How to Pick Binoculars
- 1). Determine the correct magnification for your needs. For most general purposes, a 7x magnification is appropriate. High-power tasks like stargazing require a higher magnification. Remember that higher magnifications can result in a jumpy image - if you require a magnification greater than 8 or 9, consider investing in a binocular stand or stabilizer.
- 2). Select the appropriate objective lens diameter for your needs. Objective lens diameter determines the light sensitivity of the binoculars. For conditions with a lot of light, such as a golf game, a lower lens diameter is typically appropriate. However, low light conditions such as hunting require a much higher lens diameter of at least 30 mm.
- 3). Select an appropriate field of view for your needs. Field of view is a measure of the space you can see through your binoculars without moving them. Your needs will be determined by the amount of terrain you plan to view. For instance, a football game requires a relatively large field of view, while an opera requires a very small field of view.
- 4). Check the eye relief measurement of the binoculars. Eye relief measures the distance your eyes can be away from the viewing lenses while still seeing the entire image. This distance is particularly important if you wear glasses. A 14 mm eye relief is sufficient to allow those with glasses to view the entire image without removing their spectacles.
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