In a binocular name, the first number indicates the magnification power and the second number is the diameter of the objective lens in mm. For example, for a pair of 10x42 binoculars, it has 10x magnification (i.e., an object will be enlarged 10 times; or an object 100m away will look like 10m away through the binoculars), and its objective (front) lens is 42mm in diameter.

You will want a binocular with magnification appropriate to how you plan to use your binoculars. So, think about the demands of your hobby before you select a pair of binoculars. How much detail do you need to see? Will you use your binoculars to view things close up or far away? Will you be able to prop your arms on something for support while using your binoculars? Do I want a small binocular that I can take anywhere?

The most popular binoculars are those with lower magnifications (as with 8x binoculars). These binoculars have wider fields of view and are easier to hold steady than the binoculars with higher magnifications. A wider field of view is important when trying to follow fast-moving action like game on the move, warblers on the wing, or athletes at a fast-pace sporting event.

Higher magnifications (as with 10x binoculars) will give you more detail, but are more difficult to hold steady than binoculars with lower magnification. Binoculars with higher magnification also have narrower fields of view. While many people choose to use 10x binoculars, they are deciding that image size and detail is of greater importance to them.

Our left eye and right eye can be different in their vision and focusing capability. Therefore, to use binoculars properly, we must compensate for such a difference, and centre-focusing binoculars have an adjustment mechanism to achieve this. You can find that almost all the binoculars listed in our store have one eyepiece (usually the one on the right-hand side) which is independently adjustable with a marked scale.

To adjust binoculars, first, use a lens cover or your hand to cover the right objective lens which is on the same side as the adjustable eyepiece (note: better to keep both eyes open to avoid distortion by squinting). Look through the binoculars and use the central focusing mechanism to focus on a distant object until it is sharp and clear.

Second, transfer the lens cover to the other lens on the left, again with both eyes open, but this time adjust the focus on the same object using the adjustable eyepiece only, until it is clear. Your binoculars are now properly focused for your use. Adjust the distance between the two eyepieces so that they in the centres of your eyes (i.e., when the two cycles merge into one). You can now use the central focusing mechanism to focus on objects at different distances, but you should keep the adjustable eyepiece at the same focus setting unless it is accidentally moved or the binoculars have been used by someone else.

Your eye is uniquely designed to gather more or less light as conditions change, but your binoculars are not. Since the light gathering ability of a binocular is fixed, it is important to select a model that best meets your eyes need for light as viewing conditions grow darker.

The exit pupil is the magnified image in the eyepiece as it leaves the binocular to enter your eye. It is an indicator of how well you will see an image through your binoculars on a bright day, at twilight or at night. Almost all binoculars gather more light than is needed by your eye for viewing in bright conditions. For the best viewing at twilight, you´ll want a binocular with a minimum exit pupil of 4mm.

Use common sense in the care and maintenance of your binoculars. Always attempt to blow off any visible dust or dirt from the binocular lenses before brushing or rubbing anything on the glass of your binocular. Next, use a lens cleaning tool like a Lens Pen or lens cleaning tissue to gently wipe off any remaining marks or spots from the lens of the binocular.

Remove stubborn things like dried water spots from the lens of a binocular by lightly fogging the binocular lens with your breath. If your waterproof binoculars are badly soiled, you can even clean them by placing them under lightly running water.

Binoculars are used outside in all kinds of weather. If you expect that you will be using your binoculars in rainy, wet weather (or if you use them around water), consider a pair of waterproof binoculars. You´ll pay a bit more for this feature, but you´ll also be able to use these binoculars without fear of repairing or replacing them just because they got wet.

Waterproof binoculars are literally submersible and any water damage would be handled under the manufacturers warranty for the binocular.

Many models of binoculars will allow you to view in comfort while wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses. These binoculars have been designed to provide you with longer eye relief.

Eye relief refers to the distance images are projected from the ocular lens to their focal point and can vary from 5mm to 23mm. If you want to use your binoculars with eyeglasses or sunglasses, look for binoculars that offer at least 15mm of eye relief.

An uncoated optical glass lens or prism reflects about 10% of the light incident on one of its surfaces, thus allowing only about 90% of the light to pass through. Nowadays most binocular lenses are coated with invisible coverings that work to improve the amount of light transmitted from the front lens to the eyepiece. Standard full coatings can reduce the level of light reflection to about 4% or lower; and more sophisticated multi-coatings can ensure 99% or more light transmission through the lens and prism.

Binoculars with centre focus system use one knob in the middle of the binoculars to move both lenses for fine focusing precision. This allows you to follow the action and switch from one object to another quickly. Binoculars with centre focus normally have one eyepiece (often the one on the right-hand side) which is independently adjustable to accommodate any difference between the two eyes.

Buy the best quality binoculars you can afford. This will allow you to spend the greatest possible time with your binoculars pressed to your eyes. You´ve probably heard the old statement about fishing that says "to catch fish, you need to have your line in the water". Well, you won´t see more detail unless that binocular is at your eyes. Poor quality binoculars usually spend a lot of time just dangling from the neck.

Choosing a right pair of binoculars would very much depend on your main purpose of use. Here are some examples:

If you are looking for a handy pair of binoculars to carry around easily in your handbag or in the pocket, and to use it in numerous occasions such as stadium sports, indoor or outdoor concerts/plays, travel and birding, and you also want to keep the cost down, you may choose a compact model such as 8x21, 10x25 or 12x32 compact binoculars. Such a model has all the functions required for these purposes and they are light in weight. These products have a unique feature with new optical coating technology which greatly reduces light reflection over a wider spectrum and increases image sharpness.