I use Celestron binocs to keep in the truck. Good variety of models, in all price ranges and feature levels, with great customer service and warranty. Not the top optics but great knock-around glasses at good prices by one of the top telescope manufacturers.
You want something with a low power to big objective ratio, known as the "exit pupil" in mm, an indicator of the amount of usable light passed. Other factors in the quality of the glass affecting the % of light transmission will also determine what you see.
For example: 7x50, 50 divided by 7 for an exit pupil of 7.1mm, this is a very good light gathering optic, again assuming the glass allows a high % light transmission. The human eye pupil is about 7mm when dilated in dim light so any exit pupil larger than 7mm is basically unusable.
A compact 10x24, 24 divided by 10, exit pupil 2.4, not so much light available.
I have steiner 7x50 and have very good low light performance, big exit pupil, glass known for high light transmission and clarity.
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