Compact binoculars are great for portability as most weigh about 10 ounces which makes them very easy to carry with you and very easy to pack in your luggage. However, it is hard to use as the small exit pupil requires precise alignment of your eye. The user must have a very steady hand to keep the exit pupil in proper alignment. Many compacts are hard to focus. They also have a more limited depth of field than a full sized model. It is harder to see the details with compact binoculars.
Compact binoculars are usually cheaper than full-sized models so those on a budget can get better optics in a compact model. For the younger user compact binoculars fit in their hands better.
Compact binoculars fall into four groups. The first group is inexpensive binoculars made with a folding roof prism is the least expensive binoculars widely available. The second group is the inexpensive binoculars made with a porro prism. When these compacts have great optics they can actually be decent binoculars for those who want a pair to carry all the time. The third group is the more expensive porro prism compacts are highly useful for those already experienced with a full sized binocular.
They offer great resolution, brightness, and ease of view. The last group is the expensive folding roof prism compacts offers outstanding waterproofing and good optical performance in a binocular that can be easily carried in the user’s pocket.
Compact binoculars are great for younger users or to have a pair of binoculars that will go anywhere.
