Margin of error for interpupillary distance on binoculars

[timbernomad]

How essential is it for binoculars to be an exact fit for someone's IPD? My wife has an IPD of 56mm according to her optometrist. A lot of binoculars on the market start at 57mm or 58mm on the low end.

How much will the view be compromised if the IPD setting is one or two millimeters off? I am the primary user for the binoculars, but I'd hate to buy something that my wife can't also enjoy.

 

[Airohunter]

I also have a narrow IPD, around 55 seems to be my mark. I can tell you it makes a huge difference, 56's are just too wide and worthless to me regardless of the quality of optic.

 

[SikaSeeker]

IPD is one of the most important specs. Leica ultravid are good for narrower IPD. Think of how you can experience black outs or kidney beans if you misplace your eye on some binos

 

[TaperPin]

There are a number of compact binoculars that can be used with very narrow eyes - all the current rage are mid and full sized binos, but quality compacts give up very little to them. Older Leica compacts are very good.