Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers mean?
Binoculars are normally identified by two numbers such as 7x35 or 10x50. The first number is the magnification value and the second one is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. For example, 7x35 means this binocular magnifies objects 7 times and the objective lens is 35 mm.
Objective Lens Diameter:
Objective Lens Diameter is important because many of the performance characteristics of a binocular are determined by the diameter of this lens. The larger the diameter, the more light will reach your eye thus providing a brighter and sharper image. However, the larger the diameter, the havier and bulkier the binocular will be. It is measured in millimeters.
Magnification:
Magnification makes an object look several times bigger than when seen with the unaided eye. 7x means an object 70 meters away appears as though it is only 10 meters away.
Field of View:
Field of View is a term which describes how large an area can be viewed. This is expressed in degrees of angle or the number of meters per 1000 meters of distance. Normally the higher the magnification is the narrower the field of view. On some binoculars a special design of lens provides a wider field of view than normal. These binoculars are called wide angle binoculars and are designated WA.
