What Binoculars Do the Military Use?

The military relies on a variety of equipment to complete its missions.  One of the most important pieces of equipment is binoculars, which provide soldiers with a closer view of the target and give them situational awareness. 

But the question is what binoculars do the military use? M22 binoculars that have a magnification power of 7x and an objective lens size of 50mm are being used by the military. However, military men also use M24, and M25 because of their lightweight. M25 binoculars come with an image stabilization feature.

Do you know that military binoculars have very durable and very much able to bear shocks and fall? In this guide, I will share everything about military binoculars. So, stay connected till the end.

Also Read: Common Canon Binoculars Problems

What are Military Binoculars?

Before we go into depth, it is important to understand these binoculars and their feature so that you don’t feel confused when I tell you more advanced knowledge about these binos. 

Military binoculars are specialized optical devices used by the military for various applications such as observing enemy forces, terrain, supervenience, and other activities. These binoculars are designed to withstand the rigors of combat environments.

These binoculars come with advanced features. But the most prominent thing that distinguishes military binoculars from general binoculars is their build quality. They are made with strong material which makes these binoculars heavier – but very strong and durable.

Popular Military Binoculars Brands

There are several popular brands of military binoculars used by the armed forces. However, Steiner is one of those brands which is considered trustworthy and the military of different countries use their products.

It is said that most of the Steiner production gets exported to different countries. The reason behind the popularity of the Steiner brand is that they produce binoculars for military usage.  Other popular brands of military binoculars include USCAMEL, RONHAN, and Swarovski, and Fujinon. 

Special Note: USCAMEL 10X50 Binoculars and 20×50 High Power Military Binoculars by RONHAN are two preferable military binoculars that are exported to different countries.

What Binoculars Does the Army Use?

It is very important to note that army men remain in tough outdoor conditions. So, they need a pair that is sturdy and very much capable of bearing the shocks and falls from a height. 

So, the question is which binoculars are used by the army? Steiner M22, M24, M25, USCAMEL 10X50 Binoculars, and Fujinon DIF 7×28 binoculars are some very common binoculars that are being used by the army of different. However, Steiner M22 is the most commonly used binos.

As I mentioned earlier that there are many binocular brands that produce binoculars for the military. It is interesting to note that every brand wants to target this specific portion of the optics industry (military binoculars) because the army of almost every country uses binoculars

So if a brand gets a contract for producing binos for an army of a country, it will make a lot of profit. That’s why many brands are targeting this specific portion. However, the Steiner brand is leading as an army of many countries have contracts with the Steiner brand for the production of binos.

What Binoculars Do the Navy Seals Use?

Navy seals and military men use the same kind of binoculars as Steiner M22, M24, M24, Steiner M750rc, and Fujinon DIF 7×28 binoculars.

The reason is that they are made to be used for harsh conditions, and they won’t show any wear and tear if they fell from a height. They are very much able to absorb the shocks.

What are the Specifications of Military-Purpose Binoculars?

Military-purpose binoculars have specific requirements that are different from those of civilian binoculars. In the section below, I will mention some of the specifications of military binoculars that are strictly followed by the military.

• Military binoculars typically have a magnification of 7x. This magnification helps army men to get stable visuals even if they use binoculars while walking, running, or stalking. Higher magnification makes the binoculars very sensitive. So, a slight movement of hands will give insatiable visuals.
• The objective lens diameter of military binoculars is about 50mm. A larger objective lens diameter allows more light to enter the binoculars and helps military men to see everything in lowlight conditions when they are on any special mission.
• Military binoculars are designed to be rugged and durable and they are made with strong material which makes binoculars robust. But due to the usage of such strong material, the overall weight of binoculars increases. Keep in mind carrying heavier binoculars for military men is not a big problem.

Military Vs. Civilian Binoculars

There are many people who get confused by seeing the name military along with binoculars. They tend to think that these binoculars are more special and offer better performance than general binoculars that are available for civilians. 

To some extent this is true however, if you think that military binoculars are always better then you’re wrong. I don’t recommend you buy military binoculars for daily or routine activities. Do you know why? Here is the answer:

In terms of performance, military binos are very good, however, they are very heavier due to the usage of strong materials, which makes them durable but it won’t be easy for you to carry them for an extended duration during your outdoor activities.

1- Durability

Military binoculars are designed to be used in harsh environments, so they need to be extremely durable. They are often made with materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and are designed to be waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. 

But this material makes these binoculars very heavier. If you carry military binoculars for an extended duration, you will get tired. Civilian binoculars are less durable but they are lightweight and easy to use for longer periods of time.

2- Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging technology is used in military binoculars to detect heat signatures. Such binos are often used in situations where soldiers need to detect and track targets that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

But as a civilian, you don’t need this feature for your bird-watching, hunting, or even stargazing activities. It does not make sense to buy military binoculars with this feature and spend double the amount of money than getting a general binocular that doesn’t have thermal imaging technology.

3- Magnification

As I said earlier, military binoculars usually consist of 7x magnification. The reason is that this magnification makes these binoculars easy to use. The soldier will be able to use them while running or walking.

But civilian binoculars are available in different magnifications ranging from 8x to 20x. Even if you choose binoculars with very high magnification power, you’ll still be able to use your binos with the help of a tripod stand.

4- Cost

Military binoculars are often more expensive than civilian binoculars. This is because they are built to higher standards and are designed to be used in more extreme conditions. 

On the other hand, civilian binoculars are made for more casual use and don’t have the same level of durability or features as military binoculars. If you’re a civilian, I recommend going with civilian binoculars and saving some bucks.

Where Can I Buy Army Binoculars?

If you are looking to purchase Army binoculars, there are several options available.  In the section below, I am suggesting different ways to buy army binoculars without any hassle. 

• I recommend you to go to the local military surplus store. These stores often carry a variety of military-grade equipment, including binoculars. 
• Another option is to purchase Army binoculars online. There are several websites including opticsplannet.com, amazon.com, and eBay.com, where you can buy binoculars from different brands.
• You can also visit a physical optics shop near your house. Almost all the optics stores sell Steiner binoculars. I hope that you’ll find the perfect army binoculars there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Is there anything that I have not covered in this guide? I don’t think there is anything. However, I highly recommend you ask the question if you have any in the comment section, and I will be very quick to respond. With the hope that this guide will be helpful, I am signing off! See you.