Buying guide
Eight times magnification, not twelve, for almost every use
Higher magnification amplifies hand shake as much as image. Above about ten times, most people see less detail rather than more without a tripod.
Magnification
Eight is the sensible default. Ten is usable by steady hands. Twelve and above needs support and is bought far more often than it is used.
The second number
The objective diameter, which controls brightness. Forty-two millimetres is the general-purpose size; thirty-two is lighter and dimmer at dusk.
What actually matters
Weight, because binoculars you leave at home see nothing, and eye relief if you wear glasses. Both are ignored by every specification list.
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