Binoculars are labeled similar to riflescopes.  The first numbers are the magnification.  However, the last number is the size of the front lens measured in millimeters.  When choosing binoculars, pay close attention to the first number as it will determine the performance of your binoculars.  As with riflescopes, more is not always better.  The higher the magnification, the lower the light, there is less field of view and the steadiness of the image tends to become unstable.  As a general rule, up to a 10x can be steadied the best without support from a tripod.   Normally, binoculars are labeled with two numbers, however, you will see some with three numbers and those are zoom binoculars.  The zoom is the range of magnification, such as 8-20x25.  There is an 8x up to 20x power magnification and a 25 millimeter front lens.  The larger the last number (whether its a standard binocular or zoom binocular), the clearer and brighter the image becomes.   However, the bigger the front lens the heavier the binoculars.  The smaller binoculars are easier to carry but may not be as clear when looking at objects at greater distances.  For example, a 4x is really only good up to 100 yards.  When speaking of field of view, the last number is not the field of view; only the size of the front lens when referring to binoculars.  Field of view is the amount of territory that is seen when looking through the binoculars.  If the field of view is 250 feet at 1000 yards away then you will see 250 feet of the fence you are looking at.  Field of view is determined by two factors.  Magnification and eyepiece design.  Binoculars are similar to riflescopes in this aspect.  The higher the magnification the smaller the field of view.  Wide-angle eyepieces give a wider angle of vision, but are more expensive.  Waterproofing in binoculars is very important because of the fact that binoculars are exposed to the elements and dust and dirt get inside the lenses.  A waterproof binocular is a sealed binocular and helps to prevent fogging, and dust and dirt. 

For an example of a good set of binoculars click this link:

http://www.blackpowderway.com/product/TASN82025D

Continue to play hard!

Tags: Binoculars Scopes

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