Binoculars

Binoculars:  Imagine owning a great pair of binoculars! Use your binoculars for bird spotting, sport games, night vision star gazing or your next trip to the Grand Canyon. And, binoculars now are available with a binocular digital camera to capture your magnified binocular image for instant replay. Get your binoculars today!

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Binocular Terminology Telescopes Terminology Rifle Scopes Terminology
Spotting Scope Terminology Range Finder Terminology Night Vision Terminology
Binocular Terminology
Magnification: Magnification is simply the degree to which the object is enlarged. With a 7x35 binocular, for example, the object appears to be seven times closer than without the aid of a binocular. The number immediately following the "x" is the diameter in millimeters of the objective (front) lens. A 10x50 binocular, therefore, has a 10 times magnification with a 50mm objective lens.
Exit Pupil: The exit pupil refers to the size of the shaft of light transmitted to the eye. The more light, the better the contrast. You can actually see the exit pupil by holding the eyepiece of the binocular approximately 12 inches from your eye. It is the bright circle of light in the center of the eyepiece. Exit pupil is expressed in millimeters and is normally derived by dividing the power into the objective lens diameter. A 7x35 binocular has an exit pupil of 5mm (35 ÷ 7).
Field of View: The field of view is the width, measured in degrees or feet, of the viewing area you would see at 1,000 yards.
Prism Systems: Binoculars have left and right side barrels linked to each other by an axle. The two most frequently used prism systems are porro and roof. Porro Prism binoculars are characterized by the eyepieces being offset from the objective lenses. Roof Prism binoculars feature lenses positioned in line for a more compact design.
Resolution: also referred to definition, is the ability of a binocular to distinguish fine detailand retain clarity.
Coated Optics: Optical glass surfaces are coated by magnesium fluoride to reduce light loss and glare due to reflection. Most binoculars are fully multi-coated to further enhance viewing and reduce eye strain. Some binoculars have a special image enhancing, amber, high contrast coatings.
WaterProof: This describes a binocular's ability to remain completely dry on the inside when exposed to moisture or total submersion in water. Binoculars are sealed with O-rings and are filled with 100% arid nitrogen, which also resists all forms of moisture.
Stray Light: When light entering the binoculars reflects off of interior surfaces, the reflected light eventually exits inside the binoculars in the form of stray light. This unfocused light typically diminishes the image quality of the sight picture.
Focusing Range: All binoculars have the ability to be focused for infinity. So a primary point of distinction between binocular models is the minimum focus range. Birders tend to favor models with a short focus range of about 15 feet, but 20 to 25 feet is usually acceptable.
Twilight Performance: Using the below formulas gives a basic evaluation of low light performance, however, one must keep in mind that they are mathematical formulas and do not take into effect some of the most critical features in optics; glass quality, number of lenses, precision of manufacturing and coatings.
 
Spotting Scope Terminology Back to Top
The spotting scope you choose greatly affects how it will work for you under certain conditions. For example, the person who only wants to use his or her spotting scope at the rifle range can often drive up to the bench and conveniently layout supplies including a large objective porro prism spotting scope. The target shooter could easily use a 80MM porro prism scope on a full-length tripod and not worry about compact design or lightweight since their automobile is a few yards away. On the other hand, a person who is planning an elk hunt in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness is probably very concerned with weight and the ability to fit the scope into a pack. Typically roof prism spotting scopes offer the hunter or backpacker a more compact and lightweight design to pack and carry long distances. While some porro prism spotting scopes are quite compact, others can offer larger fields of view and resolution, but they may not be practical to pack into the woods. Other features for the hunter to consider are rubber armoring to protect the scope from blunt force. A waterproof spotting scope offers piece of mind to the hunter working in rain and snow.**This is not a comprehensive list of all the factors to consider when choosing a spotting scope but it will hopefully shed some light on some of the more critical factors to consider.
Magnification: The magnification feature of a spotting scope allows the user to view an object much closer than it would otherwise be using only the human eye. The magnification power is a function of both the scope's optical system and the eyepiece being used. Spotting scopes such as Bushnell's Spacemaster® series and Bausch & Lomb's Premier® HDR series offer the user a choice of zoom eyepieces such as a 15-45x variable eyepiece or high power fixed eyepieces such as 60x. Most hunters prefer the versatility of a zoom (variable) eyepiece for use at varying distances. Sometimes the higher magnification offered in a zoom eyepiece can make the difference between positively identifying a trophy animal and not knowing for sure whether this is the Boone and Crockett animal you've been tracking.
Objective Lens Diameter: The objective lens of a spotting scope serves to gather incoming light. A 60mm objective lens will gather more light than a 50mm lens. When more light is transmitted to your eye, you will view a brighter and clearer image. Resolution (ability to see detail) is also a function of the objective lens diameter.
Eye Relief: Eye relief is the minimum distance between the spotting scope eyepiece and your eye that still allows you to see the entire field of view. Hunters and shooters who do not wear eyeglasses can use most spotting scopes and eyepieces without any trouble. People who wear eyeglasses are more concerned with eye relief. When a person wears glasses while looking through a standard spotting scope eyepiece their glasses may touch the eyepiece. Bushnell offers two eyepiece enhancements for those users wearing eyeglasses. Most Bushnell® and Bausch & Lomb® spotting scope eyepieces offer the ability to roll down the rubber eyecup thus increasing the distance between your glasses and the eyepiece without impairing the view. If even more eye relief is required specially designed long eye relief zoom eyepieces are available. The need for eye relief is an individual specific need. Sometimes eyeglass wearers are more comfortable looking through a spotting scope without their glasses on.
Optical Lens Coatings: Lens coatings play an important role in getting the light gathered at the objective end of the scope transmitted through the ocular end to your eye. The lens coatings are partially responsible for delivering a brighter and higher contrast image. All Bausch and Lomb® spotting scopes offer multi-coated lenses for superior images. Bushnell® spotting scopes feature fully coated lenses.
 
Telescopes Terminology Back to Top
Optical Formulas: Telescopes are described by a numerical representation such as 450x60mm. The first number is the maximum magnification (an object will appear 450 times closer than viewed with the naked eye) and the second number is the diameter of the objective lens (the closest to the object being viewed).
Penta Mirror Technology*: Unlike conventional telescopes, this patented technology breakthrough allows for left to right correct views of the stars--not reversed. No more guessing which way to move the telescope. This feature provides unparalleled ease of use for finding and tracking objects with a convenient 90 degree viewing angle and 1.25" eyepiece adapter.
Zoom Eyepiece Assembly*: Astro-nomical and terrestrial viewers can zoom from 50x to 150x with no refocusing of the telescope. This feature allows for convenient magnification changes bringing the wonders of the night sky up close and personal with a twist of the power change ring.
Astronomical: Astronomical telescopes are designed specifically for observing heavenly bodies: stars, planets, moons, comets, etc. They are fitted with special features to stabilize the telescope and track the movement of stars and planets across the sky. They are very high powered, with magnifications of 40x to 600x depending on the model.
Finderscope: On most astronomical telescopes a lower powered finderscope with a wider field of view lets the user quickly locate the object to be viewed by the high magnification main telescope.
Barlow Lens: An auxiliary lens that increases the power by a factor. For example a 2x barlow would double the magnification of the telescope.
Eyepieces: In astronomical telescopes, interchangeable eyepieces are used to vary the magnification of the telescope.
Erecting Lenses: Lens used when viewing land based objects that correct the normally upside down and reversed image provided by an astronomical telescope.
Rotary Power® Turret*: This patented feature allows for magnification and accessory changes to occur through a simple twist of the turret or accessory dial. Accessories are incorporated into the telescope so there are no loose parts, and magnification and accessory changes can be made instantaneously to suit viewing conditions.
Easy Track® Mount*: Allows for quicker and easier set-up and storage as well as reduces image shake caused by wind or ground tremors.
 
Range Finder Terminology Back to Top
Laser Type: Class 1 Laser-Classified by the FDA.
Magnification: is simply the degree to which the object is enlarged. With a 7x35 binocular, for example, the object appears to be seven times closer than without the aid of a binocular. The number immediately following the "x" is the diameter in millimeters of the objective (front) lens. A 10x50 binocular, therefore, has a 10 times magnification with a 50mm objective lens.
Measurement Accuracy: Accurate within +/- one yard.
Pinseeker Technology: Featured on certain models, this highly advanced technology automatically provides the distance to the closest object if two objects are inadvertently ranged. For example: a golfer intends to range to the flag, but the laser also picks up the background behind the flag. Normally, the distance to the larger object or more relective object would be displayed. However, with pinseekder technology, the range finder is able to provide the golfer the disatance to the flag and not the background.
Ranging Performance: Many variables contribute to ranging performance: weather, lighting, target size, target reflectivity, target surface, the angle at which the laser hits the targe and hand steadiness.
Targeting Modes:
Scan: Provides continous distance measurements as multiple targets in the field of view are scanned.
Rain: Permits distance measurement in inclement weather such as rain or snow.
Zip/Less than 150 Yards: Enables distance measurement through foreground clutter. Reflector: Maximum distance to special reflectors is enhanced.
 
Rifle Scope Terminology Back to Top
Magnification: Also called power and indicated by the symbol "x". A 4x riflescope makes the target appear four times closer than when seen with the unaided eye. Choose high power for varmint shooting, medium power for big game at moderate ranges, and low power for precise, close range shooting at fast targets.
Eye Relief: The distance behind the eyeguard at which you can see a full-sight picture. Bausch & Lomb and Bushnell riflescopes give you an extra margin of comfort and safety with extended eye relief and soft neoprene eyepiece guards.
Field of View: The width of the sight picture at 100 yards. A wider field of view makes it easier to spot game and track moving targets.
Image Sharpness and Brightness: Our distortion-free optics give you a bright, super-sharp sight picture.
Parallax: A condition that occurs when the image of the target is not focused precisely on the reticle plane. Parallax is visible as an apparent movement between the reticle and the target when the shooter moves his head or, in extreme cases, an out-of-focus image. Our centerfire riflescopes under 11 power are factory-set parallax free at 100 yards: rimfire scopes at 50 yards. Scopes of 11x or more have a special range focus to adjust for parallax.
Exit Pupil: The diameter of the shaft of light exiting the scope toward the eye. It is used to rate the brightness of a riflescope's sight picture. For example, a 4x scope with a 40mm objective lens (the front lens) has an exit pupil of 10mm, a very good rating. The larger the exit pupil, the easier it is to keep the eye aligned with the sight picture, and the better the scope will be in low light.
Rugged Body Construction: Our manufacturers uses a high-durability aluminum alloy formed into a one-piece tube. Each riflescope is rustproof, virtually scratch-proof and a beautiful complement to your most expensive rifles.
Sealed, Waterproof and Fogproof: All 1" diameter Bausch & Lomb/Bushnell riflescopes are not only nitrogen purged to remove any vestige of internal moisture, they are O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of external dust or moisture. Your riflescope remains crystal clear in all types of weather.
Multi-X® Reticle: A riflescope feature that gives you a clearly visible aiming point. Even when hard-to-see game blends into the background or the light is poor. The fine-line crosshair center section covers a minimum of the target. The heavier outside section leads your eye directly to the center intersection. The result is fast precision aiming.
Coated Optics: Many rifle scopes optical glass surfaces are coated by magnesium fluoride to reduce light loss and glare due to reflection. All Bausch & Lomb riflescopes are multi-coated to further enhance viewing and reduce eye strain. All Trophy riflescopes have a special image enhancing amber, high contrast coating.
Holosight: The revolutionary Bushnell HOLOsight gun sight gives you instant target acquisition through the holographic, heads-up targeting system from U.S. fighter jets.
 
Night Vision Terminology Back to Top
Magnification: is simply the degree to which the object is enlarged. With a 7x35 binocular, for example, the object appears to be seven times closer than without the aid of a binocular. The number immediately following the "x" is the diameter in millimeters of the objective (front) lens. A 10x50 binocular, therefore, has a 10 times magnification with a 50mm objective lens.
Field of View: The field of view is the width, measured in degrees or feet, of the viewing area you would see at 1,000 yards.
Bright Source or Over-Light Protection: An electronic circuit that turns the power to the night vision device down or off when it is exposed to bright light (such as automobile headlights). This protects the image intensifier and extends its life. The device will revocer and resume normal operation in 1-2 minutes.
EyePiece Focus: Used to match your night vision scope or binocular to your specific eyesight.
Image Intensifier Or Intensifier Tube: The active component in a night vision system that amplifies light and presents a usable image.
Infrared (IR) Illuminator: Provides a light source for the system to amplify, yielding enhanced images in very low light conditions such as caves where no ambient light is available for amplification.
Objective Lens: Collects all available light and focuses it on the image intensifier. It also provides image magnification.
Phosphor Screen: Positioned at the back of the intensifier tube, the green phosphor screen renders a visible night vision image. The human eye is most sensitive to green contrasts.
Photocathode: Converts light (photon energy) into electrons (electrical energy) which are then amplified in the intensifier. The objective lens focuses available light on the photoelectric surface of the photocathode, which is excited and passes electrons within the tube.
Resolution: A measure of the ability to render and display a detailed image. Image intensifier resolution remains constant and is expressed as the maximum number of line pairs per millimeter (LP/MM) that can be discerened when a black-and-white stripe pattern is focused on the photocathode.
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