What Do the Numbers Mean on Binoculars and Spotting Scopes? – All You Need to Know

What do numbers mean on the scope and binoculars?

It is one of the most asked questions.

Let’s find out!

What are Binoculars and how do they work?

Binoculars are used to see things from far away. They use lenses to make objects appear bigger. Prisms are used to focus light onto the eye. Binoculars are usually used for hunting.

Binoculars should be focused by closing one eye and adjusting the right side diopter. Then, when the image is clear, open both eyes and use the center focus wheel to fine tune.

Eyecups are designed to block out stray light. Rubber eyecups are usually folded down when not being used. Twist-up/down eyecups are more common than pull-up/down. Eyeglasses wearers should keep the eyecups closed, bringing their eyes closer to the lenses.

Note: If you want to know a complete guide about scopes click HERE.

What do the Numbers mean?

Binoculars are used to see things far away. A pair of binoculars can magnify objects up to ten times. Binoculars come in different sizes and strengths. The stronger the magnification power, the bigger the lens. Smaller lenses allow binoculars to be more compact and portable.

Zoom binoculars work on the similar principle as regular binocular but with the ability to adjust the power. A 10-22×50 mm binocular shows the lowest magnification possible while a 20-40×50 mm binocular will show the highest magnification. Remember that a larger objective lens will gather more light, but it will also be bigger and heavier.

Binoculars are made up of two lenses that are attached together by a metal or plastic hinge. Binoculars are usually adjustable so that you can see better if your eyes aren’t focused correctly. Most binoculars come with a focusing wheel that lets you adjust the distance between the lenses. You can also get separate focusing for each lens.

What Do All The Numbers Mean on Spotting Scopes?

A good spotting scope helps you see birds better. You should know how to use it properly. Numbers help identify different species of birds.

All of these confusing numbers on the spotting scope are really easy. Let’s see how.

What Do the Numbers Mean on Spotting Scopes

Spotting scopes are used by people who want to see things up close. To explain the number on a spotting scope, you need to know how many times the object is magnified. For example, if the object is 10x, then the magnification is 100%. This means that the object is ten times bigger than it was before. The same thing happens when you zoom in on something. You get closer to the object, but it gets smaller. When you zoom out, you go further away from the object, but it also gets larger. In other words, the magnification changes as you move around.

Note: If you want to know Who Makes UTG Scopes click HERE.

What does “Exit Pupil” mean?

Binoculars are used to view objects at a greater distance than what is possible with the naked eye. When looking through the binoculars, there is a bright circle in the middle of the eyepiece, which represents the exit pupil. The diameter of this pupil is determined by the objective lens divided by the magnification of the eyepiece (10/5 2). A 10x50mm binocular has an exit pupil of 5mm, while a 7×42 binocular has an exit puple of 6mm.

What does “Field of View” mean?

Binoculars are useful tools for observing distant objects. Higher power binoculars provide a larger field-of-view than lower power binoculars. A field-of-view of 100 degrees corresponds to a linear field of about 1 mile.

Note: If you want to know How to Dial in a Scope click HERE.

what do the numbers mean on binoculars and spotting scopes

What Do the Numbers Mean on Binoculars and Spotting Scopes?

What are Lens Coatings?

Binoculars are used to see things far away. When the sun shines on them, they get very bright and make everything else seem dim. Coated lenses let in as much light as possible. More expensive binoculars have multiple coats on all the lenses. This helps to produce the clearest image possible.

There are four types of coatings: Coated: A thin layer of plastic applied to protect the lens. Fully-Coat: A thin layer of glass applied to protect the lens and other parts of the camera. Multi-Coat: Multiple thin layers of plastic applied to protect lenses and other parts of the body. Fully Multi-Coat: Thin layers of glass applied to protect lenses and parts of the body.

Exit Pupil mm

Exit pupils vary depending on the type of scope you use. For example, if you’re using a telescope, your exit pupil should be as big as possible. However, if you’re using binoculars, your exit pupil should not be larger than 3mm.

Tube Diameter mm

Rifle and crossbow scopes are usually made out of aluminum or steel. A larger tube means the scope can be adjusted higher from the rifle than if the tube was smaller.

Note: If you want to gain information on How Much is a Night Vision Scope click HERE.

Length inches or mm

Longest length of the scope from the tip to the tip is 8 inches.

Weight kg or oz

This is the total weight of your rifle without any accessories. You should know this before buying a new gun.

Magnification Power

Spotting scopes are used for long distance viewing. You should start out by using a lower power eyepiece. Then when you spot something interesting, use a higher power eyepiece to get closer.

Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses are great for bird watching, but you need to be careful when using them. You should use a tripod or steady your hand before zooming in. You also need to make sure there isn’t too much dust in the air. A wide angle lens is better than a telephoto lens because it gathers more light.

A good zoom lens is an expensive item. You should get the best quality you can afford.

Binoculars can get you close to some birds, but not as close as a scope. A scope lets you see farther away than binoculars.

Glass Quality

Top spotting scope lenses are made of fluorite coated, HD (high density) or ED (extra-Low Dispersion) glass. Fluorite coating makes them more resistant to scratches and fingerprints. High Density glass gives sharper images than regular glass. Extra Low Dispersion glass provides clearer images than regular glass.

Light Gathering Capacity

Spotting scopes are used to see things far away. Binoculars have bigger objectives than spotting scopes, and they provide better vision. A spotting scope is lighter than a binocular because it doesn’t need as large an objective lens.

Eyepiece placement

A 45 degree angle is better than a straight-on view because it allows you to see birds above the horizon. You need a tripod to be stable while using this type of eyepiece. Bird watching is more convenient if you are in a group of people who are of different heights.

Eye-relief

Eyeglasses wearers should be aware of the amount of eye relief provided by the scope. Longer eye relief allows the user to see more of the scene without having to bend down. Some scopes offer adjustable eye cups that allow users to adjust the distance between the eyepiece and the eye cup.

Focusing mechanism

Focusing is done by twisting the whole barrel or using a smaller focus knob. A focusing collar makes the whole barrel knurled or rubberised. Hand size and dexterity may be issues when using this method. Try both styles to see what works better for you.

Conclusion

We hope that now you know what numbers on a binoculars and spotting scopes mean.

If you want to know more information about scopes click HERE.

Author

  • John Moses

    John is the Editor in Chief here at The Outdoor Stores. His area of expertise ensures that there is no one better to suggest which rifles are most suitable for your hunting experience. He is also available for you to contact him personally to discuss the types of animals you want to hunt and the terrain you will be hunting on. Feel free to read his posts for expert opinion on Rifles, Scopes, Rangefinders, Bonoculars and Monoculars.

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