When you buy binoculars you’ll notice a funny little number listed on the packaging, and usually etched into the binoculars themselves. It probably reads something like 7×50, or 8×24. In any case, they will always have two numbers with the letter ‘x’ in between. The first number refers to the magnification power of the binoculars, while the second is the objective diameter. Both numbers are important consideration when you are about to buy a pair of binoculars.
The magnification basically indicates how close your desired object will appear. The number is a measurement of how many times greater the image will appear than when viewed by the naked eye. For instance, if you look at an object with binoculars of 7x magnification, the object will appear seven times larger than when viewed without the binoculars. The objective diameter is measured in millimeters and refers to the size of the objective lens, which is what allows light to be gathered from outside and distributed through the binoculars.
Remember that bigger isn’t always better. A higher magnification will make objects look closer, but they may not provide a clearer image. Generally, the higher the magnification, the darker the image and the narrower the field of view. Additionally, higher magnification binoculars are more susceptible to hand tremors and may need to be mounted onto a tripod for proper viewing. Although a larger objective lens may offset some of these issues on a high magnification pair of binoculars, it will also make the binoculars heavier and more awkward to carry. This in itself can contribute to more hand shaking and fatigue! Price is also usually a factor, with a larger objective lens and higher magnification coming at quite a cost. For the average user, it is best to find a middle of the road pair of binoculars, with an average magnification and objective lens.
 |
Nikon Monarch ATB 12 x 42 Camo Binoculars New 7526 US $359.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 12:23:16 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Stabileyes 14x40 VR Binoculars Black 8211 US $1,199.95 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 12:35:05 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NIKON ACTION ZOOM XL 10 22 X 50MM BINOCULARS GO HIGH US $148.95 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 12:39:59 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NIKON ACTION ZOOM XL (7234) 10 22 X 50MM BINOCULARS GO US $148.95 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 12:40:11 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Action Series 10-22X50 Zoom XL CF Binoculars US $146.50 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 13:02:07 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon binoculars model #ab086348 US $31.00 (8 Bids) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 14:15:47 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Auto Focus Compact Stadium Binoculars - 2 Pair! US $25.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 14:23:05 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Binoculars 8-24x25 MM EAGLE VIEW ZOOM US $99.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 14:35:48 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Dream Season Binoculars 8x36 US $279.95 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 14:47:35 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Dream Season Binoculars 10x36 US $299.95 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 14:51:09 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NIKON PROSTAFF 10X25 BINOCULARS 7485 NEW, hunting bird US $117.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 16:18:09 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon 8203NIK-BINOCULARS, 10X25 SPORTSTAR - W/ 2 Yr War US $74.36 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 16:25:52 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon 8203NIK-BINOCULARS, 10X25 SPORTSTAR US $59.58 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 16:37:57 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NEW Nikon Monarch III 8x42 DCF WP Waterproof Binoculars US $299.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 16:53:42 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Binoculars 8 X 23 ID #332859 US $14.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 17:01:59 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NIKON HUNTING BINOCULARS TEAM REALTREE 10X25 6.5 NICE US $61.00 (7 Bids) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 17:02:25 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NIKON 10 X 70 BINOCULARS IF SP WP US $945.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:23:40 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NIKON 7 X 50 SP IF WP BINOCULARS US $585.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:24:51 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
New Nikon 8218 Trailblazer 10X25 Hunting Binoculars US $94.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:47:42 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
New Nikon Monarch 7533 Binoculars Dielectric 10.5X45 US $549.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:47:43 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NEW NIKON ACTION 8X40 WIDE VIEW BINOCULARS FOG PROOF US $9.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 19:00:59 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 Waterproof Binoculars 7432 New US $274.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 19:16:36 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
Nikon Action EX Extreme 8x40 Waterproof Binoculars 7238 US $109.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 19:16:38 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
NEW NIKON ACTION BINOCULARS 12x50 7219 US $99.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 19:17:25 PDT Add to watch list |
 |
New Nikon 7215 Action Binoculars 7X35 Hunting Birding US $74.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:41 PDT Add to watch list |
Popularity: 2% [?]