How Far Can I See With These Binoculars?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHow 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\u2019t really make sense when we are talking about binocular magnification. To explain:<\/strong><\/em> A binocular\u2019s main goal is to magnify whatever you\u2019re 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\u2019s not really a question of how far can binoculars see, but<\/em> how much you want to magnify the object you\u2019re seeking to bring closer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does Magnification Mean?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMagnification 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example<\/strong><\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s simplify it even more.<\/strong><\/em> You\u2019re 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFocusing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1<\/h5>\n\n\n\n First ensure that you have the appropriate IPD Distance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Much Eye Relief is Ideal?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGlasses-wearers will want around 16 mm – 18 mm for sufficient eye relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For non-glasses wearers, this is a nice enough distance to not have to dig your eyes into the eyepieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nShort eye relief is anywhere between 9-13 mm.<\/li> Mid-range eye relief is anywhere between 14-16 mm.<\/li> Long eye relief is any distance above 17 mm.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nStep 2<\/h5>\n\n\n\n Look through the binoculars and pick out a mid to long distance, stationary target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3<\/h5>\n\n\n\n Here, you can either just close your right eye or block out the right objective lens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4<\/h5>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5<\/h5>\n\n\n\n Now, simply close your left eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 6<\/h5>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 7<\/h5>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The result should be a brilliantly sharp, clear, and crisp image of your target since the binoculars have now been calibrated for each eye.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTips to Calibrating the Center Focus<\/h5>\n\n\n\n TIP 1:<\/strong> Don’t be afraid to fiddle around with the center focus or the diopter if you feel you need better image quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTIP 2:<\/strong> Remember that the center focus adjusts for the left eyepiece and the diopter adjusts for the right eyepiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTIP 3:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBinocular Types – Helpful Info<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBird-Watching & Nature<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA 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\u00d721, 8\u00d725 or 8\u00d730 will perform well in daylight conditions. For longer range bird-watching, you could go for a spotting scope.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSports & Racing<\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor 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\u00d725, 10\u00d726 or 10\u00d730. If you are planning to use the binoculars in lower light a 10\u00d742 or 10\u00d750 would be a good choice.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWalking & Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCompact 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\u00d721, 10\u00d725, 10\u00d726 or similar and you may wish to consider a waterproof model.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nConcerts & Shows<\/h3>\n\n\n\nA very compact binocular is important, most stages are well lit so a compact binocular will work well. Consider models such as 8\u00d721 or 10\u00d725.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nLandscape & Long Range<\/h3>\n\n\n\nHigher magnification is useful to see the detail in the distance, for handheld use opt for a 12\u00d750, this is often the largest you can use in practice without a tripod. For tripod use, 16x or 20\u00d780 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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAstronomy & Night Sky<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBoth binoculars & telescopes have their uses when looking at the night sky. A 7\u00d750, 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\u2019t dismiss the use of a high quality spotting scope with a large objective lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"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\u2014which requires you to keep one eye closed. 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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\u2014which requires you to keep one eye closed.…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29806"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6535"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29806\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastphoto.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}