Content

• Steps
• Tips

Binoculars are essentially two miniature telescopes held together. Each of them consists of a pair of lenses that visually zoom in on objects located in the distance, as well as a pair of prisms for the correct orientation of the image. The binoculars can be used for hunting, bird watching, sporting events and concerts. Here's how to choose the best binoculars for your needs.

Steps

1. 1 Understand what the numbers mean. Binoculars are marked with two numbers, for example 7 x 35 or 10 x 50. The first number indicates the magnification. That is, binoculars labeled 7 x 35 will magnify the image by 7x, while binoculars labeled 10 x 50 will magnify 10x. The second number indicates the diameter of the main lens in millimeters. Those. Objectives marked 7 x 35 have lenses with a diameter of 35 mm, those marked 10 x 50 have lenses with a diameter of 50 mm. By dividing the second number by the first, you get the diameter of the light beam that enters your pupil. For both options, the exit pupil will be 5 mm.
   • The higher the magnification, the dimmer the image will appear, and while you will see objects larger, your field of view will be significantly narrowed, making it more difficult for you to keep the image in focus. If you choose binoculars with a magnification of 10x or more, also purchase a tripod to provide a stable support for the binoculars when needed. If you require a wide view, choose a lower magnification power.
   • The larger the lenses of the binoculars, the more light they collect, which is important for those times when there is little light, such as astronomical observations or night hunting. However, the larger the lens, the greater the weight of the binoculars. Typically, most binoculars have lens diameters ranging from 30 to 50 mm, in compact binoculars the lenses can be 25 mm or less, and in astronomical ones - more than 50 mm.
   • The larger the exit pupil, the more light enters your eye. The pupil of the human eye can vary from 2 to 7 mm, depending on the amount of light entering it.Ideally, the exit pupil of the binoculars should match the pupil of your eye.
2. 2 Consider the lens material. Most binoculars have glass lenses that provide better image quality, but are often more expensive than binoculars with plastic lenses. However, binoculars with plastic lenses, which provide the same image quality as binoculars with glass lenses, will cost more. The glass also partially reflects the light that reaches it, but this can be compensated by a special coating.
   • Lens coatings are marked with the following codes: C - means that only some part of the lens surface was covered with a single-layer coating; FC - means that the entire lens surface was coated with a coating; MC - means that some of the lens surface was covered with a multi-layer coating; FMC - means that the entire lens surface has been treated with a multi-layer coating. Usually a multi-layer coating is considered better, but it increases the cost of the binoculars.
   • Plastic lenses, with poorer image quality, are more durable and are well suited for situations where the survivability of the subject is more important, for example, when climbing mountains.
3. 3 Assess the eyepieces. Lens eyepieces must maintain a comfortable distance between the lenses and the eyes. This is the so-called "eye freedom", which usually varies between 5-20 mm. If you wear glasses, it should be 14.15 mm or more, as most glasses are located at a distance of 9-13 mm from the eyes.
   • Many binoculars have rubber pads around the eyepieces to make it easier for you to position the binoculars in front of your eyes when using them. If you wear glasses, choose a pair of binoculars with these pads that can be pushed back or unscrewed so they don't get in the way.
4. 4 Test the focusing capabilities of your binoculars. Try to see how well you can see an object in the store itself through binoculars and measure the distance between you and this object.
   • With binoculars, focus can be adjusted in different ways. In most cases, there is a centralized focus and diopter adjustment mechanism to tune the binoculars for your stronger eye. However, waterproof binoculars are usually equipped with an individual setting for each eyepiece.
   • Some binoculars do not have a focus setting. Using these binoculars can cause eye strain if you try to see something closer than the range for which the binoculars are designed.
5. 5 Consider prism design. In most binoculars, the main lenses are wider than the eyepieces due to the use of Porro prisms. This makes the binoculars larger, but the image of nearby objects is more voluminous. Binoculars that use roof prisms have the left and right main lenses and eyepieces on parallel lines, making them more compact, but often compromising image quality. However, there are rooftop prism binoculars that offer the same image quality as Porro prism binoculars, but they are more expensive.
   • Cheaper binoculars use BK-7 prisms, which make the image more angular, while more expensive binoculars use BAK-4 prisms, which allow more light to pass through, making the image clearer and better.
6. 6 Decide how heavy the binoculars you need can be. As already mentioned, binoculars with high magnification and large lenses weigh heavier than conventional binoculars. Weight can be compensated by placing the binoculars on a tripod or by hanging the binoculars on a strap over the neck. But if you have to cover long distances, you may prefer to opt for the lighter binoculars.
7. 7 Compare waterproof models with unprotected ones. Unless you plan to use your binoculars in bad weather or in an environment where it will get wet frequently, lean towards a model with a simple splash guard.If you plan to take your binoculars with you while rafting or skiing downhill, purchase waterproof binoculars.
8. 8 Pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer and the guarantees provided by him. Consider the lifetime of the manufacturer, as well as other options for optics that it produces, if any, as well as the work of its service centers in case the binoculars are damaged.

Tips

• Some of the more expensive high magnification binoculars have built-in image stabilizers to help you keep your subject in focus. Typically, these binoculars cost around $ 1,000 or more.
• Some binoculars have adjustable magnification, allowing you to either take a wide view or zoom in on the part of the image you are interested in. Remember that as you zoom in, the angle of view decreases and it becomes more difficult for you to keep the subject in focus.