Binoculars

[Pommie]

Can anyone out there pls explain to me the meaning of the numbers ie 7x50 or 20x80 or whatever they are . I want to buy a pair but not sure what the no's mean and not wanting to look a dickhead in person at a shop I'd rather look one in here where no one knows me
Ta in advance

[horndog]

Can anyone out there pls explain to me the meaning of the numbers ie 7x50 or 20x80 or whatever they are . I want to buy a pair but not sure what the no's mean and not wanting to look a dickhead in person at a shop I'd rather look one in here where no one knows me
Ta in advance

The first number is the power of zoom and the second number is the size in mm of the reticle at the front of the bino's. the bigger the reticle the more light that is let in so if you want to use them in low light a bigger reticle is better. This is my understanding of the optics but I am more than happy to be corrected.

You should be able to google or wiki it for confirmation.

[Pommie]

Did the google thing but more confused after, was going on about pupil dilation and all sorts of weirdness. Just wanted a plainspeak laymans interpretation like yours

[1hotbusa]

Can anyone out there pls explain to me the meaning of the numbers ie 7x50 or 20x80 or whatever they are . I want to buy a pair but not sure what the no's mean and not wanting to look a dickhead in person at a shop I'd rather look one in here where no one knows me
Ta in advance

The first number is the power of zoom and the second number is the size in mm of the reticle at the front of the bino's. the bigger the reticle the more light that is let in so if you want to use them in low light a bigger reticle is better. This is my understanding of the optics but I am more than happy to be corrected.

You should be able to google or wiki it for confirmation.

You are correct. The first number is the power of magnification for the lens. The second number equates to the objective view, and can be expressed as a metric number. For example

10 x 50 Binocular = 10x magnification, 50 objective view.
8 x 50 Binocular = 8x magnification , 50 objective view.

Out of the two binoculars above the first one would give a greater degree of magnification, but the second one would let in more light for the given degree of magnification.

Google Binoculars, there is an excellent article on Wikipedia.

[BUSGO]

I have had a couple of pairs that I use.
It depends on what your primary use is going to be for the best size for your needs.
I find that for general use and a bit of astronomy that 7x50 is a good size and not too heavy.
Remember that the larger the binocs, the heavier to hold onto, unless you also plan to use a stand of some sort for longer viewing sessions.
10x50 are also good for astronomy but are hard on the arms.
With either 7s or 10s you can see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn on a clear still night.

[Pommie]

Just gonna use em for whale watchin and a bit of peepin tom business, same thing round here really Nothin too serious, but I spose greater magnification the better.

Anyway thanks for the info, bit wiser now ta

[kawasuki]

I have had a couple of pairs that I use.
It depends on what your primary use is going to be for the best size for your needs.
I find that for general use and a bit of astronomy that 7x50 is a good size and not too heavy.
Remember that the larger the binocs, the heavier to hold onto, unless you also plan to use a stand of some sort for longer viewing sessions.
10x50 are also good for astronomy but are hard on the arms.
With either 7s or 10s you can see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn on a clear still night.

Common Ray u been smokin again.

[BUSGO]

I have had a couple of pairs that I use.
It depends on what your primary use is going to be for the best size for your needs.
I find that for general use and a bit of astronomy that 7x50 is a good size and not too heavy.
Remember that the larger the binocs, the heavier to hold onto, unless you also plan to use a stand of some sort for longer viewing sessions.
10x50 are also good for astronomy but are hard on the arms.
With either 7s or 10s you can see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn on a clear still night.

Common Ray u been smokin again.

No Ray. They are there every time I look through the binocs.
I bet they are there right now! Go and check.
(Take a good pair of binocs and make sure you are looking in the right direction).




Ok - They have to be REALLY GOOD BINOCS - or a small telescope.

[Pommie]

Ended up getting 20x80 off scam bay, that way if they aint no good i can just write em off