What do the numbers 10×50 on binoculars mean? What is the relationship between magnification and field of view in binoculars and spotting scopes? And how can I identify high-contrast images? This overview of key terms and optical parameters opens up insights into the world of long-range optics.

OPTICS 101

MAGNIFICATION

Magnification is the factor by which an object appears closer than it actually is. Looking through the long-range optical device changes the perception – the higher the magnification, the closer the animal appears to be and the more details you can identify. However, high magnification means a smaller field of view.

OPTICS 101

VARIABLE MAGNIFICATION

Most spotting scopes have a variable magnification. This means that you can adjust the magnification flexibly within a certain range. In contrast to fixed magnification, it is possible to zoom from the lower value to the higher value. However, if the Magnification increases, the Field of view, i.e. the image that you see, becomes smaller. Pay close attention to the product name, as the number in front of the “x” specifies the magnification. 30-70×95 is an instrument with 30x to 70x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 95 mm.

OPTICS 101

OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER

The Objective lens is – in contrast to the Eyepiece – the side of the long-range optical instrument facing the object. The Objective lens diameter determines how much light can enter the optics, which makes it a key factor in the instrument’s performance, especially in poor light conditions. This means: the larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the objective lens can capture and the lighter the image appears. The poorer the light conditions – for example, at twilight – the larger the objective lens diameter should be.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS ON MY BINOCULARS OR SPOTTING SCOPE MEAN?

The product name for binoculars includes two numbers, or parameters, for example, 8×25, 10×32, or 12×42. The first of these numbers shows the magnification, e.g. 8x, 10x or 12x magnification. The second number shows the objective lens diameter in millimeters.

So in binoculars with the specification 10×42, the objective lens therefore has an optically effective diameter of 42 millimeters. We are talking here about universal binoculars that are still relatively compact in terms of size and weight, and bright enough to allow you to keep watching even in early twilight. Because the larger the objective lens, the more available light it can capture.

OPTICS 101

FIELD OF VIEW

The field of view is the section of the image that can be seen through the optics. As a rule of thumb: the higher the magnification, the smaller the field of view. Binoculars have a larger field of view in comparison to a spotting scope, which means you can see a large area. Spotting scopes have a higher magnification, which makes the field of view much smaller, but you can see more detail.

The size of the field of view is usually specified in meters at a range of 1,000 meters (3280 ft). Through binoculars with a field of view of 150/1000 m, the viewer will therefore see a 150 meter (492 ft) wide circular image at a range of 1,000 meters (3280 ft).

OPTICS 101

EXIT PUPIL

If you look at the eyepiece from a certain distance, the Exit pupil appears as a bright disc. The exit pupil is a value calculated based on the objective lens diameter/magnification . In high-quality binoculars, this is displayed perfectly and round.

FORMULA: Exit pupil = Objective lens diameter/magnification

OPTICS 101

TRANSMISSION

Light transmission is an important parameter to measure the transmission rate of an optical instrument. For example, a transmission value of 90% means that of the 100% light entering the objective lens, 90% reaches the eye. This is a physical principle caused by absorptions in the glass, as well as by reflections at glass-air boundaries.

OPTICS 101

SHORTEST FOCUSING DISTANCE

The shortest focusing distance specifies how close an object needs to be to see it clearly with the binoculars. From this value to infinity, you can use the Focusing ring to focus the image. The shortest focusing distance for our binoculars starts at 2 meters (NL Pure). These values do not consider any visual impairments in the human eye.

OPTICS 101

INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE

The interpupillary distance is the distance between the left and right eyes in millimeters – measured from pupil center to pupil center. In our binoculars, the interpupillary distance can be adjusted, depending on the model.

OPTICS 101

EYE RELIEF

The eye relief is the distance between eyepiece and human eye, and specifies where the exit pupil of the binoculars ideally meets the human eye. Twist-in eyecups can be used as a mechanical aid to adjust the individual position. The eye relief in high-quality binoculars is between 14 and 19 mm, which guarantees pleasant viewing.

OPTICS 101

DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT

The diopter adjustment is required to compensate for different visual impairments between the left and right eyes. If both eyes have equal vision (even if short- or long-sighted), or if wearing glasses, no adjustment is needed.

OPTICS 101

IMAGE QUALITY

The general image quality is also understood as the overall optical display performance. This is characterized by an optimum relationship between Image definition, Resolution and Distortion (optical distortion of objects during image reproduction), and by a color-neutral, bright image.

OPTICS 101

BRIGHTNESS

As a basic rule: the larger the objective lens diameter, the more light passes through the optical system and therefore the exit pupil. At a higher magnification the exit pupil becomes smaller and, therefore, the brightness is reduced. In this case, it is a question of finding the ideal balance between size, weight, and brightness performance for the long-range optical device. One possible yardstick is the so-called Twilight factor. The higher the twilight factor, the more details are visible. The twilight factor is calculated from the root of magnification x objective lens diameter.

FORMULA: Twilight factor = magnification x objective lens diameter
The light intensity is calculated using the following formula: (objective lens diameter/magnification)^2

OPTICS 101

EDGE SHARPNESS

The Edge sharpness is a good indication of high-quality optics and can also be easily verified. The complete field of view should be sharp from the center of the image to the edge. Good, or even perfect, edge sharpness captures details all the way to the edge and avoids the need for continuous readjustment.

OPTICS 101

CONTRAST

The foundation for good CONTRAST is a clear image. Little color fringing, low spherical aberration, and perfectly tailored coatings increase the contrast in an optical system. Contrast is used to mean the sharp separation of light-dark transitions on an object. The sharper these transitions, the higher the contrast of the image.

OPTICS 101

DETAIL RECOGNITION

Being able to recognize fine details on an object is highly dependent on environmental conditions, such as light conditions and the object’s contrast, as well as the size of binoculars chosen.

OPTICS 101

LIMITING RESOLUTION

Resolution is the ability of an optical system to separately reproduce the tiniest of details. The larger the objective lens diameter, the smaller the objects that can theoretically be identified.

SWAROVISION

With the development of SWAROVISION, SWAROVSKI OPTIK has gone a step further by redefining the concept of optical quality. It delivers unparalleled sharpness because the FIELD FLATTENER LENSES provide an almost flat, completely distortion-free image – right up to the edges. SWAROVISION also stands for maximum optical performance with razor-sharp contours. And finally, the innovative lens coatings provide MAXIMUM COLOR FIDELITY with excellent color rendering and high light transmission. All in all, high-contrast, and lifelike images are guaranteed. You won’t miss a single detail, making identification quick and easy

Contact Whylo For More Information