Tech talk - what all the numbers mean:
Setting the Dioptre for your Binoculars:
It is crucially important that you set up your binoculars to account for your eyesight. Here is how you do it:
Referring to the image below (R=right lens; L=Left Lens; 1=Centre focus knob; 2=dioptre):
-Pick up your binoculars and look through them as you normally would;
-Close your Right Eye, so that you are only looking through your Left Eye.
-Pick an object that has texture about 10 metres away and looking through your Left Eye only, turn the Centre Focus knob (1) until the object is in focus and crystal clear to view.
-Now, keeping your binoculars pointed at the same object, close your Left Eye, and open your Right Eye.
-Using the dioptre (the movable ring located at number (2) below, when the binoculars are up-side-down), and only looking at the object through the right lens with your Right Eye, turn the dioptre until the object is in focus for your Right Eye.
-Your binoculars are now set for your eyesight.
-Only use the Centre Focus Knob for focusing from this point on.
Setting the dioptre on your binoculars.
Magnification (Power)
Binoculars are often referred to by two numbers separated by an "x". For example, 10x42. The first number is the power of magnification of the binoculars. With a 10x42 pair of binoculars, the image of the subject being viewed is brought ten times closer to you through your binoculars (compared to viewing the subject with the naked eye). Through our experience we have found that a magnification of 10x is ideal for safaris. 8x magnification would do, but we feel that unless you have a specific reason for using 8x magnification binoculars (for example if you are a birder heading to the forests of Uganda), it is always better to have the subject you are viewing 10 times closer. We also feel that at 10 times magnification lens shake does not come into play for 95% of people.
Objective Lens Size
The second number in the formula (10x42) is the diameter of the objective front lens, measure in millimeters. The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the binocular and the brighter the image. Through our experience we have found that an objective lens size (aperture) of 42mm is the ideal for safaris to allow for as bright an image as possible in low lighting conditions.
Roof Prism System
In roof prism binoculars, the prisms overlap closely, allowing the objective lenses to line up directly with the eyepiece. The result is a slim, streamlined shape in which the lenses and prisms are in a straight line. Roof prism binoculars are less bulky and more rugged than an equivalent porro model.
Porro Prism System
In porro prism binoculars, the objective or front lens is offset from the eyepiece. Porro prism binoculars provide a greater depth perception and generally offer a wider field-of-view. Because of the simplicity of this system, some of the best values can be with a porro design.
Waterproof/Fogproof
Some binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged for total waterproof and fogproof protection. These modesl can withstand complete immersion in water and stay dry inside. The interior optical surfaces won't fog due to rapid temperature change or humidity.
Coated Optics
Lens surface coatings reduce light loss and glare due to reflection for a brighter, higher-contrast image with less eyestrain.
Types of Coatings
Coated - A single layer on at least one lens surface.
Fully Coated - A single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on at least one lens surface.
Fully Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Field-of-View (F.O.V.)
The side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or meters. A wide-angle binocular features a wide field-of-view and is better for following action. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field-of-view.
Eye Relief
The distance a binocular can be held away from the eye and still present the full field-of-view. Extended or long eye relief reduces eyestrain and is ideal for eyeglass wearers.
Eyeglass Wearers - Eyecups
Binoculars come with twist-up, pop-up or soft rubber fold-down eyecups so eyeglass wearers can see the entire field of view.
Diopter Adjustment
A "fine focus" adjustment ring usually provided around one eyepiece to accommodate for vision differences between the right and left eyes.
Rainguard
Our exclusive, patented, hydrophobic (water-repellent) coating on which condensation from rain, fog or snow forms in much smaller droplets than on standard coatings. Smaller droplets scatter less light, which results in increased light transmission and a clearer image. Makes the binocular useful even when looking directly into the driving rain.
PC-3 Phase Coating
Found on the best roof prism binoculars, this chemical coating is applied to the prisms to enhance resolution and contrast. Would not provide an advantage on porro prism models.
Rubber Armor
Rubber armor provides multiple benefits. It helps protect the binocular from the bumps and scratches that come with day-to-day use. It provides a comfortable gripping surface for making them easier to hold on to. It's easy to wipe clean after a tough day in the field. And it suppresses noise if the binocular bumps aluminum or other non-rubber surfaces, which might otherwise spook wildlife.
What to pack
If you are unsure as to which binoculars to pack, please contact us.