As any binocular enthusiast knows, there is a variety or model of binocular for almost every need. They all offer particular features or capabilities that cater to all kinds of activities that require optics. Some of the most popular types of sport optics are compact binoculars.

Compact binoculars are great for a several reasons. If you travel frequently, they can really come in handy. They won't take up much space in your luggage, which is good since most airlines now charge luggage fees to check even just one bag. Or, if you're worried about your binoculars getting damaged by being thrown around a baggage compartment, you can carry them onto the plane with you. Because of their smaller size, the case will easily fit into an overhead compartment, or in a carry-on bag. If you carry them on, you may also get the opportunity to see some fantastic views from the plane. Be sure to get a window seat.

Once you get where you're going, compact binoculars are nice to have for sightseeing. Because they're smaller than regular binoculars, they're also lighter, so they won't be a hindrance to carry while you're touring a new city. To make things even easier, find a pair that comes with a binocular neck strap, or buy one separately. Slinging your binoculars around your neck or across your body will leave your hands free, while keeping your binoculars at the ready for whenever you need them.

If you have kids, you'll eventually want to introduce them to your hobbies, including birdwatching or butterfly watching, or just observing wildlife while hiking or going on nature walks. A lot of binoculars geared toward kids put the emphasis on bright colors and not on quality. They're more like toys than real binoculars. That's where compact binoculars come in. You can find reasonably priced compact binoculars that are small and light enough for your child, but that offer the same quality as standard binoculars so they don't miss out on seeing the wonders of nature. And because some of them are so well priced, if your child breaks or loses them, it's not such a big loss as it would be if they used your more expensive, regular binoculars.

Compact binoculars are also great to have when boating. Storage on boats is at a premium, so you don't want to take anything with you that's too bulky or big, and takes up too much space. But you do want to have binoculars handy in case you get lucky enough to run across a school of dolphins, or to observe seabirds in flight. Because you never know when this might happen, you'll want to keep your binoculars handy, maybe on a neckstrap, but having a pair of regular-sized, heavy binoculars hanging off your neck all day would be a pain, and they'd get in the way. Take a pair of compact binoculars so you're not weighed down, and you can enjoy being on the water and not miss any beautiful sights.