Coming to fishing, hunting or just spending holidays in nature, you can diversify your pastime observations through binoculars. This device does not need a presentation, as it is familiar to everyone since childhood.
Looking at remote objects is very interesting and exciting. When using good binoculars, you can even see people's faces at a great distance. And if the image quality is good, then you can even take several photos.
Binoculars are an indispensable thing for those who work in the field of security. On objects with a large area, you can observe the territory, being in one place. This is a good alternative to camcorders that can be turned off during the day.
Every soldier should have a tool like binoculars. At the same time, it is desirable that the case be protected from mechanical damage and have a disguise against glare.
How to determine the need
Everyone can choose for themselves an optical tool that would meet his needs. For example, very often men think about how to choose binoculars for hunting. Indeed, for such a hobby you need a device with a good approximation and protection of the case.
If you are going on a hike or trip, keep in mind that it will be much brighter if you bring a little binoculars with you. It will allow you to better see both the exhibits in the Louvre and the top of the Cheops pyramid without the need to climb it. For such purposes, a compact device with a small weight is suitable, which will not take up much space in a travel backpack.
Types of binoculars
A modern range of binoculars can satisfy the needs of absolutely all people. But this raises a problem: how to choose binoculars. There are models both in a miniature case and large observation cameras that are used with a tripod.
All devices can be divided into two types according to the scheme of operation of optics: Porro and Rufus. The type can be determined at a first glance at the body of the device. In the performance according to the Porro scheme, the binoculars have slightly larger dimensions and a double axis of passage of the light beam. The Roof scheme assumes small dimensions, and the optical tubes have a direct circuit without a shift relative to the center of the lens.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. But two schemes of work are suitable for use and can practically replace each other in quality. Therefore, to know which binoculars to choose according to the type of lenses, you have to understand the different schemes of optical systems.
Porro binoculars
As a rule, these are devices with a large approximation, since they have large diameters and dimensions. The clarity of the picture is also at their height due to the large diameter of the incoming lens. The image is beautiful and voluminous. They are used for observation posts of military facilities, in security activities and in other places where a large approach is needed.
The disadvantage of this type is the increase in weight and dimensions of the devices. This should be considered when choosing.
Roof binoculars
This pattern is more typical for travel devices and amateur models. They are compact and easier to seal. Such a scheme is characterized by a somewhat dim image, compared to the previous one. But this applies more to the initial and middle price range.
Binocular Feature
The main characteristic for evaluating optical systems is the zoom ratio and the diameter of the incoming lens.On the body of the product you can find the designation of this characteristic. For example, 5x35 marking means that the binoculars have a five-fold approximation with a lens diameter of 35 mm. If you divide the second number by the first, you can get the diameter of the outgoing beam that goes into the eyes. In our case, it is 7 mm.
In addition, a very important point in how to choose binoculars is the glass from which the lenses and prisms are made. For a high-quality image, the lens glass should be from a special grade of glass and have additional sputtering for enlightenment.
A prism VK-7 can be used in binoculars, which is average in quality. For a more colorful and vivid image, VK-4 prisms are used.
Image size and brightness
At a large approximation, the picture fades, the breadth of view falls. Therefore, if you want more space to enter the lens, you need to choose binoculars with a lower degree of approximation. Also, if the approximation is possible more than 10 times, then you need a tripod so that the image does not tremble, or you have to constantly look for support for the elbows.
As the diameter of the lens increases, more light rays fall on it, and the picture becomes clearer. Binoculars with such lenses are suitable for hunters who will use them at dusk. Also, this option is indispensable for observing stars and the moon. In this case, you need to choose a diameter of 50 mm or more.
The diameter of the exit beam for the eyes also has a certain value. Since the pupil of the eye can change its diameter from 2 to 7 mm, the light beam must be within these limits. Otherwise, in case of discrepancy, the binoculars will have to be moved away from the eyes.
Binocular controls
A centralized system that adjusts both eyepieces at the same time can be used to focus. Such a scheme is convenient in operation, and any user can handle it. If the eyes have different vigilance, then such a scheme will cause discomfort for them. In this case, a separate setting for each lens is preferable. To understand which binoculars are best to choose, you need to try both options at work.
Modern technologies
There are electronic models of binoculars, which have many functions to improve ease of use. For example, there are built-in navigators and compasses.
Binoculars with night vision are successfully used by the military and those who need it. There is also an electronic image stabilization system. It removes the trembling of the picture at a large zoom. Such models are quite expensive. They are used in a narrow segment of activity. With such characteristics, it is quite difficult to decide which binoculars to choose. Reviews will help in this matter. When using the stabilization system, it was revealed that it copes with only small fluctuations. Therefore, its use is fully difficult.
Lens material
In most cases, the lenses are made of special glass. But there are also plastic options. They are lighter and cannot break. Compared to glass, they let in less light, but the additional coating allows you to compensate.
If the plastic lenses are uncoated, then the binoculars will be cheaper in comparison with those devices where they are glass. Each additional coating leads to more expensive plastic lenses.
To know how to choose the right binoculars for the quality of the lenses, you need to understand the abbreviations. Marking is recorded on the binoculars housing and means the following:
- C - means that part of the surface of the lens has a single layer coating.
- FC - a single layer coating was applied to the entire surface of the lens.
- FMC - multilayer coating was applied to the entire surface of the lenses.
All of these coatings greatly improve image quality. But along with this, the cost of optics increases.
How to determine the quality of binoculars
To know how to choose a good binocular in the store, you need to pay attention to the signs of good optics. To do this, carefully inspect the lenses. If, when looking at large lenses, you see your reflection in the form of dark outlines, then the optics have lightening. Also, if you direct the lenses in front of direct sunlight and look at them, then with high-quality coverage there should be multi-colored reflections. Such a simple preliminary check will help to avoid low-quality devices.
Eyepiece lenses
For comfortable use of the binoculars, special rubber pads should be provided. They can be simply round or anatomical in shape, which allows convenient positioning in the eyes. Since each person has an individual distance between the eyes, it should be regulated on binoculars. Its limits should be in the range from 5 to 20 mm between the eyepieces. For those users who wear glasses, replacement of lenses and rubber eyepieces should be provided.
Selection of binoculars by type of use
For use in different conditions, binoculars have a different degree of protection from the external environment. For example, there are waterproof models or with protection against dust and moisture. For use in very cold environments, there is also some protection.
If you need an optical device for a tourist who is going to the mountains, then you need to pay attention to the shockproof case. In addition, plastic lenses in this case will be preferable to glass.
If you plan to static observation of a very distant object, you need to know how to choose the binoculars in range. In this embodiment, this characteristic will be decisive.
Binoculars for fishermen
Before choosing binoculars for fishing, you should decide what maximum approximation you need. If this is an observation of distant schools of fish, then you need a device like Porro, which is most suitable. Also, at large distances, you have to get a tripod.
If binoculars are used in a marine environment, they must have adequate protection against salt water and not slip in hands when wet. Special marine binoculars have such protection. How to choose their? To do this, you need to lower the device into water and check its properties before buying. In addition, he should not sink.
For amateur fishing, you can take a compact device such as Roof. It is great for use on a river or lake. His system has a sufficient approximation for such purposes.
Binoculars for hunters
To know which binoculars to choose for hunting, you need to roughly determine where it will be used. If these are wetlands with water, then waterproof is needed. It is also desirable to have an adjustable zoom.
You should not take binoculars with magnifications greater than 10, since the lack of a tripod will negate all its advantages. In addition, a large zoom ratio significantly complicates the device, and it will have to be carried with you for a long time.
Observational Optical Instruments
For a quality inspection of distant objects, you need to know how to choose binoculars for observation. In this case, Perro binoculars are mainly used. They have large lenses that collect a lot of light and give a high-quality and rich picture. In most cases, special tripods are used for them. Such coasters not only ensure the static nature of the object in question, but also withstand a solid weight. If you look at a moving object, then the tripod should be able to quickly change the angle of the binoculars in all planes.
Before choosing binoculars in range, it is worth testing for usability. For convenient observation, very soft eyepieces are often required, which in each model may be different.
General selection tips
In order to know how to choose binoculars, you need to evaluate not only its performance and functions, but also ease of use. If this is the best device in terms of characteristics, but it is inconvenient to use, then there will be constant discomfort. Do not pick up one device for many purposes. If you need an apparatus for fishing, then you need to choose it solely from the convenience of use in these conditions.
It is worth paying attention to additional accessories. This can be a convenient bag in the kit or cloths for cleaning. For example, a handbag can not always be found separately by the size of a particular model.
Conclusion
Binocular manufacturers present many models that are designed for different purposes. In order not to figure out how to choose binoculars for a long time, you can ask the seller what it is most suitable for.
When buying, it is worth giving preference to products of those manufacturers that have already proven themselves and have long been producing quality products. But in this case you have to overpay for the brand.