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. This is not to say you cannot choose a general purpose binocular in the compact and travel range or waterproof range and so on – as you might be after something for general use but just so happen to want a waterproof feature or have a nice small compact pair and so on – do get in touch if we can help out! 🙂

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.

7x Magnification

8x Magnification

10x Magnification

12x Magnification

16x Magnification

20x Magnification

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.”