How to shop for Binoculars?

[Born4it]

I'm looking for new binoculars. I've pretty much narrowed it down to Leupold and Nikon, but I'm not sure if I need/want 8x36, 10x50, 10x42, etc. I have an idea about what it means, but I'd like somebody to "clear" it up for me (pun intended..haha). Also, the FOV (field of view) ranges from about 230-350, and sometimes even if they're both 10x42 for example. What's the deal? Please help me out :-)

Thanks!

Ryan

[wtnhunt]

I'm looking for new binoculars. I've pretty much narrowed it down to Leupold and Nikon, but I'm not sure if I need/want 8x36, 10x50, 10x42, etc. I have an idea about what it means, but I'd like somebody to "clear" it up for me (pun intended..haha). Also, the FOV (field of view) ranges from about 230-350, and sometimes even if they're both 10x42 for example. What's the deal? Please help me out :-)

Thanks!

Ryan

First number designated is the power, how much what you view is being magnified.

Second number is the objective size, typically the larger the objective, the more light is gathered which should relate to a brighter view.

Field of view is just what it says, at the distance it is rated at(usually 1000 yards), the field of view is how much area(width) you can see through the binoculars/scope. Some binos offer wider field of views than others.

[Born4it]

So if the magnification is the same, would a wider field of view always be better?

[Leo]

So if the magnification is the same, would a wider field of view always be better?

Yes but be careful. Some binoculars are variable powered and the field of view they list is not necessarily at the highest magnification. IE. the field of view they specify is at 4x setting instead of 8x. This makes a variable set appear to have a field of view that is much higher than a fixed 8x. To make a legitimate comparison you must in this case you must compare half the FOV number for the variable vs the fixed.

Make sure when comparing field of view specs you know what magnification is being used.

[Born4it]

Will it definitely say if it's variable?

Thanks!

Ryan

[Leo]

Here's an example

• Model: Nikon Eagle 8x24-25 CFII
  
• Magnification: 8-24x
  
• Objective Diameter: 25
  
• Exit Pupil Diameter: 3.1-1.0
  
• Brightness: 9.-1.0
  
• Eye Relief: 13-8.9mm
  
• Angle of View: 4.6 degrees at 8X Magnification
  
• Apparent Angle of View: 37.1 degrees at 8X magnification
  
• Field of View at 1000mm: 80 degrees at 8X magnification
  
• Minimum Focus Distance: 13.2'
  
• Dimensions (LxW): 4.6" x 4.3"
  
• Weight: 12.3 oz.

Notice the red text. Specs are 8-24X (VARIABLE) Max magnification is 24x BUT F.O.V. is reported at the much lower than max 8X magnification! Keep in mind this is sold as a 24x set of Binoculars. At full magnification the F.O.V. would be 1/3 or 333mm at 24x.

Note: When you see #-#X as the magnification (small number - larger number) that means variable. When you are looking at variable magnification binoculars don't get tricked.

Are the Eagle views still good binoculars? Absolutely! But specmenship makes me angry, so I hope this helps you make an informed buyer decision. The Eagle views are nice buy them if you want but if something else might be a better deal for you understand the games they play with F.O.V.

[johnf]

Something you need to consider is size and shape. I would try to get my hands on every pair you might get to see how they felt in your hands. You may find out that something that looks good in the magazine or on line just doesn't feel right in your hands.

I would get the best Nikons I could afford. Leupold is just as good, but will cost you 20+% more for the same quality.

[toddyboman]

I have a set of 10x50 Nikons. I have had them for years... I carry them ALL the time...Bow hunting, Rifle hunting, shed hunting, turkey hunting, time spent on the range. Every time I go anywhere I take them. Yes they are big and not compact. But I wanted the extra magnification to see whatever it is I was looking at regardless of the distance. I also have one of those bino system harness things....so they binos are always out of the way and I do not feel the weight of them even on my all day hikes.

There is my .02.

[Flintlock1776]

I believe the factor of 5.0 is best for light transmission anything over or under won't help thus 10x50 is good.

I would also check out www.vortexoptics.com

Made in the USA

I found dealers over on AT that will beat MSRP.

I also got the 'bino lock' to match up with the chest harness; that little do-dad keeps the binos open at the proper angle as without it the straps tend to pull the binos together

[maytom]

I guess out west you may want a higher power, but here in the eastern woods, I found that a 8X32 power works slick!!

I ended up going with a pair of Bushnell Legends in the 8X32 power. I mainly use these for deer and turkey hunting.