Binoculars - what do the numbers mean?
First thing you notice when trying buying a pair of binoculars are these numbers - for example: 4x30 or 10x25 - what do these numbers mean anyway? - the numbers mean everything - what the binoculars can do & whether they fit your need.
Please refer to the table on the right to see recommended usage of the binoculars according to activity.
Breaking down Numbers
Example: 10x25
The First number BEFORE "x" represents Magnification
The Second number AFTER "x" represents Objective Lens
What is Magnification?
Simply put - you & I can see everything NORMALLY at 1x magnification (meaning no magnification - seeing things as they are) - so 10x means you can see everything 10 times closer to you than if you did not look through the binoculars. so the first number if you magnification of the binoculars - this is the "power" or "magnification strength" of the binoculars.
What is Objective Lens?
To understand it easily - let's compare TWO pairs of binoculars:
10x25
10x50
Both binoculars share the same 10x magnification. However, the 10x25 will be the smaller one (compact in size) as compareed to 10x50 - which will be full-sized. Objective Lens determines its physical size.
Finally Objective Lens also determine how much "light it gathers" - if you want a brighter picture - you will buy a full-sized 10x50 - however, if you want the same zoom (10x) - but want it in compact size (to fit in your pocket) and are willing to forgo image brightness 10x25 would be the right choice.
Let's put Magnification & Objective Lens together & see what happens
When you put these numbers together - you get another important attribute in binoculars - Exit Pupil. Exit Pupil is a measurement of the “hole” in millimeters where light travels through the eyepiece and into your eye for viewing.
Wanna sound like a pro - ask someone who is carrying a binoculars "whats the exit pupil on your pair?"
Before you speaking "jargon" - let's see what this exit pupil is all about.
Exit Pupil = your objective lens number divided by your magnification number.
10x25 example: your exit pupil = 2.5mm (millimeter)
10x50 example: your exit pupil = 5mm (millimeter)
The larger the Exit Pupil - the more light is let into your eye which in turn produces brighter images. So if you are viewing images in low-light conditions - say in a brush or shadow, the larger exit pupil binoculars will be a better choice.
Hope the above information helps you choose your pair of binoculars - and why settle for one pair - when you can get multiple pairs - with our daily deal prices? - so come back often - and buy a few!!
Happy Shopping!!
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|  | Binoculars/ by usage
| Activity/Adventure | Recommended Binoculars zoom/type |
| Bird watching | 8x42 is the standard, 10x42, 10x50 & 12x50 for
Details in Smaller Species at a Distance,
Compacts with a 30mm or Greater Objective Lens size,
Any Binocular with Long Eye Relief and Good Close Focusing Ability |
| Boating | Any Waterproof Model with A Large Objective Diameter and Rubber Armor,
7x50, 7x42, 8x42 & 10x42 |
| Concerts/Theater | 5x25 & 8x25 Xtra-Wide Angle, 4x30, 7x18 & 7x21
Compacts, Any Zoom or Wide Angle Model |
| General Use/Vacation/Hiking | 7x35, 8x42, 10x42 & 10x50, Most Compact and Wide Angle Models |
| Hunting | All Rubber Armored, Waterproof and Fogproof Models,
7x to 10x Power Models for General Hunting,
12x or 16x for Distant Game/Varmints,
Compacts fit in a Pocket for Hunters on the Move |
| Low Light | 7x50 (Best Light-Gathering), 8x42, 10x50 |
| Outdoor/Nature | Any 7x35, 7x50, 8x42 & 10x42 Standard Size, 8x30 & 10x30 Compacts, Waterproof Models for Camping |
| Sports /
Stadium Sports | 4x21, 8x25 & 10x25 Xtra-Wide Angle, All 7x35, 10x50 & 12x50, Any Zoom, Compacts from 7x to 10x |
| 10x50 Camouflage Binoculars
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| | | Feature center wheel focus, rubber eye cups, lens and eye cup caps for protection, and carrying case with shoulder strap. Barrels measure 7' long. Limited ten year warranty. Gift boxed.
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