What magnification power for general use binoculars?

R

razcob

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Feb 4, 2002
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I am looking for a pair of binoculars for general use (backpacking, hunting, forest, desert). What magnification power do you recommend and for what application? This may be a broad question, but what power do you think is in the "middle of the road?"
 
Our department bought some snazzy little jobs that zoom up to 12X, they're almost useless at that setting- you can't hold em' still.

I think the "standard" for hand-held usefulness is 7X or so, with good clarity and optics being more important than sheer magnification.
 
For general purpose 7X or 8X. Keep in mind that the bigger the objective lens, the better. I would look at 7X35 and 8X40 models. If dim light viewing is important, 7X50 and 8X56. Get the best you can afford...you won't regret it.

Paul
 
Factors to consider when choosing binoculars.

Magnification (Power)
Magnification is the degree to which the object being viewed is enlarged. For example, with a 7x42 binocular, the number 7 represents the "binocular power". The level of power affects the brightness of an image, so the lower the power of a binocular, the brighter the image it delivers will be. In general, increasing power will reduce both field of view and eye relief.

Diameter
The objective lenses of binoculars are the front lenses. The diameter of one of these lenses, given in millimeters, will be the second number describing a particular binocular. Hence, a 7x42 binocular has an objective lens of 42mm. The diameter of the lens determines the light gathering ability of the instrument, with the greater light gathering ability of a larger lens translating into greater detail and image clarity. This is especially useful in low light conditions and at night.

Field of View
The size of the area that can be seen while looking through a pair of binoculars is referred to as the field of view. The angular field of view is indicated on the outside of the binocular, in degrees. The linear field of view refers to the area that can be observed at 1,000 yards, and is expressed in feet. A larger field of view translates to a larger area seen through the binocular.

Exit Pupil
The diameter, in millimeters, of the beam of light that leaves the eyepiece of a pair of binoculars is the "exit pupil". The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image obtained will be. Having a large exit pupil is advantageous under low light conditions and at night. For astronomical applications, the exit pupil of the binocular should correspond with the amount of dilation of your eye's pupil after it has adapted to the dark. This number will be between 5mm and 9mm. 9mm of dilation is the maximum amount for the human eye, and this number tends to decrease with age. To calculate the exit pupil, divide the size of the objective lens by the magnification of the binocular. For example, the exit pupil of 7x42 binoculars is 42 ÷ 7 = 6mm. (I like binocs with an exit pupil of 5 mm or 6 mm...10x50, 7x42)

Eye Relief
This refers to the distance, in millimeters, that a binocular can be held from the eye and the full field of view can still be comfortably observed. Eyeglass wearers in particular benefit from longer eye relief.

Lens Coatings
The optical elements of the binocular are coated to reduce internal light loss and glare, which in turn ensures even light transmission, resulting in greater image sharpness and contrast. Choosing a binocular with good lens coatings will translate to greater satisfaction with the product you ultimately select. Lens coatings range in quality as follows: coated -- fully coated -- multicoated -- fully multicoated. Coated lenses are the lowest quality and basically will not result in a product that will satisfy you. Fully coated lenses are quite economical and can work well for you, depending on your needs. Multicoated or fully multicoated lenses are both very good choices. Fully multicoated lenses give the best light transmission and brightest images, and are therefore the most desirable.
 
I'm no pro on this topic, but it seems that you can go higher magnification and smaller objective lens if you go with higher quality. I have a pair of Leica compact 10x25's that blow away bigger binos of lower quality. These are compact and powerful, and the picture is so bright and clear that I don't have too much trouble with the jiggles for daytime viewing. If that bothers you though, Leica also has some 8x20's in the compact size. Seriously, I even use these for spotting stars at night before moving on to my telescope. The real plus with these binos is the compact size -- you can have these around at all times!

I also have a pair of very nice Steiner M22's (actual military issue, with rangefinding reticle and laser deflecting lenses) that have a nice "woo woo" factor to them, but honestly the Leicas do a bit better. The M22s are 7x50, so they are a bit bulky! The big plus (for me) with the 7x binos is that they have a better field of view. In my experience, the more you use these things, the more you begin to appreciate field of view vs. magnification -- so that's something to consider as well.

-Raj
 
Thanks for all the posts. I just purchased a pair of Pentax 8x42 DCF WP binoculars from 17th street photo for $224 (after rebate). I have read many good reviews about these binoculars.
 
Originally posted by razcob
Thanks for all the posts. I just purchased a pair of Pentax 8x42 DCF WP binoculars from 17th street photo for $224 (after rebate). I have read many good reviews about these binoculars.
Click to expand...
...Very GOOD choice!.:).
 
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