Considering that binoculars are used to bring clarity to the world around you, it is surprising how confusing things can get when choosing a pair to buy. We have probably all used them before, but not a lot of us have made the plunge and actually bought a pair. There are various aspects you can consider, usually relating to your choice of hobbies.
People who have a specific purpose for the binocular know what to look for because they know what they want. However, what about the average user?
Magnification
The magnification or power of a pair of binoculars refers to the amount of magnification achieved by the binoculars as opposed to the naked eye. The magnification can typically be found near the x as a number. In that case, if a pair of binoculars say 20x, the subject you see through the lens will be magnified by 20.
Before deciding on a specific magnification, you have to think of what you will be using the binoculars for. Are you trying to view something up close or far away? How much detail do you need to see?
Objective lens diameter
The objective lens is the reverse of the eyepiece. The size of this lens determines how much light enters the binoculars, making it an extremely valuable aspect of the binoculars. This means that in lower light conditions, you would benefit more with a bigger objective lens, allowing for better image clarity.
The lens size would be in millimeters and comes after the x. Ideally, you would want a ratio of five in relation to the magnification. However, one thing to take into consideration would be that the bigger the objective lens, the heavier the binoculars.
Design
There are two main designs when it comes to binoculars: roof and Porro prism.
- Porro prisms are cheaper to manufacture, which means you can get a higher quality binocular for a lower price. However, they are very cumbersome to carry around. They look a little old-fashioned and out of style.
- Roof prisms are more compact and streamlined, making it much easier to carry around and use. They fit in your hand and weigh less, but they tend to be a little more expensive.
Field of view
Field of view refers to the size of your viewing window. Essentially, it means the widest dimensions visible through your binoculars. Occasionally, you will find binoculars with unique lenses, coupled with technology that allows for a wider field of view.
It is important to consider once again what your purpose for the binoculars is. If you are tracking birds or animals, it would be better to have a wider field of view as animals move around a lot, making it easy to lose track of them with a smaller field of view.
Purpose
Mentioned countless times throughout this article, why you need the binoculars is crucial to know. For example, if you are looking for something military-grade to go hunting with, it’s advisable to get binoculars from a reputable brand like AGM Global Vision. They have premium grade binoculars and are the perfect place for first-timers to start their journey.
Once you figure out what you want to do with your pair, you can pretty sure narrow it down to a couple of models, which is where the rest of these aspects come in.
