Binoculars Guide

Archive for the ‘Purpose’ Category

Almost since the telescope was invented, the military application of the technology, was instantly recognised. The ability to see the enemy before he saw you, enabled the early adopters of telescopes and military binoculars, to have an advantage on the battlefield or at sea, during naval maneuvers.

Military adaptations of binoculars include range finding for naval and fixed gun batteries, with separation between the objective lenses of up to 15 metres and weighing-in at an impressive 10 tons. Binoculars have also been used for the sighting for the armament on tanks and also for driving tanks under conditions of biological or chemical attack.

Modern military hand held binoculars are notable in that the majority have individual focusing of each side of the instrument, unlike the civilian models which have a central focusing wheel and an adjustment available to one eyepiece to compensate for focusing differences between the eyes. This arrangement whilst convenient, is not as robust as independently focused lenses.… Read more …

The distinction between birding and birdwatching is probably best described as one of ‘passion’.
The birder has an over-riding passion for their subject and as such, is likely to got to greater lengths, and expense, to ensure they have absolutely the best birding binoculars they are able to afford.

Birding enthusiasts often specialise in one type of bird, and know all their plumage variations, together with all the habitats they are likely to frequent. They will often travel large distances to view the object of their ‘passion’.

Birding takes place most frequently in temperate climates, when the birds are in migratory mode, during the spring and autumn. Birds are easiest to spot in the early morning when searching for food. Early mornings have low light levels.
The specification of birding binoculars therefore, needs to allow for this low level of light, by permitting the greatest transmission of light possible, through the optical path of the instrument.

Such are… Read more …

Most of us are just pleased to see birds coming to feed at our bird-tables and feeding stations in our back gardens. We hear that such and such a bird is becoming close to extinct, as a result of our depredation of their natural habitat. With concern growing, in all quarters, about the effects of industrial, urban and agricultural development on native bird species, it is hardly surprising that we are increasingly becoming a nation of bird-watchers. So what are the best bird watching binoculars to view these increasingly rare visitors.

If you view your avian visitors from the comfort of your kitchen or living room window, at a range of up to 10 or 20 yards, then a relatively inexpensive pair of binoculars, with 6-8x magnification will suffice. Just make sure that the optics are multi-coated to ensure the brightest and most colorful image possible.

If you wish to take your observations beyond your back-yard gate, then a greater… Read more …