Binoculars
are specified by a set of numbers such as 7×35 or 8×40 etc.
The first number indicates the power of magnification or how much larger,
or closer, the object will appear than when seen with normal vision. Generally,
the range in magnification for hand-held binoculars is from 6 to 10 in power.
In a binocular designation 7 x 35, for example, objects will appear 7 times
larger, or closer, than when seen with the naked eye.
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Also, binoculars
of this magnification usually deliver better performance under conditions
of low available light, due either to the time of day, weather conditions,
or shadows caused by dense vegetation or other structures. This same type
of binocular also works well for fast-moving action like sporting events,
since the wide field of view allows the action to remain in the viewing
area.
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| When considering
magnification, more is not necessarily better. As magnification increases,
brightness and clarity may diminish, depth of field can become shallower
and the field of view is usually more restricted. More noticeable and disturbing
at higher powers are fine hand tremors and the effects of atmospheric conditions,
such as the distortion caused by heat waves. |
For long
distance viewing or where greater detail is required, a higher magnification
of 10 or over should be considered. For example, the demands of observing
in wide open terrain with little cover are best met with a binocular of
10 power or over. This generally holds true for situations where there is
a need for critical field mark identification, as in observing raptors and
shorebirds or when the object or animal is difficult to approach. |
| If your
observation is done primarily at close range, such as in woodland areas
or in your backyard, then a good 8 power binocular (such as the Hawke Platinum)
might be the best choice. This range of magnification generally gives you
a larger picture (wider field of view) which is especially important for
viewing objects relatively close at hand. |
Remember:
magnification should only be considered in relation to other factors such
as aperture size, exit pupil, hand-held stability, atmospheric conditions,
available light, optical design and the weight of the binocular. |