When choosing binoculars or spotting scopes, the printed numbers can be confusing. But understanding what these numbers mean is important for determining which device is right for your needs.
A binocular or spotting scope’s magnification power is the first number printed on the device, which indicates how much larger an object appears through the device. For instance, a 10×50 pair of binoculars has a 50-millimeter objective lens diameter and 10 times magnification power. This means that objects will appear 10 times closer than they are and 50 millimeters of light will enter the lenses, resulting in a brighter image.
The second number printed on binoculars and spotting scopes usually indicates the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. The wider this number is, the more light can enter the device, resulting in a brighter image and better visibility. A wider objective lens also allows you to view more distant objects with a higher degree of clarity. However, larger objective lenses also make devices heavier and more expensive than those with smaller objectives.
It’s important to remember that higher magnification power and larger objective lenses are only sometimes better for all activities. Suppose you’re looking for something that provides wide-field views for bird watching or hunting small game animals. In that case, you’ll want to select lower magnification power (8×32) with smaller objective lens diameters (32 millimeters). However, if you want to observe distant objects like stars or mountains, higher magnification power (such as 15×70) with larger objectives (such as 70 millimeters) may be preferable.
Take Away:
It comes down to individual preference when selecting which combination of numbers best suits your needs. With this guide helping explain what each number means on binoculars and spotting scopes, finding the right piece of equipment should be easy!
