Choosing the right binoculars?
For More and more nature-loving people has decided to purchase a high quality binoculars Good reasons:Binoculars allow much deeper observations - especially details. Some objects are decorated with with good binoculars than with the naked eye!Many people need binoculars for a special purpose. For example, the ornithologist for birdwatching. Binoculars can also be used for a variety of other purposes (e.g. nature and landscape observation). constant companionIn our opinion The following main criteria are important when selecting binoculars:
- Weight
- Binoculars magnification
- Luminous intensity of the binoculars
- Field of vision
- Exit pupil
There is a lot of philosophising about these topics. But here in particular there are 2 opposing effects:
- In the In the mountains, the Alps or when hiking, a glass should be as small or light as possible - is clear!
- But as soon as you reach your destination, you have a slight tremor in your arms (your muscles have just been used and your pulse is still high). Is that If the glass is heavier, it can be held more steady due to the inertia. The higher mass of the glass reacts more slowly to the transmitted vibrations.
Binoculars quality
Of course, these optical/physical framework criteria are only the basis for your orientation as to which binocular model might be suitable for you. The actual quality and performance of comparable binoculars naturally depends to a large extent on technological factors such as
- quality the Materials and types of glass used
- Binocular prism and lens systems used (Porro or Roof edge prism)
- Coating of the optics the so-called "coating" processing quality and Composition of the binocular components
These factors have a decisive influence on the production costs of optical devices such as binoculars or field glasses, riflescopes or spotting scopes and are therefore the reason for the considerable price differences between technically similar binoculars. Binoculars 8×42 or 10×42 Binoculars ideal for many applications.
The binoculars designation
On a Binoculars stand Always two key figures - e.g. 8×56. The first number means that the magnification of the lens is 8x and the lens diameter (second number) is 56 mm. By specifying the lens diameter (= entrance pupil) and magnification, you can easily calculate the theoretical exit pupil yourself using the formula: Lens diameter divided by the magnification. In the case of 8x 56 binoculars, this is 56 / 8 = 7 mm; larger than 7 mm generally makes no sense, as the eye can only detect 6 or 5 mm with increasing age. In order to utilise the highest possible twilight performance of the binoculars, the pupils of the eye and the exit pupil of the optics should ideally be the same size. As the maximum pupil opening can vary from person to person, it is possible that the light intensity of the same binoculars is perceived subjectively differently by each person depending on the situation.
The importance of magnification
With a 10x magnification, an animal observed at a distance of 100 metres appears as if we were looking at it from a distance of 10 metres. Details are clearly recognisable at 10x. In practice, the highest magnification is not always the best choice. Excessive magnification can significantly impair the recognisability of details - especially if the tremor factor (which is also increased) is not taken into account.
The binoculars field of view
The The field of view of binoculars is given in degrees (angle of view) or in metres. It indicates the width of the terrain visible through the binoculars at a distance of 1000 metres. In practice, a larger field of view makes it easier to observe large objects and track moving objects. With increasing magnification, the field of view generally decreases with every optic.
A few considerations for your choice of binoculars
Binoculars 8×32
The ideal format for the unspecific user. At a maximum of 600 grams, it is still quite light and can also be carried on longer hikes. Top models show very large fields of view, which The 4 mm exit pupil extends far into the twilight. An unsure beginner should take this format into account when considering a purchase.
Binoculars 10×32
The Glass for users who are on the move during the day are and a Lightweight lens with high magnification and relatively large fields of view wish. A 10×32 has weaknesses in twilight performance.
Binoculars 8×42
The 8×42 generally differs from the 8×32 in that it weighs approx. 200 grams morewhich better twilight properties and the greater length. The twilight performance is sufficient for observing crepuscular animals. The field of view is usually a little smaller than with the 8×32.
Binoculars 10×42
The 10×42 is the glass of choice if you value a higher level of detail reproduction. Many ornithologists and hunters, but also insect watchers, favour this format for this very reason. The Top models show fields of view of 115 metres or more with a weight of less than 800 grams in some cases.
Binoculars 8×56
This is about Light intensity and detail recognition. The typical hunter's hunting glass for twilight has the format 8×56. These hunting glasses are also very suitable for observing the sky, e.g. star clusters. However, a black, moonless sky is then a prerequisite.
