Everyone knows that binoculars help you see things that are far away. You may even know that they come in different strengths or magnifications, some allowing you to see further than others. But did you know there are specialty binoculars that do specific things? Just some of the varieties available are waterproof binoculars, image stabilized binoculars, zoom binoculars, and astronomy binoculars. Before you buy any pair of binoculars, there are some basic things to know so you choose the right ones for your needs.

Waterproof Binoculars

As the name suggests, waterproof binoculars are impervious to moisture. The barrels are filled with a gas, usually nitrogen, and are sealed with rubber O rings. Many waterproof binoculars also have special coatings on the lenses that cause water to slide right off the glass so it doesn't obscure your view. These binoculars are great to have if you're a boating enthusiast, or if you ever go on a dolphin or whale watching excursion. You'll be able to see the animals clearly, and not have to worry about ruining your optics.

Image Stabilized Binoculars

No matter how you might try, it's impossible for anyone to hold perfectly still. It's even worse if you're on a boat, in a vehicle, or even just hiking. The motion of the binoculars can not only make it difficult to focus on what you're trying to view, it can cause eye strain as your eyes try to constantly adjust to the changing focus. You can't always stop and rest your arms against something stationary, or to put your binoculars on a tripod or other mount, so instead, you can get stabilization from the binoculars themselves.

Image stabilized binoculars have an internal mechanism that compensates for movement and keeps the image you're viewing stable and immobile. They help you keep what you're viewing in the field of vision, and help reduce eyestrain. The trade off is that because of the added parts, they're a bit heavier than standard binoculars. But if you spend a lot of time hiking or boating, a little extra weight is worth being able to see a stabilized image.

Zoom Binoculars

This type of binoculars does exactly what the name says-they zoom. Just like a camera can zoom to get a closer shot of what you're photographing, zoom binoculars can zoom in or out to give you varying views of the objects you're observing. They're especially good for sporting events when you want to switch from seeing all the action on the field to the individual players. They're also great for wildlife viewing, allowing you to see the animals up close without frightening them away.

Astronomy Binoculars

Once again, the name is self-explanatory. When you think of star gazing, you probably immediately think of a telescope. But there are also binoculars that allow you to see what the night sky has to offer. Astronomy binoculars are usually much larger and heavier than standard binoculars, so it's best to use them with a tripod or other mounting device. Your arms would tire very quickly from trying to hold them up long enough to view the sky. These binoculars are specially made to make best use of ambient light, giving you clear views in dim conditions. The advantage they have over telescope is they allow you to see heavenly bodies with both eyes, giving those objects more depth. They also help reduce eyestrain since you're using both eyes, and not relying on just one to see everything.

If you're not familiar with the different types of binoculars, or all the manufacturers that make them, stick with a brand you know, like Canon binoculars. That way, you know you're getting quality and making a good investment.