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ABOVE: Binoculars are an essential travel accessory, and this example with a cheetah in Botswana shows why. Image is used with the permission of Wilderness Safaris, and the photograph was taken by Mike Myers.
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TECH TALK - WHAT ALL THE NUMBERS MEAN:
Magnification (Power)
Binoculars are often referred to by two numbers separated
by an "x". For example, 8x32. The first number
is the power of magnification of the binocular. With an
8x32 binocular, the object being viewed appears to be eight
times closer than you would see it with the unaided eye.
Objective Lens Size
The second number in the formula (8x32) is the diameter
of the objective front lens. The larger the objective lens,
the more light that enters the binocular and the brighter
the image.
Roof Prism System
In roof prism binoculars, the prisms overlap closely, allowing
the objective lenses to line up directly with the eyepiece.
The result is a slim, streamlined shape in which the lenses
and prisms are in a straight line. Roof prism binoculars
are less bulky and more rugged than
an equivalent porro model.
Porro
Prism System
In porro prism binoculars, the objective or front lens is
offset from the eyepiece. Porro prism binoculars provide
a greater depth perception and generally offer a wider field-of-view.
Because of the simplicity of this system, some of the best
values can be with a porro design.
Waterproof/Fogproof
Some binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged for
total waterproof and fogproof protection. These modesl can
withstand complete immersion in water and stay dry inside.
The interior optical surfaces won't fog due to rapid temperature
change or humidity.
Coated Optics
Lens surface coatings reduce light loss and glare due to
reflection for a brighter, higher-contrast image with less
eyestrain.
Types of Coatings
Coated - A single layer on at least one lens surface.
Fully Coated - A single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on at least one lens surface.
Fully Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on all air-to-glass
surfaces.
Field-of-View (F.O.V.)
The side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field
or subject area. It is defined by the width in feet or meters
of the area visible at 1000 yards or meters. A wide-angle
binocular features a wide field-of-view and is better for
following action. Generally, the higher the magnification,
the narrower the field-of-view.
Eye Relief
The distance a binocular can be held away from the eye and
still present the full field-of-view. Extended or long eye
relief reduces eyestrain and is ideal for eyeglass wearers.
Eyeglass Wearers - Eyecups
The distance a binocular can be held away from the eye and
still present the full field-of-view. Extended or long eye
relief reduces eyestrain and is ideal for eyeglass wearers.
Diopter Adjustment
A "fine focus" adjustment ring usually provided
around one eyepiece to accommodate for vision differences
between the right and left eyes.
Rainguard®
Our exclusive, patented, hydrophobic (water-repellent) coating
on which condensation from rain, fog or snow forms in much
smaller droplets than on standard coatings. Smaller droplets
scatter less light, which results in increased light transmission
and a clearer image. Makes the binocular useful even when
looking directly into the driving rain.
PC-3® Phase Coating
Found on the best roof prism binoculars, this chemical coating
is applied to the prisms to enhance resolution and contrast.
Would not provide an advantage on porro prism models.
Rubber Armor
Rubber armor provides multiple benefits. It helps protect
the binocular from the bumps and scratches that come with
day-to-day use. It provides a comfortable gripping surface
for making them easier to hold on to. It's easy to wipe
clean after a tough day in the field. And it suppresses
noise if the binocular bumps aluminum or other non-rubber
surfaces, which might
otherwise spook wildlife.
WHAT TO PACK
If you are unsure as to which binoculars to pack, please
contact us.
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