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

Compact & Travel Binoculars
Finding the right binoculars to enhance your outdoor or travel experience can be confusing.
Here’s the Compact & Travel Binoculars to make it easier to choose the perfect pair.
When on the go, we recommend lightweight, compact binoculars that are easy to carry as you’re sight seeing.
When the action’s fast and you don’t want to miss the moment, Fixed Focus (Auto-Focus) Binoculars are the answer. They’ll get you close to the action with no fuss – so you can focus on what matters.
They feature technology that uses your eyes’ natural ability to focus without having to use a focus wheel to provide an instantly clear and sharp image.
Marine & Waterproof Binoculars
Many regular binoculars are not water resistant and cannot be used effectively in certain weather conditions. Waterproof binoculars allow outdoor enthusiasts to have optimal visual improvement in almost every environment. They work to prevent visual hindrance from rain, snow, leakage, high humidity, mildew & fogging.
Many people who go boating, camping, hunting & hiking believe that waterproof binoculars are an essential tool to have. Check them out here!
Image-Stabilized Binoculars
Image-Stabilized: In the same way that digital cameras can have image stabilization, so too, can binoculars. Image stabilization compensates for operator movement, the swaying of a boat, or the vibration inside an aircraft, that normally prevent the viewer from having a steady image.
There is an inevitable wobble in any handheld binocular’s image. The higher the magnification, the greater the wobble. At some point, the wobble negates the increased resolution that magnification provides. Image-Stabilized binoculars are perfect for those of us that do not have the steadiest of hands!
For something ‘a bit extra’, there are: Zoom & Giant Binoculars. With the Zoom Binoculars, quite simply; You can zoom out or zoom in with them! They can be used in a number of activities that require variable magnification, such as bird watching, hunting, and tactical situations.
And then there are the Giant Binoculars! – these are great for long-distance viewing. These binoculars can be used for multiple purposes – whether trying to spot an animal in the distance, or watching birds from your deck out on the the bay, lake or ocean, or watching ships from the beach, or even for astronomy purposes!
General Purpose Binoculars
Here are the ‘General Purpose Range’ of our binoculars, these models are here, as they do not fit into the other specific categories, Compact & Travel, Fixed Focus (Auto-Focus), Marine & Waterproof, Image Stabilized, and finally – Zoom & Giant.

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

Bird-Watching Binoculars
A wide field of view and a clear bright image are important, 8x magnification is ideal. Consider models with magnification in the range of 7x to 10x. Large objective lenses are best as they will let in more light and work better in low light, consider a binocular with objective lenses around 40mm-45mm, these should be comfortable to carry yet perform well in low light. For a very lightweight binocular 8×21, 8×25 or 8×30 will perform well in daylight conditions. For longer range bird-watching, you could go for a spotting scope.

Sports & Racing

Sports & Racing Binoculars
For field events, including rugby, athletics, horse racing and motor racing etc, you require sufficient magnification to see the detail but a wide angle of view is also important. 10x magnification is an excellent choice for these applications. If the binocular is going to be exposed to the elements then a waterproof model is worth serious consideration. For daylight use, select a compact 10×25, 10×26 or 10×30. If you are planning to use the binoculars in lower light a 10×42 or 10×50 would be a good choice.

Walking & Activities

Walking & Activity Binoculars
Compact size and ruggedness are important. 8x or 10x magnification would be ideal, for most daylight uses 20mm to 30mm diameter objective lenses are fine. Look for 8×21, 10×25, 10×26 or similar and you may wish to consider a waterproof model.

Concerts & Shows

Concerts & Shows Binoculars
A very compact binocular is important, most stages are well lit so a compact binocular will work well. Consider models such as 8×21 or 10×25.

Landscape & Long Range

Landscape & Long Range Binoculars
Higher magnification is useful to see the detail in the distance, for handheld use opt for a 12×50, this is often the largest you can use in practice without a tripod. For tripod use, 16x or 20×80 binoculars are great, or a spotting scope if you have a room or a balcony etc with a fantastic view. You will definitely need a high quality tripod to take advantage of these larger models.

Astronomy & Night Sky

Astronomy & Night Sky Binoculars
Both binoculars & telescopes have their uses when looking at the night sky. A 7×50, or 8x, 10x binocular with a large lens (50mm or beyond) produces a very bright and clear image, and you can see many stars and night sky objects. For distant observation use a telescope, those with larger objective lenses or mirrors gather more light and produce brighter, higher resolution images. Don’t dismiss the use of a high quality spotting scope with a large objective lens.
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