Binoculars Guide Optics Central Optics Central
There are 2 types of binoculars based on the prism design: Porro Prism Binoculars & Roof Prism Binoculars. Porro Prism binoculars are known to produce brighter images and roof prism binoculars are known for being compact and more durable.
- Usually more compact compared to similar porro-prism model.
- Easier to hold.
- Generally tougher than porro prism binos of the same specification.
- Tend to be more expensive.
- Affordable and provides very good optical quality.
- Generally not as compact (except for inverted porro design).
- Less comfortable to hold for a long time.
Prisms Grade
Prisms direct light path inside the binoculars. There are two types of prisms commonly use for binoculars.
BaK-4 - Created from Barium Crown Glass. Considered as the superior prism because it has better light transmission.
BK-7 - Created from Borosilicate Glass. Good light transmission. More affordable.
Popular Roof Prism Binoculars Popular Porro Prism Binoculars
Leica Trinovid HD 10x42 Binoculars
Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 Binoculars
Bushnell Spectator Sport 7x35 Binoculars
Steiner Navigator Pro 7x50
Binoculars
Binoculars & Activities
Activities
Recommended Binoculars
8x40, 8x42, 10x42, 10x50
It is recommended to get a waterproof, rugged, high quality pair of binoculars that you can use in any environment. You will also want lightweight binoculars as you will likely hold them up for long periods of time.
10x42, 7x50, 8x40, 8x42, 10x50, 12x50
For greater distance hunting: 10x42, 8x40, 8x42, 10x50, 12x50 would have a nice balance of magnification and exit pupil. For low light hunting: 7x50, 8x42.
10x25, 10x26, 8x21
Generally very lightweight and compact binoculars are the preferred option for convenience. As you will likely be holding a lot of things with you, the lighter the binoculars, the more likely you'll take them with you!
Moderate power and wider angle of view is what you need (8x-10x compacts). Compacts are also very popular for spectator sports.
Compact binoculars with 3x-5x magnification power are great for theatre use due to the close proximity between yourself and the stage.
For handheld use, 7x50, 8x56, and 9x63 would be sufficient. For a stable and long usage, a 20x80 or a 25x100 on a tripod is ideal.
7x50, 8x42
A exit pupil is desirable for night surveillance. 7x50 is the standard for most navvies around the world and 8x42 is a popular configuration with other law enforcement agencies.
Other Features
The size of an exit pupil shows the amount of light that you'll get. Of course, more light means brighter image. You can calculate it if you like: Objective Lens diameter / Maginifcation = Exit pupil. So, with our binoculars above, we'd get 50/7 =7.1mm.
On average human eyes, pupils dilation have the capability to go up to 7mm. With 7.1mm, you can see very well in low light condition.
Exit pupil= objective lens / magnification power
Twilight factor determines resolution, the higher it is the better the resolution. If you'd like to calculate this, just multiply the maginification power and the objective lens, squre root the result and you'll get the twilight factor.
Twilight factor = √magnification power x objective lens
This factor determines how well the binoculars perform in low light. To calculate this, divide the aperture or objective lens diameter by magnification and square the result. The higher it is, the brighter the images in low light conditions.
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