|
best binoculars guide
Picking Binocular Power By Buster Carnelli A critical step in selecting a pair of is determining the power you want. Binocular power is indicated by two numbers, as in these examples: 6x30, 7x50, 8x26, 10x42, and 12x60. The two numbers are not directly related; the first stands for the magnification and the second number corresponds to the diameter of the objective lens. -- Magnification -- The first number, invariably the smaller of the two, expresses the amount of magnification that the offer. This is a measure of how much closer the viewed image will look when looked at with the binoculars. While bigger sounds beneficial, this is not always the situation in binoculars. Selecting the optimal magnification will vary depending on your intended usage. Lower magnification binoculars, 7x and lower, allow for a bigger field of view which makes targeting things far away—like animals, ships, or birds—easier. A larger field of view also makes it easier to follow motion of the subject being observed. Since lower magnification take in more of the scene, they collect more light. Because of this, the resulting image will usually be easier to see and brighter even though it is not as greatly magnified. Because of the lower magnification, they also tend to be less sensitive to movement or vibration. If you are going to be in the field making use of your without the use of a tripod, this can be a critical consideration. Lastly, lower magnification often are able to focus on objects that are closer than comparable higher magnification binoculars. But when it's all said and done, lower magnification ultimately allow for less magnification, and therefore less detail than higher power models. If you actually need high magnification binoculars, typically 11x and above, for your use, make sure you also purchase a tripod or get with an image stabilization feature. The greater the magnification, the more affected are to vibration. Once you starting thinking about 10x magnification binoculars, they will be nearly insufferable to use without a tripod or an image stabilization system. Larger magnification also tend to be heavy. If you plan on using them for a long length of time, a tripod will be a better option than with image stabilization. As for expense, it shouldn't be too surprising that higher magnification models tend to
Sony NEX5 2<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111612238001_ari-origin06-arc-154-1278945655479.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Sony NEX5 2Sony NEX5<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111117672001_th-111113870001.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Sony NEX5Hands on-Fuji HS10 3<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_91037729001_ari-origin06-arc-170-1276162745198.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Hands on-Fuji HS10 3Hands-on: Panasonic G2<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_86578184001_ari-origin08-arc-161-1274274842702.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Check out what we have to say about the Panasonic Lumix G2Hands-on: Canon EOS 550D<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d10/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_71525221001_rhumba18-160-1268387229497.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Paul Carroll checks out the HD video features on Canon's latest entry-level camera, the EOS 550D.Hands on - Canon EOS-1D Mark IV<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111174097001_ari-origin05-arc-125-1278687257139.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Hands on - Canon EOS-1D Mark IVhands on-Nikon D3s<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111176329001_ari-origin06-arc-166-1278687235659.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>hands on-Nikon D3sCanon 7D: Hands-on review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d8/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_46369575001_asset-1256572929004.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Paul Carrol gives you the low-down on the new Canon 7D.Hands-on: Pentax K-x (preview)<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d4/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_40205106001_hands-on-pentax-k-x.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Darren Harbar runs through the top features found on the brand new Pentax K-x.Hands-on: Nikon D300s<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_40045899001_hands-on-D300s.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phill Hall runs through the top new features of the Nikon D300s.Expert Opinions - Nikon D3000 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_35595873001_d3000-slide.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>In this review video, see what our experts think of Nikon's new D3000.Expert opinions - Panasonic GF1<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_35397580001_gf1-slide.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Expert opinions - Panasonic GF1Expert Opinions - Sony Alpha 380<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_34764324001_sony-tile.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Listen to honest opions on the Sony Alpha £80 from our photography experts.Expert opinions - Olympus Pen E-P1<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_32456627001_olympus-pen-ep-1.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Genuine opinions form our experts. What did they make of the Olympus Pen E-P1?Panasonic Lumix G1 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1856898671_asset-1223997675018.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>With a brand new interchangeable lens system, based on four-thirds system, the Panasonic G1 is an exciting proposition for those looking for a small camera with tons of features. Michael Topham and James Abbott put it through the paces.Canon 50D Review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1856898671_asset-1223997675018.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Pill Hall and Michael Topham review the impressive 15.1 megapixel Canon 50D.Nikon D90 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1830756156_review-nikon-d90.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>With a 12.1mp sensor and new HD video recording facility, the D90 is looking to be an exciting enthusiast digital SLR. Phil and Michael take a closer look.Nikon D700 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1727941579_review-nikon-d700.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Nikon?s latest full-frame D700 brings together the full-frame sensor from Nikon?s top-of-the-range D3 in a body similar to the D300. Bob and Phil decide if this combination of features makes it the perfect enthusiast D-SLR?
Canon EOS 1000D<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1717925803_review-Canon-1000D.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil and Bob check out Canon's new enty-level D-SLR and try to find out whether it's worth the hefty price tag.Sony A350 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1611263045_review-sony-a350.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall, Technical Editor for Digital Photo magazine, reviews Sony's latest budget D-SLR. Boasting a massive 14.2megapixel resolution and in-built image stabalisation, how does the alpha 350 really compare to its rivals.SIgma DP-1 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1531750056_763e48a2771dfe36e9b1fd0d0d21564325e380ae.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Andrew James, Editor-in-chief of Practical photography, reviews Sigma's new high-quality 'prestige' compact camera. Find out if it offers enough functionality to persuade you to use it instead of your D-SLR.Canon 450D video verdict<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1506562381_01be818242dad7f896cfea2bced61e24d8da41e6.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin gives his views on the new Canon EOS 450D in this video verdict.Sony Alpha 200 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1504844556_de3860d3e4dd86db8a6d0d2b9defdfc9fce3eb97.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Paul Carroll, Digital Photo's Technical Writer, review's Sony's latest budget D-SLR, the Alpha 200.Pentax K20D review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1463186299_83456a1702fcd68b7afa77a3584ab6a6abdd2bd6.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall, Digital Photo?s Technical Editor, takes a look at Pentax?s latest and most advanced D-SLR, the K20D. It ticks a lot of boxes, but does it deliver the goods? Nikon D60 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1433947748_35115951e8e8d130511cb4a2da903855d5b2936a.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall delivers his verdict on Nikon¿s new entry level digital SLR, the D60. Sony alpha 700 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1395568351_0d8dba1e20ca2f70e8bd7b4c019897285578734c.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin reviews Sony's latest flagship camera, the Alpha 700. Sure it's packed to the gunnels with features but how does is compare with the more established camera manufacturers?Nikon D3 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1349551765_e565e3f393eeabe8b3b3f03a82b3109ef1cc2d2a.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall shows off the impressive features of the highly-anticipated, Nikon D3, the first full-frame D-SLR from Nikon.Olympus E-3 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d2/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1342141856_db1253fb63f88a786e503ef97852b6180f41d4e1.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin gives you the lowdown on the new E-3 and also tests the weather-proofing by squirting it with water. Nikon D300 review<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d4/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1317105431_ac5a7e1318b9e48fe8f01ec4b308c516db919219.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin reviews the handling and new features of the highly-anticipated, Nikon D300
be more more costly than equivalent lower magnification models. Unless you have special needs or uses intended for your binoculars, a reasonable middle-of-the-road magnification level is 8x. with this level of magnification offer a nice trade-off of magnification while providing reasonable cost, good brightness, and low weight. -- Objective Lens Size -- The second number in the power corresponds to the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters (mm). The objective lens is the lens in the front of the binoculars, furthest from your eye. Smaller objective lens tend to indicate that are smaller in overall size. Binoculars with objective lens sizes of 30 mm and smaller are most often found on pocket and compact models. While compact and pocket are lighter and easier to carry, the downside of them is that the smaller lenses allow less light into the binoculars. This can make images darker and harder to see. If you intend to use your at nighttime, with smaller objective lenses will not be a good choice. If brightness, or nighttime use, is an important consideration, objective lenses that are 50 mm or larger will work best for you. However, with large objective lenses will most often be heavy and large. If you intend to use of this size, you will want to have a tripod available, independent of the magnification level. The most common objective lens sizes used tend to be between 35 and 50 mm. Since the magnification level also has an effect on image brightness (higher magnification will be darker), the objective lens sizes tend to increase as magnification increases to balance out the lost brightness. For a good general rule, look for that have an objective lens diameter that is at least 5 times larger than the magnification. For example, 6x30, 8x40, 10x50, etc. While there are some binocular manufacturers with exceptional optics that will provide good brightness at a ratio under 5, the safest thing is to stay at or above this ratio for good brightness. Buster is a dedicated bird watcher. You can view his bird watching binocular ratings at binocular-rankings.com.
Here are some more binoculars articles...
Binoculars---nothing-escapes-these-eyes
By Sharon Albright
Binoculars are devices that make small objects at a distance appear expanded and clear before your eyes. They are also known as binocular telescopes as they are basically two monocular placed Read more...
|
Bushnell Binoculars
Bushnell is a leading manufacturer of many outdoor types of equipment. Among them are various models of binoculars. If you are looking for a good quality pair at an affordable price you should Read more...
|
A Photographer's Guide To Buying Binoculars
By By Scott Bourne
I held my first pair of binoculars more than 33 years ago when Uncle Sam “invited” me to join the U.S. Army. I was at a God-forsaken place in Southeast Asia called Firebase Elliot. The Read more...
|
Sony NEX5 2
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111612238001_ari-origin06-arc-154-1278945655479.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Sony NEX5 2
Sony NEX5
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111117672001_th-111113870001.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Sony NEX5
Hands on-Fuji HS10 3
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_91037729001_ari-origin06-arc-170-1276162745198.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Hands on-Fuji HS10 3
Hands-on: Panasonic G2
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_86578184001_ari-origin08-arc-161-1274274842702.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Check out what we have to say about the Panasonic Lumix G2
Hands-on: Canon EOS 550D
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d10/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_71525221001_rhumba18-160-1268387229497.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Paul Carroll checks out the HD video features on Canon's latest entry-level camera, the EOS 550D.
Hands on - Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111174097001_ari-origin05-arc-125-1278687257139.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Hands on - Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
hands on-Nikon D3s
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d11/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_111176329001_ari-origin06-arc-166-1278687235659.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>hands on-Nikon D3s
Canon 7D: Hands-on review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d8/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_46369575001_asset-1256572929004.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Paul Carrol gives you the low-down on the new Canon 7D.
Hands-on: Pentax K-x (preview)
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d4/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_40205106001_hands-on-pentax-k-x.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Darren Harbar runs through the top features found on the brand new Pentax K-x.
Hands-on: Nikon D300s
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_40045899001_hands-on-D300s.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phill Hall runs through the top new features of the Nikon D300s.
Expert Opinions - Nikon D3000 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_35595873001_d3000-slide.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>In this review video, see what our experts think of Nikon's new D3000.
Expert opinions - Panasonic GF1
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_35397580001_gf1-slide.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Expert opinions - Panasonic GF1
Expert Opinions - Sony Alpha 380
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_34764324001_sony-tile.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Listen to honest opions on the Sony Alpha £80 from our photography experts.
Expert opinions - Olympus Pen E-P1
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_32456627001_olympus-pen-ep-1.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Genuine opinions form our experts. What did they make of the Olympus Pen E-P1?
Panasonic Lumix G1 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1856898671_asset-1223997675018.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>With a brand new interchangeable lens system, based on four-thirds system, the Panasonic G1 is an exciting proposition for those looking for a small camera with tons of features. Michael Topham and James Abbott put it through the paces.
Canon 50D Review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1856898671_asset-1223997675018.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Pill Hall and Michael Topham review the impressive 15.1 megapixel Canon 50D.
Nikon D90 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1830756156_review-nikon-d90.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>With a 12.1mp sensor and new HD video recording facility, the D90 is looking to be an exciting enthusiast digital SLR. Phil and Michael take a closer look.
Nikon D700 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1727941579_review-nikon-d700.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Nikon?s latest full-frame D700 brings together the full-frame sensor from Nikon?s top-of-the-range D3 in a body similar to the D300. Bob and Phil decide if this combination of features makes it the perfect enthusiast D-SLR?
Canon EOS 1000D
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1717925803_review-Canon-1000D.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil and Bob check out Canon's new enty-level D-SLR and try to find out whether it's worth the hefty price tag.
Sony A350 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d6/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1611263045_review-sony-a350.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall, Technical Editor for Digital Photo magazine, reviews Sony's latest budget D-SLR. Boasting a massive 14.2megapixel resolution and in-built image stabalisation, how does the alpha 350 really compare to its rivals.
SIgma DP-1 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1531750056_763e48a2771dfe36e9b1fd0d0d21564325e380ae.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Andrew James, Editor-in-chief of Practical photography, reviews Sigma's new high-quality 'prestige' compact camera. Find out if it offers enough functionality to persuade you to use it instead of your D-SLR.
Canon 450D video verdict
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1506562381_01be818242dad7f896cfea2bced61e24d8da41e6.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin gives his views on the new Canon EOS 450D in this video verdict.
Sony Alpha 200 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1504844556_de3860d3e4dd86db8a6d0d2b9defdfc9fce3eb97.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Paul Carroll, Digital Photo's Technical Writer, review's Sony's latest budget D-SLR, the Alpha 200.
Pentax K20D review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1463186299_83456a1702fcd68b7afa77a3584ab6a6abdd2bd6.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall, Digital Photo?s Technical Editor, takes a look at Pentax?s latest and most advanced D-SLR, the K20D. It ticks a lot of boxes, but does it deliver the goods?
Nikon D60 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1433947748_35115951e8e8d130511cb4a2da903855d5b2936a.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall delivers his verdict on Nikon¿s new entry level digital SLR, the D60.
Sony alpha 700 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1395568351_0d8dba1e20ca2f70e8bd7b4c019897285578734c.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin reviews Sony's latest flagship camera, the Alpha 700. Sure it's packed to the gunnels with features but how does is compare with the more established camera manufacturers?
Nikon D3 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1349551765_e565e3f393eeabe8b3b3f03a82b3109ef1cc2d2a.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Phil Hall shows off the impressive features of the highly-anticipated, Nikon D3, the first full-frame D-SLR from Nikon.
Olympus E-3 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d2/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1342141856_db1253fb63f88a786e503ef97852b6180f41d4e1.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin gives you the lowdown on the new E-3 and also tests the weather-proofing by squirting it with water.
Nikon D300 review
<img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d4/unsecured/media/1156823612/1156823612_1317105431_ac5a7e1318b9e48fe8f01ec4b308c516db919219.jpg?pubId=1156823612"/>Bob Martin reviews the handling and new features of the highly-anticipated, Nikon D300
|
