Can anyone give me a brief education on binoculars.
You know, just the lowdown on what to look for.
Binoculars
Binoculars
I AM AWESOME MAN
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Binoculars
I really don't know the lens specifics of binoculars but I do have an old pair and they have an adjustable bridge. The part that goes over your nose. I would definitely recommend getting an adjustable pair rather than the stationary kind.
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Binoculars
Nomad;916790 wrote: Window peeper ?
Yes.
A certain guy. It was a long time ago....:-3
Yes.
A certain guy. It was a long time ago....:-3Binoculars
Nomad;916772 wrote: Can anyone give me a brief education on binoculars.
You know, just the lowdown on what to look for.
The second number is the more important, often. Like, 8x50 is better than 8x40, even though the magnification is the same. Second number has to do with light gathering and image sharpness, I believe.
You know, just the lowdown on what to look for.
The second number is the more important, often. Like, 8x50 is better than 8x40, even though the magnification is the same. Second number has to do with light gathering and image sharpness, I believe.
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chonsigirl
- Posts: 33633
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:28 am
Binoculars
Night vision binoculars, you could use them for surveillance.......
Attached files
Attached files
Binoculars
What does the first number in a binocular mean, such as the 8 in 8x40?
A.The first number - the 8 in an 8x40 or 8 in an 8x25 - is the magnification. Magnification simply means how many times the image is enlarged over normal when you look through the binocular. Another way to think of magnification is how many times closer the subject appears to be in a binocular than it actually is. An 8x40mm, then, with 8x magnification, makes the subject appear to be eight times larger or, to look at it the other way, eight times closer than it really is. An 8x50, 8x40, 8x20 are all 8x binoculars and all magnify an identical 8x.
In a zoom binocular, the first two numbers out of three, represent the zoom range. In a 7-15x40, for instance, you can change the magnification from 7x up to 15x.
Choose this first number carefully - more is not always better and this is especially true of magnification. As magnification goes up, image brightness goes down, field of view (the amount of territory seen through the binocular) goes down and, just as importantly, image steadiness also goes down. In fact, image steadiness is the limiting factor on how much magnification can be used in a handheld binocular. This is because a binocular magnifies not only the image, but also every shake and tremble in your hands. In general, most people find that a 10x binocular is the highest magnification that can be comfortably steadied without a support. Anything higher than a first number of 10x requires additional support, usually in the form of a tripod.
Q.What does the second number in a binocular mean, such as the 40 in 8x40?
A.The second number in a binocular - the 40 in 8x40 or 25 in an 8x25 - is the diameter (width) of each front lens, measured in millimeters. This number directly affects performance. When magnification and quality is equal, the larger the second binocular number, the brighter the image as well as the sharper the image. An 8x40, then, will produce a brighter and sharper image than an 8x25, even though both enlarge the image an identical eight times. The larger front lenses in the 8x40 also produce wider beams of light (exit pupil) that leave the eyepieces. This makes it more comfortable to view with an 8x40 than an 8x25.
On the other hand, the larger front lenses in the 8x40 binocular also make the 8x40 bigger and heavier than the 8x25 binocular. An 8x25 may not be optically as good as an 8x40, but its smaller size makes it a better traveling companion. Remember, a compact binocular will outperform any full size binocular left at home or in the car because it was too heavy to carry.
By the way, the second number is not the field of view as many people mistakenly believe, nor does it affect the field of view.
FIELD OF VIEW
Q.What is the field of view? A.Field of view is the amount of territory you see when you look through the binocular. Imagine a fence 1000yards away. If a binocular has a field of view of 372 feet at 1000 yards, you will see 372 feet of the fence. If the field of view is 250 feet at 1000 yards, you will 250 feet of fence.
Q.What determines the field of view in a binocular? A.Field of view is determined by two things. First is magnification. In general, as magnification goes up, field of view goes down. A 10x will show more detail in that fence at 1000 yards than an 8x, but it will not show you as wide a section of fence. The second thing that determines field of view in a binocular is the eyepiece design. Wide-angle design eyepieces of good optical quality, however, are expensive. Inexpensive binoculars with wide angle eyepieces are usually not as sharp as standard binoculars.
Note: The second binocular number IS NOT the field of view as many people mistakenly believe. An 8x25 binocular can have as wide a field of view as an 8x50 binocular. Lastly, a difference in field of view of 30 feet at 1000 yards in a binocular may sound like a lot, but out in the field, it is not really significant.
OTHER BINOCULAR NUMBERS - EXIT PUPIL, RELATIVE BRIGHTNESS, TWILIGHT FACTOR
Q.What is exit pupil? A.The exit pupil in a binocular is the actual width of the beam of light that leaves the eyepieces and is measured in millimeters. To see an exit pupil, hold the binocular at arms length and you will see a circle of light in each eyepiece. This circle is the exit pupil. To calculate the size of the exit pupil, divide the first binocular number into the second binocular number. A 10x50, 7x35, and 8x40 all have an exit pupil of 5
Q.What does exit pupil tell you about a binocular? A.Exit pupil is a very rough guide to image brightness. Binoculars with large exit pupils provide brighter images under very low light conditions. For normal daylight viewing, an exit pupil of 2.5 or 3 is fine. For astronomy, an exit pupil of 5-7mm is preferred. An exit pupil larger than 7 is a waste of light since the human eye cannot open wide enough to accept an exit pupil larger than this. Exit pupil should not be taken too literally, since it treats all binoculars, regardless of lens coatings and optical quality as if they are the same.
A+ large exit pupil does have other uses, however. A large exit pupil is easier to keep centered on the eye and this is an advantage when it is difficult to hold a binocular steady, as on the deck of a moving boat. That's why a 7x50 with an exit pupil of 7+ has always been the traditional marine binocular.
Q.What is relative brightness (RE)? A.Relative brightness, like exit pupil, is a rough guide to image brightness. It is simply exit pupil squared, so a binocular with an exit pupil of 5mm will have an RE of 25. As with exit pupil, relative brightness should not be taken too literally, since it treats all binoculars, regardless of lens coatings and optical quality as if they are the same. In actual tests, some premium grade compacts with a low relative brightness are actually brighter than some full size binoculars.
Q.What is twilight factor? A.This is a mathematical formula that predicts the mount of detail that can be seen in low light. Twilight factor is the square root of magnification times objective. A 10x40 will have a twilight factor of 20 (square root of 10x40). As with exit pupil and relative brightness, twilight factor should not be taken too literally, since it treats all binoculars, regardless of lens coatings and optical quality as if they are the same. No $50 binocular will ever equal a premium grade binocular for low light detail, even though they both have the same exit pupil.
PRISMS
Q.What is a prism? A.A prism is a glass element used to produce an upright, correct right to left image in a binocular. Without a prism, a binocular would produce an upside down image. Binoculars use two types of prisms. One is called a porro prism and one is called a roof prism.
Q.What is a porro prism? A.A porro prism is an older style of prism used in binoculars and other optical instruments. A porro prism is larger and bulkier prism than a roof prism and because of this, the body of a porro prism binocular will also tend to be bulkier. You can always recognize a porro prism binocular by its shape. In a porro prism binocular, the eyepiece and the front lens are always offset and are never in a straight line. Optically, however, a porro prism is very efficient. It is also less expensive to make than a good roof prism. This makes a quality porro prism binocular every bit as good optically as a quality roof prism and at a much lower cost. If you want to get the most optics for your dollar, especially in a binocular under $200, a porro prism is your best choice.
Q.What is a roof prism? A.A roof prism is a smaller prism shaped like a little house with a roof. The main advantage of a roof prism is its size and shape. It is smaller and more compact than a porro prism and can be installed in a much sleeker housing than a porro prism. This makes a roof prism binocular a nicer binocular to hold and handle for most people. You can always recognize a roof prism by its shape. In a roof prism binocular, the eyepiece and the front lens are always in a straight line or straight tube.
On the down side, a roof prism is much more expensive to make to the same optical standards as a good porro prism. In fact, not all roof prisms are created equal. Optically, the sharpest roof prisms are phase corrected (PC) and the brightest roof prisms will have silver coated mirrors (there are no mirrors in a porro prism to lose light). Alignment of the prisms is also far more critical in a roof prism.
This need for precise alignment in a roof prism has a beneficial side effect. A roof prism is solidly housed in a cage and the focusing mechanism is usually inside the binocular instead of outside as in many porro prism binoculars. This makes a good roof prism binocular more rugged and smoother focusing than the average porro prism binocular.
Q.What is Bak4 or BK7? A.These are grades of optical glass used in the prisms of binoculars. All quality binoculars use Bak4. Only inexpensive binoculars use the inferior BK7 grade of glass.
LENS COATINGS
Q.What are lens coatings? A.Lens coatings are chemical coatings on the lenses in a binocular to make images brighter. Whenever light strikes a lens, a certain percentage of light is lost. Since there are many lenses used in a binocular, a binocular without coated lenses would lose as much as half of its incoming light.
Q.What are the different types of lens coatings used in a binocular? A.There are three typical categories of lens coatings used in a binocular: fully coated, multi-coated and fully multi-coated.
Q.What is a "fully coated binocular"? A.A "fully coated" binocular has lenses coated the oldest and least efficient type of lens coating - a single layer of magnesium fluoride. This type of lens coating is found only on inexpensive binoculars and will not produce images as bright as multi-coated binoculars.
Q.What is a "multi-coated binocular"? A.The best lens coating in handheld binoculars is a multiple layer of special chemicals. This type of coating is called multi-coating and it allows the maximum amount of light to pass through the lens. A binocular labeled as "multi-coated" will have some, but not all lenses mutli-coated and will be brighter than a "fully coated" binocular.
Q.What is a fully multi-coated binocular? A.A binocular with all lenses multi-coated is labeled as "fully multi-coated" or FMC. This produces the brightest image of any coating system. All quality binoculars will be "fully multi-coated".
FOCUSING
Q.What is a center focus binocular? A.A center focus binocular uses a single wheel to focus on objects. It can focus on objects both very close and far away, making it the most versatile and commonly used focusing system in a binocular.
Q.What is an individual eyepiece focus binocular (IF)? A.An individual eyepiece focus binocular requires you to focus each eyepiece when looking at an object, but once focused for your eyes, objects from 40 yards away to infinity are always in focus and require no additional focusing. This is a great system for medium range and long range objects, but it is not well suited for close in work. IF binoculars are most commonly found in marine binoculars and astronomy binoculars.
Q.What is a "no focus" or "focus free" binocular? A.This is an economy version of an individual eyepiece focus binocular, but the eyepieces are locked and set at the factory and cannot be adjusted. This means that you can never focus on objects closer than forty yards away and it also means that the binocular cannot be adjusted for differences in strength between your right eye and left eye. This is a serious shortcoming for most people, since most have one eye a bit stronger than the other.
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT
Q.What is the diopter adjustment on a binocular? A.The diopter adjustment on a binocular allows you to compensate for differences in strength between you right and left eye. Since most people have one eye stronger than the other, this is a feature found on all binoculars except for "focus free" models.
Q.Where is the diopter adjustment on a binocular located? A.The diopter adjustment has been traditionally located on the right eyepiece, but many models today use a separate wheel or a locking mechanism on the center focus knob.
INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE
Q.What is the interpupillary distance (IP) on a binocular? A.The interpupillary distance is the distance between the pupil of the eyes. All binoculars can be opened wider or closed tighter to accommodate different widths, though people with very small faces or people with very large faces sometimes have trouble finding a binocular that will fit them correctly.
CLOSE FOCUS/MINIMUM FOCUS
Q.What is the "minimum focus" or "close focus" in a binocular? A.The "minimum focus" or "close focus" is the nearest distance at which a binocular will focus on an object. A binocular will not focus on an object closer than this distance. This feature is important for some applicationssuch as birding.
EYE RELIEF
Q.What is eye relief in a binocular? A.Eye relief is the maximum distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see the entire field of view. If your eye is farther back than this distance, you will see a reduced field of view. Eye relief is of primary concern for people who wear eyeglasses when they look through a binocular because their glasses prevent their eyes from getting close to the eyepieces.
Q.How much eye relief is needed if you wear eyeglasses when looking through a binocular? A.If you have fairly thin plastic lenses in your eyeglasses and a small face, you may be able to get by with as little as 13mm, though the minimum is generally regarded to be 14 or 15mm. If you have eyeglasses with thick glass lenses, you should look for a model with more eye relief, say in the 17-20mm range.
Q.Should the eyecups on a binocular be in the "up" position or "down" position when using eyeglasses with a binocular? A.Put the eyecups in the "down" position when wearing eyeglasses and in the "up" position when not wearing eyeglasses. Older style binoculars have rubber fold down eyecups, but most modern binoculars have "twist up" or "pull up" style eyecups.
WEIGHT
Q.How much weight in a binocular can I carry around my neck? A.Most people find that anything more than 35 ounces is too much to comfortably carry around the neck and a weight of less than 30 ounces is much better. If your current binocular is becoming a pain in the neck, you might want to look at a binocular harness, which supports the weight on your shoulders rather than your neck.
WATERPROOF
Q.What is a waterproof binocular? A.A waterproof binocular is one that is guaranteed by the manufacturer not to fog up due to moisture inside the binocular (any binocular can fog up on the outside). A binocular is made waterproof and fogproof by filling (purging) the binocular with nitrogen. Other labels such as water-resistant, climate-proof, rain-proof are not a guarantee to be waterproof.
Q.Do I need a waterproof binocular? A.If you are using a binocular around water or will be using it under harsh conditions, waterproofing is a must. Even for more casual use, though, a waterproof binocular is a better sealed binocular and less likely to develop problems with dirt and dust entering the binocular.
ARMORING
Q.What is an armored binocular? A.An armored binocular is a binocular with a housing covered by rubber or other synthetic material. Armoring does not make a binocular a waterproof binocular, but it does protect it from scratches, makes it more comfortable to hold and also "quiets" the binocular when it accidentally bangs against something.
TRIPOD MOUNTING
Q.Can I mount a binocular to a tripod? A.Yes, you can mount a binocular to a tripod if it is listed as tripod adaptable or if it is threaded for a tripod adapter. If it is listed as tripod adaptable, you will still need to purchase a tripod adapter, though a few large binoculars have this accessory built in.
Q.Where is the tripod socket located on a tripod adaptable binocular? A.It is usually located at the front of the center hinge where the binoculars fold and is often hidden under a cap.
Q.When should I attach a binocular to a tripod? A.Any time you have a binocular magnification over 10x or 12x, you should attach a binocular to a tripod to steady the image. Also, heavy binoculars with a last number of 70 mm or more usually need a tripod to support the weight.
Im not an expert but I can copy and paste:D
A.The first number - the 8 in an 8x40 or 8 in an 8x25 - is the magnification. Magnification simply means how many times the image is enlarged over normal when you look through the binocular. Another way to think of magnification is how many times closer the subject appears to be in a binocular than it actually is. An 8x40mm, then, with 8x magnification, makes the subject appear to be eight times larger or, to look at it the other way, eight times closer than it really is. An 8x50, 8x40, 8x20 are all 8x binoculars and all magnify an identical 8x.
In a zoom binocular, the first two numbers out of three, represent the zoom range. In a 7-15x40, for instance, you can change the magnification from 7x up to 15x.
Choose this first number carefully - more is not always better and this is especially true of magnification. As magnification goes up, image brightness goes down, field of view (the amount of territory seen through the binocular) goes down and, just as importantly, image steadiness also goes down. In fact, image steadiness is the limiting factor on how much magnification can be used in a handheld binocular. This is because a binocular magnifies not only the image, but also every shake and tremble in your hands. In general, most people find that a 10x binocular is the highest magnification that can be comfortably steadied without a support. Anything higher than a first number of 10x requires additional support, usually in the form of a tripod.
Q.What does the second number in a binocular mean, such as the 40 in 8x40?
A.The second number in a binocular - the 40 in 8x40 or 25 in an 8x25 - is the diameter (width) of each front lens, measured in millimeters. This number directly affects performance. When magnification and quality is equal, the larger the second binocular number, the brighter the image as well as the sharper the image. An 8x40, then, will produce a brighter and sharper image than an 8x25, even though both enlarge the image an identical eight times. The larger front lenses in the 8x40 also produce wider beams of light (exit pupil) that leave the eyepieces. This makes it more comfortable to view with an 8x40 than an 8x25.
On the other hand, the larger front lenses in the 8x40 binocular also make the 8x40 bigger and heavier than the 8x25 binocular. An 8x25 may not be optically as good as an 8x40, but its smaller size makes it a better traveling companion. Remember, a compact binocular will outperform any full size binocular left at home or in the car because it was too heavy to carry.
By the way, the second number is not the field of view as many people mistakenly believe, nor does it affect the field of view.
FIELD OF VIEW
Q.What is the field of view? A.Field of view is the amount of territory you see when you look through the binocular. Imagine a fence 1000yards away. If a binocular has a field of view of 372 feet at 1000 yards, you will see 372 feet of the fence. If the field of view is 250 feet at 1000 yards, you will 250 feet of fence.
Q.What determines the field of view in a binocular? A.Field of view is determined by two things. First is magnification. In general, as magnification goes up, field of view goes down. A 10x will show more detail in that fence at 1000 yards than an 8x, but it will not show you as wide a section of fence. The second thing that determines field of view in a binocular is the eyepiece design. Wide-angle design eyepieces of good optical quality, however, are expensive. Inexpensive binoculars with wide angle eyepieces are usually not as sharp as standard binoculars.
Note: The second binocular number IS NOT the field of view as many people mistakenly believe. An 8x25 binocular can have as wide a field of view as an 8x50 binocular. Lastly, a difference in field of view of 30 feet at 1000 yards in a binocular may sound like a lot, but out in the field, it is not really significant.
OTHER BINOCULAR NUMBERS - EXIT PUPIL, RELATIVE BRIGHTNESS, TWILIGHT FACTOR
Q.What is exit pupil? A.The exit pupil in a binocular is the actual width of the beam of light that leaves the eyepieces and is measured in millimeters. To see an exit pupil, hold the binocular at arms length and you will see a circle of light in each eyepiece. This circle is the exit pupil. To calculate the size of the exit pupil, divide the first binocular number into the second binocular number. A 10x50, 7x35, and 8x40 all have an exit pupil of 5
Q.What does exit pupil tell you about a binocular? A.Exit pupil is a very rough guide to image brightness. Binoculars with large exit pupils provide brighter images under very low light conditions. For normal daylight viewing, an exit pupil of 2.5 or 3 is fine. For astronomy, an exit pupil of 5-7mm is preferred. An exit pupil larger than 7 is a waste of light since the human eye cannot open wide enough to accept an exit pupil larger than this. Exit pupil should not be taken too literally, since it treats all binoculars, regardless of lens coatings and optical quality as if they are the same.
A+ large exit pupil does have other uses, however. A large exit pupil is easier to keep centered on the eye and this is an advantage when it is difficult to hold a binocular steady, as on the deck of a moving boat. That's why a 7x50 with an exit pupil of 7+ has always been the traditional marine binocular.
Q.What is relative brightness (RE)? A.Relative brightness, like exit pupil, is a rough guide to image brightness. It is simply exit pupil squared, so a binocular with an exit pupil of 5mm will have an RE of 25. As with exit pupil, relative brightness should not be taken too literally, since it treats all binoculars, regardless of lens coatings and optical quality as if they are the same. In actual tests, some premium grade compacts with a low relative brightness are actually brighter than some full size binoculars.
Q.What is twilight factor? A.This is a mathematical formula that predicts the mount of detail that can be seen in low light. Twilight factor is the square root of magnification times objective. A 10x40 will have a twilight factor of 20 (square root of 10x40). As with exit pupil and relative brightness, twilight factor should not be taken too literally, since it treats all binoculars, regardless of lens coatings and optical quality as if they are the same. No $50 binocular will ever equal a premium grade binocular for low light detail, even though they both have the same exit pupil.
PRISMS
Q.What is a prism? A.A prism is a glass element used to produce an upright, correct right to left image in a binocular. Without a prism, a binocular would produce an upside down image. Binoculars use two types of prisms. One is called a porro prism and one is called a roof prism.
Q.What is a porro prism? A.A porro prism is an older style of prism used in binoculars and other optical instruments. A porro prism is larger and bulkier prism than a roof prism and because of this, the body of a porro prism binocular will also tend to be bulkier. You can always recognize a porro prism binocular by its shape. In a porro prism binocular, the eyepiece and the front lens are always offset and are never in a straight line. Optically, however, a porro prism is very efficient. It is also less expensive to make than a good roof prism. This makes a quality porro prism binocular every bit as good optically as a quality roof prism and at a much lower cost. If you want to get the most optics for your dollar, especially in a binocular under $200, a porro prism is your best choice.
Q.What is a roof prism? A.A roof prism is a smaller prism shaped like a little house with a roof. The main advantage of a roof prism is its size and shape. It is smaller and more compact than a porro prism and can be installed in a much sleeker housing than a porro prism. This makes a roof prism binocular a nicer binocular to hold and handle for most people. You can always recognize a roof prism by its shape. In a roof prism binocular, the eyepiece and the front lens are always in a straight line or straight tube.
On the down side, a roof prism is much more expensive to make to the same optical standards as a good porro prism. In fact, not all roof prisms are created equal. Optically, the sharpest roof prisms are phase corrected (PC) and the brightest roof prisms will have silver coated mirrors (there are no mirrors in a porro prism to lose light). Alignment of the prisms is also far more critical in a roof prism.
This need for precise alignment in a roof prism has a beneficial side effect. A roof prism is solidly housed in a cage and the focusing mechanism is usually inside the binocular instead of outside as in many porro prism binoculars. This makes a good roof prism binocular more rugged and smoother focusing than the average porro prism binocular.
Q.What is Bak4 or BK7? A.These are grades of optical glass used in the prisms of binoculars. All quality binoculars use Bak4. Only inexpensive binoculars use the inferior BK7 grade of glass.
LENS COATINGS
Q.What are lens coatings? A.Lens coatings are chemical coatings on the lenses in a binocular to make images brighter. Whenever light strikes a lens, a certain percentage of light is lost. Since there are many lenses used in a binocular, a binocular without coated lenses would lose as much as half of its incoming light.
Q.What are the different types of lens coatings used in a binocular? A.There are three typical categories of lens coatings used in a binocular: fully coated, multi-coated and fully multi-coated.
Q.What is a "fully coated binocular"? A.A "fully coated" binocular has lenses coated the oldest and least efficient type of lens coating - a single layer of magnesium fluoride. This type of lens coating is found only on inexpensive binoculars and will not produce images as bright as multi-coated binoculars.
Q.What is a "multi-coated binocular"? A.The best lens coating in handheld binoculars is a multiple layer of special chemicals. This type of coating is called multi-coating and it allows the maximum amount of light to pass through the lens. A binocular labeled as "multi-coated" will have some, but not all lenses mutli-coated and will be brighter than a "fully coated" binocular.
Q.What is a fully multi-coated binocular? A.A binocular with all lenses multi-coated is labeled as "fully multi-coated" or FMC. This produces the brightest image of any coating system. All quality binoculars will be "fully multi-coated".
FOCUSING
Q.What is a center focus binocular? A.A center focus binocular uses a single wheel to focus on objects. It can focus on objects both very close and far away, making it the most versatile and commonly used focusing system in a binocular.
Q.What is an individual eyepiece focus binocular (IF)? A.An individual eyepiece focus binocular requires you to focus each eyepiece when looking at an object, but once focused for your eyes, objects from 40 yards away to infinity are always in focus and require no additional focusing. This is a great system for medium range and long range objects, but it is not well suited for close in work. IF binoculars are most commonly found in marine binoculars and astronomy binoculars.
Q.What is a "no focus" or "focus free" binocular? A.This is an economy version of an individual eyepiece focus binocular, but the eyepieces are locked and set at the factory and cannot be adjusted. This means that you can never focus on objects closer than forty yards away and it also means that the binocular cannot be adjusted for differences in strength between your right eye and left eye. This is a serious shortcoming for most people, since most have one eye a bit stronger than the other.
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT
Q.What is the diopter adjustment on a binocular? A.The diopter adjustment on a binocular allows you to compensate for differences in strength between you right and left eye. Since most people have one eye stronger than the other, this is a feature found on all binoculars except for "focus free" models.
Q.Where is the diopter adjustment on a binocular located? A.The diopter adjustment has been traditionally located on the right eyepiece, but many models today use a separate wheel or a locking mechanism on the center focus knob.
INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE
Q.What is the interpupillary distance (IP) on a binocular? A.The interpupillary distance is the distance between the pupil of the eyes. All binoculars can be opened wider or closed tighter to accommodate different widths, though people with very small faces or people with very large faces sometimes have trouble finding a binocular that will fit them correctly.
CLOSE FOCUS/MINIMUM FOCUS
Q.What is the "minimum focus" or "close focus" in a binocular? A.The "minimum focus" or "close focus" is the nearest distance at which a binocular will focus on an object. A binocular will not focus on an object closer than this distance. This feature is important for some applicationssuch as birding.
EYE RELIEF
Q.What is eye relief in a binocular? A.Eye relief is the maximum distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see the entire field of view. If your eye is farther back than this distance, you will see a reduced field of view. Eye relief is of primary concern for people who wear eyeglasses when they look through a binocular because their glasses prevent their eyes from getting close to the eyepieces.
Q.How much eye relief is needed if you wear eyeglasses when looking through a binocular? A.If you have fairly thin plastic lenses in your eyeglasses and a small face, you may be able to get by with as little as 13mm, though the minimum is generally regarded to be 14 or 15mm. If you have eyeglasses with thick glass lenses, you should look for a model with more eye relief, say in the 17-20mm range.
Q.Should the eyecups on a binocular be in the "up" position or "down" position when using eyeglasses with a binocular? A.Put the eyecups in the "down" position when wearing eyeglasses and in the "up" position when not wearing eyeglasses. Older style binoculars have rubber fold down eyecups, but most modern binoculars have "twist up" or "pull up" style eyecups.
WEIGHT
Q.How much weight in a binocular can I carry around my neck? A.Most people find that anything more than 35 ounces is too much to comfortably carry around the neck and a weight of less than 30 ounces is much better. If your current binocular is becoming a pain in the neck, you might want to look at a binocular harness, which supports the weight on your shoulders rather than your neck.
WATERPROOF
Q.What is a waterproof binocular? A.A waterproof binocular is one that is guaranteed by the manufacturer not to fog up due to moisture inside the binocular (any binocular can fog up on the outside). A binocular is made waterproof and fogproof by filling (purging) the binocular with nitrogen. Other labels such as water-resistant, climate-proof, rain-proof are not a guarantee to be waterproof.
Q.Do I need a waterproof binocular? A.If you are using a binocular around water or will be using it under harsh conditions, waterproofing is a must. Even for more casual use, though, a waterproof binocular is a better sealed binocular and less likely to develop problems with dirt and dust entering the binocular.
ARMORING
Q.What is an armored binocular? A.An armored binocular is a binocular with a housing covered by rubber or other synthetic material. Armoring does not make a binocular a waterproof binocular, but it does protect it from scratches, makes it more comfortable to hold and also "quiets" the binocular when it accidentally bangs against something.
TRIPOD MOUNTING
Q.Can I mount a binocular to a tripod? A.Yes, you can mount a binocular to a tripod if it is listed as tripod adaptable or if it is threaded for a tripod adapter. If it is listed as tripod adaptable, you will still need to purchase a tripod adapter, though a few large binoculars have this accessory built in.
Q.Where is the tripod socket located on a tripod adaptable binocular? A.It is usually located at the front of the center hinge where the binoculars fold and is often hidden under a cap.
Q.When should I attach a binocular to a tripod? A.Any time you have a binocular magnification over 10x or 12x, you should attach a binocular to a tripod to steady the image. Also, heavy binoculars with a last number of 70 mm or more usually need a tripod to support the weight.
Im not an expert but I can copy and paste:D
Binoculars
or am I just in de nile:D
Binoculars
Put eyes up to eyeholes and look thru them.:wah::wah::wah:
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Binoculars
Nomad;916772 wrote: Can anyone give me a brief education on binoculars.
You know, just the lowdown on what to look for.
Open blinds? :-2
You know, just the lowdown on what to look for.
Open blinds? :-2
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Binoculars
Why waste your time with binoculars? I recommend a professional digital camera with a hawkin' big zoom lens. What's the point in looking if you can't prove what you saw?
Binoculars
This thread reminds me of a story. True blue. A kid that lived on a neighboring farm kept to himself and didn't mingle with the other kids, iat school or otherwise. His dad told my dad he was worried about him. Said all he did in his spare time was sit in the barn and peer out through a knothole, at the barnyard and fields. The kid never bothered anyone though. That family moved away and no one heard anymore of them. That kid probably grew up to be a computer geek.
Binoculars
Nomad ACC make a good point. I do my shopping at http://www.binoculars.com/?source=googl ... &tid=Exact Just go my son-in-law some good binoc's at this site.
Night vision are great but you can't cheap out. The good ones are very expensive. here is a lovely pair of night vision goggles.
[QUOTE]Why waste your time with binoculars? I recommend a professional digital camera with a hawkin' big zoom lens. What's the point in looking if you can't prove what you saw?[/QUOTE]
Attached files
Night vision are great but you can't cheap out. The good ones are very expensive. here is a lovely pair of night vision goggles.
[QUOTE]Why waste your time with binoculars? I recommend a professional digital camera with a hawkin' big zoom lens. What's the point in looking if you can't prove what you saw?[/QUOTE]
Attached files
ALOHA!!
MOTTO TO LIVE BY:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming.
WOO HOO!!, what a ride!!!"
MOTTO TO LIVE BY:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming.
WOO HOO!!, what a ride!!!"
Binoculars
They have a nice camera with mega zoom thats at my disposal.
Wouldnt do much good at night though if Im trying to lay low and theres a bright flashing popping from my car.
Hellooooo Im the idiot watching you that just blinded myself...Right heeere :wah:
Wouldnt do much good at night though if Im trying to lay low and theres a bright flashing popping from my car.
Hellooooo Im the idiot watching you that just blinded myself...Right heeere :wah:
I AM AWESOME MAN
Binoculars
Try one of these puppies, heck sailors back in the olden days found a whole new world out in the middle of the ocean with one of these little gems..
And no one will suspect you of looking for adulterers with one of these, they will just think your a weird antique dealer.:wah:
And no one will suspect you of looking for adulterers with one of these, they will just think your a weird antique dealer.:wah:
Binoculars
YZGI;917074 wrote: Try one of these puppies, heck sailors back in the olden days found a whole new world out in the middle of the ocean with one of these little gems..
And no one will suspect you of looking for adulterers with one of these, they will just think your a weird antique dealer.:wah:
Haaar
And no one will suspect you of looking for adulterers with one of these, they will just think your a weird antique dealer.:wah:
Haaar
I AM AWESOME MAN
Binoculars
Nomad;917086 wrote: Haaar
you could put it in your man-purse anyway, it could come in handy.
you could put it in your man-purse anyway, it could come in handy.
Binoculars
Nomad, do you wear glasses?
I ask because I bought a pair of binoculars for my dad a while back and was quite impressed that you can fold down the rubber edge of the bit you put to your eyes so that they sit nicely against glasses.
Ok, it's a bit dull but I was impressed.
by the way, did I mention before that I have no life?????:o
I ask because I bought a pair of binoculars for my dad a while back and was quite impressed that you can fold down the rubber edge of the bit you put to your eyes so that they sit nicely against glasses.
Ok, it's a bit dull but I was impressed.
by the way, did I mention before that I have no life?????:o
Originally Posted by spot
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time
Binoculars
Imladris;917306 wrote: Nomad, do you wear glasses?
I ask because I bought a pair of binoculars for my dad a while back and was quite impressed that you can fold down the rubber edge of the bit you put to your eyes so that they sit nicely against glasses.
Ok, it's a bit dull but I was impressed.
by the way, did I mention before that I have no life?????:o
:wah: That was funny.
None of us do.
Yea Ive seen the little rubber flap and its a real zinger ! :-6
I ask because I bought a pair of binoculars for my dad a while back and was quite impressed that you can fold down the rubber edge of the bit you put to your eyes so that they sit nicely against glasses.
Ok, it's a bit dull but I was impressed.
by the way, did I mention before that I have no life?????:o
:wah: That was funny.
None of us do.
Yea Ive seen the little rubber flap and its a real zinger ! :-6
I AM AWESOME MAN
Binoculars
Nomad;917330 wrote: :wah: That was funny.
None of us do.
Yea Ive seen the little rubber flap and its a real zinger ! :-6
Funny? I was serious!!!!!!!!!!!!;)
None of us do.
Yea Ive seen the little rubber flap and its a real zinger ! :-6
Funny? I was serious!!!!!!!!!!!!;)
Originally Posted by spot
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time