How to choose binoculars

Very often, when performing a certain kind of operations and observing specific objects located at a considerable distance from the viewer, the human vision is not enough to consider a detailed picture. In such cases, it is best to resort to using binoculars - a special device, calculated by repeatedly approaching the object and observing it. Binoculars are widely used in everyday life, almost no fishing or hunting raid can do without them, they are taken with them to the theater and to various sporting events that require the spectator to be significantly removed from the object of observation. And it is on how accurate, high-quality and correctly selected to specific conditions is binoculars, depends on the pleasure of contemplating a particular event and the end result of hunting or fishing.

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1. The best manufacturers. Which binoculars to choose?
2. Principle of operation and types of binoculars
3. Selection options. What to look for when buying binoculars?
4. Which binoculars can be considered the best?
5. Choosing a high-magnification binocular
6. Choosing binoculars for fishing
7. How to choose binoculars for observation
8. Binoculars Choice Video

The best manufacturers. Which binoculars to choose?

Despite the fact that there are a huge number of different binoculars on sale at the moment, not all of them are suitable for the tasks assigned to them. First of all, choosing binoculars, you need to decide for what purpose it is purchased, and then decide on the class of the device and study the feedback from people who had time to try one or another model in action. Binoculars are a complex optical device that requires the manufacturer to fully comply with the manufacturing algorithm and the highest build quality, and therefore not everyone is able to produce a quality model. Products of the following brands enjoy deserved respect:

1. Zeiss

2. Pentax

3. Olimpus

4. Nikon

5. Canon

As you can see, almost all of the above brands are serious manufacturers of optical technology, as well as photo and video equipment.

Principle of operation and types of binoculars

Modern binoculars are compact optical devices, the main purpose of which is to approximate the object of observation for the possibility of its detailed consideration. The functionality of such devices is provided by a series of multi-convex lenses and an optical prism that refracts the light flux and narrows it to a narrow beam, which is perceived by the retina as a full-fledged image.

Modern models of binoculars presented on sale can be divided into several conditional categories.

Amateur or domestic binoculars

Compact devices that do not differ in superpowers and are perfectly suitable for observing nature, going to the theater or to various sports competitions. Approximation of such devices is limited to 2-4 points, and the diameter of the lens installed in such a device does not exceed 23-25 ​​millimeters.

Virtues

• Miniature sizes;

• A wide variety of designs and form factors;

• Provide decent image quality with peripheral monitoring;

• Low cost;

• Low weight;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for use in dimly lit areas;

• Plastic lenses are often installed that quickly fail;

Professional binocular models

Devices whose purpose is strictly limited to their specificity. There are binoculars for hunting and fishing, for marine navigation and rescue operations, military and civilian models. Each device is distinguished by its own characteristics of magnification, luminosity and characteristics of lenses, and during its development, engineers take into account the operating conditions and abnormal situations that will be faced in the course of working with them.

Virtues

• Top quality workmanship;

• The interior space is almost always filled with special gas;

• Wide range of adjustment of sharpness, focal length and eye lenses;

• Exceptionally proven, branded optics;

• Ideal for performing tasks of a specific circle;

disadvantages

• Big weight and dimensions;

• During long-term work with the device, eyes often get tired;

• A very specific functionality suitable for solving only a certain range of tasks;

• High price;

Selection options. What to look for when buying binoculars?

Lens Diameter

This parameter is measured at the far end of binoculars and the functionality of this or that device depends on it. The lenses of the absolute majority of devices on sale range between 30 and 120 millimeters, and the more this value is, the more high-quality, clear and detailed picture the user will receive. In addition, a large lens provides better light transmittance, and therefore is better suited for use in the dark.

1. Compact models with a lens diameter of up to 30-50 millimeters are an excellent solution for everyday use, monitoring theatrical performances and sports competitions;

2. Models whose lens is equipped with lenses with a diameter of 30-60 millimeters are great for hiking, hunting and fishing;

3. The most powerful and advanced devices with a lens of 80-120 millimeters are professional and are suitable for solving complex problems, observing stars and other highly specialized tasks.

Approximability

The parameter directly influencing the approach of the object of observation and the possibility of using the device in certain conditions. A similar parameter has the following pattern: the higher the degree of approximation of a particular device, the narrower the angle of coverage of a particular device. These two figures are displayed in the characteristics of any binoculars: for example, the inscription 7x50 means that the binocular has a sevenfold zoom and at maximum approximation the viewing angle is 50 degrees.

1. Devices with a small approximation, about 4-8x provide a wide angle of coverage and are suitable for the absolute majority of domestic situations;

2. Models with an approximation of 10-15x are great for hunting and fishing;

3. Devices with an approximation of 20 times or more are excellent for observing objects from a far distance. They are preferred by those who like to watch the stars;

Prism type and design

A prism is a key element in the construction of any binoculars, on which the clarity and clarity of the output image depends, as well as the ability to operate the device in difficult conditions. Currently installed lenses in most binoculars are divided into two general categories:

1. Porro lenses are installed in most models of the budget and mid-range.They have a multi-level broken structure and provide the refraction of sunlight at an angle of about 45 degrees, which gives a wide picture. However, they cannot provide strong zoom;

2. Roof lenses have a high degree of approximation. They have a fairly compact size and a narrow, elongated shape, which allows them to be placed in a small binocular body. Models with such lenses are 1.5-2 times more expensive than binoculars with Porro lenses.

Linear and Angular Vision Characteristics

Parameters that display the angle and distance of the dimensions of a clear and contrasting picture in horizontal limits from the observed object, as well as at the top of it. As a rule, angular vision has a range of coverage from 5 to 7 degrees horizontally, which means that the further the object is located from the observer, the wider will be the area of ​​observation. Linear vision is calculated in a slightly different way - it is measured in meters and displays the height per-kilometer visibility on the frustration. Almost always, linear vision ranges from 40 to 120 meters.

Characteristics of enlightenment

Indicates the amount of light that remains available to the human eye after the light beam passes through the lens and is refracted by a prism. Typical parameters are at a level from 30 to 50%, and only for the most expensive devices equipped with a combined lens system, it does not exceed 10-12%

Characteristics of the exit pupil

In this situation, it means its diameter, it depends on it the amount of light that falls on the retina of the eye after processing the flow with a lens and a prism. Almost always installed lenses vary in the range from 2 to 5 millimeters, and the larger its area - the clearer and richer the resulting image will be, regardless of the degree of illumination

In addition to all of the above, we should not forget about such characteristics as the weight and dimensions of the device. Wearing several kilograms of multi-kilogram binoculars is not everyone’s liking, and therefore this parameter should not be overlooked.

Which binoculars can be considered the best?

We should not forget that the universal models of binoculars do not exist in nature, and this or that model will be the best for the specific conditions of its application.

Choosing a high-magnification binocular

Devices of this class will suit not everyone, their functionality is necessary for those who prefer animals and birds, as well as lovers of watching the stars. The best devices of this class are equipped with lenses from Zeiss or Nikon and have an approximation of 20x or more. The output diameter of the lens must be at least 80-90 millimeters, in which case the user will receive a truly detailed image in any conditions. The installed lens is almost always Roof type, and the exit pupil diameter is 4-5 millimeters.

Choosing binoculars for fishing

Those who are keen on hunting or fishing, there is no need to maximize the magnification. It is quite enough models with 12-15 multiple increase and optics with a diameter about 55-70 millimeters. The lens design is preferred Porro, and the exit pupil diameter should be all the same 4-5 millimeters.

How to choose binoculars for observation

Devices of this class are almost always peripheral, which certainly means a small approximation ratio, a wide viewing angle and a large output diameter of the lens, which allows a large amount of light to pass through and makes the picture clear and sharp. The type of lens - almost always Porro, and the degree of approximation of optics is no more than 4-8 times.

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Binoculars Choice Video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.