| Whether you are planning a camping trip, outdoor | | | | width of the lens. |
| expedition, hike, or just want to have a pair in your | | | | While there are many considerations to make when |
| vehicle, understanding how to choose the right pair of | | | | purchasing binoculars, one consideration depending |
| binoculars can keep you from being disappointed with | | | | upon the desired use, is field of view. Field of view |
| a purchase that later turns out to be less than what | | | | refers to how much you will see through the binoculars |
| you expected. Choosing binoculars is a relatively easy | | | | in relation to a fixed distance from the object you are |
| task once you understand what the numbers | | | | observing. Imagine that you are touring China and are |
| associated with binoculars are and what they mean. | | | | exactly 1000 feet away from the Great Wall. If the |
| Binoculars are typically described with two numbers, | | | | field of view at 1000 yards is 200, you will see 200 |
| although in some cases three numbers are used. | | | | feet of the Great Wall through your binoculars. If the |
| When two numbers are used, such as 8x40 or 10x25, | | | | field of view is 350, you will see 350 feet, and so on. |
| the first number refers to the magnification factor. This | | | | As a general rule, the greater the magnification, the |
| factor simply states how many times closer an object | | | | smaller the field of view. |
| will appear. If the first number is 6, objects will appear | | | | There are a number of other terms associated with |
| six times closer, if it is 8, eight times closer, and so on. | | | | binoculars such as exit pupil, lens coating, prisms, |
| The second number is commonly mistaken for a | | | | relative brightness, diopter, interpupillary distance, and |
| variety of things, however it refers to nothing more | | | | others. All these factors work in concert to allow |
| than the width of the lens in millimeters. If the binoculars | | | | individuals to find binoculars that exactly meet their |
| are 8x40, the width of the lens is 40 millimeters, if they | | | | needs. Anyone who is considering the purchase of |
| are 10x25, the width of the lens is 25 millimeters. | | | | binoculars that cost a significant amount of money |
| In cases where binoculars are described by three | | | | would be well served to take time to research all |
| numbers, such as 10-20x25, the first two numbers | | | | these factors prior to making the purchase. However |
| refer to magnification. Binoculars in cases of this nature | | | | for most people, a basic understanding of binoculars is |
| are zoom binoculars. The 10-20 in this example refers | | | | sufficient. Understanding the significance of the |
| to the varying magnification power of the binoculars, | | | | magnification factor(s) as well as the concept of field |
| the binoculars will zoom to bring objects 10 to 20 times | | | | of view will greatly assist most people in finding |
| closer. The third number zoom binoculars refers to the | | | | binoculars that will suit their needs. |