When you’re buying a binocular for outdoor activities such as exploring wildlife and stargazing, you should know the meaning of numbers written on its body.
But what do the numbers on binoculars mean? These numbers on the binocs represent all the information. So, if you don’t have any clear idea, you will fail to determine if the device is suitable for you or not!
So, let’s get to know about these numbers in detail!
The Meaning of the Magnification Number
In your binocs, you will see the magnification number written as 10×25 or 8×40.
The first portion (10x or 8x) represents the magnification power of your device. If it has 10x printed on its body, it means that you can magnify any object up to 10 times. The number can go higher depending on the power and price of your binocular.
Some advanced binoculars can magnify images up to 12 times, and it sounds like a dream come true. However, these binoculars often fail to ensure a stable viewing when you are monitoring a moving object.
So unless you are trying to watch any still object such as a wall or a tree, you shouldn’t go for a device with 12x magnification. But if you want enhanced magnification without any trouble, you can go for zoom binocs for a better experience.
The Objective Lens Size
When it is written 10×50 on your binocular, the number 25 means the size of the objective lens. You may also know this thing as Aperture.
A 10×50 binocular will have a 50mm objective lens, and a 7×35 device will be equipped with a 35mm objective lens. Wider objective lenses tend to gather more light than the narrow ones, ensuring a detailed and crisp view for the watcher.
The size of your objective lens is most important when you are picking a device to monitor nighttime activities such as stargazing. Larger objective lenses will provide an excellent vision in low light, making them perfect for use in any condition.
The Angle of View
The angle of view will always be written with degrees. If your device has a wider angle, you will be able to watch a vast area without any trouble.
Usually, when a binocular comes with an angle wider than 6-degree, it is considered an optimal gadget.
However, sometimes you may see such a higher number as 60-degree on your device. It means that if your binocular is 10×50, you will get a (6 x 10 magnification) 60-degree angle of view.
The Field of View
The fields of view won’t be expressed in degrees but feet per 1000 yards or meters per 1000 meters. It will give you an idea of how far you can see with your spyglass.
Usually, powerful devices come with a 300-375 feet field of view to provide an excellent experience for the watcher.
The Eye Relief Number
The eye relief number is most important for the people who wear glasses. It determines how far your eyes are going to be from the eyepiece. If it is at a comfortable distance, you can enjoy your vision without any trouble.
Some user-friendly binocs come with adjustable eyecups. You can try to get them if you want a struggle-free experience.
Exit Pupil Number
The exit pupil number should be greater than your pupil! Just hold your binocular about 8-ich away from your eyes, and then you will see two dots in the center of your eyepieces.
When the light from the lenses hits these two dots in your eyes, you will be able to monitor the magnified version of your targeted objects.
If your binocular has got exit pupil number larger than 4mm, you should realize that you got a great device!
Close Focus
The close focus tells you about the minimum distance your binocular needs to focus on any target. For example, if your device has a close focus of 10 feet, you will get to see an object perfectly, which is at least 10 feet close to you.
Tips to Get the Best Binocular
Now that you know what the number represents on a binocular, here are some fantastic tips for you. After reading this section, you will always end up with the most efficient gadget.
So, let’s take a look at that right away!
- If you want to get binocular for stargazing or enjoying concerts and opera, always try to get something that can ensure a better view in weak light. Therefore, make sure your device is equipped with a larger objective lens.
- Enhanced magnification sounds like a great idea. But you should know that greater magnification also means a smaller field of view. So try to maintain a balance between these two while buying binocs.
- If you wear glasses on a regular basis, choose a gadget that comes with at least 15mm eye relief. In this way, you can ensure the most comfortable view for yourself.
- When you pick a device specifically for enjoying nighttime activities, you should go for something that comes with an exit pupil number bigger than 4mm. It will provide you with the best experience.
- If you plan to magnify objects that stand relatively closer to you, check the close focus number very carefully. Otherwise, you will fail to achieve your goal.
- Sometimes high-end and powerful binoculars may feel a little heavy to hold. To avoid this situation, you can get a tripod-compatible device so you can enjoy hands-free viewing.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, you’ve got your answers to the question, what do the numbers on binoculars mean, and how to determine your device’s efficiency by reading them.
So, keep this article in front of you while choosing a binocular. In this way, you can get the best one for yourself pretty effortlessly.
Just remember, you need to go for bigger objective lenses if you want the most pristine view. And for stable images, magnification power, which is lower than 12x, will be perfect for you!
