Binoculars Info

Binoculars are an excellent tool to help bring the action up close and personal, whether observing birds in a nature preserve, football players in a stadium, or your favorite rock star at a concert. Yet different uses require different types of binoculars. With hundreds of different models to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out the best pair to buy. Yet with the understanding of a few basic concepts, choosing a pair of binoculars can be made much easier. Let’s take a look at some of the most important concepts when choosing a pair of binoculars.

Magnification – Magnification is the first number in a pair of binoculars. So when you see a pair of binoculars labeled as a 10×50, the magnification is 10x, or 10 times. That means that the binoculars will make the object appear 10 times closer.

So is more magnification always better? Not necessarily. When you increase the magnification, the object will appear closer, but the image will shake more due to the magnification and the field of view will get smaller. Most binoculars are between 7x and 10x. As a general rule, if you are going to be closer to the subject, choose a lower magnification. If you are further away, choose a higher magnification. So if you have excellent tickets to your favorite football team, go for something in the 7x range. If you are a bit higher and further back, then choose a higher power around the 10x range.

Aperture – Aperture is simply the size in diameter of the front objective (in millimeters). The front objective is the lens (usually glass) in the front of the binoculars. If you look at our example of the 10×50 binoculars, the aperture is the number 50. So the 10×50 binoculars have a magnification of 10x and an aperture of 50mm. The bigger the aperture, the more light the binoculars will gather and the brighter the image will be. Also, a larger aperture will provide greater resolving capabilities providing greater detail. However, a larger aperture will also make the binoculars larger, heavier and more expensive.

So what is the best size to choose? Think about where and when you will be using the binoculars. If you are using the binoculars in a low light situation, such as at nighttime or in a darkened theatre, then go for a larger aperture in the 35mm to 50mm range. If you will be in daylight, then you can do fine with something in the 20mm to 35mm range.

Also make sure to think about portability. If the binoculars have to go into a purse, pocket or other small area, then go with a smaller aperture in the 20mm to 30mm range. If portability is less of a factor, then a full size pair in the 35mm to 50mm range will provide a brighter, higher resolution image.

There are a number of additional concepts and specifications for binoculars, but magnification and aperture are the two most important. Understanding these two factors can make choosing a pair of binoculars much easier. So whether you are looking for binoculars for hunting, sports, birding, boating or any other use, you are now that much closer to finding the right pair of binoculars.



By: Benjamin Hauck

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Night vision binoculars are exciting. They literally allow you to see well in the night. They have many uses for kids and adults, and can be used for night hunting, boating or just for fun.

Use of night vision binoculars

There are many ways you can use a night binoculars. Here are the most popular ways people use binoculars with night vision.

- Exploring caves

- Scouting game

- Security and surveillance

- Camping

- Wildlife observation

- Night hunting

- Nighttime navigation

- Night fishing and boating

Many night vision binoculars work similar to digital cameras, they have a built in flash. The size varies a lot – smaller binoculars are more expensive, but they might be just as powerful as the big ones. When choosing a night binocular first decide what you are going to use it for. If it just for the kids to play, then go with a less expensive model that they will not break easily. If you are going to use the binoculars yourself go for a higher quality optics which naturally would cost more.

How night binoculars work?

Optics in night vision binoculars amplifies the existing light. They use not only light visible to our eyes, but also infrared spectrum. Quality night binoculars have an infrared illuminator which increases the available infrared light.

All things you see through a night binocular appear green, because you don’t look directly at the objects but at their image on a phosphor screen.

Depending on light conditions at night binoculars perform differently. You will not see anything if there is no single star in the sky and no street lights. The lower the light situation is, the more powerful night binocular you will need. You can get Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 3 night binoculars. Gen stands for generation. Gen 1 are all right during a night with full moon and bright stars. For a crescent moon Gen 2 works better, and for a dark cloudy night you will need Gen 3 binoculars. Generation 1 night binoculars are affordable, Gen 2 and Gen 3 binoculars are much more expensive.

Kids enjoy night vision binoculars

If you are going on a long trip, a night vision binoculars will be excellent entertainment for kids. They will stare in the windows for hours and discover many thing that otherwise would be missed.

When it comes to binoculars you always get what you paid for. Brand name binoculars like Yukon, Night Owl, Weaver or N-Vision Optics cost more, but they come with more features. Also be aware, that night binoculars cost much more than ordinary binoculars.

Night vision range

The range of you binocular depends on three things – its gain, resolution and magnification. If you have powerful lenses, the magnification is good, but the amount of captured light decreases significantly. Usually only magnification below 5X works well for night binoculars. So unlike ordinary day light binoculars the range for night ones is not that extended.

Night vision monocular

Night vision binoculars are not your only option when it comes to night vision equipment. You can also get night vision monocular. Monocular have similar features and provide the same image. One advantage of night vision monocular is that they are much cheaper than binoculars.



By: Tatyana Turner

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The DCF SP 8×43 Pentax binoculars are smooth, well balanced, ergonomically designed and beautiful to handle, an excellent match for far more expensive top quality binoculars. If you don’t have £1,000+ to spend and you want high performance superior optics encased in a beautiful lightweight but rugged body then take a serious look at the Pentax DCF SP 8×43′s.

The image quality is amazing, I picked up the DCF SP 8×43 Pentax binoculars expecting a good quality viewing but was pleasantly surprised with the brightness and clarity of the image. The roof prisms are top quality high-refraction Bak-4 and phase coated and like all top quality binoculars the Pentax DCF SP’s come with fully multi coated lenses. Pentax use their own specially formulated lens coating which has been proven to deliver exceptionally bright, high contrast images (according to the brochure) and, in my opinion these binoculars stood up to the hype. I was particularly impressed at how well they performed against my all time favourites, the Swarovski 8.5×42 EL’s which are considerably more expensive.

I was impressed with the speed of focus which for me is an important feature that always influences my buying decision and being able to focus as close as 2mtrs was an added bonus. The eye relief is exceptionally good at 22mm (for the DCF SP 8×43 Pentax binoculars), the ‘twist up’ eye cups are comfortable and easy to use and the exit pupil is 5.4mm, all features that make these Pentax binoculars ideal for spectacle wearers. I did think the attached objective lens covers would prove to be irritating but I was wrong, they hang discretely below the binoculars and don’t get in the way.

The body of the DCF SP Pentax binoculars is fairly compact and exceptionally lightweight (695g) for full size binoculars due to its magnesium-alloy body. They are covered in dark green rubber armouring, which not only makes them exceptionally robust but also comfortable to hold.

As you would expect of a top quality binocular the Pentax DCF SP’s are waterproof (JIS class 6), nitrogen filled and sealed ensuring that they can be used in all weather conditions, and are fully protected against fogging and potentially damaging dust particles.

All in all the 8×43 DCF SP Pentax binoculars get my seal of approval, they are exceptional value for money with many features that make their performance comparable to that of far more expensive binoculars. The high performance optics, lens coatings and prisms are of exceptional quality and the sophisticated inner-focus optical design has helped ensure that the Pentax DCF SP’s are lightweight and compact for 8×43 binoculars. I haven’t tried them for astronomy but they stand up well in a marine environment and they are quite impressive when used for bird watching.

As birding binoculars I still prefer the Swarovski 8.5×43 EL’s but I would still be happy with the Pentax DCF SP’s and given the cost differential I couldn’t say the differences between the two warrant the much higher price tag.



By: Terry Ross

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Binoculars for Birders

With the beginning of Spring Migration it is time to consider investing in new binoculars. This is a proposition that can present itself in daunting ways. Careful consideration needs to be made whether a new birder or one who has spent some time in the field and acquired some expertise. The optics field is quite large and the number of products is considerable. How does one choose a binocular? Here are my suggestions.

First, determine just how and under what circumstances you will be using your new binoculars. If you are going to be walking then full size binoculars are certainly worth your consideration. However, if you are a backpacker or will be doing your birding on a bicycle, then you may wish to consider mid size or even compact binoculars. If you bird by sitting in a favorite spot, then larger binoculars could be your choice. Size matters when one considers the mode of birding. Size is dictated by the objective lens. Generally, if the objective lens is 50 mm then it is considered to be a large binocular; if it is 42 mm, it is full size; if it is 32 mm, it is a mid size. Finally, compacts have objective lenses 25 mm or less.

The size of the binocular will probably affect the way they feel in your hands. One should consider the ergonomics of one’s choice. In other words, does the model you are examining have the right heft? Do you feel comfortable while holding the binoculars to your eyes?

Coupled with the size of the objective is the light gathering ability of the lens and the field of view. Of course, the larger lenses tend to gather more light. The more important consideration should be the field of view. Those new to the game should consider obtaining a pair of binoculars that posses a large field of view. Field of view is often stated in feet viewable at 1000 yards. For example, the Stokes Talon has one of the largest field of view for its size lens, 420 ft. at 1000 yards.

One of the most significant advances in optics is in water and fog proofing. This has been accomplished in two ways. The first of which is changing the prism design. Roof prism binoculars are so much easier to water and fog proof because of internal focusing. The older porro prism design has external focusing and, therefore, is not easily water or fog proofed. The other facet to proofing is the gas used to purge the binocular.

Two gases are currently being used, nitrogen and argon.

Nitrogen and oxygen, if you remember, are the major components of air. Oxygen is the active ingredient while nitrogen is not. This basic chemistry is the reason for choosing nitrogen as the purging agent in many models. However, the real advancement is in the use of argon.

The Argon Binocular is the newest class of binoculars. Argon is a member of the Noble Gases. Noble Gases were at one time called the Inert Gases because of their inability to react. In fact, they are so unreactive that it was not until the 20th Century that they were even discovered. The point is that argon is now being used because it does not attack the o-rings and seals in the binocular, thus allowing for excellent water and fog proofing and extending the life of your binocular.

One more word…in my opinion, one should be prepare to purchase a binocular worthy of your endeavors. Spend the money on a pair of binoculars that you can afford. Do not waste your hard earned cash on a pair of cheap ones. This advice is given in much the same vein as buying all the house you can afford. Let’s face it; you are going to possess these binoculars for a long time. You want to be able to see the bird with clarity and ease. You want to become adept at identifying a bird correctly. So, you must be able to see it in all conditions, including some adverse situations. Your willingness to increase your budget will often provide you with a return in performance of your purchase.

These tips hopefully will lend themselves to your benefit. Enjoy your new binoculars and spend as much time as you can in the field.



By: Roy C. Smallwood 3rd

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If you are contemplating on buying beautiful water -proof marine binoculars, it is imperative that you carefully choose from a small range of brands. Given the fact that you can use this for a very long time, procuring the best binoculars is necessary.

A binoculars’ purpose differs on every type of user. If you are a marine then you are entitled to use one for your line of duty. However, this can also be beneficial to hunters, soldiers and the like. It is more used by those who work or thrive on the great outdoors. Hikers also use this on their trips. It is especially helpful when you would like to spot a bird or other animals that are at a certain distance in the wild or wherever. There are also those who go to football or baseball games and bring a pair of binoculars in order to get a closer view of the game. Of course, not everyone can afford the ticket prices to be near the fields, but these people can definitely afford marine binoculars.

Hence, magnification is the first thing you will possess if you have 7×50 binoculars. This magnification factor determines the power of your lenses and it is always followed by an “x”. This means that if you use a binocular with 7x magnification you may see a view seven times more than without the binoculars.

Some experts even claim that more magnification doe not necessarily mean that it’s better because as it increases, the clarity and the brightness of the image often diminish. Aside from this, the depth of the field tends to become shallower and the field of vision becomes narrower as well. Plus, the thing with this high -powered device is that they are heavier than the usual binoculars. This would mean that having this on your neck and making handshakes with other people will be very uncomfortable on your part.

Moreover, the aperture is the second thing to consider subsequent to magnification. This refers to the lens diameter that is measured in millimetres which is similar to camera lenses. Hence, the 20-25 mm ranges are typically pocket sized binoculars. This type is perfect for those nature trips. Plus, it can fit right into your camera luggage.

Nevertheless, with regards to marine binoculars, it is imperative to have at least a 50 mm aperture. This is in order to promote better light gathering which is crucial in dark, heavily shaded areas. For astronomical uses, over 50mm or around 70 to 80 mm is used for obvious reasons.

For light gathering purposes, prisms are used. This is due to the fact that they can employ high quality glass prisms, which can provide clearer and more circular exit pupils. In addition to this, glass quality can directly affect the clarity of the image. This means that the best glass can give you a clearer flat field as compared to the whole field of view, making it a higher priced product.

The exit pupil, as mentioned above, is those indicators that depict how well an image can be seen in particular conditions like sunny/bright, night/twilight/dusky views. This exit pupil can also be characterized in millimetres by having the aperture divided with the magnification factor. This is like if you have 7×50 binoculars, then your exit pupil will be 50/7 or 7.14mm, making it way better than the 10×50 ones having only a 5mm exit pupil. With this, your view will become very difficult to hold at a steady motion, especially in the water.

This means that it is way better to have a larger exit pupil due to the fact that you can have an excellent viewing convenience under the said conditions. Thus, if you are in a sunny condition, then the pupil size of a normal individual would range from 2 up to 3 mm, meaning, even the smallest exit pupil like a 7x 20mm or a 2.86mm exit pupil pair of binoculars can take in more light as compared to what your eyes needed to see.

Furthermore, this can be a match to those 7 x 50mm binoculars. However, when twilight or dusky shaded area becomes the background, you will not be able to see a clear field of view on a 7x20mm. On this type, a 7x50mm binocular is better because of its larger exit pupil.

Furthermore, Porro Prism versus the Roof prism designs is mostly discussed by people who are confused by their uses. To settle this account: Porro Prisms are the bigger, classic binoculars that have two offset barrels and are connected by a centre axis rod. They tend to give a wider field of view and crisp sharp images. In contrast to this, the roof prism is sleeker in design and is more compact. This is even without the gaps between the barrels and centre axis. Plus, this is more durable and less prone to contamination by some elements; although, of course, it is more expensive. With this fact, it will just come down to the better judgement of the user, especially with regards to how it can be beneficial to him or her.

Lastly, being a waterproof type of device is a very essential feature of this binocular. This is for the reason that there will be times wherein you will be exposed to rain showers. When you go on hiking, when you’re on a ship or a yacht, you still have a tendency to get wet. Having this water proof binoculars will definitely provide you with quality images amidst several water exposures. Furthermore, many of these types of binoculars are even fog proof and nitrogen purged.

However, it is important that you do not get deceived by the water resistant models that pose themselves similar to the waterproofed ones. Water resistant models would mean that it is okay even if it gets splashed by some water. Thus, submerging it in the water is a whole lot different because it can surely break and damage this type, particularly during the rainy seasons.

These are the reasons why it is best to choose the right kind of marine binoculars. It is as critical as getting your money’s worth.

Famous Brands of Marine Binoculars are as follows:

• Avian

• Bushnell

• Canon

• Fujinon

• Nikon

• Steiner

The price of these binoculars, depending on the model and features, would range from 189 Euros up to 939 Euros.



By: Dave Text

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