Binoculars' Basic Identification Classification

7x 35mm, 8x 20, 10x 50

Binoculars are classified by their viewing magnification and the diameter of their Lens. For example, 7x 35mm (reads as "seven by thirty-five millimeters"). In this case, the binocular will magnify the user's view by 7x (7 times), and the second number indicates that the diameter of the lens used in this binocular is 35mm. Other binoculars might range from a tiny 3 x 14mm to giant battleship binoculars that are 40 x 178mm. Any letters after the lens size would be a manufacturer specific model design designation. For example, Meade binoculars with a "WA" designation after a binocular specification, such as 7 x 35mm WA, refers to the Wide-Angle design of the binocular's eyepieces; wide-angle eyepieces can increase a binocular's visual field of view by as much as 60%. Here at Casanova's, We Arrange And Present Binoculars By Their Model Classification. Model Classifications Are Explained Below.

 

Binoculars' Magnification

Magnification, or power, is perhaps the most misunderstood term of binocular optics. While higher powers can be useful, power by itself does not increase the level of observable detail; image resolution is a function of objective lens diameter, not of binocular power. Higher powers result in images that are less bright and in a binocular that is more difficult to hold steady in the user's hands. Powers of 7x or 8x are by far the most popular among regular binocular users. Binoculars with magnifications above about 12x are generally not recommended for use without a tripod.

 

Binoculars' Field of View

A binocular's field of view is measured in degrees of arc or as field-width (in feet) at 1000 yards distance. Example: The Meade Safari Pro 7 x 36mm WA binocular has a field of view 487 ft. wide for an object 1000 yards distant from the observer, yielding a field of view specification of 487 ft. at 1000 yds. Other non-wide-angle binoculars have fields of view of perhaps 270 ft. to 320 ft. at 1000 yds. Depending somewhat on the observer's intended applications, wide-angle binoculars are generally well worth the relatively modest additional cost involved.

 

Field of view  for typical binocular indicated by inner circle; field of view for wide-angle binocular indicated by outer circle.

Eye Relief:

Binocular users who wear eyeglasses for near- or far-sightedness may remove their glasses while observing; the binocular can fully correct for these eye defects. Observers who suffer from astigmatism, however, may need to wear their glasses to maintain sharp imaging through the binocular. In this latter case choosing a binocular with longer eye relief will enable easier binocular observing with eyeglasses.

 

Lens Coatings

An added feature by many binocular manufacturers. An uncoated optical glass lens or prism reflects about 10% of the light incident on one of its surfaces, allowing only about 90% of the light to pass through. Standard coatings of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) applied to the lens and prism surfaces reduce the level of reflected light to about 4°, and with substantially reduced ghost images of bright objects. More sophisticated multi-coatings of 7 to 15 layers further reduce reflected light and can result in total light transmission through a lens or prism of 99% or more.

All Meade Infinity series binoculars are standard coated; the Meade Travel View series includes high-quality rubine multi-coatings. Meade Safari Pro and RainForest Pro models are multicoated with perhaps the most advanced multicoatings available, permitting 99+% light transmission and extremely high image contrast.

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Binocular Model Classifications

Although the nomenclature associated with binoculars varies somewhat from manufacturer-to-manufacturer, the majority of binocular manufacturers use the classifications described below.

 

Mini Binoculars

Generally include objective lenses not larger than about 26mm (1") in diameter, are of a straight-line roof prism design, and are foldable for compactness and ease of transport. Mini binoculars are small, light weight, and highly versatile in their range of applications: as a moderately-priced gift, for example, it is a rare person who will not enjoy, and find many uses for, a mini binocular. Because of their relatively small objective lenses, however, mini binoculars are not intended for high-resolution birding or other nature applications. Example: Meade Infinity 8 x 25mm WA.

 

Compact Binoculars

Utilize porro prisms to invert the image and usually are styled to form-fit comfortably in the observer's hands; objective lenses are typically 26mm in diameter or less. As their name implies, compact binoculars, while larger than mini binoculars, are relatively small and easy to carry. For sporting events, as a gift item, or as a general-purpose travel binocular, compacts are extremely popular, because, again, for all but the most advanced applications, compacts provide a good trade-off between weight, performance, and cost.

 

Standard Porro Prism Binoculars

Most binoculars referred to as general-purpose are standard porro prism models. The typically larger objective lens apertures, 35mm or more, of these models enable bright, high-contrast images on the entire range of viewing subjects, from sporting events, to long-range animal observation in the wild, to high-resolution study of a bird's feather structure. A moderately-priced, high-quality, standard porro prism model is a binocular for almost any observing application. Standard porro prism binoculars are available in a wide range of specifications and price points. Examples: Meade Mirage 7 x 35mm, Infinity 10 x 50mm WA, and Safari Pro 8 x 42mm WA.

 

Standard Roof Prism Binoculars

Provide professional-level binocular resolution and performance. Designed usually for advanced applications, such as for serious birders, standard roof prism binoculars are typically of 35mm objective lens aperture or larger; include sleek, straight-line roof prism styling; and incorporate the finest optical glasses, multi-coatings, and multi-element eyepieces. The result is bright, extremely sharp, high- resolution images throughout the field of view, and with a level of image fidelity unobtainable in lesser binoculars. Although premium-grade standard roof prism binoculars are not inexpensive, they are usually treasured for a lifetime.

 

Zoom Binoculars

Offer the convenience of zooming to higher or lower powers at the touch of a finger. The Meade Infinity 8 - 24 x 50 "Triple Zoom" model permits powers from 8x wide-field to 24x high-power, and with high-resolution imaging and sharp image focus at all magnifications.

 

Binocular Purchase & Customer Support After!

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