Dave wrote:
"Bart" said:

Name the two most characteristics to look for when shopping
for binoculars? [1 point each]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned light gathering capability. That's the
main reason the Navy uses 7X50s (or at least did in my day). They provided
the best compromise of magnification and light gathering ability, coupled
with a field of view that was adequate on a moving deck.

Dunno whether the widespread availability of stabilized binoculars has
changed this.

Gilly did mention the light capability. Thanks for the input on the
Navy
specifications.

1 point to you for mentioning stablized binoculars. These are
expensive,
and worth it. A pitching deck make it hard to focus on a distant
object.

I also like binoculars that have a built in compass, but I don't think
that is
an important requirement.