What to consider when choosing your binoculars
Magnification
Magnification indicates how much closer an object appears compared to its actual distance. Higher magnification makes objects look closer but reduces the field of view. The number before the ‘x’ in a product name shows the magnification—for example, 10x42 means 10x magnification.
Field of view
The field of view indicates how wide an area is visible through the optics. It’s measured in meters at 1000 meters (m/1000m), feet at 1000 yards (ft/1000 yds), or in degrees. Higher magnification narrows the field of view. Binoculars offer a wide view, while spotting scopes provide more detail but a narrower view.
Objective lens diameter
The objective lens diameter determines how much light enters the optics, affecting performance in low-light conditions. Larger diameters capture more light, which is crucial in darker environments. The number after the ‘x’ in a product name shows this diameter in millimeters—for example, 10x42 means a 42 mm objective lens.
Shortest focusing distance
The shortest focusing distance specifies how close an object needs to be to see it clearly with the optics. Between this value and infinity, it is possible to focus the image.
