So what is important to NASCAR/Motorsport Binoculars?
In many ways binoculars for NASCAR or Motorsport can be very similar to other sporting events. The difference, however, is that motorsports spectators often find themselves in very hot, humid and crowded environments, more so than at other sporting events. You only need to watch a NASCAR event to see how packed the spectator stands can be. As a result, choosing the right pair of binoculars involves additional considerations to ensure they last longer and keep working.
When choosing a pair of binoculars for NASCAR events, there are 3 crucial features to have:
– A tough exterior
– Compact
– Wide field of vision
Rather than point out specific models of binoculars that are suitable, this guide serves to highlight the key features you want to consider when choosing binoculars for viewing NASCAR events. There are many models that differ in one way or another, but knowing what crucial features your binoculars should have, you can choose from your local optics store according to budget, specifications, etc.
Is a tough exterior important?
Owning a pair of rugged binoculars seems pretty commonplace, but for NASCAR viewers it’s probably more of a necessity than a “nice to have.” NASCAR events are filled with stands packed with spectators and people coming and going, usually with food and drinks in hand. It’s not uncommon for people watching sports to accidentally drop their binoculars or have them knocked over by a nearby spectator. Putting yourself in that environment for a couple of hours means you can’t afford a finicky pair of binoculars.
So what should I look for when buying rugged binoculars? First of all, rugged binoculars tend to have some kind of rubber armor covering them. This rubber armor does not make the binoculars completely shockproof, but what it does provide is a minimal level of protection against accidental drops or bumps.
The added benefit of having these molded rubber armor covers is the extra grip it offers. At a NASCAR event, temperatures can rise pretty quickly, so sweat can sometimes make it hard to grip a pair of binoculars. The extra grip gives you the opportunity to hold tighter and secure your binoculars.
An additional feature to consider is a waterproof feature. As mentioned, NASCAR races have a lot of people carrying drinks, so accidental spills are not uncommon. On top of that, one can never be too careful about sudden weather changes like rain. When choosing a pair of binoculars, always look for one that has a waterproof feature.
Compact binoculars are easy to carry and use!
The main reason you would want a compact pair of binoculars for your NASCAR event is that they are much easier to transport. If you haven’t owned a bulky pair of binoculars before, it will be hard to understand the difference a smaller pair can make to your sports experience. Motorsports is not a stay home and sit still event, you are constantly on the move and trying to get into better positions to see all the action, so a pair of compact binoculars is paramount!
The other main benefit that many people forget with compact binoculars is that they are much easier to use. Large binoculars tend to be very heavy and this makes them difficult to hold while looking at them. Simple things like moving from left to right or keeping your hands steady become very difficult with larger binoculars. It is for these reasons that large binoculars generally require a tripod. In NASCAR racing, you don’t have the space or time to use a tripod, so compact binoculars are much more suitable.
Typically, binoculars with 32mm to 42mm lenses are a good size for NASCAR events.
Having a wide field of vision is very important.
Now that you’ve found a pair of binoculars that are rugged and compact, it’s time to look at the magnification. Many people assume that high magnification binoculars are always better. This is not the case especially for NASCAR viewers. Higher magnification means you get a closer view of the action, but that’s not good for a high-speed sport like NASCAR. Imagine using a pair of binoculars that have enough magnification to get a good look at the drivers’ faces before the race. This seems great at first, until the race starts. Once the cars start racing, each driver will pass by so fast that his or her face, or the car, will barely be visible.
Instead, NASCAR viewers should consider using lower magnification binoculars (maximum 8x magnification) which will provide a closer view of the action without getting too close. Lower magnification binoculars make it easier to find the next car. High magnification binoculars, on the other hand, are so focused that trying to spot the next one because it will be very difficult. Avoid binoculars with 10x magnification. This is normally too loud to see anything significant.
And now that?
Now that you know the key criteria for choosing a pair of NASCAR/Motorsport binoculars, all you need to do is visit an optics store and tell them what you want. Most optical stores make it easy to buy binoculars and you just need to let them know what key criteria you are looking for. Don’t worry too much about understanding all the optics jargon, just make sure the binoculars meet the main criteria for use and you’ll be sure to have a great NASCAR experience.
