GREAT
GEAR
C H O O S I N G DAY T I M E S TA L K I N G B I N O C U L A R S
This month we cover the ins and outs of dedicated
daytime stalking binoculars. These need to
combine versatility, lightweight, compactness and
performance in one package.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Let’s start with a quick recap on the denomination of binoculars. Th ere are
for example binoculars marked 8x32, 10x42, 10x50, 8x56… What does this
mean? Th e fi rst part, in front of the ‘x’ always relates to magnifi cation. Specifi c
binoculars with an 8x magnifi cation for example, make the view through
them appear 8 times closer than they do with the naked eye. Th e second part,
behind the ‘x’ relates to the diameter of the objective (also known as front)
lenses. Always in millimetre, these objective lens diameters can roughly vary
from 24 to 32, 42, 50, 56 and sometimes even 60 or larger depending on the
application.
MAGNIFICATION
Magnifi cations of 7x, 8x, 10x, 12x, 15x, even 20x are all possible. Obviously
the higher the magnifi cation, the more detail you are able to spot. Th e thing
to remember however is that the higher the magnifi cation, the more narrow
your overall image, called fi eld of view, becomes. What’s more, you will have
more trouble keeping the image stable with a higher magnifi cation
compared to a lower one. To make the best use of binoculars
with a magnifi cation over 10 times, one really needs a steady
rest. Th is is exactly why most all-round binoculars have an
8x or 10x magnifi cation. For stalking purposes both 8x
and 10x magnifi cations work well. Long-distance stalkers
can make good use of the higher magnifi cation a spotting
scope off ers as well.
OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER
Th e objective lens diameter is the second number in a binoculars
name, 32 for example from an 8x32, and applies to the diameter of the
objective (or front) lenses. Th e larger their objective lens diameter, the more
light-gathering ability binoculars have. However, the larger the objective
lenses, the heavier and less comfortable to wear binoculars get. For example,
an 8x56 can easily outweigh an 8x42 by more than half a kilogram and an
8x32 with three quarters of a kilogram. Binoculars with a 56mm diameter for
example are perfect for hunting from tree stands, high seats… but are way
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