When you become interested in the birds and wish to join with others who have made birding the number one and fastest growing activity in North American today you are confronted with many choices in binoculars. In fact, there are so many choices of binoculars today that it is almost frustrating. Yet, it doesn't have to be.

There are a few basics that one must know. First, the advances in the technology of optics have proved remarkable. Today's binoculars are much more lightweight, gather so much more light, and provide for more clear, precise images than ever before. One advance is the type of prism used: the roof prism. The main job of the prism is to right the image for the viewer. Yet, the use of the roof prism has allowed for internal focusing and the ability to water and fog proof the binocular. Secondly, the use of nitrogen and, most recently, argon gases to purge the internal system of moisture allows the use of binoculars under challenging conditions of humidity, fog, and even rain. Third, thin layer coatings have provided increased light transmission and corrections for aberrations in lenses that do not add significantly to weight.

When we begin to look at various models of binoculars we find a set of numbers on them, such as 8x42. The first number has to do with magnification and the second with the size of the objective lens. For most of us, whether a novice or a veteran, the magnification that works best is 8x. Really what this means is, when viewing the bird through your binoculars, the image created is as if you are only one eighth of the distance to the bird. So, if you were looking at a bird 100 feet away, it appears as if you are only about 12 feet away. The size of the objective lens, the lens closest to the object viewed, is of great importance because it is one factor in the amount of light gathering power of the binocular, but also influences the field of view. The larger the objective lens the more light gathering capability. However, the larger size contributes to increased weight. A 50 mm objective gathers more light than a 35 mm lens but is significantly heavier. Most people find the 42 mm lens to be a great compromise, gathering quite a bit of light while allowing for a weight that allows the binocular to be held for a long and satisfying look at the bird in question.

Beginning birders often have a period of time when they are learning to find the bird in their binoculars. One should consider finding a binocular with a large field of view in this case. Field of view is stated in feet at 1000 yards and also in degree measure. More easily understood is the former. If the specifications state 336 ft/1000 yards, this means 336 feet across the viewing area is visible in the lens 1000 yards from where one stands.

Having said all that, one of the best choices for the beginning birder would be the Stokes 8x42 Talon or the Vortex 8x42 Diamondback. These two have very similar specifications. Both have an amazing field of view, 420 feet. Both are offered at a very reasonable price.

Now, go get a binocular you will enjoy for a long time and go birding!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Smallwood