A binocular for a small person may seem like a very simple device. Those who are familiar with the subject of optical instruments more or less well know that for apparent simplicity there are a number of complex technical problems that had to be solved when creating this device.
Not so easy is the purchase of binoculars. After all, for the right choice it is necessary to determine the optimal combination of many interrelated technical characteristics. We hope that our material will help you get acquainted with this wonderful optical device and also answer the question: "How to choose binoculars?"
Define the scope of tasks of
Before you decide on the technical characteristics of your future binoculars, you should clearly formulate for what purposeand at what time it will be used. Depending on the technical purpose, the following types of binoculars are distinguished:
Theatrical
Very compact devices that allow short-term observation of objects located at a sufficiently close distance. In this case, the observed object should be well-lit. Theater binoculars, as a rule, acquire for viewing theatrical or circus performances, concerts, sports in stadiums or in large halls.
Field
This is the most common type of binoculars. Such devices are used by surveyors, topographers, power engineers, signalers, as well as representatives of many other professions. It is also suitable for hunting, since it has average size and weight.
Military
Representatives of this class are particularly strong, some models are waterproof. Have a fairly wide overview and very high-quality optics.
Astronomical
Binoculars used for astronomy help to observe very distant objects emitting a dim light. For this reason, these devices, as a rule, give a large increase and have good light transmission capacity.
Marine binoculars
Extremely resistant to adverse weather conditions, have good protection against water ingress. They give a significant increase and are equipped with such additional devices as a compass and a range finder.
Multiplicity of the binoculars and the angle of view
Multiplicity is the value indicating how many times the binocular increases the image of the observed object. In the binocular specification, this parameter is indicated before the "x" symbol. For example, the designation "10x50" indicates that the binoculars have a tenfold increase. By the degree of magnification, binoculars can be classified as follows:
Binoculars with low multiplicity( 2 to 4)
This group includes the aforementioned theatrical binoculars. The advantage of these devices are compact size and light weight. This causes their frequent use for tourism, especially on foot, when all the luggage has to carry on itself.
Average multiplicity( from 5 to 9)
The most popular group of binoculars, characterized by a fairly wide range of applications.
With a large multiplicity( over 10)
Let us examine in detail the objects that are at a great distance. These are quite large and heavy appliances, so they are not suitable for hunting or fishing.
When buying binoculars, too much to get involved in the multiplicity is not worth it. For binoculars with a large degree of increase will have to buy a tripod, otherwise the image will tremble due to fine motor skills of the hands. The second drawback of binoculars with a large multiplicity is a small angle of view, which we will discuss below.
As you know, the field of view of a binocular is a sector with an observer in the top. The angle at this vertex is called the "angle of view".Sometimes to determine the latitude of the field of view indicate a linear dimension - the horizontal distance between the right and left extreme visible objects located at a distance of 1000 m from the binoculars.
Binoculars with a large angle of view are used to observe moving objects: sportsmen, animals in the wild, etc. To observe static objects, you can buy binoculars with a small angle of view, but greater multiplicity.
Application prisms
Inverted by the lens of the binoculars, the image must be returned to its original position before being broadcast into the eyepiece. For this, one of two types of treatment prisms is used:
The
Prismatic Eyepiece The eyepieces and lenses of the binocular with this reference system are on the same axis. This allows you to make binoculars more compact.
Prism Porro
Each binocular tube with a Porro prism has a characteristic fracture. Such devices have a greater weight and dimensions, but give a better image.
Diameters of lenses and lightfast
The diameter of the objective lens( facing the object) is indicated in the specification after the symbol "x".The brightness of the image depends on this value. Large lenses( 40-50 mm) are used to observe objects in poor light. Here we do not have in mind the binoculars of night vision, this device works on a different principle.
The brightness of the image depends on how much light is lost when it is transferred from the lens to the eyepiece. Good binoculars have so-called.enlightened lenses, the outer coating of which prevents reflection( and hence loss) of the light beam. The usual inexpensive binoculars, whose lenses are not enlightened, transmit only 50% of the incoming light energy to the pupil of the observer. The best binoculars with enlightened lenses - 97%.
The best manufacturing companies
Today, large and small retail outlets offer the buyer a huge number of models from a variety of manufacturers. It is not always possible to determine immediately whether a good device is offered to you to buy. But do not worry, you do not need to be a professional or disassemble the product to be sure of its quality. It's quite easy to choose the products of a well-known brand. It is better to buy a company's binoculars, trustworthy than to throw money away, acquiring a fake.
The best producers of binoculars are widely represented in the domestic market. First of all, these are the companies:
- Canon;
- Nikon;
- MINOLTA.
In addition, the title of "industry flagship" is rightly worn by such giants as OLYMPUS and PENTAX.Buying products of these companies, you automatically receive a reliable device of excellent quality.
We wish you a successful purchase!
