Binocular question
Hi, I have a pair of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rugged-Exposure-Binoculars-8x21-383-Ft-1000-yds-Fully-Coated-Optics-Black-/370771067650
but they aren't quite strong enough for my needs. I want to be able to see birds fairly far away, like Blue herons and other water birds, but I want really compact binoculars. These were $7.99.
I'm thinking about getting these:
http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Magellan-8x25-WP-I/dp/B00008YGS1/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3NN4M02ONBDU7
Because of this review:
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/gear-guy/Olympus-Magellan-8x25.html
But I'm not sure they will be any better. Can someone tell me? Thanks.
but they aren't quite strong enough for my needs. I want to be able to see birds fairly far away, like Blue herons and other water birds, but I want really compact binoculars. These were $7.99.
I'm thinking about getting these:
http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Magellan-8x25-WP-I/dp/B00008YGS1/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3NN4M02ONBDU7
Because of this review:
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/gear-guy/Olympus-Magellan-8x25.html
But I'm not sure they will be any better. Can someone tell me? Thanks.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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The first number in a binocular description (as in 8x25) is the magnification (8) the second number is the width of the object lens (25mm.) Magnification is based on the ratio of focal lengths of the objective lens to the eyepiece. Because the shortness of eyepiece focal length has certain practical limits, you will find that higher magnification comes in longer packages, with longer objective focal length. Also, the higher the magnification, the darker the image appears, so you typically require a wider objective lens when you have higher magnification as well.
For something observably better in magnification, you would want to use a spotting scope rather than binoculars. While they have compact formats, there's no avoiding that they are a good bit larger than compact binocs to maintain image quality.
For something observably better in magnification, you would want to use a spotting scope rather than binoculars. While they have compact formats, there's no avoiding that they are a good bit larger than compact binocs to maintain image quality.
ASKER
How about this one at 16x32?
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Powerview-Compact-Folding-Binocular/dp/B00CTUXKWY
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Powerview-Compact-Folding-Binocular/dp/B00CTUXKWY
What you need to focus on would be the magnification*
The difference between 8x21 and 8x25 are very miniscule (4mm additional objective lens diameter to be exact).
The '8' refers to the magnification power. Hence, a magnification of 8 times the unassisted eye.
If you are wanting to stay with a compact version, I would suggest 10x25. which has the slightly larger objective lens diameter to what you have now, but increases the magnification to 10 times.
*Edited - I had originally posted field of view, which was going to be a response to locating the birds. A wider field of view is advantageous for birds in flight.
The difference between 8x21 and 8x25 are very miniscule (4mm additional objective lens diameter to be exact).
The '8' refers to the magnification power. Hence, a magnification of 8 times the unassisted eye.
If you are wanting to stay with a compact version, I would suggest 10x25. which has the slightly larger objective lens diameter to what you have now, but increases the magnification to 10 times.
*Edited - I had originally posted field of view, which was going to be a response to locating the birds. A wider field of view is advantageous for birds in flight.
ASKER
PaulHews, thanks very much, I will look at spotting scopes!
One other consideration is that at higher magnification (20x+), hand shake becomes a big issue. Thus most spotting scopes are designed to be used on a tripod. This might make the binoculars more attractive if you are trekking out in the fields.
ASKER
ok, thanks- I ordered some, will see how they turn out. Closer to the birds!
ASKER