Binoculars Info

The ones that introduce a new idea into technology should be the ones that others ask for information on those items. This is true in many of the cases.

The Carl Zeiss brands of binoculars were not created because there was a need for them. The company has been in business for over a hundred years. They have much experience in the manufacturing of optical products. It was created in the year of 1852 as a workshop for Moritz Carl Hensoldt the founder of the company. He was in the business of creating equipment used in astronomy, microscopes, and telescopes for viewing planets and other terrestrial objects. In the year of 1893 an application for the double telescope with a longer range of sight was applied for. It was given to them July 9, 1893.

The Carl Zeiss binoculars that have the roof prisms in them came about in the year of 1897. These particular binoculars are well known as the Penta 7×29 model A-. This product was the beginning of the better features in the world of binoculars and scopes for rifles. For more info see http://www.binoculars-rating.com/Compact_Binoculars/ on Compact Binoculars

Carl Zeiss created another wonderful set of binoculars in the year of 1903. The Dialyt was created for the binocular marketplace. It was recognized around the world and gathered much fame and success. This was the beginning of the trademark that would forever be known as the Dialyst. This trademark would take the Carl Zeiss binocular products and scopes for rifles trademark of Diavari around the world. The Diavari trademark came into existence in 1954.

Two years later the binoculars that are made by Carl Zeiss used the cuff gasket for their designed because it was an item that had many features to it. The binocular products that were made with this item were able to focus on something while being safely covered from any debris and wetness. This was a major feat for a double sight binocular because up until then, it was only in a single sight binocular.

The binoculars that Carl Weiss came out with in 1958 were known as the B-model. these binoculars give you a wide range of sight and are great for the users that have eyeglasses. Pocket size binoculars were made in 1974 and given to the public as a grand feature. These binoculars also gave you a main point of focus and were also available for glasses wearers.

Form the year of 1974 until today, the binoculars made by Carl Zeiss keep on giving advances to the technology of the optical equipment we use. They have become the world’s oldest makers of binoculars that are still up and running today. They have gotten this recognition because of their many years of experience and knowledge in the field. This form of lens crafting has been a generational craft that Carl Zeiss created.

Much of the things that Carl Zeiss stands for came from many trial and error times. This is not uncommon for the technology world to try and fail only to find a better product among the dust. Carl Zeiss has worked hard to give the customers the best of the best features possible in the market today.



By: David Faulkner

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When you get to high end binoculars they are all pretty good, they have to be to command the prices but there is always going to one pair of binoculars that stands out from the crowd and for me that is most definitely the Swarovski Binoculars. The EL 8.5×42’s are absolutely amazing, you pick them up and you hardly know that you have them in your hand, the weight and balance is superb. The 8×42 HG DCF Nikon Binoculars definitely feel heavier and yet they are the lighter of the two (795g vs 819g).

When you pick up a pair of Swarovski binoculars they just feel special even when they are among the elite of the elite. The Nikon High Grade feel good but there is a definite difference which makes Swarovski, for me, win hands down.

As you expect the optical quality of both the Nikon and the Swarovski binoculars is outstanding. The Swarovski EL’s have a slight advantage of an extra 0.5x magnification which gives them an additional edge. Both deliver a sharp image, the contrast of the Nikon’s is perhaps slightly better but the Swarovski binoculars, in my opinion, are the brightest and have the best resolution, although the resolution of the 8×42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars is close.

Some people prefer the colour retention of the Nikon HG 8×42 Binoculars but I found the Swarovski binoculars to be exceptionally good. The EL 8.5×42’s boast the latest technology with Swarobright prism coating which dramatically increases light transmission and ensures natural colour.

For depth of field the Swarovski EL 8.5×42’s come in top and again with field of view which is 62.0o compared to 52.1o with the 8×42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars.

Both the EL 8.5×42 Swarovski binoculars and the 8×42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars enable close focusing, 2.5 mtrs and 3.0 mtrs respectively, not much to choose between them, both with excellent image quality.

Spectacle wearers can use either, the Swarovski binoculars come with twist-in eyecups (eye relief 18mm) and the Nikon have turn and slide rubber cups (eye relief 20mm), both are comfortable to use but I definitely preferred the Swarovski which just has the edge despite a slightly smaller exit pupil of 4.9mm (compared to 5.3mm with the Nikon).

The 8×42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars are waterproof to 2mtrs, nitrogen filled and sealed and perform well in extreme conditions. The Swarovski binoculars are waterproof to 4mtrs, also nitrogen filled and sealed. Both are rubber armoured and highly durable, little to choose between them.

I think you can take it as read that my preferred binoculars are the Swarovski EL 8.5 x42’s, exceptional all round wildlife / bird watching binoculars, beautiful to hold, excellent image quality and perform well in low light conditions. For anyone who is in the market for a high end binocular then the EL Swarovski binoculars have most definitely got to be strong contender. Use them once and you’ll never want to be without them so if you don’t have £1,000+ to spend on a pair of binoculars I highly recommend that you don’t try them!



By: Terry Ross

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Optical performance is of ultimate importance when deciding which binoculars to buy but what makes IS Binoculars extra special is the ability to use them in moving environments whilst maintaining the clarity of image. Canon IS binoculars are among the best there is for image stabilizing technology with the Canon 10×42L IS, in particular, gaining hot reviews.

Apart from the ability to use IS binoculars while on the go, the technology has another added advantage in that it enables high magnification binoculars to be hand held without experiencing image distortion due to slight movements in the hand. Without image stabilisation the greatest magnification that most people can use without a distorted image is 8x, with IS high magnification binoculars can be hand held (Canon do an 18×50 and Nikon do a 16×32).

So which IS binoculars are the ones to choose? Well it really depends on what you want to use them for.

If you want to use them for astronomy take a look at those with a larger objective lens to ensure maximum light gathering ability such as the 15×50 or 18×50 Canon IS binoculars. The IS technology does make them a little on the heavy side with them both weighing in at 1200g but they are ideal for those times when you just want to pick up binoculars and get viewing without have the hassle of setting up a tripod. The image stabilizing technology doesn’t eliminate all the distortion due to movements in the hand but you would be hard to notice slight movements and users absolutely rave about them.

For marine use the Nikon Stabileyes 14×40 and the 10×42 WP Canon IS binoculars are both popular choices.

• The Nikon 14×40 comes with two modes, an on board mode and a land mode, weighs in at 1120g, is exceptionally good for spectacle wearers and is waterproof and fog-free. If you want to add these to your shopping list you’ll be looking at spending around £1,300.

• The Canon 10×42 are the first Canon IS binoculars to come with the coveted red L-series professional lenses making them an immensely popular choice. The optical performance is amazing, they are waterproof to 1mtr for 30 minutes and have a close focusing distance of just 2.5mtrs. If you buy on the internet you should be able pick up the Canon 10×42 for less than £900 which is a real bargain given the specification.

For bird watching it depends what is most important, size and weight or a larger objective lens. Again both Nikon and Canon have focused on the needs of the birdwatcher with Nikon offering 12×32 or 16×32 waterproof binoculars that have a reduced vibration mode to enable you to follow fast moving objects with a steady view. However the 14×40 offer 2 vibration modes (not available in the other models) which makes them a more popular choice.

Canon offer full size (10×42), mid-size (12×36) or compact options (10×30 or 8×25). The down side of the mid-size and compact canon IS binoculars are that they aren’t waterproof. However, their weight makes them ideal for carrying around (660g, 600g and 490g) and the 12×36 are extremely popular high magnification birding binoculars, affordably priced at around £450.

Overall my preference is the 10 x 42 WP Canon IS binoculars particularly for bird watching and general outdoor pursuits. The L series lenses ensure they deliver an unrivalled performance with outstanding clarity and superior optical performance. Weight can prove an issue for some, at 1030g (a problem with most IS binoculars), but the benefits of image stabilizing technology make it well worth it.



By: Terry Ross

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Celestron are well recognised as world leaders in optical design and all Celestrom binoculars, telescopes and spotting scopes are manufactured to the highest quality to deliver outstanding resolution and excellent clarity for the price.

If you want choice, affordability and value for money it is well worth looking at the extensive range Celestron have to offer. Celestrom binoculars are built to the same high standard and to a level of quality that is well supported by a lifetime guarantee with many models including the Upclose range, the Traveler, Outland, Oceana and Skymaster (Celestron’s binoculars for astronomy).

No matter what your sporting requirement Celestron have the binoculars for you including lightweight, compact binoculars, binoculars for travel, bird watching, action sports and nature viewing, zoom, waterproof and marine binoculars. Whatever your choice you can be sure that all Celestrom binoculars are built with excellent attention to detail and priced at a level most people can afford.

If you want truly affordable have a look at the ‘Upclose’ range and pick up compact or full-size Celestrom binoculars for under £50. For your money you get fully coated lenses, rubber coated, water resistant bodies and a no-fault lifetime warranty. This series includes high powered compact binoculars (12×25 & 16×32), objective diameters up to 50mm (including a 20×50) and a wide angle & zoom option. The downside is the prisms are Bk7 rather than Bak-4 (which is a better quality) and the lenses are fully coated rather than fully multi-coated but for the money the specification and performance is good.

With compact binoculars Celestron do have some strong competitors, even in the low price range including Nikon, Pentax and Olympus (who offer the widest choice), all good makes and all worth a look at. Canon do a compact IS binocular and Steiner make some excellent high quality compact binoculars ranging from about £50 – £300.

If you want to move up a grade then take a look at the Outland series, again available in compact and full-size models. These Celestrom binoculars are waterproof and fog-free, ideal for tough outdoor pursuits, and come with multi-coated (not fully multi-coated lenses, this is available in the Outland LX series), top quality Bak-4 prisms, twist-up eyecups for long eye relief (ideal for spectacle wearers) and a lifetime warranty. Excellent value for money at under £100 or the LX series for under £125.

There is strong competition in full-size binoculars with Leica and Swarovski capturing the top end of the market. If you are looking for high quality but don’t have £1000+ then Steiner, Nikon, Pentax and Bushnell offer and excellent choice and

For affordable marine binos then look no further than the Oceana series Celestrom binoculars which come with a range finding dial and compass. However, if you want truly top notch marine binoculars then don’t make a purchase before checking out the Steiner Commander series which are salt water resistant, protected against environmental pressures, waterproof to 10 mtrs, long-life rubber armoured, auto focusing and guaranteed for 30 years, truly special.

If you want to get into astronomy but don’t want to spend a fortune Celestron do a range of affordable binoculars to get you started. The Skymaster series are priced as low as £50 or, if you want a telescope then Celestron has a vast selection of low cost beginner models right up through to the top of the range.

In this digital era, no range would be complete without digital binoculars. The Celestron Vistapix allows you to store pictures, download them onto a TV or laptop and print quickly and easily starting from around £50.

What Celestron are missing is an image stabilizing model so if you want an ‘IS’ option then Canon offer the widest range.

So are Celestrom binoculars, the right binoculars for you? Well that depends on what you want to use them for and how much you have to spend. It has to be said that they offer excellent value for money and a wide choice at the lower end of the market. If you can afford it and you are going to be using your binoculars regularly you should seriously check out some of the competition with top quality optics well worth paying for. Don’t look at Leica or Swarovski though unless you have serious cash to spend as once you hold binoculars by either of these nothing else will be quite good enough!!



By: Terry Ross

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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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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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Digital camera binoculars are a cool item to buy as a gift for the gadget freak who has everything. But are the just for people who have to leap on the latest technology, whatever it happens to be, or could they serve some purpose for the rest of us? First, what are they? Simply, they are binoculars with a digital camera built in.

So why would you want them? Well, binoculars in themselves have come very much into the mainstream. A quick search online will turn up dozens of retailers selling vast range of them from manufacturers you will have heard of and probably some that you haven’t. Somebody must be buying them and how many technology geeks can there be?

Binoculars do have many uses in the real world. You may find pleasure in sailing, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, astronomy, or watching sports or other outdoor events. A pair of binoculars can add a new dimension to any of these pastimes. If it’s good to be in the great outdoors or at a great event, isn’t it better to be able to see it up close and personal. To zoom right in and see details that are normally unavailable to you.

Camera binoculars can to take it a stage further. If you do happen to get a breathtaking view in your lenses, a magical wildlife moment or a climactic point in a sporting event, now you can preserve the memory forever. Imagine catching a killer whale momentarily breeching the waves. Instead of telling your friends about it, you would be able to show them.

What are these camera binoculars all about? Most people are familiar with the general principle of binoculars if not the details. They enable you to bring distant objects up close and into focus. And digital cameras are insanely cheap these days, to the point where you can pick up a pretty good one from the supermarket while you shop for your groceries. There must be few people who don’t own them or haven’t used them.

What do you get when you put them together and how much does it cost? Binoculars themselves come in many varieties and from cheap to frighteningly expensive. Camera binoculars, surprisingly, tend to come in at the cheaper end of the market. One reason for this is that the binocular technology is usually not at the cutting edge. The magnification is in the low to medium range, not the sort of thing that the dedicated bird watcher is likely to buy.

Similarly, while digital cameras with 10 megapixel resolution are now becoming very affordable, the best you are likely to find in a camera binocular is half of that. And many come with much lower resolution, probably less than you would have in your camera phone. So why does that matter? A 4 megapixel camera will produce very high quality images. It depends what you want to do with them.

If you want to print your images, low resolution will limit the quality and the size of the images you are able to produce. Personally, I believe that the main advantage of digital images is that you don’t have to print them. I have seen far more of my images on a computer screen than I ever did when they were printed and stuck away in a cupboard somewhere.

Let’s look at a practical example. This is not intended as a product review, just an indication of what is available. I have chosen the Bushnell Imageview 8×30 with 5MP camera to take a look at. For those not familiar with binoculars, Bushnell is a respected manufacturer. The 8 in the title refers to 8 times magnification. In other words an object would appear 8 times closer than if seen with the ***** eye. The 30 refers to the diameter in millimetres of the front lenses which influences the amount of light that enters.

The camera is 5 megapixel and has a 1.5 inch pop up screen. It has 16mb of flash memory built in and this can be expanded with an SD card up to 2 GB. The camera also has 8 times magnification. I would regard a 5MP camera as perfectly acceptable but I have read reviews claiming it to be woefully inadequate. That’s gadget freaks for you.

In a nutshell, for what is regarded as a compact, pocket sized binocular, this unit will perform pretty well, producing good, crisp images. At the time of writing, this model is on sale for just under $175. Not outrageously expensive, I’m sure you’ll agree.

So do digital camera binoculars have applications for those of us who are not busy chasing the latest techie trends? I think that they could enhance a lot of outdoor activities, adding to the fun and preserving the memories.



By: Rich Russell

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You have the tickets of the season for your favorite music group. You already know the time and the particular stadium you will be using to enjoy the event. Unfortunately, others got to the close seats before you had a chance to and you are a little farther back than you wanted to be. You might even find that you are so far in the back that the stars look like ants on the stage. Do not let the seat ruin your night. Tasco products will make this night even better.

You might not want to spend a lot of money. To find items from Tasco that are on sale or for a big discount you should try http://www.binoculars.com and you will not be disappointed in all the different ones for you to pick from. You can also call one of their service representatives at (800) 246- 6285.

Tasco models are many and some of them are listed below for your consideration. You can not go wrong with any of these items. You will just need to decide which one is better for you and what you want to do with it.

The Porro model from Tasco is a very changeable model for you to choose. The ability to perform what it says it will has been shown in its reputation as being great. You will also love the look of the binoculars. These binoculars are coated with a rubber outside and have a clutch attached for safety for use in bad weather or bad terrain outside. The cost for these binoculars is $50.

The zip Focus model that Tasco manufactures is the proudest for the type of lenses that they use. Each lens is covered with a prism effect. It is well worth the time to get one. It is a priceless item for you to own when you are into nature, sports, or any other activity where you need binoculars. You will also see that it is a very affordable set o binocular to own at a low cost of $80. For ore info see http://www.binoculars-rating.com/High_Powered_Binoculars/ on High Powered Binoculars.

Tasco has come up with a model known as the Snapshot. These binoculars give you the ability to not only sees the object you are looking at but, will give you the option to keep them stored in the binoculars. With a push of the button, you can save the view forever. This is great for concerts where you would love to have a picture of your favorite artist as they perform. This great binocular with camera runs in the neighborhood of $90.

The Roof Prism is the final model that Tasco creates. These particular binoculars are the ones to have when you have low light conditions. This binocular boasts of a pupil that is seven millimeters in diameter and will give you the brightest view you can get in any light. These binoculars weigh quite a lot. You can get lots of use out of these if you are into camping or outdoor adventures. You can own this great binocular for $200.



By: David Faulkner

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The difference between a telescope and telescope binoculars is one eye. With a telescope you peer through the lens with one eye and with telescope binoculars you use them both. Additionally, telescope binoculars are similar to traditional binoculars, only with a much longer focal length.

It has been said that a person can see more in the sky with a good pair of binoculars than with a cheap telescope, and telescope binoculars are designed with star gazing in mind with wider aperture opening to allow more light into the lenses, offering a brighter view of the viewing subject. There are many binoculars on the market which can serve as telescope binoculars with the right focal length and magnification power, along with a reasonably wide lens opening.

Porro prism binoculars are better suited for night time gazing as they absorb less light through the prism path as do roof prism binoculars and will render a much brighter image when used as telescope binoculars in the typically low light conditions of nighttime viewing. However, upgrading optical quality and lens coatings are rapidly allowing the manufacturing of roof prism binoculars to meet the quality of porro prism units and they are gaining in popularity despite the higher cost.

Mount Telescope Binoculars For Stability

When using traditional binoculars as telescope binoculars it is best to have a unit with the capability to mount to a stable object such as a tripod or wooden deck to allow for better stability as well as in keeping them pointed in the same direction. Much like a telescope, they can be used to spot smaller objects in the sky, but can quickly lose sight of the object if moved and you will have to start the search all over again.

When looking for binoculars to double as telescope binoculars the numbers are important to know and understand. Binoculars are usually listed with two numbers, for example 10 X 50. This would indicate a magnification factor of 10, meaning the object will appear to be 10 times larger than the original and the diameter of the objective lens, in this case 50, determines the light gathering capability of the lens. While an objective measure of 30 is good for daytime use, a 50 would provide typically good views at night.

To be effective as telescope binoculars, a magnification of 100 with an objective opening of 70 or more would be preferred. Remember that the longer the magnification and lens opening the more the unit is subject to shake when being held in the hands. A tripod or mount will reduce this and is virtually necessary with longer lenses.



By: Ann Marier

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