Binoculars

Binoculars are used for everything from birdwatching to getting a closer look at lunar surfaces. There are many manufacturers of binoculars, and their quality can vary greatly from one brand to the next as well as from one model to the next. Before understanding the finer points of the best optical elements and coatings suited for specific uses, it is important to understand binocular magnification and aperture to determine which type is needed for the jobs the binoculars will be expected to perform.

Binocular Numbers

Two numbers are used to designate the power of binoculars. They are written with the letter “X” in between them. The number before the X is related to magnification. It is the number of times closer an object will appear in the field of view of the binoculars as opposed to viewing it with the naked eye. The second number is the aperture measured in millimeters. This refers to the width of what is called the objective lens. It is the big lens of binoculars and is important for capturing light coming from objects. Both work together to produce binoculars that are suited for tasks such as watching a sporting event or sky-watching at night.

Binocular Magnification

There is more to choosing the magnification power of binoculars than just picking the largest number before the X. A 7X magnification power means that an object viewed through the binoculars appears seven times closer. As the magnification increases, the field of view decreases. Magnification can get to be unwieldy in keeping viewed objects steady in the viewfinder. At larger magnifications, a tripod or other steady mount is needed just to keep objects from bouncing around when they are viewed. The slightest movement at high magnification powers results in large movements of an object being viewed through binoculars. A compromise must be made between being able to easily hold an object in view and getting the desired object close enough to be examined or identified.

Binocular Aperture

The aperture is the width of the front, or objective lens, of binoculars, measured in millimeters. Wider lenses have greatly increased total surface area. This is important for gathering the light that makes objects viewable, especially in dim light. Larger lenses can bring in more light to strike the ocular magnification lenses. These are the lenses one looks through when using binoculars. Bigger aperture objective lenses need bigger binocular housings, but larger binoculars do not mean more magnification power. Larger binocular apertures are needed for viewing objects in dim light. This could be game animals at dawn or dusk, or celestial objects throughout the night sky. At the same magnification, a larger aperture makes objects brighter when viewed through binoculars.

Field of View

As magnification increases, the field of view diminishes. Imagine viewing the 50-yard line of a football field from the bleachers to help understand field of view. As the magnification increases, the yard lines toward each goal post would disappear from the field of view when fixed on the 50-yard line. Increasing magnification brings objects on the field closer, but the area around the object being viewed gets smaller and smaller. High magnification can make distant objects appear much closer, but there must be a compromise depending on intended use. Binoculars with magnification that can get in close and tight to identify a small animal may be useless when glassing larger areas to identify landmarks or for search and rescue.

Balancing Magnification and Aperture

An important part in making a choice for what type of binoculars to buy is to decide what they will be used to view. It may be impossible to find one pair of binoculars that are suitable for all viewing occasions. Foe example, it would be a disappointment to attempt a bird-watching hike with a pair of binoculars of large aperture and high magnification normally used to view dim night sky objects. The binoculars would be too heavy to hold for long viewing periods in the field. Also, high magnification would make it difficult to find and track birds in trees. On the other hand, field binoculars that are recommended for birding do not have the light gathering capabilities needed to view faint galaxies in the night sky.

Variable Magnification Binoculars

Photography buffs know the value of prime lenses over variable (zoom) lenses. Prime lenses are of a fixed focal length. Zoom lenses can have their magnification changed at the turn of a dial or the press of a button. However, a certain degree of optical clarity and sharpness are compromised with variable focal length lenses. The same goes for binoculars that have variable magnification. Also, just as in photographic lenses, variable power binoculars can be much more expensive, especially for superior quality glass elements used in their construction. It may be better to buy two or more binoculars of a fixed power and aperture than to get one inferior variable power pair of binoculars.

It is important for those interested in purchasing the best pair of binoculars to consider what they will be used for. The service they will be put into is a great help in determining the appropriate magnification power and aperture size. More magnification and bigger apertures are not always the best. A pair of 7X20 binoculars can fit in a backpack or glove compartment. An 8×20 would increase magnification, keeping the binoculars the same general size. Increasing the aperture to an 8X42 size would make them much larger and heavier with no increase in magnification, but they would present a brighter image. Looking at the binocular size choices used by experts in birding, astronomy, hunting or whatever field the binoculars will be used in is helpful.

Keeping your binoculars clean helps them last longer, and doing it properly ensures you have clear images.

The first thing you should do before cleaning your binoculars is look at the user manual. They often have recommendations for what tools to use or what chemicals to avoid on your lenses. Binocular lenses have different coatings, and manufacturers will know what chemicals harm the coating on your lenses.

After checking the user manual, there are four steps you can follow to clean your binoculars.

1: Brush dirt and dust off the lenses

One very important thing to remember is never rub dirt or dust off your lenses. Rubbing dirt off will cause microscopic scratches on your lenses. You won’t be able to see those scratches, but they scatter light. Over time that will add up to make your image cloudy. You may be tempted to use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the dust, but even that will rub the dust on the lens to create scratches.

Holding the binoculars upside down, use a lens cleaning pen with a soft brush or canned air from an office store to brush the dust off. If you use canned air, be sure to use short bursts of the air. The drastic temperature changes can cause damage to the lens. Don’t breathe or huff on your lens to remove dust. The water particles in your breath will spot your lens and possibly make it more dirty than before.

2: Use a cotton swab moistened with water or lens cleaning solution to wipe away any remaining grime.

Never use window or glasses cleaner on your binocular lenses. They contain chemicals that can damage the coating on your lenses. Don’t pour the lens cleaning solution directly on the lens. It can seep through the edges and cause damage inside the binoculars. If you have waterproof binoculars, you can run the lens directly under tap water. Be sure to use a light stream with less pressure. Remember to take care with damp binoculars. Don’t store them until they’re dry, and don’t put caps over damp lenses.

3: Use a soft, lent-free cotton cloth, microfiber cloth, or special lens tissue to wipe away smudges.

Never use a paper towel or face tissue. They’re made of woody particles that are too rough on your lens and will scratch it. Don’t use your shirt or other clothing you wear either. Those can be too rough or have dirt and dust on them. Make sure to store your cleaning cloth in a safe container where it won’t get dust or other substances on it.

Be gentle and don’t apply pressure when touching the lenses. You can put a little lens cleaner on the cloth if the smudge is still refusing to come off. Wipe in circular motions from the middle outward.

4: After you’ve cleaned your lenses, you can wipe down the body of your binoculars with a soft cloth to remove dirt or other grime. If you have removable eye cups, be sure to take them off to wipe them.

Don’t dismantle your binoculars when cleaning them. You may ruin the optic alignment. If there is something on the inside of your binoculars, take them to a professional.

Don’t touch your lenses with your fingers. Not only may your fingers be dirty, the natural oils on them could break down the coating on your lens.

Cleaning your binoculars is very important to keep them in good shape, but if you over-clean them, you may damage them. Only clean your lenses when there is something on them.

In an age where technology is advancing rapidly, manufacturers are constantly churning out new products. It can be difficult to keep up with what is new to market.

I mean think about it; was there ever a time when you wanted to buy a product, but there were so many choices that you had no idea where to start? Or maybe you went off a recommendation from a friend to buy this or don’t buy that. Then when you began researching, you get mixed reviews.

I have been in the Optics business for some time now, and within the last couple of years this couldn’t be more true. If I want to keep up with the times and be on top of my game I have to do a lot of research. To do this, I turned to other Optics sites for information beyond just my personal observations. I have compiled a list of the top sites to visit to get the best reviews on Binoculars!

The Binocular Site

URL: http://www.thebinocularsite.com

The Binocular site is one of the top sites that I research because they are not manufacturers or vendors for binoculars. That way you know 100% that the reviews are unbiased. Also their reviews are not based on any particular hobby this way you know you are getting a full spec review. Another great thing they offer is a comprehensive overview on the world of binoculars, with pages covering everything from beginner to obscure models and uses.

allbinos.com

URL: http://www.allbinos.com

Allbinos.com does a fantastic job of making their site very straight forward but without sparing any of the important details. The site is divided by the title of the Binocular you are looking for. That way you can just click into what you want instead of searching around. Honestly it cannot get more simple than that. Now here is where the complexity comes in, once you get into the review there is tons of information to read through. Although if you want detailed information then it will be worth the time.

OPTICSREVIEWER

URL: http://www.opticsreviewer.com

If you are someone who is really into your hobby but does not exactly know all of the gargin when it comes to the specs. This site is my #1 choice for you. OpticsReviewer will purchase the binoculars and write reviews based on what they experienced. Another fantastic feature they have is a great article called top 7 easy tips to picking the best binoculars for you. This is so important because not every time do you know exactly what kind you should be looking for.

OutdoorLife.com

URL: http://www.outdoorlife.com/features/gun-and-optics-test/intro

One of the main reason that I really like this site for a great review on Binoculars is the fact of how simple it is. To their point they state that all Binoculars are simply designed to magnify distant objects while remaining as light and portable as possible. And that is how they keep their reviews simple but to the point. The way the divide up the reviews is based on editors choice, great buy, size mid and full size. Also the further down you scroll they give you a comparison table so you can see the specs of each laid out.

Customersearch

URL: http://www.consumersearch.com/binoculars

This site is very different from the rest. Unlike the other sites customer search is not a binocular site, a hunting site, or even an optics site. It is a site that consumers can use as a resource to research products and brands to find the best option for them. They base their binocular reviews completely on the optics and how it performs. They lay out their top reviews, but also provide detailed information below as well as a compare products feature.

EZvid.com

URL: https://www.ezvid.com/top-10-binoculars

EZvid is known for being a site that specializes in making top 10 list of all kinds of products. They spend countless amounts of hours researching, videography, and editing to write their reviews. So when they are writing a review you how they have countless hours or research to back it up. They leave the reviews pretty simple but you can always read into the particular brand you are looking for most. Some of the binoculars also have links to where you can purchase the product.

Smart Review

URL: http://www.smartreview.com/image-stabilized-binoculars-comparison

Smart review is like a site I had mentioned before where it writes reviews with all kinds of products. The one difference with this one here is that they provide more categories that you can read reviews on. As some of you may know Binoculars have all kinds of different specs depending on what you are using them for. If you are the kind of person who knows and exact specification that you are looking for you can find that here. They separate out the review articles for each specialty. That way all the products you are reading about have what you are looking for.

Toppers World

URL: http://toppersworld.com/top-10-best-selling-compact-binoculars-reviews/

If you are looking for a site that knows how complex it can be to choose a product when there are so many kinds to look at. Toppers world is just for you, they know the importance of Binoculars for any camper or adventurer. And that is why they make sure that their reviews reflect the important features that any consumer would be looking for. It is not overloaded with too much information just what you need to know. This will make your next binocular purchase easy!

The Binoculars Guy

URL: http://thebinocularsguy.com/best-hunting-binoculars/

If you couldn’t already tell by the name this guy knows his stuff. One of the things that is really great about his site is that he breaks up the reviews into different categories. As we all know there are different specs that you are looking for in a binocular depending on our hobby. His reviews also keep it simple and list the needed information for what your needs are. And if the technical terms are too much for you he even provides you a table of contents (now that is a first). For each category there are only 3 binoculars to review, and tells you why those 3 are the best!

Hunting Binoculars Guide

URL: http://huntingbinocularsguide.com

The hunting binoculars guide is exactly like it sounds a site that just reviews binoculars that every hunter would want. So if hunting is what you need binoculars for, do not look any further. The way they laid out the site is really neat. They only showcase 10 different options so that you have a good variety but not to much that it gets overwhelming. One thing that I found really great is they have a small description about the binocular they listed, which just provides the information that you need to know. If you want more information through they do provide a Read our Review button so that you can find out how it really pans out. On top of that if you think that you have found the right one, they provide a link right on the review that will take you right to where you can purchase!

Artifact Outfitters

URL: http://www.bestforhunting.com/best-binoculars-for-hunting/

Artifact Outfitters is a great go to site for anything hunting that you want to know. Weather it is hunting information or reviews on a lot of products. One thing I truly like about the site is the reviews. Something really great that they do is they break up their reviews into price ranges. The last thing you would want to do is read a review love the product to then find out it is way out of your price range. They start around the $200 range and go as high as $2500. And in each range they give anywhere from 2-4 products that you can look at, and even buy if you want to.

Hunting For Binoculars

URL: http://www.huntingforbinoculars.net/best-binoculars-for-birding/

Unlike any of the other sites this site actually has a video that talks and goes through the specs of the specific binoculars they have reviews for on the site. On top of that they provide a list of all the binoculars that are best for birding (which can also be good for hunting). And if you want to get more information they have sections where you can find out more information on specific specs and all the binoculars that are best for that specific one. They give you so much information that after you are done reading through, you should know exactly what binocular you want!

Optics Den

URL: https://www.opticsden.com/reviews-of-the-best-binoculars/

Saving the best for last (although we’re admittedly biased). Here on Optics Den, we’ve written reviews for hundreds of sporting optics, as well as put together buying guides and other great content related to sporting optics. The article linked to above is a guide to buying binoculars, and it will serve you well if you are looking to buy a pair for hunting, birding, or any other activity.

Binoculars are categorized using a numbering system that can be a bit confusing for someone being introduced to binoculars for the first time. It is important to understand this numbering system though, because a small change in numbers can mean a massive difference in binocular experience. For instance, individuals looking for binoculars suited for hunting would not wish to purchase a pair designed for stargazing, and vice versa. Fortunately, figuring out the numbering system is not all that difficult, and a little knowledge can go a long way.

Magnification

The first number in the designation indicates the intensity of magnification, or how many times closer an object will appear through the binoculars as opposed to the naked eye. The magnification process of the binoculars is conducted through the ocular lenses, which are the lenses closest to the eyes when the binoculars are in use. The size of the lenses do not necessarily have any bearing on the intensity of the magnification, as difference lens qualities will sometimes allow smaller lenses to have a higher capacity for magnification.

Higher magnification isn’t always necessarily an advantage, however, because intensity of magnification is inversely proportional to field of view. Meaning, the higher the magnification gets the narrower the field of view becomes. Users might be able to see something incredibly close, but they will lose what is going on around the object. If surroundings are important, like with activities such as birdwatching or spectator sports, then a higher magnification may not be the right choice. Being able to see the pores on a soccer goalie’s face is impressive, but the experience will be rendered moot if the ball being kicked at those pores is not visible in the scene.

Increasing the magnification of a pair of binoculars will also make them less stable. If shakiness is an issue to consider, again, opting for the highest magnification available might not be the best choice. With extremely high magnification, even binoculars taking advantage of monopods or tripods become shaky. With that being said, it is also important to consider the user’s ability to hold the binoculars steady over prolonged periods of time if the binoculars will be handheld. Even the lightest pair of binoculars can become strenuous to hold given a long enough period of time.

Aperture

The second number is the designation refers to the aperture of a pair of binoculars. The aperture is controlled by the objective lenses, or the lenses furthest from the eyes when the binoculars are in use. Unlike the magnification number, the aperture number does in fact refer to the size of the objective lenses. The number represents the size of the diameter of the objectives lenses in millimeters. The larger this number becomes, the wider the lenses and the more light they gather when in use. Although written about camera lenses, this is a great article explaining aperture. The size of the objective lenses also affects the physical size of a pair of binoculars. The larger the size of the objective lenses, the larger the casing of the binoculars will have to become. Although different materials are used as casings, this also usually means that the weight of a pair of binoculars will increase with the aperture number. This is something to think about when the binoculars will be used in a handheld fashion especially.

A good pair of binoculars with a small objective lens diameter will most likely be best used for light trail duty or as a backup set that can be stored in a glove compartment. Binoculars with higher aperture characteristics can be used for more intense activities where the amount of light is very important to the end result. For instance, a set of binoculars with an extremely large diameter objective lens would be perfect for hobby astronomy. While binoculars probably won’t be able to achieve the same results as a telescope, they are a portable and flexible way of staying in tune with the stars without being too encumbered.

While the numbering system of binoculars can be a bit intimidating at first, breaking the set down into individual components can make determining the best combination for a specific task a lot easier. And, the best way to really understand the system is to get out there and try a pair on for size. Many retailers will be more than happy to allow the testing of a pair of binoculars in order for the customer to be happy and confident with their purchase.

Binoculars are a versatile tool that you can use for nearly any sporting endeavor you have. Bring your binoculars on vacation, to the practice field or to a sporting event when you want to get a better view, and you will have instant access to the views that would miss out on otherwise. This article explores the uses for binoculars that are most common, and you will learn why you should not leave home without your binoculars. A serious sports enthusiast will never miss a moment of a game, and the serious adventurer can see anything in the area with just one tool.

#1: What Do Binoculars Do?

Binoculars help you zoom in on an image that is several hundred feet away. You can adjust your binoculars to get a clear image of something that is far away, and you will be able to see the image as if you were standing right next to it. Large sporting venues may put your seats far away from the action, but you can survey all the action with your binoculars. You may zoom in on animals that walk near your cabin in the woods, or you can see animals from your hunting perch.

Binoculars can be used when you are trying to see sights on a vacation, and you will get a clearer picture of what is going on several hundred yards from your location. Tour groups only get so close to certain sightseeing landmarks, but you can see look over each landmark with your binoculars. Binoculars bring you closer to anything you want to see, and you will not be seen as you stand far away.

#2: How Do Binoculars Work?

Binoculars are an endless series of glasses that are used to focus images. You may wear glasses every day, and your glasses help to focus images using just one piece of glass. Binoculars use many pieces of glass to continually focus the images until you can see what you want. The glasses are housed inside a small cone, and you use the dial on top of the binoculars to adjust the glasses to change the resolution.

The resolution of the image you see can be changed using the dial, and you can fine-tune the image until you feel like you are there yourself. Binoculars come in different sizes, and there are different resolution possibilities. A cheap pair of binoculars will only allow you to see so far, but a nice pair of binoculars will allow you to see something that is well over a kilometer away.

#3: How Large Are The Binoculars?

You may purchase binoculars in many sizes, and you will get a small strap to carry the binoculars around your neck. Small binoculars can produce amazing resolution, but the smallest pairs will fold up to fit in your pocket. There are antique binoculars that fold into a wallet size, and there are large binoculars that come with their own case.

You must purchase large binoculars when you want to get the highest resolution possible, and you may purchase a small pair of binoculars when you do not need the greatest resolution. You can hang your binoculars around your neck when you are traveling, and you can pull the binoculars up to your face at any time. Think of the binoculars like a second set of glasses, and you can see anything that is far away easily.

#4: Do Binoculars Work With Eyeglasses?

Binoculars work perfectly well with eyeglasses, but you do not need your eyeglasses to see the images you get in binoculars. The lenses inside the binoculars are acting as your eyeglasses, and you will see a clear image regardless. You can push your glasses up on your head when using your binoculars, and you will be able to see anything you want. People who wear eyeglasses tend to be put off by binoculars, but you can get your glasses out of the way when you want to use your binoculars.

#5: Where Can You Use Them?

Binoculars are great for the hunter who is sitting in a perch all day. You have a good vantage point in the forest, but you cannot see everything perfectly. A pair of binoculars will allow you to see an animal that is far away, and you may track the animal while your partner takes the shot. You can track animals that climb trees, and you can identify people who are passing through your hunting area. Binoculars become a safety feature in this capacity.

Bring your binoculars to with you to a sporting event, and you can follow the action from your seat without watching the big screen. The big screen shows you replays of the game, but the binoculars you use will help you watch the game in real time. You can watch the coaches as they talk to their players, and you can see the players make substitutions on the sidelines. You get a much more personal experience from your binoculars, and you will enjoy watching people who are in the heat of battle on the field.

Your binoculars will help you have a wonderful time on vacation, and you will be able to see things that you are not allowed to get close to. Tour groups bring you only so close to some of the most beautiful attractions in the world, and you can zoom in for a closer look. Binoculars help you when you are birdwatching, and you can see the animals better when you are on a safari drive.

#6: Do Binoculars Fog Up?

Binoculars fog up like your eyeglasses, but you can clean the lenses while you are in the field. Your binoculars will not fog up inside the casing, but you must aware that your binoculars will not function well in humid weather. Keep your binoculars clean to prevent damage to the interior lenses, and ensure that you are using your binoculars in dry areas most of the time. You can avoid many problems by packing up your binoculars in the rain.

#7: Are Binoculars Worth The Investment?

Binoculars are a relatively small investment that you make to see items that you cannot see otherwise. There are many awesome brands selling high powered binoculars for a reasonable price that will last a long time. You will spend more on a cell phone or digital camera, but binoculars provide a view that your phone or camera cannot. Bring your binoculars along to help support your camera and phone. You can count on other pieces of technology to take pictures, but your binoculars will help create memories that you will never forget. You will not spend much, but your binoculars will last for a lifetime. The technology will never be outdated.

Binoculars are an innovative set of lenses that help you see items that are far away, and you may bring binoculars with you anywhere you go. Hang the binoculars around your neck, and you will be able to see anything you want. Push your eyeglasses out of the way, and you will get a clear image that can be seen from hundreds of yards away. Your binoculars put you in touch with things that are too far away to touch, and each pair is easy to carry around you neck or in your pocket.

If you want to learn more, here are a couple of great videos explaining different aspects of binoculars:

Endeavor ED from Vanguard is a premium choice binoculars for bird and nature watchers everywhere – and with good reason. There are four models of the Endeavor ED binoculars: the 8×42 or 10×42 (your more traditional choices) and the 8.5×45 or 10×45 (the larger options). All models are available in camouflage, which is very convenient. Vanguard has been manufacturing quality products for 25 years. They originally introduced a line of camera and photography accessories. But they eventually began offering sports optics like lenses and binoculars.

As far as the Endeavor goes for root prism binoculars, the physical design is pretty straightforward and similar to other comparable models. The eyecups are able to extend fully and hinge open. The weight charts in at just above average for binoculars of this class. Plus, the Endeavor Ed seems to be designed quite ergonomically. So when you hold it in your hands, it feels natural and sturdy.

The open bridge design of the Endeavor ED seems to be one of its more exciting features. This allows you to have two fingers between the hinges – sometimes three for extra stability while holding them. The Endeavor EDs are O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged, so they are waterproof and internally fog-proof, which is a great feature if you’re bird or nature watching in a humid environment. One negative aspect of the design that stuck out to us was that the Endeavor’s interpupillary distance range is 58-74mm. This means that most people should have no issues finding a range that works with their eye width. However, if you have particularly close-set eyes, you may have some difficulties finding a range that’s comfortable. The exterior of the binoculars is a comfortable feeling faux leather material. Underneath the lens barrels there are cutaways (or divots), which give your thumb a naturally comfortable place to rest while the binoculars are in use. All in all, Vanguard’s Endeavor ED is a comfortable and sturdy set of binoculars that should be a good fit for the majority of people.

In regards to the optical fields, depending on the size/model you’ve purchased, the Endeavor’s range will be average to fairly above average. Eye relief seems to also be above average but across all models. We also found the focus knobs to be rather sensitive but in a good way; the focus mechanism was still securely stiff and not too loose – as can be the case with other focus-sensitive binoculars. That way, the Endeavor is great for finding the ideal focus quickly and without inadvertently clicking past it.

Vanguard has designed the Endeavor with phase-coated BAK-4 prisms. An anti-reflection AR coating is also featured on every air-glass interior for efficiency in light transmission and image quality. In order to improve contrast, the Endeavor is also designed with a V-Max Silver coating for a sharper image; plus, the binoculars feature an emerald coating to make the green spectrum pop while viewing. The Endeavor’s glass itself seems designed to decrease chromatic aberration.

Speaking more to the binoculars’ adjustments, the Endeavor’s eyecups are able to adjust by using the helical twist mechanism. This takes the eyecups through two different positions: up and down. Even though these positions weren’t marked, the eyecups were still stable when adjusted. The right hand side of the binoculars features the diopter adjustment. It can adjust through 4 or more clicks in either direction of the midpoint. What we found truly interesting is that it’s featured in a product priced as reasonably as the Endeavor ED.

All in all, the features that one gets when they purchase the Endeavor ED from Vanguard make it a great value for the cost. If you want a second opinion on these great binoculars, check out the video below, or see our full post on the best binoculars on the market:

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