How to Choose Binocular Power

The most important step in picking out a pair of binoculars is to figure out the power you need. Binocular power is indicated by two numbers, as in these examples: 6x30, 7x35, 8x26, 10x42, and 12x36. The two numbers are not directly connected; the first number corresponds to the magnification and the second number describes the diameter of the objective lens.

-- Magnification --

The first number, invariably the littler of the two, represents the amount of magnification that the binoculars allow for. This indicates how much closer the viewed image will seem when observed with the binoculars. While bigger sounds favorable, this is not usually the situation with binoculars. Choosing the correct magnification will depend on your planned use.

Lower magnification binoculars, those with magnification of 7x or lower, result in a bigger field of view which can make targeting things at a distance—like ships, birds, or other animals—easier. A wider field of view also makes it easier to track movement of the object being watched. Since they take in more of the scene, they gather more light. As a result, the image will be easier to see and brighter even though it is not as highly magnified. Because of the reduced magnification, they also tend to be less affected by vibration or movement. If you are going to be in the field making use of your binoculars without a tripod, this can be an important consideration. Finally, lower magnification binoculars often are able to focus on objects that are closer by than comparable higher magnification binoculars.

But of course, lower magnification binoculars ultimately render less magnification, and therefore reduced detail when compared to higher power models. If you actually need high magnification binoculars, 11x and higher, for your application, make sure that you additionally buy a tripod or get a model with image stabilization. The higher the magnification, the more affected the binoculars are to movement. Once you starting talking about 10x magnification binoculars, they will be nearly unusable without a tripod or an image stabilization system. Larger magnification binoculars also tend to be heavy. So if you intend to use them for a long period of time, a tripod will be a more comfortable option than a model with image stabilization.

As for pricing, it shouldn't be too surprising that lower magnification binoculars tend to be less expensive than equivalent higher magnification binoculars. Unless you have special needs or uses intended for your binoculars, a good middle-of-the-road magnification level is 8x. Binoculars with this magnification level offer a nice trade-off of magnification while providing reasonable cost, good brightness, and low weight.

-- Objective Lens Size --

The second number in the power stands for the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters (mm). The objective lens is the lens in the front of the binoculars, furthest from your eye. Larger objective lenses usually indicate binoculars that are larger overall in size.

Binoculars with objective lens sizes of 30 mm and under are most often found on pocket and compact models. While pocket and compact binoculars are easier to carry because they weigh less, the downside of them is that the smaller lenses allow less light into the binoculars. This can make images darker and harder to see. If you plan on using your binoculars at nighttime, binoculars with smaller objective lenses will not be a good choice.

If nighttime use, or brightness is important, objective lenses that are 50 mm or larger may be your best choice. However, binoculars with large objective lenses will almost always be large and heavy. If you intend to use binoculars that have large objective lenses, you will want to have a tripod available, regardless of the magnification level.

The most common objective lens sizes used tend to be between 35 and 50 mm. Since the magnification level also has an effect on image brightness (higher magnification will be darker), the objective lens sizes tend to increase as magnification increases to compensate for the lost brightness. As a general rule, consider binoculars that have an objective lens diameter that is at least 5 times bigger than the magnification. For example, 7x35, 8x40, 12x60, etc. While some binocular manufacturers have exceptional optics that will provide good brightness at a ratio under 5, the surest thing is to stay at or above this ratio for adequate brightness.

Article Source: http://articles411.com

Buster is a long-time bird watcher. You can look for his bird watching binocular ratings at binocular-rankings.com.

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