Guide to Understanding Binoculars Features
Understanding binoculars begins with knowing how each of the parts works together to bring an image to your eyes. Once you know how these parts work, you'll be able to focus in on things in a flash.
Lenses
Binoculars contain a series of lenses. Anywhere from two to four lenses can found in a pair of field binoculars. A general rule of thumb is that the more lenses a binocular has, the greater magnification power it offers. Therefore, high-powered binoculars would have a larger number of lenses.
The lenses are actually curved pieces of glass. They are spaced apart inside the binocular. As the image travels from one lens to another, it is magnified. The glass at the end of the binoculars is the objective lens; the lens by the eye is the eyepiece.
Binoculars rate how many times closer to you the subject appears through the lenses. Therefore, a binocular with a rating of 7x would bring the image 7 times closer to you and a binocular with a rating of 10x would bring the image 10 times closer to you.
Prism
A prism is located between the lenses and the eyepieces. The prism has two jobs. First, the prism bends the light that enters the binoculars and helps magnify the image. Second, it flips the image. That is because the image is actually upside down as it passes from lens to lens. Without a prism, you would view an upside-down image.
Eyepiece
The eyepiece is the last part of the magnification process. The eyepiece brings the image into complete focus and sends it to the eye.
Center Focus Wheel
Most binoculars come with a center focus wheel, which allows you to customize your view. The center focus wheel is a movable dial located between the eyepieces. Adjusting it changes the distance between the eyepieces and the lenses, enabling you to see a sharp image at several different distances. The center focus wheel brings the image into focus for your left eye.
Right Eye Diopter
The right eye diopter dial is usually located near the right eyepiece. The diopter helps adjust for any difference in strength between your left and right eyes.
To focus an image with binoculars, first look through the binoculars with your left eye open and your right eye closed. Bring the image into focus using the center focus wheel. Now close your left eye and open your right eye. With just your right eye looking through the eyepiece, make adjustments with the diopter to bring the image into clear focus for your right eye.
You may then open both eyes and use the center focus wheel for any fine-tuning.
Binoculars Articles, Videos & HowTos
When buying binoculars, look for focus adjustments, but be careful about buying big, or your binoculars could be too hard to handle.
How do binoculars work to make things appear larger to our eyes? The secret lies in the way that light travels through lenses.
Understanding binoculars, and how the parts work together to focus an image, can help you get more enjoyment from using them.
Learning how to buy binoculars requires you to evaluate your needs and understand how binoculars are marketed. Think about how you want to use your binoculars, and keep this information in mind when you're shopping for a pair.
Choosing the right binoculars can seem like an overwhelming task. Unless you are familiar with binoculars the strange terms can be confusing and lead to a frustrating experience. Choosing the right binoculars does not have to be a matter of luck.
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