Oct 22 2007
How can I determine distances using binoculars?
wesley c asked:
I want to know how to use binoculars to calculate the distance from me to an object.
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I want to know how to use binoculars to calculate the distance from me to an object.
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2 responses so far
There is a special binoculars for that purpose made by Leupold and other companies. I believe they use a laser to determine the distance. Here is a link to one of the models
The only good way that I am aware of to range using an optical sight is the way the navy used to do it. They had a calibrated reticle at the intermediate image. This allow one to measure the angular subtense of a target. If the size of the target is known then you can calculate its range.
This worked fine at sea because the dimensions of most enemy ships were known. (This method was very common before radar and laser rangefinders.) On land you may be able to estimate the size of various objects such as houses (ten feet per story) or people or cars or even trees.