binocular question

O.K. Guys, I know a lot of you will be calling me names after this question but here goes.
Binoculars are rated like 8x10 or 10x42.
What does 8x10 mean and what does 10x42 mean?
I will say "Thank You" in advance.

The first number is the magnification power.
The second number is the objective lense size in millimeters and determines how much light it will gather and transmit to the eye.
To determine the light gathering ability you devide the first number into the second number. The ideal ratio is 5.
Such as: 7x35, 8x40, 10x50 and so on.

Great answer and no name calling. Way to go guys.:ThumbsUp

Great answer Gary. I learned something new today!!!!!

8x32 or10x50 will gather less light all else equal than 8x40 or10x50s. Noticable in diminishing light situations. Having said this other factors can affect their abilities to function in low light. $$$$$ can be an indicator

10x50 will gather less light than 10x50s??? Is that because of the s. [emoji12]

10x 40s sorry. Never got the hang of proofreading. Notice that about 95% of my posts are edited.

So who has a good set of binoculars they would recommend. I have been looking at the Nikon Monarch 5's but havent pulled the trigger yet. Thinking I may ask Santa for a good pair. I also like the Vortex. Never thought binoculars were so expensive til I started looking but they are almost as high as a scope.

X's 2 on the Vortex.

I like my Nikon monarchs

I'm a Leupold guy!!! Swarovski if you can dig that deep.Attachment 212341

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by feelay

I like my Nikon monarchs

---

X2!

PM Mac Daddy. He told me he had a set that are made for sailors or somthing like that. They lenses are actually floating inside the binoculars. So even with a shaky hand, or using them from a boat, the lens remains still. Souded like the ticket to me but PM him and he can give ya more details about em. Im definitely gonna look into em!

I'd like more info on those floating lens also

I will try to get Mac Daddy to chime in here!

Those image stabilization binoculars are great! If you can afford them. They are made for the police, military, but are available to the public. Costs for these specialty binoculars is quite high. Some for around $700 on up into the thousands. Google them up.

jigflinger is correct. Mine are Nikon Stabilieyes 16x32. They are a little heavy but they are like having a spotting scope in your hands, I love them, and they are worth the extra weight. I just googled them and they seem to be higher now then when I bought mine, I paid $700. They are water proof and lifetime warrantied (I think I remember Nikon saying 25yrs is considered a lifetime for their products). I have always had a problem with my hands shaking more than most people and was frustrated by trying to use typical binoculars. I don't remember how I found out about image stabilization binoculars but I first bought a pair of Canon 8 power, I was so impressed with the stability that I had to have a pair but theirs weren't water proof and only had a 1 year warranty. So I sent them back and ponied up for these and haven't been disappointed. They have gyros built into them similar to the instrumentation on airplanes. I might mention that they have the usual low light problems that might come with 32mm lenses. Amazon.com: Nikon 16x32 StabilEyes VR, Water Proof Roof Prism Binocular with 3.8 Degree Angle of View, U.S.A.: Camera & Photo

thanks Mac Daddy

Hello: Always remember good glass costs good money. Buy the best you can afford. Good Luck. O - R

If I bought today it would be vortex HD iv got nikon now but vortex are great and have the best warranty I have a buddy that has the vortex and they are super clear and great in low light

Steiner is what I have . Have had them about 25 years .

I have Steiner also. Have served me well for 20 years.

Swarovski 10x42. They have great customer service too.

These were given to me by my father as he moved up to the EL (I think) series. Anyway, I used them for 7-8 years and a lens inside an ocular came loose. Called and was told to send them in for an evaluation. Theycalled a few days after receiving and told me that model was out of date. Sincethat model was out of date, I was told my lens could be put in the new modelstyle at no charge or buy new lenses for $250 and they would just send me a new pairof binoculars.

I opted for the new 10X42 for $250.