Binocular listings are full of features, and only a few of them change what you see. This page sorts the common ones into those that matter, those that matter in specific conditions, and those that mostly do not.
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Waterproofing, which matters more than it sounds
Sealed and nitrogen or argon filled binoculars resist water and, more usefully, resist internal fogging when you move between cold air and a warm car or house. That fogging is the commonest annoyance in real use and it cannot be cleaned out, because it is inside the barrels. In any damp climate this is a feature worth paying for.
Image stabilisation, which genuinely works
Stabilised binoculars use a gyroscope or a moving prism assembly to cancel hand shake, and the effect is dramatic: a stabilised 12x pair delivers detail that an unstabilised 12x pair only promises. They cost a great deal and need batteries, and for astronomy and long distance daylight use they are the one electronic feature that earns its price.
High power binoculars, which usually disappoint
High power binoculars above about 12x are unusable handheld, and their small exit pupils make the view dim. The magnification is real and the shake removes most of what it gained. Either mount them or buy a lower power pair, and the second is usually the better answer.
Digital binoculars, which are a different product
A pair with a camera and a screen built in. The optics are typically modest, the sensor small and the image quality well behind either a decent pair of binoculars or a decent camera. They exist to record rather than to observe, and they do neither as well as a dedicated instrument.
Questions people ask about binoculars
Are waterproof binoculars worth it?
In any damp or variable climate, yes, mainly because sealing prevents internal fogging that cannot be cleaned out afterwards.
Are the best image stabilized binoculars worth the money?
For handheld high magnification, yes: a stabilised 12x pair really does deliver what its magnification promises. They are expensive and need batteries.
Are digital binoculars any good?
They record rather than observe, with modest optics and small sensors. A decent pair of binoculars and a phone will usually do better.