CHECK-IN DESK

We’ve tracked down three travel essentials — this week, binoculars — with three price options

1. Economy: If you want something simple to take to the cricket or out fishing, this option from Kathmandu is a nice easy one. Waterproof Binoculars 10x25 have a magnification of 10x, lens diameter of 25mm, glass multi-coated lenses and twist-up eyecups for personal adjustments. $49.98 from kathmandu.co.nz

2. Business: A shade under $400 will get you a pair of Nikon Action EX 10x50CF Binoculars, which promise “bright and beautifully defined images delivered by superior quality multilayer-coated lenses”. Fog-free and waterproof up to 1m for five minutes, these binocs are suitable for those who wear glasses, and have magnification of 10m, a lens diameter of 50mm and turn-and-slide rubber eyecups. $379 from noelleeming.co.nz

3. First Class: For some serious gazing — perhaps a wish list safari — you could splash out on a pair of Swarovski Optik EL Range Binoculars 10x42, which are designed to work well up to twilight and have more bells and whistles than you’ve had hot dinners. Among them are a measurement button for precise operation, an extremely large field of view of 110m, perfect ergonomic design, a fancy rotating strap connector with a bayonet catch to move quickly and easily between accessories and, best of all, extremely high image quality. You’d hope so at $4499, from huntingandfishing.co.nz