Download Choosing Your Best Binoculars

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Information Contact:
Joe Wieczorek
The Media Group, Inc.
(847) 956-9090
E-mail: [email protected]
Choosing Your Best Binoculars
Having the right pair of binoculars and knowing how to use them is critical whether you’re
eyeballing songbirds on a hike or glassing bulls on an elk hunt. However, there are a confusing
array of models, numbers, shapes and sizes when it comes to optics. It pays to arm yourself with
a little knowledge to take the mystery out of shopping for binoculars.
Vickie Gardner, vice president of stuff and marketing for Alpen Outdoor Corporation, equates
buying binoculars with picking out a pair of shoes.
“You wouldn’t wear flip-flops on a hiking trip and you wouldn’t wear hiking boots to the beach.
The same holds true when it comes to optics,” Vickie said. “You need to know what you are
going to use them for, how much you want to spend and what features you need.”
Vickie noted there’s a huge variety of binoculars to choose from so you’ll have to consider your
needs first to find the best combination of features and price. To accomplish that goal, you’ll
need to better understand the following performance characteristics:
 Magnification
 Objective lens size
 Waterproofing
 Eye relief
 Field of view
 Weight/size
Magnification and Objective Lens Size
Binoculars are identified by two numbers, such as 8x42 or 7x21, which tell you about their
magnification and objective lens size.
“The first number of that equation describes magnification,” Vickie said. “Magnification makes
an object look several times closer than when seen with the unaided eye. If the binocular has the
numbers 8x42, the first number (8) is the magnification value. If the object is 80 yards away, it
will seem only 10 yards away because the object is magnified 8 times.
“The second number is the objective lens diameter, which is the lens at the end of the binocular,
the farthest from your eyes. The second number (42) describes the diameter of the objective lens
in millimeters. Lens size is important because many of the performance characteristics of
binoculars are determined by this.”
The function of the objective lens is to collect light and direct it to the prisms or eyepieces,
Vickie explained. The larger the diameter, the more light will reach your eye in low light
conditions thus providing brighter, sharper images. The flip side of a larger objective lens is a
heavier and bulkier binocular. Thus, as you shop, you’ll want to explore different combinations
of magnification and objective lens diameters to give you the image you want at a weight you’re
comfortable with.
Waterproofing
Next, you’ll want to consider whether you want waterproof or non waterproof binoculars, Vickie
said. Waterproof binoculars are usually more expensive because of their unique design.
Waterproof glass should be hermetically sealed and preferably nitrogen filled to prevent internal
fogging. They also may weigh a little more, but that’s a small price to pay when you get caught
in the rain.
Vickie cautioned that binoculars labeled “water resistant” may not provide the fogging protection
desired.
Eye Relief
Eye Relief is another important factor that describes the distance from the ocular lens (the lens
closest to your eye) to the point where the eye must be positioned to see the full field of view.
Those who wear eyeglasses sometimes prefer binoculars designed with longer eye relief because
they add the convenience of roll or twist down eyecups.
Field of View
Field of view is defined as the width of area that can be viewed at a specific distance and is
usually expressed in terms of feet at 1000 yards.
“Normally the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view,” Vickie said. “Wideangle binoculars are an exception because a special lens design provides a wider field of view
than normal.”
Weight/Size
You’ll realize the importance of your binoculars’ size and weight pretty quickly into your hunt or
hike, Vickie said. That’s why compact binoculars have become so popular. It’s a trade off,
though. With a compact, you’re getting a lighter product, but you’re giving up some of the
benefits of a more standard size binocular.
“Going back to the shoe analogy, you may want to consider having different kinds of binoculars,
a compact pair for when you’re on the move and a standard size pair for when you’re watching
birds at your backyard feeder,” Vickie said.
-end-
Tips for Using Binoculars
1. Move bino barrels down and together until they fit comfortably on your eyes.
2. Most binos have two focus systems. Focus your left eye first with the center focus knob
(close right eye) until your view is clear.
3. Focus your right eye only (close left eye) with the right eye diopter, which is below the
right eyepiece.
4. Use center focus wheel to fine tune view as you look at varying distances.
For a free “1-2-3 FOCUS” booklet, How to Focus DVD and an Alpen Optics LED Key light call
877-987-8370.
Contact:
Media members interested in testing any of the Alpen products for an editorial review should
contact: Joe Wieczorek of The Media Group at [email protected] or call (847) 9569090.