About birding-binoculars and binoculars-maker
About birding-binoculars and binoculars-maker
Choosing a set of birding-binoculars and a binoculars-maker isn’t easy. Whatever the binoculars-manufacturer you have to really shop around. Having sailed a yacht for a long time and also had a keen bird watching interest the binoculars are one very good piece of my equipment. Of course the range of suitable applications ranges from birding, any action sports you can think of, and of course hunting, hiking and general outdoor activities. Choosing a binoculars-maker or binoculars-manufacturer isn’t easy as there are many reputable makers that include Leica-binoculars, Zeiss-binoculars, Steiner-binoculars, Bushnell-binoculars, Nikon-binoculars, Tasco-binoculars, Pentax-binoculars, Canon-binoculars, Bausch-Lomb-binoculars and many others including reasonably performing discount-binoculars from often good quality maker
How do they work?
A binocular enlarges an image through two lenses. The lens at the end of the end of the barrel is known as the objective lens. This is the lens that also gathers the light from the image you are looking at. This is then focused on the lens that is the closest to your eyes, that is the eye piece. Effectively a set of binoculars is two telescopes mounted side by side and arranged so that you view with two eyes instead of one giving a greater depth of field.
How are they Specified
The most common performance number quoted is a set of two numbers. These are generally given in the format 6 X 30 or a very similar number set. In a 6 x 30 number the first number is referring to the magnification power of the binoculars. This is the factor by which the object is magnified. So the number 6 indicates that the viewed image will be 6 times the normal observed size.
The second number is the size of the objective lens. The larger the number the greater the light that will be taken from the viewed image. It is often thought that the higher the magnification the better the binocular. This is not strictly a true assumption. Like astronomers and telescope and also quality cameras, a point is reached where any shaking in the hands will transfer to the lens making the magnified image less than clear. As a general rule when a factor of above 10 times magnification is reached you will need a tripod to avoid this. So most commonly available binoculars are in the range of 4 to 7 times magnification. When considering the light gathering properties of a binocular where low light use is planned then a larger objective lens is required. Typically this would be above 30 and this is a relatively common number
Other Factors to Think About When Buying Binoculars
An important consideration is that of weight. If you have to carry them about such as hiking activities, where weight reduction is important, then choose a lightweight pair. Some of these models have coated plastic lenses that perform very well. Better optics are achieved with glass lenses, although they are more expensive and are often from reputable well known binoculars-maker. These are more fragile and require more care and consequently heavier. In marine applications these are preferred due to sharper image. My marine pair have an inbuilt compass in the lens which is very handy when taking bearings. Quality binoculars also have better quality lens housings, and some are rubberized to cushion impact and shock. Quality binoculars can be expensive and your budget should also reflect your proposed use whatever the binoculars-maker.
Choose a reputable binoculars-maker and that includes famous names in optics such Leica-binoculars, Zeiss-binoculars, Steiner-binoculars (I have a pair), Bushnell-binoculars, Nikon-binoculars, Tasco-binoculars, Pentax-binoculars (my general use pair), Canon-binoculars, Bausch-Lomb-binoculars and many others including some reasonably well performing discount-binoculars from quality maker
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