Points to Ponder When Considering MINOX Binoculars
Whether you are a hunter, sports fan, theatergoer, or birdwatcher, you may be considering a pair of binoculars. For more than 30 years, people have been using MINOX binoculars. If you are thinking about getting binoculars for an upcoming trip or to birdwatch in your yard, then you may have questions about the varying features and designs of Minox binoculars.
What do the magnification numbers mean on binoculars?Generally, binoculars have two numbers associated with them. The first number is the amount of available magnification compared to the naked eye. The second number is the size of the diameter of the front lens in millimeters, often called the objective lens. Sometimes, you will see a range of numbers. For example 10-30x52. These are zoom binoculars, and users may be able to choose the level of enlargement. See the manufacturer site for details.
What are the different parts of binoculars?Binoculars have some key parts that may include:
- Eyecups: This is the part of the binocular that you look through. It allows you to see through the objective lens. Some models feature twist-out eyecups designed to make it easier for people wearing glasses.
- Focus wheel: This part allows you to fine tune the binoculars' focus. It is usually located near the eyepiece.
- Diopter wheel: This wheel is also located near the eyepiece and allows you to fine tune the focus for each of your eyes.
- Prisms: These pieces located within the handle of the binoculars reflect light. They allow you to see the object.
- Objective lenses: These parts are located at the opposite end of the binoculars from the eyepieces. They collect light and feed it into the prisms before the light reaches the eyepieces.
A manufacturer like MINOX may list many different specifications for their binoculars. Understanding their meaning will help you find the pair that meets your needs.
- Relative brightness: This measurement describes the brightness of an object when viewed through the optics of the binoculars. It is found by squaring the diameter of the exit pupil.
- Relative light efficiency: This measurement describes the binoculars ability to transmit light. It takes into account unique optical coatings.
- Twilight factor: This number describes the binoculars ability to work in low-light situations. It can be determined when you multiply the objective lens diameter by its magnification, then find the square root of that product.
- Field of view: This measurement indicates how wide an area you can see through the binoculars. It may either be described in linear feet or degrees.
- Interpupillary distance: This is the measurement in millimeters between the center of the two exit pupils, and it should match the distance between your two eye pupils.