So what is important to NASCAR / Motorsport binoculars?
In many ways, binoculars for NASCAR or Motorposrt can be very similar to other sporting events. However, the difference is that Motorsport spectators tend to 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 congested the spectator stands can be. As a result, choosing the right pair of binoculars involves additional considerations to make sure they last longer and keep working.
When choosing a pair of binoculars for NASCAR events, there are 3 crucial features you must 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 if you know the crucial features that your binoculars should have, you can choose options at your local optical store based on budget, specifications, etc.
Is a rugged exterior so important?
Having a sturdy pair of binoculars seems very common, but for NASCAR spectators it is probably more of a necessity than a “nice to have.” NASCAR events are packed with crowded spectator stands and people moving around usually with food and drink in hand. It is not uncommon for people who watch sports to accidentally drop their binoculars or be struck by a nearby spectator. Placed in such an environment for a couple of hours means you can’t afford to have a dainty pair of binoculars.
So what should I look for when buying rugged binoculars? First of all, rugged binoculars tend to have some type of rubber armor covering them. This rubberized armor doesn’t 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 liners is the added grip it offers. At a NASCAR event, temperatures can rise quite quickly, so sweat can sometimes make it difficult to grip a pair of binoculars. The added grip gives you the opportunity to hold more tightly and secure your binoculars.
An additional feature to be aware of is a waterproof feature. As mentioned, NASCAR races have a lot of people carrying drinks, so accidental spills are not out of the ordinary. On top of that, you 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 function.
The compact binoculars are easy to transport and use!
The main reason you would want a pair of compact binoculars for your NASCAR event is that they are significantly easier to carry. If you haven’t owned a bulky pair of binoculars before, it will be difficult to understand the difference a smaller pair can make to your sporting experience. Motorsports is not a stay-at-home type of 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 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 races you don’t have the space or time to use a tripod, so compact binoculars are much more suitable.
Generally, binoculars with a 32mm to 42mm lens are a good size for NASCAR events.
Having a wide field of view 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 spectators. Higher magnification means you get a closer view of the action, but this is not a good thing for a high-speed sport like NASCAR. Imagine using a pair of binoculars with enough magnification to get a good look at the driver’s face before the race. This seems great at first, until the race starts. Once the cars start running, each driver will speed past so fast that their face, or the car for that matter, will be barely visible.
Instead, NASCAR viewers should consider using lower magnification binoculars (8x magnification maximum) that will provide a closer view of the action without being too close. Lower magnification binoculars make it easy to find the next oncoming car. High-power binoculars, on the other hand, are so focused that trying to spot the next oncoming car will be very difficult. Avoid binoculars at 10x magnification. It is usually too high 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 stop by an optician store and let them know what you want. Most optical stores make buying binoculars easy 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’re sure to have a great NASCAR experience.
