

binoculars are suitable for daytime observations
versatile
easy handling and carrying
easy to store
binoculars have a wider field of view
steady images
binoculars are not suitable for low-light conditions

The compact binoculars are great for

Hiking
Traveling
Camping
Sporting events
Bird watching
Hunting in the mountains
Safari

Binoculars for hiking

When you go hiking, you want your gear to be as light as possible. Carrying heavy equipment can be strenuous, especially if you plan to hike for a whole day or multiple days. In the mountains, where there are plenty of scenic viewpoints and interesting wildlife, having binoculars with you is a superb idea.

Compact binoculars are perfect for such occasions as they are light and small in size. They take up a small amount of space in a backpack.

On top of that, binoculars can be easily carried around the neck.

Binoculars for kids

Compact binoculars are a great gift for a child.

Firstly, children are fond of smaller binoculars because they do not weigh as much as standard binoculars.
Secondly, a short interpupillary distance can be set – children's faces are smaller than that of adults.

Only by setting a proper interpupillary distance can a child benefit from a full, clear image.

Binoculars for bird watching

Even though birdwatchers are fond of 42mm objective lens binoculars, they sometimes go for the compact ones as well – birdwatching takes place during the day, so the poor low light performance of compact binocular is not an issue.

Binoculars for hunting

As far as hunting is concerned, compact binoculars are mostly used for stalking in the mountains because they are extremely light.

They can easily be worn around the neck, making it easier to move in difficult terrain where having both hands free is incredibly beneficial.

They are not the best for the low light use, so 42mm and 56mm objective lens binoculars are much more popular among hunters.

Binoculars for sporting events

If you are a huge fan of a particular sport and like to watch live sporting events, consider buying a compact binocular.

When you are sitting or standing far away from the action, compact binocular will prove to be a worthy companion.

Binoculars for Safari

Many compact binoculars are of sand and grass colors which makes them blend with the surroundings better. Because they are light, carrying them around the neck is not a problem, even for longer periods of time.

For all these reasons, these types of binoculars are a great companion on safaris.

Compact binoculars vs 42mm Objective Lens Binoculars

Even though the 42mm objective lens binoculars are the most versatile ones, compact binoculars are advantageous in certain aspects. The most obvious advantages of compact binoculars are size and weight. Consequently, you can use them for longer periods of time.

The shaking of hands will not be as noticeable because your arms won't tire as quickly. Usually, this type of binoculars also provide a wider field of view. 42mm objective lens binoculars are considerably better in the dusk because of the wider exit pupil.

Compact vs Pocket Binoculars

Compact binoculars have a lens diameter of 28–36 mm – even though they are not bulky, they are bigger than pocket binoculars.

Pocket Binoculars

Pocket binoculars often feature a two-hinge design which makes them even more foldable than compact binoculars where a one-hinge design prevails. Nevertheless, compact binoculars are much more comfortable to use because of the wider eyepieces. These allow the user to press the binoculars against the face when observing.

Compact binoculars are a better choice for longer observations – with pocket binoculars, eye fatigue can occur when using them for too long. Both types of binoculars are not designed to be used in the dusk but the compact type of binoculars will provide a somewhat brighter image because of the bigger exit pupil. If you are a glasses wearer, go for compact binoculars.

Prism types in compact binoculars

The most common prism type used in compact binocular is a roof prism of the Schmidt-Pechan type. Porro prisms are known for their great light transmission rate – since light transmission rate is not of much importance with compact binocular, these prisms are scarcely found in compact binocular.

Even though the combination of a compact chassis and Porro prisms is rare, it is not non-existent. A great example of a compact Porro prism binocular is Swarovski Habicht 8x30 W.

Best compact binoculars

The best compact binoculars are produced by the renowned European sports optics manufacturers – Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss. These companies have plenty of experience in this field, which is why both the mechanics and optics of their binoculars are top-notch.

They use high-quality coatings on the lenses to provide the user with the best optical experience possible.

You can get decent compact binocular even if you are not ready to spend a considerable amount of money, but we highly recommend that you spend at least 100 € to avoid disappointment.

In principle, there are four price classes when it comes to compact binocular

Under 100 €
100–300 €
300–500 €
500–1000 €
1000 €+

Read our Ultimate Compact Binoculars Buying Guide here.

A short presentation of Compact-Binoculars Buying Guide is available here.

Short Presentation | Low light binoculars | Optics Trade from Optics-Trade

Single Hinge Binoculars

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VIDEO

Introduction

Pros

Cons