I think that a 10 x 25 binocular would be useless for photography - not enough light gathering power and the tele power is fixed at 10 times. The poster above recommended an low cost camera with an optical zoom lens. I agree with that recomendation. 10 x 25 => 10 power by 25 mm diameter objective lens. An officer's binocular is about 8 x 50. Its brightness is roungly 50/8 or a little over 6. Use "6" as a standard for comparison. The 10x25 brightness is 25/10 or 2.5. This thing is dim. Furthermore, you won't be able to hand hold a shot at 10x magnification. A very stiff tripod is needed to steady the shot. Also, the fastest shutter speed you can get is needed. The low light of the 10 x 25 binocular will not provide a fast shutter speed. A good camera with zoom provides much more light gathering power measured by its f/stop number; The lower the number, the greater its light gathering power. A zoom lens should be marked with two f/stop ratings, for example f/2.8 - f/5.8. The largest ratio, f/2.8 is the opening at the lowest end of the zoom range and the smaller ratio, f/5.8, would be the opening at the high end of the zoom range. Look at the Canon Power Shot series. These cameras have some of the widest openings at full zoom. However some other brands have sensors with better dynamic range of exposure.

I can vouch for the Nikon Actions as I have an 8-10 year old pair of of 10X50 ones and my wife just selected a 7X35 pair (model 7215) this month. I like the way the new ones are rubber armored. They have outstanding sharp optics and are very bright. The 7X35 just cost $68 from Academy and I suspect you can get them a little cheaper online. They are not waterproof but for the price are a great value. Nikon binoclars have a 25-year warranty against defects and they have a lifetime "no-fault policy" whereby they will either fix or replace them for $10 plus shipping and handling even if the problem was your fault.

These are not the brightest binoculars made. The guide number is 60/15 or 4. The standard of comparison is a 7 x 50 binocular with a guide number of 50/7 or about 7. A military grade 7 x 50 binocular is almost twice as bright.

Mike, I am a freelance nature photographer and long retired wildlife research biologist, using binoculars on a regular basis. I bought a pair of 10X42's in the camo two years ago. For the money, compactness, light weight and excellent optics, they are the best that I have used over the years. Now, at age 68, they are a treat for me to use, and I would highly recommend them to any outdoor activity user considering purchasing binoculars. I did find it odd that the ocular, rear lens caps, when removed for use, were not attached to the body to minimize loss.I secured mine with a piece of netting twine through the strap's connector on the body. Problem solved. Jonathan J. Weber