Vortex is well-known for creating their outdoor adventure gear on the market since the 1980s, and when it comes to binoculars, they are one of the leading high-end brands in the market.
Since Vortex binos do not come cheap, you must keep them in good condition, which means the binocular lenses have to stay clean as well as the binocular body from loose dust and loose dirt.
In our small guide we will cover why it is important to clean your Vortex binoculars and how often you should be doing, a step by step guide of how to clean them properly and some tips for maintaining them too.
Binoculars throughout their time when you use them will become exposed to all kinds of elements such as dust and pollen, and to prevent damage to the lens, you have to clean them regularly as part of binocular maintenance.
Although it is important to regularly clean your binoculars when they start to look dirty, you should never clean them in excess as this can end up damaging the lens coatings.
Cleaning your Vortex binoculars is simple but you do have to make sure you are cleaning them properly to prevent any damage to their lens.
We will list our step by steps to cleaning your Vortex binos below.
To clean the lens of your binoculars you need to make sure you have a micro fibrous cloth, pen brush, lens cleaners solution and some compressed air to get rid of dust particles.
Never use paper towels or any facial tissue to clean binocular lenses as they can leave fibres and damage the lens.
Cleaning the outside of your binoculars is simple, all you need is a damp soft cloth to wipe down the exterior and use any cotton buds to get into the crevasse and remove dirt.
To keep your Vortex high-quality binoculars in the best condition not only do you need to be cleaning them for a brilliant image but you should be maintaining them too.
We've listed the best tips for maintaining your Vortex binoculars below.
Overall, Vortex binoculars are easy to clean and maintain, just make sure you are using the right kind of cleaning equipment and you always use compressed air to get rid of any dust particles first. When you are not using your Vortex binos you should make an effort to keep them protected with a lens cap and storage case.
Always clean them when needed and avoid excessively cleaning the coated lenses to increase their performance.
Whether you want to stargaze, bird watch or view your favourite concert up close, binoculars can help us see objects close up from far away, but just how far can you see with a pair of binoculars?
Well, you can see as far as you like with binoculars, but the real question is how much detail you can see on faraway objects, which is determined by the distance we can see with our naked eye, external factors and magnification level of your binos.
In our article below, we will go over all these factors that affect how far we can see with binoculars, as well as how far you can see with different binocular strengths and the longest range binoculars on the market.
Before we can get into how far powerful binoculars can allow us to see, we have to start with our own eyes.
Our normal vision has no limit when it comes to distance, humans can see any object as long as it is illuminated as a bright image, but the issue of human visions is that we cannot see these objects in detail.
That is where binoculars come in, as they produce a magnified image with much more detail.
For example, your normal vision can see up to 48 kilometres away while your power binocular could extend it up to 483km away.
Not all powered binoculars produce the same level of viewing distance, it is affected by a range of different factors which have to be considered to begin with.
Now we know the main factors that influence how far we can see with binoculars, we will cover the main powers of binoculars below and their magnification to give you an idea of how far you can see with each different powered binocular.
Binoculars tend to have a magnification power ranging between 6x and 12x allowing you to view images closer or further away, when you choose a higher magnification however you have to make sure you keep the image steady.
We will list the main magnifications that binos come with below and what they are used for.
A pair of 10x50 binoculars are pretty common on the market so you might just be wondering how far you can see with them.
As we mentioned above, there truly is no limit on the distance that you can see with these binos, on a clear night with no obstructions and fog, you can defiantly make out stars and the moon, but they wouldn't be in much detail, for this you would have to consider going up to a magnification of 12x.
This brings us to the question of, what are the most powerful binoculars on the market which can allow me to see the longest distance with detail?
There are two most popular strongest magnification binos on the market, 25x50mm and 30x60mm, both of these binoculars can be used to see faraway objects in better detail such as the night sky but will need a tripod.
Overall, there is no limit as to how far you can see with binoculars, the only limit is to how much detail you can see these distant objects in, higher magnification binoculars with a greater objective lens allow you to see a further distance as they magnify the image in more detail. Always remember external factors such as the weather or obstruction can limit this view.
Buying the best pair of binoculars is a great start to getting the best image quality out of your optics, but not knowing how to set the focus and dioptre of your binoculars can produce a blurry image and limit your observation.
The diopter adjustment on your binoculars refers to the refractive power of the lens, the higher the mm of the diopter than the stronger the lens on your binocular diopter and the more correction it will need.
To adjust the central diopter on your binocular you have to shut either eye and adjust the image until clear, this will be different if you have a central focus system on your binoculars.
We will cover more about the difference between the central focusing mechanism and dioptre focusing systems on binoculars below, how to perform the diopter adjustment on your binoculars as well as some troubleshooting tips if your image is still blurry after diopter correction.
So as we can understand how to set adjustable diopters, we have to understand what this part of your binoculars does first. The diopter adjustment knob on your binoculars is a one-off adjustment that allows you to calibrate each eyepiece of your binos individually for a more fine-tuned precise image.
The diopter adjustment barrel is typically located on the right eyepieces of most binoculars and is set up at the beginning when you buy your binos.
More people are familiar with the central focus adjustment on their binoculars which is located in the middle of their binoculars, this makes your image focus when turned, some of the cheaper binoculars only have a central focus wheel without a diopter but do not give the same level of vision correction as individual diopter adjustment does.
Using the diopter adjustment knob on your binoculars is a simple process and can make a big difference for image clarity and vision correction when set properly.
We will cover how to use the diopter adjustment setting on common binoculars below but it does differ according to the pair of optics you are using, if you get stuck always double-check your binos manual.
Even after setting your focus and diopter adjustment you might still be seeing a blurry image through your binoculars, we have put together some common troubleshooting reasons as to why this might be happening down below to help you find a solution.
Do roof prism binoculars have diopter adjustment?
Yes, roof prism and Porro prism binoculars both have diopter adjustment, some of the more advanced optics might have this on the left barrel with a diopter lock.
Where is the diopter range on my binoculars?
The diopter range is typically on the right side of your binoculars but can sometimes be in the centre too, your binos manual will always say where if you are unsure.
Is the diopter helpful for a sharp image on my binoculars?
Yes, the diopter is very important for the best quality image as it calibrates both of your eyes individual differences.
When should I change my diopter adjustment?
The diopter on your binoculars is always changed when your first get your binos but only has to be changed again if your eyesight changes or someone else is using your binoculars.
To conclude, setting the binocular diopter is important if you want to get the most out of your binoculars, not only for proper focus but also for correcting the difference in your vision between each eye.
Some binoculars might have an all in one central focusing knob or no diopter adjustment at all depending on the quality of the binoculars, always refer to your manual for the proper settings if needed.
There's nothing more satisfying than observing the night sky, seeing different planets, their rings and stars up close, but the question is, can you see this all with just a binocular?
Well, yes, you can indeed see the planets as well as Saturn's rings with a binocular, but this has to be an astronomic binocular which works well in low-light observation and has a strong enough magnification over 20x to see the ring definition.
To help you out we have discussed which type of binocular you need to see the planets below, which planets you will be able to see and how binoculars match up to telescopes for planet viewing to give you the best chance of seeing Saturn's rings.
If you want to be able to view Saturn's rings and other planets in the night sky, you have to make sure you are using suitable binoculars and accessories for the job.
The best astronomical binoculars would need to have a strong magnification level of over 20x if you want to be able to differentiate the rings from Saturn. For the clearest images, you have to make sure that your binoculars have a generous objective lens size to allow light in when viewing deep-sky objects too.
Preferably, the objective lens size of your binocular should be anywhere between 50mm and 70mm to see star patterns and planets.
You should make sure your binoculars have a decent field of view too for observing a wider portion of the night sky.
Now we know the type of binoculars you need for viewing planets and Saturn's rings, you might be wondering what planets you will be able to view when observing.
We have listed the most likely ones below.
These two planets are astronomical essentials for observation as they are the closest planets to us and are easy to spot in the starfield, especially when they are passing between the earth and the sun. Venus can produce stunning images at twilight thanks to it being so bright.
Mars is typically in front of other star parties and is easy to spot thanks to its red bright planet colours amongst the largest moon. Even beginner telescopes and binoculars should be able to see mars without any issues as long as you know where to look.
When looking for Jupiter you will likely notice the four major moons close by which are the Galilean Satellites, Jupiter itself, however, can be hard for amateur astronomers and even professionals to see as it stays hidden often. A tripod will help in this scenario to keep you steady when observing.
Saturn itself can be seen in a night sky image with a golden colour, and if you have a high-quality pair of binos like Celestron binoculars for astronomy, you will probably be able to see Saturn moon, Titan, too in the telescopic image.
Many people assume you need larger telescopes to see the rings of Saturn, but you might be able to see them with powerful binoculars too, this is not a guarantee, however.
These planets might be the farthest away but are not impossible to see if your binoculars have a decent level of magnification. Uranus typically looks green while Neptune is more like a star, they are both very similar and you can always use a finder chart to locate them if you get stuck.
As well as these main planets, you can additionally view bright objects such as a star cluster, comets, asteroids and galaxies. Prominent belt stars can be easily seen with a decent pair of binos.
Many people prefer to use a monocular telescope for viewing star parties and planets because of their greater magnification and tripods, but a good pair of binoculars can be equally as good for this purpose with the right specs and have many advantages too.
We have compared both a telescope and binoculars below for this purpose to help you decide on which optical zoom is right for you.
Binoculars have the upper hand over reflector telescopes when it comes to affordability and portability, you can get compact binoculars with excellent magnification nowadays which fit easily into your pocket when on the move.
These devices are also better when it comes to viewing astronomy essentials such as a star cluster too and the night sky thanks to their wider field of view, not to mention you get a three-dimensional view of a bright star because of the two eyepieces!
Binoculars fall short when it comes to observing planets in isolation such as Saturn's rings due to their more limited magnification. They also tend to come without a tripod and let less light in that telescopes due to their smaller lens.
Telescopes are much more favoured when it comes to astronomical viewing due to their higher magnification power and stability, most often come with a tripod or stand for a better viewing experience, they are more suitable for looking at planets or the moon in detail rather than a wide field of view.
Downfalls of telescope targets have to be their high price and little field of view which is not as good for viewing a star cluster due to its narrower image, they are also less portable to carry around as you often need a stand.
For viewing Saturn's rings in particular we would always suggest going with a large telescope. This will give you the best chance of looking at the planet in more detail, you can use binoculars for this but you would need a very high-quality pair with a good aperture for the best detail.
If you are wanting a more affordable device to view the night sky with and view energetic stars and patterns, then a binocular could be the better choice.
To conclude, you can see Saturn's rings with binoculars if you get a very powerful pair with a high magnification of at least 20x and a larger objective lens between 50mm and 80mm for the best light.
We would always suggest using a telescope for a better chance of seeing Saturn's rings but binoculars can be great for looking at the whole night sky in detail too. Never look directly at the sun with your binos or telescopes for your safety.
If you are looking at a binocular for marine purposes, hunting purposes or golf then you will likely come across a pair with rangefinder reticles.
Binoculars with reticle rangefinders will have either a marked reticle scale for you to work out how far away you are from a subject or a rangefinder laser light that sends a flash of light and automatically works out how far you are from a subject.
In our guide below, we will cover which binoculars have range finders on them, how reticle range finders work and how to use them as well as how they match up to laser rangefinder binoculars.
First of all, let's explain what reticle rangefinder bins are.
These rangefinder binos use a net of fine lines in the eyepiece of each binocular to produce a scale or they will have a type of reticle which are digitally displayed when you look through.
Similar to a rifle scope, the scale on these types of reticle binos allows you to measure how far away you are from a subject or animal, they can also calculate the angle of a subject and the height of the target object.
There are different types of measurements of objects on these reticles, but most use a mil-dot reticle to measure distance, so also have silhouettes you can use to get a guess on how far an object is away.
Rangefinding reticle binos have several different uses and can be found mostly on -
If it's your first time using rangefinder binoculars you might be a little overwhelmed with all the measurements, but we have broken down how to use these marine binocular type systems below to help you out.
To use rangefinder binos you will have to understand how to use the Mil-dot formula, this works as long as you know the height and length of the object you are spotting through the scale.
For example, if you knew a building was 70 metres tall and your scale height says it's 90m tall then you simply divide 70 by 90 then times by 1000, this would mean the building is 777m away.
Numerous spreadsheets already have their calculations on there to speed up the process.
As well as your reticle rangefinder binos, you also have laser rangefinder binoculars which are in the higher price range. To calculate the distance the laser system shoots out a flash of light at a target object then the distance is worked out by the amount of time it takes to reach the receiver.
These binos are excellent for hunting and can spot animals up to 1000 yards away when calculating distance, they are not however good for use on water due to it being a reflective object.
We have listed both the pros and cons of reticle rangefinder and laser rangefinder binos below.
Since both types of rangefinder binoculars are so popular, we have compared both of the rangefinder systems below to help you work out which kind of rangefinder is right for you.
Reticle rangefinder binoculars excel over their laser competition when it comes to range, they can be used to calculate longer distances and also are much more affordable. Not all of the models require batteries to function either.
The drawbacks of these binoculars have to its calculating process which is a little more time-consuming and less accurate.
Laser rangefinder binos are very accurate on the other hand as they do not rely on human judgement and give a result immediately with no waiting time for calculation needed.
They do however need a constant power source to run due to the laser and are very expensive. The total range this rangefinder system can calculate is more limited and inaccurate over water.
Overall, reticle rangefinder binoculars are the preferred option for most laser binos thanks to their affordability and longer range distance, however, for professionals hunting a pair of laser rangefinder binos could be worth the investment if you want the best accuracy possible.
When choosing your rangefinder binoculars, there are some key features you need to keep in mind if you want to be getting the most out of your pair of binos when hunting or spotting.
We've listed the essentials to watch out for below.
What does ballistic configuration mean?
This allows you to input your measurements and also allows for more accurate distance readings compared to previous rangefinder binos.
How much do marine binoculars cost?
Standard marine binos with a rangefinder are not too expensive and are around the £100-£300 mark.
What does a reticle display do?
These are what gives you your measurements when looking through your binoculars in the form of a scale.
What price do laser rangefinder's cost?
They can cost anything between £300 - £1000 depending on the quality of the model you buy.
To conclude, rangefinder binoculars are easy to use but might take more calculating if you buy a reticle version rather than a laser rangefinder pair. To use rangefinder binoculars you simply have to divide the height of an object by what the height of the reticle scale says and times by 1000.
For first-time buyers of binoculars, the numbers can be a little confusing if you are looking for high-quality binoculars.
The two numbers on a pair of binoculars refer to the magnification power and objective lens size of your powered binoculars, the greater the first number, the further you can see images, the higher the second number, the more light your binos allow for a brighter image.
As finding your pair of binoculars can be a little overwhelming, we have explained in more depth how these numbers work below and what number you should be looking for on your binos, we will also discuss the other numbers on binoculars and what they mean too.
The first figure on your binoculars with the 'X' sign is your magnification, on most regular binoculars this will be between 8x and 10x but for expensive binoculars they can have an extreme sized zoom binocular size of 12x or even 15x.
This would mean that types of binoculars with an 8x magnification would make objects appear 8x closer and so on.
Depending on what you need your zoom binoculars for will determine the size of the magnification, we have listed some common magnification sizes according to the activity below.
You should always remember that a higher magnification number does not always mean better binocular lenses, sometimes a larger magnification level will mean a lower angular field of view and would require stabilisation such as a tripod.
The second number on your binoculars will usually be stated in mm and refers to your binoculars objective lenses size or aperture controlling light conditions in your image.
If you go for binoculars with larger lenses, they will allow more light in and will be more suitable for use for astronomy or in low-light conditions. For example, a 12x50 binocular has 12x levels of magnification and a 50mm aperture.
It is important to remember that wider lenses with more light are not always the better option and can make your pair of binos very heavy.
Now we know what the main two binocular numbers mean we can get into looking at the other numbers which will be stated on your binos specs so as you can understand everything you need to be looking for in your new binoculars.
The field of view on your binoculars is typically expressed per 1000 yards, it is a very important number as it determines a decent field of view through the lens which is essential in activities such as sport if you want to track moving subjects.
Anything with a FOV of over 300ft is excellent, remember that this number will be limited if you have binos with a higher magnification.
You may also see an angular field of view on your binos expressed in degrees, this refers to the same number as a field of view, any binocular with a 6-degree angular field of view and above is a good choice.
For people who wear glasses, you must ensure that you look at the eye relief number on your binos before buying. Binoculars that have a small eye relief will cut off the image that eyeglass wearers see when looking through the lens, so the number should always be bigger in this case.
Always look for an eye relief of over 15mm relief for eyeglass wearers.
Another number you will see on your binos is the exit pupil, this number refers to the light beam which comes out from each eyepiece and is typically measured in mm.
This number becomes important if you are planning to use your binos in low light situations, as a larger exit pupil will provide you with the clearest images.
On most binoculars, the exit pupil will be around 4-5mm, but if you can get higher up to 7mm this will be excellent for producing sharper images.
Lastly, we have the close focus number, this number refers to the minimum distances that you can focus on something, anything around 2m is great, but it can be hard to find a low close focus distance on cheaper binos for the perfect focus.
Figuring out the numbers for binoculars can be a little overwhelming as a first time binocular buyer but so can setting up your binos, with you having to adjust the dioptre and focusing ring.
We have put together a simply follow step by step guide below that will cover how to set your binos for the first time.
What are roof prism binoculars?
Roof prism binoculars have a more complicated internal system than Porro prism binos when it comes to the light, this often makes them more expensive but also compact and lightweight, making them a better investment if you want a pair of small binos that produce high-quality images.
Which objective lens size should I buy?
The objective lens size of your binos by standard should be over 20mm and under 50mm for average use, this will ensure there is enough light in your image but will keep your binos a reasonable weight too.
Are lens coatings important?
Yes, lens coatings are very important on your binos as they improve image quality and stop reflection as well as colour fringing.
How do I know which binos to buy?
You should choose your binos according to what you will be using them for, for example, for hunting, you would choose 10x binoculars with a 42mm objective lens, lens coatings, waterproofing and a decent field of view.
What does the close focus number mean?
In some situations you may want to zoom in on a subject that is a little closer to you, the distance refers to how close this subject can be until your binoculars cannot focus on it anymore. Close focus is great when birding or hunting.
Is a higher magnification better?
No, a high magnification does not equal a better pair of binos it simply means you can view subjects from further away, you will have to have binos with built-in stabilisation to stop the shakiness or a tripod when using highly magnified binos.
What are 12x binoculars good for?
Some 12x binoculars would be excellent for long-range spotting or astronomy purposes when viewing basic stars and planets. We would not recommend them for bird watching or sporting events however as they would have a more limited field of view and a little blur when handheld.
Overall, the two numbers on binoculars refer to the magnification level and objective lens size that your binoculars have. It's best to choose a magnification according to the activity you will be using your binos for, and for the objective lens focus on how much you will be using your binos in low light.
Always have an idea of the binocular numbers you want on your model before researching so as you can narrow down the most suitable models with ease for your purpose of use.
Concerts can be an excellent chance to see your favourite star on stage, but what happens when you are seated too far away and end up missing out on all the action on stage?
That's why bringing a pair of binoculars to your outdoor concert or indoor concerts is a great idea, they allow you to zoom in on the action and have an amazing time even if you are seated at the back of the concert setting.
To help you find the best binocular choice for concerts we have composed a guide below which will cover why you should use binoculars at a concert, the essential features to look for in concert binoculars and some tips for using them in concert settings.
You might wonder if you are allowed to bring binoculars to a concert at all, usually, concerts have no issues with your bringing in your binos to the concert venue, but if you are not convinced, we have listed a few benefits of bringing your binoculars to an outdoor concert or indoor concert below.
If you are looking for the best pair of binoculars to take to a concert venue then you should be ensuring it comes with certain features, unlike your standard pair of binos, for a concert attendee your model should have more important specs such as a wider field of view, extra-long eye relief and a lightweight.
We will list the top specs and features to watch out for in your concert binoculars below.
The objectives for concert binos are to be able to see everything on stage without having to have the best seat in the venue, but there are a few tips for using them at concerts if you want to get the most out of your experience.
We've listed a few tips for using binoculars at concerts below.
How much do concert binoculars cost?
Depending on your model they can cost anything between £100-£500, roof prism binoculars will cost more thanks to their compact design but are excellent for concert viewing.
What are the essentials for concert binoculars?
A good field of view, lightweight, lens coatings and durability, unlike other binos specs such as close focus or a larger objective lens, do not matter in this case.
Am I allowed to bring binoculars to a concert?
Yes, there is no reason as to why you cannot bring binos into a concert, just makes sure to keep them close.
What magnification should concert binoculars have?
Any magnification between 8x and 10x will be enough for a concert venue.
Overall, you can bring binoculars to a concert with no issues, just make sure they have a good field of view and are compact as you will be holding them for long periods without a tripod or stabilisation.
By using binoculars at a concert you can be able to see more without having to have an expensive seat and they allow you to have a VIP experience from a distance no matter where you are sitting!
Having a good pair of binoculars for hunting is very important, not only does it allow you to spot subjects from far away, but you can also spot dangers around you and keep track of movements that might not see from afar.
Like any pair of binoculars, you should be looking for the right specs for hunting in your pair, this should mean a rugged design, good magnification, wide field of view and larger exit pupil for viewing low lit images.
In our guide below we will cover why you should use binoculars for hunting, what type of binoculars to use, the best magnification for hunting binoculars and top features to consider in your model.
We have also put together a list of the best tips for hunting with your binoculars, so without further chat, let's get into it!
Hunting is one of the activities that need binoculars as an essential tool if they want a successful hunt, visibility is an important part of hunting and having some good quality binoculars can make spotting targets much quicker and easier.
If you are on the edge about whether or not you should invest in a hunting binocular model we have listed the benefits of using binoculars for this activity down below.
When finding quality hunting binoculars you will be faced with a choice of Porro prism and roof prism binos, both have their advantages and disadvantages with Porro prism binoculars often being the more typical choice.
We will compare both kinds of hunting binocular types below to help you decide which type is best for you.
Porro prism binoculars are the more affordable and old school binoculars for ease of use, they use two right-angled prisms which face one another and have an objective lens tube away from the eyepieces, this increases the light transmission seen in the image for better performance in low-light conditions.
These types of binoculars offer ample magnification and a great field of view for bird watchers and scouting faraway animals.
The downfalls of Porro prism binos have to be their size which is often more bulky and heavy, they are also a little less durable than roof prism binos with less having waterproofing.
Roof prism binoculars are the more modern type of binos and typically include two prisms that are separated by an air gap for a longer light path which helps with 90-95% light transmission.
The expensive binocular model is much more streamlined to make it the better type of compact binoculars for hunting when you will be holding them for long periods
Negatives of the modern roof prism binoculars have to be their smaller field of view and high price, some also argue these designs have a poorer image quality.
To conclude, we recommend choosing a roof prism pair of binoculars if you are looking to do long-range hunting more often as the compact-style binoculars have great magnification and excellent image quality.
However, if you can't afford it Porro prism binoculars are still a great choice for hunting, especially if you are after a wider field of view for tracking animals.
As well as working out what prism type of binoculars you need for hunting, you should consider the power of the magnification too as this will determine how well you can see the farthest objects.
The magnification of your binoculars is the X number that you will see on the binos specifications, for hunting, you want a standard magnification of either 8x or 10x if you want to be doing target spot from a distance.
Anything higher will be harder to keep stable when viewing images and will limit your field of view which is important for tracking animals when they are on the move.
As well as the magnification you need to consider the objective lenses size too which is the second number, this is what controls how much light is seen in your image, with the bigger objective lens being better for low-light conditions.
The larger your objective lenses size is when hunting the heavier the binoculars will be, however, so if you are looking for your binos to stay compact then you should ensure your objective lenses size is not over 50mm.
Now we know the main points about choosing your initial hunting binoculars we can get into the essential specs and features you need to be looking for in your best hunting binos.
Not only do you need to be considering the power of your hunting binoculars but you have to make sure it has lens coatings and a durable design too.
We will list the main specs to watch out for in your model below.
Hunting is not the easiest of activities to do with binoculars, you need to have a lot of patience and stay alert to spot any animals.
We've listed some of our top tips for hunting with binoculars down below.
What durability features should hunting binoculars have?
For hunting binoculars, your model should have waterproofing, fog-proofing and rubber armouring to ensure it's protected against any weather conditions or accidents.
Do I need a high magnification for spotting distant objects?
No, a magnification of 12x or 10x is more than enough for spotting game animals at a distance, any higher you will need a tripod and they will not be as portable too.
What type of lens should I look for hunting in dark conditions?
A lens with phase coatings and a larger objective lens of 50mm would be better for low-light observation, they may weigh more however as full-sized binoculars.
Is extra long eye relief important?
Long eye relief is very important if you wear eyeglasses as it stops your image from being cut off when observing through eyeglasses, however for people who do not wear glasses, it is not as necessary.
What do phase correction coatings do on binoculars?
Phase correction coatings on lenses are found on roof prism binoculars and are used for the correct difference in contrast and colours between each lens which is caused by the light splitting into each part of the binocular.
Porro prism binoculars do not need phase correction coating for a sharper image as they do not refract light this way.
Are 10x42 binoculars okay for hunting?
10x42 binoculars are ideal for hunting as they are still lightweight and easy to hold with a large enough magnification to spot animals but also a generous field of view for tracking.
How much do hunting binoculars cost?
Hunting binoculars can cost anything from £200-£500 and above depending on the features that come with them and their lens quality.
Overall, the best hunting binoculars should be durable and rugged, lightweight, have good quality optics and have a decent field of view with magnification for spotting targets at a distance. Remember that hunting with binoculars takes patience so buying a tripod for extra comfort when spotting can be helpful and reduce eye fatigue.
There are so many kinds of binoculars on the market, whether you want a bird watchers pair of binoculars or expensive binoculars with art image performance.
But you might be wondering, what makes a good pair of binoculars?
Well, a good pair of binoculars typically have to use good quality glass optics, as this is what creates the intensity of the image you see. However, premium binoculars also have a whole range of other features too which make them top spec.
So in our guide below, we will cover the main points as to what makes premium binoculars and what factors you should consider before investing in a pair, we have also thrown in a short care guide to keep your high-quality binoculars in the best condition.
Before we can get into what makes good binoculars we should go other the specs you need to consider beforehand so as you can be sure you are choosing the right pair.
There is a huge range of binoculars to choose from when talking about the initial types, from roof prism binoculars to Porro prism binoculars, as well as night vision binos!
We will go over these main two types of premium binoculars below to help you decide on the humble binoculars for you.
Roof prism binoculars are the more modern version of Porro prism average binoculars, they are more sleek and compact having a streamlined design which makes them lighter binoculars too.
These compact-style binoculars however have a more complex internal lens system that produces a brighter image than Porro prism models making the high-quality optics a little more expensive.
Porro prism binoculars on the other hand are the old school version of premium binoculars that sends light from your objective lenses through a pair of triangle catchers which inverts the light to create an image seen through the lens.
Although this design does make the heavy binocular a little bulkier, it is easier to fix thanks to its simple mechanism and are often more affordable binoculars. They also have great, high-contrast images and a wider field of view than roof prism binoculars.
Overall, for long-range spotting and daytime use, we would suggest going for the more expensive roof prism binoculars, however, if you want binoculars for birding or short-range spotting, then the more affordable Porro prism binoculars might be the better choice with their wider field of view.
Not only does the different type of binocular determine how good they are, but so does the two numbers that determine their size.
When choosing a good pair of binoculars you have to ensure your getting the right magnification level and objective lens size otherwise your binos might be of no use.
Binoculars come with two numbers to determine their power, the first number with the 'X' symbol refers to the magnification that your binoculars come with.
A higher magnification over 10x is great for purposes such as astronomy but will be harder to get good image stabilisation, it will also limit your field of view.
The second number refers to your objective lens diameter, this shows how much light your binoculars will let in through the lens which can help them work better in low-light conditions.
We've listed the ideal binocular sizes to pick based on activities down below.
We will get into what features make a good pair of binoculars next but we will briefly go over a few steps to keep in mind for choosing the right pair so as you can be sure your binos will be the right ones.
Determining what makes a pair of binoculars good is down to preference, but there are some important features to make sure your binoculars have if you want the best pair for observing.
We've listed the essentials to look for which make binoculars stand out over others below.
Once you've found a good pair of binoculars you will need to ensure that you are taking care of them properly for them to function properly and last a long time.
We have listed a few tips for taking care of your new binoculars below.
How much does a decent pair of binoculars cost?
This varies according to a huge range of factors but on average they can cost from £100 to even £500 if you get a luxury model.
Is the objective lens size important on binoculars?
Your objective lens size is important if you want to be using your binos in low light situations such as for the night sky, for people who want to keep their binoculars compact they should get a smaller objective lens size.
Do I need a pair of binoculars with waterproofing?
Waterproof binoculars are great for outdoor use, we always recommend opting for waterproofing when possible as it can save your binos in any unexpected weather conditions.
Are the eyepieces of binoculars important?
Yes, the eyepieces are important as it is where you will rest your eyes for long periods, they should have comfortable rubber grips to avoid eye fatigue and be a comfortable distance apart for people who wear glasses, ideally, they need to be twistable eyecups too for better adjustability.
Should I get binoculars with a higher magnification?
Binoculars with higher magnification are great for viewing objects from a further distance but you will have to make a compromise for the field of view if you choose a higher magnification, the image will be harder to keep stable too.
To conclude, what makes binoculars good is down to what you need, but the most desirable features are a durable design, coated optics, and easy use focusing system as well as a good compromise between the field of view and magnification. Always be willing to spend more if you after an extra high-quality image.
If you've been looking to getting yourself some powerful astronomical binoculars, you've likely come across models such as the 25x100 Celestron Skymaster binoculars and more.
Now, you've probably wondered, how far can you see with these binoculars? Well, the answer to that is you can see in-depth views of the moon, stars, galaxies and starfield at 2.7 degrees.
In terms of how far you can see, this all comes down to external factors such as weather conditions, eye health and even location, so how far you can see will be different for everyone even with the same magnification.
There are some advantages and disadvantages to using these 25x100 binoculars which you might not have considered.
Some obvious advantages of 25x100 binoculars have to be there high magnification and large objective lens which allows these binoculars to perform to an excellent standard in low light conditions.
If you are looking for a pair of binoculars to pair with a tripod and see some detailed shots of the milky way or double star system then you will most likely love these binoculars, however, this is not to say they don't come without a few disadvantages.
Due to the wide objective lens on these binoculars, they let a lot of light into your image, allowing you to use them at night and see images clearly through the lenses.
This enables you to study and observe astronomical objects as well as have 3D views in comparison to a telescope, these binoculars gather more light than telescopes too.
25x100 binoculars do come with a couple of drawbacks, for example, the weight of these binoculars are very heavy, meaning you will need a tripod and would not be able to use these binoculars for hunting and birding.
The expensive binoculars also tend to lack centre focus knob options found on other binoculars.
Overall, if your looking for a reliable pair of binoculars for astronomical purposes then a 25x100 pair of binos would be great for you.
As long as you don't mind not being able to hold them, use them for other activities and have a tripod on hand, you should thoroughly enjoy these binos.
You might be wondering how far you can see with other binoculars that have a smaller magnification, we have listed out some of the common sizes below along with how far you can see.
8x42 binoculars mirror your actual eyesight in terms of distance and are not limited to shorter or longer distances when observing through there lenses.
The objective lens on these binoculars also gives a great field of view with a fair amount of light, making them ideal for activities such as bird watching.
10x50 binoculars allow you to see your image ten times bigger than with your own eyes and have a great width of the objective lens for greater light while observing.
These binoculars are best for safaris, outdoor projects and birding if you have a steady hand.
25x100 is allowing you to magnify objects such as terrestrial or planets and still enables you to see what you see with your naked eye, just 25 times bigger.
The wide objective lens on this model performs the best at night.
30x60 binoculars are perfect for astromancy viewing, but in comparison to a 100mm objective lens diameter, they only have 60mm, which makes them less suitable for tracking constellations.
If you've got your astronomy binoculars sorted with there 25mm magnification and 100mm objective lens diameter, there's a couple of other factors which are important to consider in your model.
You can't tell how far away your binoculars can see as this doesn't make sense.
Your binoculars can see the same distance as you, and the subject that you can see through them is the same distance away from you too, it's just the magnification on these binoculars which show the image as appearing as closer even though its at the same distance.
For example, if you are standing 300 feet away from an object and you view this object through your 10x magnification binoculars the object would appear as only being 30 feet away.
When using these powerful astronomical binoculars it's very important to ensure you are using them properly so as you can get the best image quality and spot the best objects in the sky quickly.
We have put together some tips below if it's your first time using astronomy bincoulars out on the night sky.
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Can I use these binoculars for birding?
No, the magnification and weight of these 25x100 binoculars is too much for normal birdwatching and likewise not portable enough.
What is a monopod and why are they good for these binoculars?
Monopods are great for binoculars as they only have one leg which is less disruptive than three-legged tripods when stargazing.
How do they differ to telescopes?
Binoculars allow you to view a 3D image through two eyepieces rather than one and tend to be much more portable and versatile than telescopes, allowing you to take them virtually anywhere.
Can I see the milky way with these binoculars?
Yes, you can see many planets and objects such as the milky way with 25x100 binoculars.
The magnification on these binoculars also allows you to pick out details in planets too.
Can a 20x80mm binocular work the same as a 25x100?
Yes, 20x80mm binoculars can still be used to sight planets and stars, and also tend to be much more portable than 25x100 binoculars.
However, they do have a little less magnification.
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