Binoculars & Telescopes

Binoculars and Telescope Price List 51.39 Kb

Binoculars and Telescopes come in many different shapes and sizes, and selecting the right type for you can be time consuming and confusing. We have a wide range in stock, as well as accessories, that will suit most, from beginner to advanced users. The following guidelines should put you on the right path, but if you have any specific queries our experienced staff are always on hand to address any of your concerns.

All Binoculars have two numbers to determine their specification for example 8 X 30 or 10 X 21. This simply refers to the power, and diameter of the objective lens, positioned at the front of the binoculars.

AN 8 X 30, for instance, has 8 X magnification and a 30mm objective lense diameter. Pairs and higher numbers are the most powerful; ones with larger second figures allow more light through, and are often brighter.

TO get a true indication of brightness, divide the objective lens by the magnification to give what is known as the exit pupil size – and 8 X 40 pair, for example, has an exit pupil of 5 (40 divided by 8). Square this figure for the relative brightness, the higher the number the brighter the image. 

THE magnification is the most important consideration but don’t make the mistake of rushing out and buying the most powerful pair. This can be a disappointment, mainly because it’s harder to keep a steady image when hand holding: also the image is often dim.
o IF you’re bird watching it’s worth tracking down binoculars with a wider view, so it’s easier to follow birds in flight. Also check the minimum focusing distance to ensure it’s not limiting.

The best general use pair is an 8 X 40 or 10 X 50- 7 X 50’s are popular with star-gazers because of their wider, and brighter, image; the more powerful 16 X50’s are preferred for pulling distant detail in, but only on bright days.