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Binoculars for a 5 year old - recommendations please (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Cinnamam
- Start date
pat mitchel
Well-known member
you might want to check the IPD on the child as it appears at that age, they may have some growing to do
per google AI "The typical interpupillary distance (IPD) for a 5-year-old child falls within the range of around 41 to 55 millimeters (mm). " Quite small Good Luck!, Pat
per google AI "The typical interpupillary distance (IPD) for a 5-year-old child falls within the range of around 41 to 55 millimeters (mm). " Quite small Good Luck!, Pat
does this mean he is too young for something better than the super cheap kids binoculars you get in gift shops (£9.99)? I am a complete novice
Afaik, the Pentax Papilio line as well as the Kowa YF II series are the best options for kids and fit the budget. .
Both of these adjust down to the smaller interpupillary distance of children, are light weight and made by reputable manufacturers.
The Papilio offers very close focus, so it will shine when looking at butterflies and such, but it is also a decent binocular for normal use,
The Kowa is not as compact and does not have the super close focus of the Papilios, but it is waterproof, unlike the Papilios.
Both of these adjust down to the smaller interpupillary distance of children, are light weight and made by reputable manufacturers.
The Papilio offers very close focus, so it will shine when looking at butterflies and such, but it is also a decent binocular for normal use,
The Kowa is not as compact and does not have the super close focus of the Papilios, but it is waterproof, unlike the Papilios.
pat mitchel
Well-known member
no- I simply checked the vortex bantam which is marketed for kids and it has an IPD range of 51- 69- the average adult is approx 65mm IPD. Many of the older classic porro binoculars achieve small IPD's . The child has never gone to the optometrist? The binocular need to fold together or further apart and the eyepieces need to be in line with the eyes to function properly. BTW the papillios also focus much closer than the bantams- great on bugs! Pat
Minimum interpupillary distance of the Papilio is 56 mm.
Please do your son's eyes and his enjoyment of looking at nature a favour and do not, repeat do not, splash out on that 10 quid rubbish from the toy store.
The Kowa YF 6x30 has a minimum IPD of 50 or 51 mm, it is abright and robust little porro prism bino and an optician can measure junior's ipd for you.
The boy only ever gets one set of Mk I spotters so they have to be treated well to last a lifetime. That toy store rubbish will have some crappy glass or even worse plastic lenses and you might as well just stick that tenner in the fireplace.
dwatsonbirder
Well-known member
These Opticron have a small IPD, low magnification (easier to hold steady and use), waterproof and are cheap. Could be a good option!
Mike Crawley
Emeritus President at Burnage Rugby Club
I bought National Geographic children’s binoculars (7x30) for my 7 year old granddaughter. They feel robust and (importantly) she likes using them. I got them from Amazon.co.uk where they are currently unavailable. They were a little less the £30, so outside the scope of your search.
Gijs van Ginkel
Well-known member
On the WEB-site of House of Outdoor I published a test of binoculars especialy designed for use by children. Also some small one not specifically designed for children (but suited for children) are investigated
Gijs van Ginkel
Gijs van Ginkel
MiddleRiver
Well-known member
We have a 5 yr old grandchild who seems to enjoy using the YFII 6x30. We focus it for him on general distance we are viewing at. My only possible negative would be size - dunno if a smaller porro would be better at the point we start him doing his own focusing?
These Vixens SW 8x25 WP would work well for children because the IPD is adjustable down to 45mm. I think a kid would like the huge FOV of 9.3 degree also. They are a little pricey for a kid at almost $300.00 though, but you could use them also!
www.astroshop.eu
Vixen Binoculars SW 8x25 WP
Vixen SW-Series - Super-Wide Angle binocularsEnjoy a unique viewing experience from the super wide angle of view! - Vixen's SW series combines a super-wide angle with long eye r...
www.astroshop.eu
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@Cinnamam
First, good decision to set the budget up to 150 bob.
Second, it may be best to first have your son's IPD checked and compare to the listed specs of candidates as suggested by @Maljunulo.
Third, based on my experience, either the Kowa 6x30 or Pentax Papilio 6.5 x 21 would be good for a 5 year old assuming IPD works. The Papillio is smaller and lighter and probably easier for a 5 y.o. to focus than the Kowa. For a 5 y.o. child I would recommend the 6 / 6.5x as opposed to the 8x versions of either. As a bonus, either would be a perfectly enjoyable bin for adults as well at the price point.
Slightly off topic, your thread has been visited by a number of people who may have a lower budget in mind. I bought a SVBONY 10x25 for a good friend's 4 y.o. daughter for @ USD $20 (and an 8x21 of similar price but can't find the reference). Both delivered a useful, reasonable image. Do avoid any bins in this price range which come in plastic bubble packs as suggested by @Ignatius .
Good luck with the Quest.
Mike
A 'bob' is a shilling, ie. 5 new pence. 150 bob is therefore 750 pence or 7.50 sterling, not the 150 the op set as the upper limit. Just sayin'.
Ah, thanks for the clarification. I thought "bob" was another slang word for "pound".
Mike
Nope, that would be 'quid' (both singular and plural). And there are many other words for money, cash and defined amounts such as dosh, pony, score, ton, etc.
yarrellii
Well-known member
I wasn't aware of these... and now I'm really curious. I mean, Vixen is capable of launching really nice optics at competitive prices (in many cases -not sure if always- selling similar/same models as other brands)... but this 9º FOV 8x at 300 €/$ are really intriguing. I wonder if they're related to some similar looking binoculars being sold by Kite or Opticron... although the ones by Vixen seem like an update, with waterproofing and wider FOV.These Vixens SW 8x25 WP would work well for children because the IPD is adjustable down to 45mm. I think a kid would like the huge FOV of 9.3 degree also. They are a little pricey for a kid at almost $300.00 though, but you could use them also!
Vixen Binoculars SW 8x25 WP
Vixen SW-Series - Super-Wide Angle binocularsEnjoy a unique viewing experience from the super wide angle of view! - Vixen's SW series combines a super-wide angle with long eye r...
As for the OP, my 4 year old daughter is used to watching through the binoculars at home since a very early age, she has a pair of 6x30 Kowa YF that I can wholeheartedly recommend. However, what I've experienced is that, when dealing with the little ones, the desire for what you have is usually more powerful than the sheer ease of use, so I would advise you to try and present the Kowa in an attractive way... or even get a pair of 8x30 for yourself
No kidding. Or else, you could buy them "for yourself" (wink, wink), and since the boy will most likely fall for them... then give it to him as a present. I can very well foresee a possibility where you buy a really nice piece of kit, like the Kowa... and it ends up collecting dust for "lack of appropiate marketing"
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