What do Binocular numbers mean – Learn now

Binocular numbers are numerical designations of the ability of a pair of binoculars to provide you with an unrestricted view when observing, such as 1.5 x magnification or 8 x magnification. The number increases the size and the power, and is a good indicator when purchasing what kind of lenses are on each side. Another factor that’s important to consider when purchasing binoculars is field-of-view — this describes what percentage of your eye’s vision they can provide you with at given distance.

One of the most important things to remember when you’re shopping for binoculars is that the higher numbers mean better quality, but they also indicate more expensive. There is no one-size-fits all answer when it comes to binocular sizes, so we recommend seeking advice from a retail specialist before you make your purchase.

This article will provide some of the top binocular numbers and what they mean and show you how to decipher which size might be best for your needs.

Binocular numbers mean

The most important number to remember is the first one, which stands for the magnification of the binoculars. For example, a set of binoculars that have a magnification of 8x are more powerful than one with 10x.

The second number stands for the objective lens diameter and basically refers to the amount of light that can enter your eyes. The lower this number is, the more light you can see in dark environments.

The third number indicates the diopter adjustment. This is the most important one because it determines the field of view. The bigger this number is, the clearer your vision will be in all directions. For example, binoculars with a 3×10 objective lens have a field of view that is three times larger than those with 6×10 objective lens.

The fourth number stands for field of view and basically refers to how far your eyes can move in any direction. The more you can see, the easier it is to bring distant objects into focus.

The fifth number shows the degree of correction that the binoculars need to provide. This helps sharpen up fuzzy images, so you’ll see clearer details in them. The lower this number is, the better the correction is.

The sixth number stands for the eye relief and refers to how much of your face will be behind the binoculars when you look through them. This doesn’t really have an effect on your fine-focus, but it increases your comfort level when you’re using them for long periods of time.

The seventh number shows how close the binoculars can be without producing a blur in your vision. The lower this number is, the closer you can get to your subject and still keep it in focus.

The eighth number shows how much light reaches the middle of the lens. The larger this number is, the more light that enters your binoculars and reduces shadows throughout your vision.

The ninth number refers to the layers of coating that are applied to all lenses within a set of binoculars. This is important because the more layers, the better the resolution. The higher this number is, the better the optics are.

The tenth number stands for water resistance and helps to ensure that your binoculars will not be damaged due to rainstorms or other kinds of weather.

The eleventh number shows how well your lenses are coated and helps in preventing glare when looking through them at sunny days. This can make a big difference when you need to look through your binoculars during daylight.

The twelfth number stands for the eye relief of your binoculars and refers to how much of your face will be behind the lenses when you look through them. This number does not really impact your vision, but it makes a big difference when you’re looking through them for long periods of time, especially if you have contacts that restrict your eyes opening.

The thirteenth number stands for the outer diameter of all optical parts within a set of binoculars. Basically, the larger this number is, the more light that reaches your eyes.

The fourteenth number stands for the amount of oil used to coat and water-proof the exterior of your binoculars. The higher this number is, the better it is for preventing fogging at all times. This applies only to waterproof models.

The fifteenth number refers to the amount of angle you can adjust among both eyepieces in a set of binoculars. The more you have, the better it is if you plan on making many adjustments while looking through your binoculars.

The sixteenth number shows the diameter of the entrance pupil and determines how wide your eyes will be able to move in and around a set of binoculars. The wider this number is, the better it is for allowing movement over a greater range.

The seventeenth number indicates how well the lenses are coated again and determines how much glare can be seen in bright daylight situations. A small number is better for bright conditions and a larger number is better for darker situations.

The eighteenth number stands for the amount of accuracy that your binoculars provide. For example, if you have a 10×50 binocular with this number, you will be able to see one full degree of field on your first try. A higher number means more accurate vision, but it also means more expensive.

The nineteenth number stands for the eye relief of all eyepieces within a set of binoculars. The lower this number is, the easier it is to keep your eyes open for long periods of time.

The twentieth number stands for the quality of the lenses within a set of binoculars and indicates how well they maintain their shape. This means you’ll be able to see details in blurry conditions, but it also results in heavy reflections in bright sunshine.

Here are the numbers (usually 2, 5, 10 and 20) that indicate the amount of lenses in a binocular. The number indicates how many lenses of magnification. For example, a ten-power binocular has two objective lenses and five eyepieces in each eye piece. A one-inch binocular has one objective lens and one eyepiece in each eye piece. It is important to know how many lenses are in a binocular. When you buy or sell “binoculars” be sure they have two, five, ten or twenty objective lenses.

Take a look at our widespread Binocular guides for more information and knowledge.

Final Thoughts

The important thing to remember when buying a set of binoculars is that they are not all created equal. This can make it difficult to find the perfect one for your needs, but as long as you know what you want and select the right model, it will be easy for you to purchase the best binocular for hunting.

It’s also important that you choose one that fits comfortably in your hands and can be easily operated.

Other than this, always buy binoculars that are durable, provide eye relief, have a large field of view, provide maximum light and clarity in your vision and have a huge number on the lens.

If you’re in need of high-quality binoculars for hunting or just general observation, check out our top rated 21 binoculars less that $100.

Good luck.

Matthew Koch

Hi, I'm Matthew, a passionate blogger and traveler. I'm also a hard-core hiker. Hiking with friends and visiting new places is what I live for. Currently, I'm working at Gear Odds as CEO & Columnist. I would like to provide my best outdoor experience possible.