Binoculars

Simply stated, binoculars use a series of lenses, elements, and prisms to produce a magnified view of distant people, places, or things.

Using two parallel optical tubes allows you to observe with both eyes open, which is more comfortable and natural than using a spotting scope or telescope—which requires you to keep one eye closed.

Additionally, having both eyes open maintains your depth of field and provides you with a rich and immersive experience where the scene takes on a more lifelike, 3-D appearance.

While we have a large range available here at Coast Photo, it is best to get in touch and we can let you know if the model you are keen on is in stock! And if not, – we can arrange this pretty quickly if we do not happen to have it on hand, our stock changes often to keep things interesting. 🙂

Binoculars make great gifts.

“Regardless of who you are shopping for, or what their hobbies are, a nice pair of binoculars can be appreciated and enjoyed by just about anyone.
If you think about it, almost all of us find ourselves out in the world wishing we could have a closer view of something almost every day.”

Trusted Brands

We sell a range of quality and trusted brands – (Olympus, Pentax, Bushnell, Nikon, Tasco, Canon.)

Visit us today, or go ahead and purchase online with fast delivery anywhere in New Zealand.

• 

• 

• 

A Quick Talk about Specifications

On all binocular listings, you will see two numbers separated by an “X.” These numbers refer to the magnification of the binoculars and the size of the objective (front) lenses. For example, an 8×42 pair of binoculars has 8x magnification and 42mm objective lenses.

Is more magnification better? Not always. While more magnification means a closer view, it also means that any movement of the image is magnified. Some of us have pretty steady hands, but can still have trouble managing a nice shake-free view with more than 8x magnification.

*Unless you go for the amazing Image-Stabilized line which are available in the Canon or Fujinon range!

Are larger objectives better? Not always. The advantage of larger objectives is that more light gets into the binoculars and the view is, therefore, brighter. The disadvantage of larger objectives is that larger lenses means more weight and less portability.

Binocular Terms: What You Need to Know

Magnification and Objective  All binoculars are identified by a set of numbers, such as 10×42 and 8×25, which refer to their magnification and objective lens diameter, respectively. Using 10×42 as an example, the 10x means that the binoculars have 10x magnification power, making the view through them appear 10 times closer than it appears to the naked eye. For most situations, users should look for binoculars from 7x to 10x power. Sports fans will be happy with a 7x model; while big-game hunters would need 10x or higher for long-range observations.

Magnification to Distance: Magnification indicates how large an object appears when viewed through the binoculars.

For example, a magnification of 4x means that an object viewed at a distance of 100 m through the binoculars appears at the same size you would view the object at a distance of 25 m with the naked eye.

(This means viewing with the actual distance scaled down to 1/4). Essentially the higher the magnification, the larger the object appears, but as the magnification increases the field of view decreases.

Or say, with a 10x Magnification Binocular, an object viewed at a distance of 100 m through the binoculars appears at the same size you would view the object at a distance of 10 m with the naked eye.

---

The Binocular Range

How Far Can I See With These Binoculars?

How far can I see with my binoculars? This is a very common question and If we’re being honest, this is actually a question that doesn’t really make sense when we are talking about binocular magnification. To explain: A binocular’s main goal is to magnify whatever you’re looking at, such as the moon, which is approximately 240,000 miles away. If you want to see even further than that, you can look at the sun which is 93 million miles away (not recommended unless you want to burn out the retina in your eyes!). So, it’s not really a question of how far can binoculars see, but how much you want to magnify the object you’re seeking to bring closer.

What Does Magnification Mean?

Magnification is how much larger an object appears when viewed through a binocular compared to how large the same object would appear when viewed with the naked eye from the same distance.

For example, if you are trying to decide between an 8x or 10x, an animal or person will appear ten times larger through the 10x binocular than with your normal eyesight. Or eight times larger with the 8x and so on.

Let’s simplify it even more. You’re standing at the edge of a 100-yard clearing. You’re looking at a tree line at the opposite end of the clearing. With a 10x power binocular, the trees will appear as if you’re only 10 yards versus what the tree line would look like with your unaided eye. Basically teleporting you 90 yards closer for a more detailed look.

Focusing

The clear majority of binoculars use a center focus system. The main focus wheel is set on the bridge between the two oculars and moves them symmetrically. With center focusing, many manufacturers will have a dioptric adjustment dial on one of the eyepieces to fine-tune the focus to match individual optical prescriptions. The dioptric correction amount is decided by each manufacturer, usually by model, and can be on the left or right eye, or both. Certain models have the dioptric correction integrated into the center focusing mechanism.

Step 1

First ensure that you have the appropriate IPD Distance:

Widen or narrow the binocular by pulling outwards or pushing inwards on the barrels to produce a single, complete field of view, the right amount , and a correct holding position. You’ll know you have all these things when it’s comfy to hold up to your eyes, you see one complete, round circle of vision, and the entire field of view is intact.

How Much Eye Relief is Ideal?

Glasses-wearers will want around 16 mm – 18 mm for sufficient eye relief.

For non-glasses wearers, this is a nice enough distance to not have to dig your eyes into the eyepieces.

For glasses-wearers, you’re going to notice the more forgiving distance for your lenses as well as still be able to retain a full field of view.

TIP

• Short eye relief is anywhere between 9-13 mm.
• Mid-range eye relief is anywhere between 14-16 mm.
• Long eye relief is any distance above 17 mm.

Step 2

Look through the binoculars and pick out a mid to long distance, stationary target.

Step 3

Here, you can either just close your right eye or block out the right objective lens.

Step 4

Looking only through your left eye or the left eyepiece of the binocular, look at your target and use the center focus to bring the image into focus. Aim for a sharp, crisp, and clear view. When you’ve got it, you’ve now focused it for your left eye.

Step 5

Now, simply close your left eye.

Step 6

Looking only through your right eye or the right eyepiece of the binocular, look at your target and use the diopter to bring the image into focus. Don’t touch the center focus knob at all. Just keep rotating the diopter until you’ve got the sharpest image possible.

Step 7

You might also want to take note of the setting on the scale once you’ve done this. It might help you to go back to this setting if it’s ever been changed. You’ve now focused the binocular for your right eye also.

The result should be a brilliantly sharp, clear, and crisp image of your target since the binoculars have now been calibrated for each eye.

Tips to Calibrating the Center Focus

TIP 1: Don’t be afraid to fiddle around with the center focus or the diopter if you feel you need better image quality.

TIP 2: Remember that the center focus adjusts for the left eyepiece and the diopter adjusts for the right eyepiece.

TIP 3: Always start with focusing your binoculars with the left side and the center focus knob first. If you try to reverse the process by starting with the right side first, you won’t be able to achieve the sharpest images possible.

Binocular Types – Helpful Info

Bird-Watching & Nature

Sports & Racing

Walking & Activities

Concerts & Shows

Landscape & Long Range

Astronomy & Night Sky