Great binoculars a worthwhile investment
By Bud Fields
Outdoors with Bud
As we get older, some of the things we have enjoyed and took for granted seem to somehow leave us. I know I used to jokingly tease my parents when they started wearing prescription eyeglasses but when I had to start wearing glasses, it was not as funny as I thought.
When I was shooting competitive archery tournaments, I began to notice my sight pins had suddenly become ‘fuzzy,” and I started squinting to read the newspaper. It even started affecting my hunting. Not only are binoculars handy for hunting, they are great for fishing, camping, hiking, birdwatching or even watching sporting events.
I started using binoculars on every hunting trip to help me see more detail in the woods. I admit, I was a cheapskate, and I purchased several different binoculars that were not very impressive but more within what I wanted to spend. And I also admit I was never really happy with them.
I tried the big, bulky binoculars that were heavy and awkward. I tried some of the smaller, compact binoculars, but I was never impressed with those, either. I tried different powers, and I ended up spending more money on trying to save money than I would have spent if I would have bit the bullet and bought a quality pair of binoculars.
First of all, I do not consider myself an authority on binoculars, but I know what I like. Hopefully, what I have learned over the years can assist you if you are considering buying or upgrading what you currently use. Trust me. You can buy used binoculars from anywhere around $25 up to several thousand dollars for brand new ones.
Binoculars are rated like 8x42, 10x42, 10x50, etc. The first number, 10x on a 10x50, makes objects 1,000 yards away appear to be 100 yards away, and the second number, 50, is lens diameter size in millimeters. It affects the amount of light that enters the binoculars. Most popular binoculars have 8x or 10x magnification.
One of the first things you will need to do is adjust distance of the lens barrels of the binoculars by bending or flexing the binoculars until the distance between your eyes are correct and you can see correctly out of both eyes. Once you have that adjusted properly, you are ready to continue setting up your binoculars.
There are basically three main parts in a binocular: the objective lens, prisms, and the ocular lens. Binocular lenses are thicker in the middle and taper down to a thinner edge that bends the light to the middle lens. These are called converging lenses.
There is a focus ring located between the two barrels. Rotating this ring brings objects into focus. You will have to refocus when looking at objects at different distances. There are also eye cups located on the ends of the binoculars you look through. Extend these eye cups if you are not wearing glasses. Keep them collapsed if you are wearing glasses.
There is also a diopter adjustment ring that is located on the right eyecup. This adjustment makes up the difference in clarity between your eyes. To set your diopter, cover your right barrel lens with your hand, or just close your right eye, and adjust the focus wheel so that you see a clear image with your left eye. Then cover your left barrel. If the image you see is not clear and sharp, adjust the diopter until you see a perfectly clear image.
I decided I needed to go ahead and get a quality pair of binoculars. I looked at several different models, and the choice was difficult. I talked with numerous people and got their opinions. I contacted several manufacturers and asked a million questions and told them how I hunted and how the binoculars would be used.
After a lot of consideration and shopping to compare, I decided to purchase a pair of Vortex Diamondback 10x50 binoculars, and so far, I am totally happy with my purchase. I stepped out on the patio in the back yard, and once I had the binoculars adjusted properly, I could tell immediately that I loved them.
The quality of the lens and glass were extremely clear, and the detail and focus were impressive. Even when the evening arrived, I stepped out back again, and even though it was getting somewhat darker, I could see objects quite clearly. I told my wife I could count the kernels on an ear of corn in the cornfield 50 yards from the patio. My Vortex binoculars also came with the Vortex “glass pack” carrying pouch with elastic harness straps and a fancy neck strap.
I have gotten out of bed early in the morning just to walk out on the patio with a cup of coffee and start “glassing,” seeing how much of a difference it made with low-light conditions, such as when deer activity occurs on most of my morning deer hunts. Those 50 mm lens allowed a lot more light to enter the binoculars. I am totally happy and thrilled with my upgrade in binoculars. I just regret not doing it much earlier.
Bud Fields is a life-long outdoorsman and professional hunter and fisher. He has spent decades in north-central Indiana, teaching the principles of responsible, ethical, humane, and safe activities in the wilderness. He accepts questions and topic suggestions for future columns, and he is an accomplished speaker available for presentations at trade shows, service organizations, and civic functions. Read more of his work on the Outdoors with Bud Facebook page.