All products in the market have some form of marks. They are indicated in numbers, letters, or even Roman numerals. These markings signify the unit of measurements, but they may not be as direct as it looks to be. The binoculars have no exception to this. Therefore, you should first know how to decode these numbers for effective use of your product.
The binocular has two sets of numbers joined together by a multiplication (x) sign. Each number has a different meaning, as we shall see in this article. To understand more, please read through this article.
What do the numbers on binoculars mean?
The model numbers on binoculars have two meanings. They are magnification power (strength) and the diameter of the objective lens (size). In a 10×45 binocular, 10 is the magnification power. 45 indicates the diameter of the lens.
The value 45 is in millimeters (mm). On the other hand, the value 10 indicates how close the object is to where you are. That is to say, an object under 10x less will mean that it is ten times bigger than the original size. A more powerful binocular will magnify the target many times and make it clear than a less superior one!
The ways to measure binoculars
You can measure it in two ways. The first one is to obtain the strength of the object. Secondly, you have to get the magnification size of the product. If you want to buy one, you should always consider getting one with higher magnification power for excellent views. Such types of binocular will even enable you to study distant objects like the stars in space! Understand the uses/needs of your mission so that you can get the appropriate tool for purchase.
The best magnification for a binocular
There are several types of binocular with different magnification power. Generally, it might be challenging to decide which one to choose. I would advise you, however, to go for one with the higher magnification power. Assuming that you have an 8x and a 10x binocular to choose from, you better go for the higher one. However, it is more of a personal choice in deciding what to buy.
Generally, the one with higher magnification is excellent for distant sighting and birding. The limitations include the narrow field of view and darker images, especially in times of low light. The handshake is also more noticeable!
Steps of choosing a binocular after understanding what the numbers mean
There are several things to consider before committing your money to a product. Among them is the purpose of the tool. However, the most common things to consider are:
The magnification power.
It is the single most and useful component to consider before buying a binocular. As mentioned previously in this article, I would advise you to go for one with higher magnification power. That is because the distance will not be a challenge to such kind of products. The one with smaller magnification power will produce small and wide images that are brighter and easier to find.
The price.
The price and the power of the product go hand in hand. A high-powered hunting binocular will sell at a high price in the market, and the opposite is true.
The most expensive products will give you excellent images, are comfortable to handle and are durable. The cheaper ones also still provide the best results, but the quality of their output does not match the pricey binocular! Before buying one, always carry out a market survey. Get many quotations from many suppliers before settling on one with a manageable price without compromising the quality!
The eye relief.
Consider getting one with retractable eyecups to accommodate users with eyeglasses. They should also be durable and multi-adjustable. For the clients wearing the glasses, always ensure that you adjust the eyecups to the minimum position and ensuring that there is more than enough eye relief. If you see some black rings around the image, then the setting is not complete. When you do it correctly, the resultant image will be crisp clear.
The quality of the image.
The single most important thing to consider before buying a binocular is the quality of the image. There will be no need to purchase one which will give you low-quality photos! The colors should be original and the images sharp. Make sure that the bins are also bright.
Most binoculars produce clear and high-quality images even at lower magnification. However, some do not meet such qualities. You should, therefore, test them before walking out of a store with one! I would not recommend buying one with an objectiv3e lens lower than 30mm.
Test the models.
Several manufacturers are offering the same product in the market today. Each brand has its own unique set of qualities. There might be some slight differences in the product specifications and the mode of operation. I would urge you to conduct tests for various types of binocular. The main aim is to ensure that you get one that satisfies your needs and the budget.
Different types of binoculars do not display an image the same way as they should be. The size of the hands, focus, and the way you carry the bin matters a lot. Try many models until you get the one that you feel will work best for you.
The additional features.
Most manufacturers that attempt to outcompete their market rivals will always provide some additional features to their brands. These are some of the things that you need to consider before making a purchase. The factors to consider include durability, waterproofing, fog proofing, mobility, the carrying case, and warranty, and many other factors. These things should be as long as possible to attain the best quality product of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What is a good number for binoculars?
There are many binoculars in the market today. The higher the number, the better your product would be. If, for example, you have 8x and 10x binoculars to choose from, then I would urge you to go for 10x. However, some are more superior and more costly to own. If you can get 20x binocular, then that would be a top of the range product.
The world’s most strong binocular at the moment is Sunagor 30-160×70. Their starting point is 30x, meaning that it enlarges an object 30 times the original size!
What does 10×25 mean on binoculars?
As we have seen from the previous illustrations, the first number signifies the power, and the second number is for the size. The mini binocular is excellent for backpacking and hiking. So if you see one with these markings, then you would have already known the purpose!
The exit pupil of this product is 2.5mm. It is smaller than the other types of similar tools. It will be harder to see clearly through such lenses. If you want to buy such a product, I will urge you to think about such characteristics wisely!
What can I see with 10×50 binoculars?
There are unlimited things that you can use this product to view. Some of the common ones include:
- The moon, especially when the sky is clear at night. You will see things such as the craters and rock formations on the surface of the moon.
- The birds in a thick forest
- The galaxies and the stars, especially on a clear night
- The satellites.
- Other planets in the solar system
- Game hunting.
Conclusion.
Reading and understanding the numbers on binoculars can be a daunting task. You might require some little training to know how to interpret such markings. However, the process is not complicated. Anyone can read and understand it with ease. Always remember that the first number represents the strength (power) and the second one the size (diameter) of the lens.
The numbers in all the binocular represent the same meaning. That means they will not differ even if they come from different manufacturers.