Binoculars are excellent devices for enhancing both indoor and outdoor experiences. Whatever your hobbies are, whether bird watching, attending concerts, or even astronomy, there is a suitable device for each one of these and more.
Finding a good pair of binoculars can be quite challenging which is why we’ve done your assignments for you and come with useful tips that would guide you to perfect binocular.
It’s always a great time for a new pair of binoculars – so where to focus?
A heron? A couple of coots? A beautiful butterfly? Or maybe the sparrow in its nest in your garden, a hawk in its tower or even a boat approaching if you want to watch any of this from a distance, a good pair of binoculars is essential!
Binoculars make the outdoor experience even more enjoyable. How do you know which pair of binoculars is right for you? Well, there are certain points that you should be aware of. We have listed some useful tips for you.
First Tip: Determine in which type of environment you would like to use your binoculars
Buying a pair of binoculars is one thing, choosing the right tone is another. Start by determining where you will be using your binoculars.
The waterproof feature is always appreciated if you plan to use your binocular in a damp area or when it rains while you are outdoors. If you’d go into the woods regularly to observe birds and insects, then the color reproduction and clarity are elements to consider.
To follow the flight of a bird, choose a binocular with a wide field of vision. Determine your priorities and, on this basis, choose the right binoculars for birdwatching.
Second Tip: the dimensions of the binoculars
For many people, the size of the binoculars is one of the most important criteria. Small binoculars are of course very practical to place in your inner pocket.
A larger model however often provides a brighter and more stable image. Look for the right balance. The standard size is 8 x 42, the number 8 corresponds to the magnification and 42 the lens diameter in mm.
Most 8×42 binoculars are fairly compact so, the grip is secure and easy.
Third Tip: Do you wear glasses? Pay attention to the eyepiece distance of the binoculars
If you wear glasses, you should pay attention to the eye relief when buying binoculars. This represents the distance in millimeters from your eye to the lens.
If you wear glasses, choose binoculars with eye relief of at least 15 mm. With a smaller distance, viewing through your binoculars when wearing your glasses will not be optimal.
Fourth tip: the magnification of the binoculars
You’d be forgiven to think that the larger the magnification the better because you can observe the object in view closely.
Unfortunately, it does not work that way. The visible image is certainly increased, but the vibrations (which you cause by holding your binoculars) are intensified in such devices. When you choose a magnification of more than 8x, it can get more challenging for your brain to compensate for the vibrations, so the image appears less clear.
The ideal thing to do in this case is either to have a very firm grip or to use a stand. But this isn’t always practical if you want to carry your binoculars with you in the woods.
Another important point is the diameter of the exit pupil. This is the size of the binocular output beam. When this one is larger than your own pupil, it is then easier to get a good image. If the exit pupil is not as wide as the pupil of the eye, then it is difficult to get a good image and you have to look for longer.
This is due to the fact that there would be less light coming into your eye than required. The diameter of the binocular’s exit pupil can be determined by dividing the diameter of the lens by the magnification factor. For 8 x 42 binoculars, the diameter of the exit pupil is therefore 42/8 = 5.25 mm.
Fifth tip: Try, experiment, touch
You only fully understand your binoculars once you have them in your hands. Today you can find a lot of good information through the web that allow you to get a good idea of a certain type of binoculars.
However, you really fully know what a pair of binoculars is worth only when you use it. Then you can appreciate the actual brightness, the color of the image and the adjustment options.
You can also determine if the dimensions and weight are directly appreciable and practical when you handle the binocular.
Taking your time to choose the right pair of binoculars will ensure that you have many years of guaranteed fun. And you’ve taken the very first step by reading this article.
