You have probably noticed a recurrent formula in binocular jargon, a formula such as 8x35 or 10x60. This refers to the concrete optical capabilities of the instrument. The number before the "x" represents the magnification power, while the number after the letter represents the aperture (or diameter) of the objective lens in millimeters. So a 8x35 binocular, for example, features a 35 mm lens and can make objects appear eight times closer to you. A 10x50 lens brings things 10 times closer. Dividing the second number by the first produces the value of the exit pupil, or the diameter of the light beam which reaches the eye in millimeters. For example, both 7x35 and 10x50 lenses provide an exit pupil of 5 mm because 35 divided …show more content…
In binocular context, "field of view" is a relationship between the magnification power and the distance between the eyepiece and objective lens. The higher the magnification, the smaller the width of the image you see through the eyepieces. The width of the field of view is expressed in feet or degrees (angular). A narrow FOV is acceptable for opera watching, while a wide FOV is more appropriate to track fast moving objects at a distance.
All else being equal, the size of a pair of binoculars determines performance. The bigger it is, the stronger performance it delivers. If you have specialized needs, such as bird watching or astronomy, a pair of compact binoculars will not do the job. You need a bigger instrument.
Ergonomics and accessories
Most decent binoculars feature rubber eye cups for obvious reasons. But if you wear glasses, there are binoculars with retractable eyepieces too. The same conscientiousness should go to the weight of the instrument. Do not neglect comfort otherwise your neck will punish you. Large binoculars featuring big, high magnification lenses are better carried around your waist. Stargazers and wildlife voyers often mount and stabilize their instruments on tripods or any fixed structure for better viewing or