Binoculars

Well, a binocular, and for those in loop, field glasses, has many definitions. For example, Wikipedia.org defines them as "two identical or mirror-symmetrical telescopes mounted side-by-side and aligned to point", then there's giant binoculars defined bye amazon.com as those that magnify the view 10 times or more and having 70 mm or larger front lenses. Then of course there is Merriam-Websters definition of binoculars as being a handheld optical instrument composed of two telescopes and a focusing device and usually having prisms to increase magnifying ability. So, I think you get the point. Its two lenses that magnify so you can see something far away close up.

Well, there are many uses for binoculars or monoculars. Most commonly in the United States there are things like hunting and bird watching. For sporting events you may see someone in the nose bleed section using them to see their favorite player at a football or basketball game. Don't forget at state parks, like the Grand Canyon, you will often see them at specified site locations. Then in other countries and occasionally in the United States, binoculars are seen at opera houses. For business, it is not uncommon for the police, private investigators, F.B.I. S.W.A.T and other assorted security agencies to carry them. While it is most common to have radar equipment at airports and on ships, it is also possible to see someone with a pair of binoculars to see far off. Lastly, there is the military branch which will never fully disclose what they use anything for, but will have them on ships, out in the field, and in boot camp to watch what their recruits are doing, from afar. Then of course there are astronomers which use a type of binocular, which is more commonly known as a telescope, as apposed to a microscope which does the same basic function for those things which are invisible.

Like with your sunglasses or regular glasses, binoculars can and do need to have coating available for those who are glare sensitive (its not a bad idea even if you aren't). Reduction of glare, which occurs when there is reflection (light that has been reflected and not absorbed), can be achieved by having the lens coated with a material called magnesium fluoride. Depending on what type of binoculars you have (and how old they are), you may have multiple lens that this can be done to. Before going into the different types of coating, another benefit to coating is the increase in natural colors and the highest possible brightness. What that means to you is a clearer and sharper view of what you are looking at.

Now, as for the terms of coating you may want to be familiar with. You will notice there is a natural progression of coating types, from single lens, to multiple lens. Depending on what you are looking for, and the number of lenses (within the lens) your binocular has, will depend on what type of coat(s) you will need to have done on your len(s).

First there is~ Coated optics, when one or more surfaces need have a coat.

Second~ Fully Coated~ This is when all air-to-glass surfaces are coated. This applies to GLASS surfaces only, plastic surfaces cannot be coated.

Third~multi-coated~ Like with coated optics, this deals with one or more surfaces that have multiple layers coated.

Forth and last is Fully multi-coated, which is where all air-to-glass surfaces are multi-layer coated.

One of the best ways to stop the shaking of objects, is to use a technology called image-stabilization. There are approximately 6 different methods, however, for the purpose of our discussion we will deal only with those which are directly associated with binoculars. One of the options with binoculars are called gyroscopes. These can be used to steady the position of the object. Depending on the amount of money that is spent, yours may or may not come with a gyroscope. There are also "inertial detectors" which can be used to do the same thing. If shaking is an area of concern for you, then you will want to make sure that you have one of these to options as part of your binoculars. What they do is to allow you, the view, to have control and adjust the amount of shaking that is occurring. However, with every positive, there is the potential of negative, in this case, depending on how much you adjust your binoculars, you may lose some of the clarity that you want. Also, because there is more technology in your binoculars that allows for you to control the shaking, there is an increase in the likelihood that something will break. If it breaks, it must be fixed. And, if it must be fixed well, there will be more expense involved. Lastly, it should go without saying that if something is moving like a lion or deer, you cannot control for the shaking that will occur.

Another option for you to consider if your object is not moving (like say the stars or mountains) it may suit your purposes to get a tripod and call it a day. Like with most things, to determine which is best for you, you need to look at your needs and what each option offers.

This, like with the amount and type of shaking that you experience, you must consider what your needs are and which option be best for solving those needs. First, some binoculars have what is called independent focus. What this does is allow for each of the lenses (right and left) to be focused independent, one from another. In essence, this gives you monoculars, rather than binoculars. Perhaps the biggest advantage the independent focus option has is for those with vision problems. It gives you the advantage of controlling and giving clarity to each eye.

Some people consider independent focusing to be to much work, and therefore prefer to use what is called central focusing. What central focusing does is to let both sides be adjusted at the same time. For this, there is usually a "wheel" between both lenses allowing for both to be done at once.

Then there is what is called fixed focus (aka -focus free) binoculars. With these, they do the work for you. Adjusting from "close" to "far" as they see fit.

The only caution that needs to be given is in the area of zoom binoculars. It seems that with zoom binoculars, they have a tradition of having problems performing well. However, like with all things you need to experiment and find what works best for you. Also, if you have a business that you have come to trust, then you can talk with them, and see if there is a zoom lens binocular that can meet your needs, and perform well.

I cannot leave with out telling you other major options available to you.

Waterproof binoculars - For those of you that live in a high rain volume area or perhaps like to hunt ducks. This may be part of the solution for your binoculars not getting damaged, when water splashes on them.

Infrared Illuminator - Most commonly used for night vision. It is most helpful in professions such as the military, security, police and private eye work.

Helmet - Mostly used in conjunction with the infrared system. This allows you the option to be hands free and keep your eyes on what you need to be looking at and your weapon in hand.

Pistol Grips - This option is found with monocular. It allows for you to carry it on your side and hold it comfortably in your hand like you would a gun.