May 2016 - Optics Den

Reviews of the Best Thermal Imaging Cameras

Buyers looking to purchase a thermal imaging camera should consider a number of factors before making a final decision. Especially those who are not sure what they should look for, there are a

number of useful tips that can help anyone make the right choice based on his or her individual needs and budget. In general, some of the factors that should go into your camera selection include built-in features, portable vs. fix mounted and whether your selection has the appropriate software needed for an application.

Although many buyers already understand thermal imaging and have an idea of which brand they may prefer, some buyers are completely new to the industry and require additional information to make the best decision possible. As far as brands go, FLIR and Fluke are the most well-known and reliable options. Each has a vast selection of cameras from which to choose.

Best Thermal Camera for Home Inspections

Extech i5 Thermal Imaging Camera

Ideal for facility maintenance and home inspections, the Extech i5 Compact Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera (seen above) is compact and fully automatic. Its ease-of-use makes it a popular choice among buyers with little or no experience using a thermal imaging device. As one of the smallest and lightest thermal cameras on the market, this powerful tool features intuitive one-handed operation. It also includes a high-resolution, 2.8-inch LCD color screen and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

The included QuickReport software aids in the sharing and analysis of radiometric images. In fact, each image can be organized and analyzed. The software enables users to drag and drop images, add text comments and add a company logo to inspection reports.

Additional Extech i5 Thermal Imaging Camera Features and Benefits

Rugged body
Includes a two-year limited warranty
Has a storage capacity of up to 5,000 images
Helps to quickly find problems and evaluate work

Find Problems, Evaluate Work and Schedule Repairs

Home inspectors can use the Extech i5 Thermal Imaging Camera to see things that are not readily visible to the naked eye. The camera can detect and reveal minor temperature variations that may signal moisture problems and electrical failures. In addition, the Extech i5 weighs a mere 12 ounces and easily fits in a tool kit, pocket or belt.

Best Thermal Cameras for Fire Fighters

As a firefighter, safety is key when performing essential job functions. That is why it is important for firefighters to utilize high-quality thermal imaging devices that are specifically designed for the unique working conditions of firefighting crews.

FLIR K2 TIC with MSX

The FLIR K2 TIC with MSX is a high-quality thermal imaging camera designed for ease-of-use and affordability for firefighting crews. This camera possesses all the ruggedness, capability and reliability every firefighter needs to stay safe on the job.

FLIR K2 Thermal Imaging Camera Features

Uses FLIR’s patented MSX technology
Compact and easy to attach to turnouts
Includes a bright LCD and intuitive interface
Can be used for multiple firefighting applications
Equipped with seven different thermal imaging modes
Engineered to survive tough conditions, including withstanding a 2-meter drop onto concrete

FLIR K33 & K53

The FLIR K-series is easier-to-use and more affordable than many other cameras of its kind. Without sacrificing reliability, clarity or performance, both the K33 and K53 include FLIR’s FSX™ Flexible Scene Enhancement. In addition to the camera’s ability to intensify structural and textural details in thermal images, these cameras help improve awareness in a given situation to provide firefighters with an increased sense of safety and confidence while on the job.

As the camera of choice for buyers looking for high image quality without all the extras, the K33 and K53 models both power on ready to go. Not only can this save time on the job, but also firefighters can focus on their immediate challenges rather than wasting energy setting up his or her thermal imaging device.

FLIR K33 & K53 Features

Includes a two-bay charging station
Both cameras include FSX Flexible Scene Enhancement in real-time
Equipped with one on/off button starts the camera in TI-Basic mode
Freezes an image on the K33 or captures stills and video on the K53 with the easy pull of a trigger
Designed for high resolution that includes the following:
- The K33 resolution of 240 x 180 matches the resolution of the K45 cameras
- The K53 resolution of 320 x 240 is equal to the image quality of the K55 and K65
  cameras

Additional FLIR K33 & K53 Features and Benefits

Comes with multiple color palettes
Equipped with automatic heat detection capability
Allows for regional adjustments that include units, date and time formats

Best Thermal Cameras for Electrical Inspections

Electrical contractors understand the importance of having the tools required to get the job done right. As a leading brand, FLIR offers a wide range of thermal imaging solutions designed to help contractors complete their work safely and efficiently. Not only can these cameras help detect problems, but they can also help electrical professionals prevent outages and shutdowns.

Accurate Temperature Measurements

In addition to revealing the specific location of heat issues, thermal imaging devices provide an accurate way to measure temperatures without requiring the contractor to touch the source of the problem. Not only does that help create a safer working environment, but it also makes the process easier and less stressful for every worker on the job.

FLIR’s selection of lightweight handheld infrared cameras comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. While some can fit easily in a tool belt, others are full-featured, high-resolution options that can help any electrical contractor gain an edge in the industry.

FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera

With a spot ratio of 24 to 1, the FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera can help electrical professionals discover temperature problems often missed by standard radiometers.

FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera Features

Simple to operate
Fits every budget
Rugged and reliable
Targets the right spot
Great for HVAC inspections
Has a spot ratio of 24 to 1
Can withstand a 2-meter drop
Includes intuitive menu icons
Equipped with dual laser pointers
Proven to have true thermal detection
Made with a portable, ergonomic design
Comes with a tripod mount and lanyard connection
Created by the world leader in thermal technology
Stores images and data on a removable micro SD card
Equipped with FLIR’s exclusive Lepton® micro thermal camera
Has a convenient pull trigger that activates lasers and freezes images
Includes a mini USB port for charging the battery and downloading images

FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera Benefits

Detects mechanical overheating
Designed with rugged durability
Aids with predictive maintenance
Measures temperature more accurately
Helps workers stay safer and more aware
Assists with detecting refrigeration issues
Helps the contractor see heat issues clearly
Allows the contractor to troubleshoot quickly
Allows for the documentation of work performed with images
Perfect for finding hot fuses and troubleshooting electrical issues
Includes a two-year product warranty with a ten-year thermal imaging detector
warranty when registered within 60 days of purchase

FLIR TG167 Spot Thermal Camera

The FLIR TG167 Spot Thermal Camera closes the gap between a single spot infrared thermometer and FLIR’s other thermal camera options. With the FLIR TG167, electrical contractors can see the heat easily, which means they will know where to measure it.

TG167 Spot Thermal Camera Features

Grab and go simplicity
Has a 24:1 spot size ratio
Stores images and downloads data
Designed for the harshest environments
Includes FLIR’s exclusive 2-10 warranty
Designed for indoor electrical inspection
Instantly shows what is hot and where to aim
Includes FLIR’s Innovative Lepton® IR Imaging Engine
Equipped with FLIR’s exclusive Lepton® micro thermal sensor

FLIR TG167 Spot Thermal Camera Benefits

Rugged and reliable
Eliminates blind guesswork
Great for electrical troubleshooting
Built to withstand a two-meter drop
Compact for easy storage in a tool bag
Reveals the heat for accurate measuring
Easily saves images and data for documentation
Intuitive to operate with no special training required
Downloads images fast over USB or from removable micro SD
Enables a contractor to fire it up and get to work in seconds
Perfect for showing customers images and including in reports
Provides quality image detail on even small connectors and wires
Helps contractors easily find unseen hot and cold spots in electrical cabinets or switch boxes

Best Thermal Cameras for Leak Detection

FLIR E-Series and E-Series bx

Now, with MSX, FLIR’s advanced thermal imaging camera performance continues to get better with each new development. Not only can the FLIR E-Series and E-Series bx cameras enable efficient troubleshooting, but they also help leak detection professionals create detailed reports easily and share images faster.

FLIR E-Series and E-Series bx Features

Includes a WI-FI app
Includes optional lenses
Has an auto screen orientation
Includes FLIR Tools mobile app
Can add more measurement tools
Includes simple touchscreen tools
Can add up to three moveable spots
Connects to smartphones and tablets
Can help expedite critical decisions
Includes MSX thermal image enhancement
Allows live streaming of thermal video
Capable of importing radiometric JPEG’s
Has a dark precision touchscreen interface
Enables one to adjust contrast and color easily
Includes optional optics and full focus control
Equipped with FLIR E-Series Infrared Camera WI-Fi
Equipped to email findings directly from the field
Easily helps contractors package images in reports
Allows co-workers to watch along as leak detection occurs
Lets you switch between portrait and landscape view without affecting the upright
position of the temperature measurement overlays

Additional FLIR E-Series and E-Series bx Features and Benefits of E40, E40bx, E50, E50bx, E60 & E60bx

Provides extra visible detail for MSX enhancement
Equipped with LED lamp and laser pointer for lighting dark settings and marking locations in photos
Higher thermal sensitivity at <0.045°C allows for easy detection of subtler temperature patterns
Higher temperature range (up to 650°C or 1,202°F) enables the accurate measurement of hotter-running equipment
Bluetooth communication sends data from MeterLink-enabled clamp and moisture meters to the camera, embedding it into thermal images

Black & Decker TLD100 Leak Detector

Although most people do not realize it, the average house has a significant amount of leakage. In fact, although heating and cooling accounts for approximately 50-percent of most people’s energy usage, their leaks and drafts can significantly increase the amount they spend on heating and cooling. That is why it is important to find a high-quality thermal leak detector like the Black & Decker TLD100.

In addition to the detector’s ability to find leaks along walls, duct work and molding, it can also provide intuitive feedback to the user when it comes to finding the right location to place insulation or caulk for best results. With this device, anyone can increase the efficiency of their home’s insulation.

Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector Features

Equipped with a red light to indicate warmer spots
Equipped with a blue light to indicate cooler spots
LCD screen displays temperatures in either Fahrenheit or Celsius on the LCD screen
Designed to select multiple temperature tolerances, including one, five and ten degrees

Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector Benefits

Helps identify problem areas
Can be used to diagnose engine misfires
Aids in checking for leaks around windows and doors
Can be used to check refrigerator and freezer settings
Helps uncover hidden leaks caused by insufficient insulation
Equipped with an easy-to-read color coding system and screen
Identifies weak spots that often lead to high heating and cooling costs

Best Budget Thermal Cameras

Fluke Visual Hand-Held

Created with solid technology, the Fluke Visual Hand-Held Infrared Thermometer & Imaging Camera is a quality thermal imaging thermometer and camera designed to meet a wide range of needs. Not only is this camera affordable, but it is also versatile, easy to use and made to last.

Fluke Visual Hand-Held Infrared Thermometer & Imaging Camera Features

Includes SD card memory
Able to scan between -10˚ and 250˚ Celcius
Equipped with a wide range of temperature detection
Great for the purposes of leak detection and inspection
Includes a degree of precision that is within several degrees in either direction

Fluke Visual Hand-Held Infrared Thermometer & Imaging Camera Benefits

Designed with adjustable emissivity
More accurate than a standard temperature gun
Enables blending from full visual to full thermal
Blends real-world imaging with the thermal detection unit
One of the most affordable thermal imaging thermometer camera combinations on the market

Thermal Imaging Takes on a Whole New Market

Once only used by professionals needing to detect temperature, thermal imaging is beginning to take on a whole new life. In fact, although smart phones do not currently come equipped with built-in infrared cameras, anyone can purchase an infrared camera add on for their own mobile device.

Thermal Imaging Devices for Smart Phones

In today’s society, most people carry their phones with them at all times. It’s no wonder that more people are finding beneficial uses for thermal imaging capabilities on their android devices.

FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for Android

A lightweight accessory designed to transform an android device into a powerful infrared camera, the FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for Android displays live thermal infrared images by using the FLIR ONE app. With the app, temperature variances can be measured, captured and shared as thermal images and videos.

FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for Android Features

Comes with a protective case
Features automatic shuttering
Has its own internal battery
Equipped with a built-in battery
Possesses patented MSX Technology
Includes a power/status indicator
Includes Lepton thermal camera module
Non-contact spot temperature measurement
Operating temperature: 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C)
Scene temperature range: -4°F to 248°F (-20° to 120°C)
Weighs 2.75-ounces with dimensions of 2.8 x 1 x 0.7-inches
Comes equipped with a micro-USB connector for Android phones

FLIR ONE App Features

Includes a thermal time-lapse
Has the ability to take thermal panoramas

FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for Android Benefits

Easy to carry
Lightweight and compact
Offers superior image quality
Conserves its own battery life
Designed to be sleek and practical
Automatically switches to low-power mode when inactive
Lets the user know when its fully charged or running low
Technology that allows for no reduction in handset battery life

How They Work

When using a thermal imaging camera, the image produced is frequently called a thermogram. It is analyzed through a process called thermography. As sophisticated devices that process the captured image and display it on a screen, thermal imaging camera images can be used for a number of things. They can assist in the immediate diagnosis of a potential problem, or they can be processed through specialized software for further evaluation. Instead of providing a number for the temperature, thermal imaging cameras give you a picture that actually shows the temperature differences in an area.

What Is Thermal Imaging?

A method of improving the visibility of objects in a dark environment by detecting the objects’ infrared radiation to create an image is commonly known as thermal imaging. In addition to its ability to work in environments without any ambient light, thermal imaging can penetrate through things like fog and smoke. Most often, thermal images are gray scale in nature. However, some thermal cameras do add color to images for easy identification of objects at various temperatures. In gray scale, white objects are hot while black objects are cold. The amount of gray indicates variations between cold and hot temperatures.

Also known as, a thermographic camera or an infrared camera, this type of device is similar to a traditional camera except that thermal cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm rather than the 400 -700-nanometer range of typical visible light cameras.

For most people, getting the best value for the money spent is a top priority. However, depending on an individual’s specific needs and expectations, there are a number of things to look for during the search for the right camera. Some of those factors may include deciding between qualitative and quantitative cameras, deciding on specific built-in features needed for an application and whether the preferred choice is portable or fix mounted.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative

Depending on the specific application, buyers should decide which type of camera best suits his or her needs. The following is an explanation of the differences between the two:

Qualitative Measurement: Obtaining and interpreting thermal images based on thermal contrast. This helps determine the specific location of temperature variations as well as what the temperature difference is between the main target and the surrounding areas.

Quantitative Measurement: Determines the correct temperature readings of thermal images. Especially when needing to know the exact temperature of a target to determine whether it will fall in or out, the quantitative measurement is quite useful.

Built-In Features

An important factor to consider when choosing a thermal imaging camera is whether the camera has the specific built-in features needed for the particular application. The following are only a few of the many features to look for:

Built-in alarm
Messaging function
Image masking function
Digital inputs and outputs

Portable, Fix Mounted or Pan and Tilt

With a wide range of choices, thermal imaging cameras can be portable, fix mounted or pan and tilt. The good news is, with a clear understanding of the differences of each, the selection process is often simplified.

Portable Thermal Imager

Ideal for applications like research, electrical, mechanical, firefighting, building inspections, energy audits and process control, portable handheld thermal imaging cameras are typically lightweight and easy to use. Buyers should take note of the design and weight of their desired camera during the selection process. In some cases, buyers should also consider environmental protections as well as durability.

Regardless of the portable camera’s designated application, buyers should ask themselves the following questions:

Will the camera be used for an extended period?
What size lens is required for the specific application?
Should the camera come with specific voice annotation capabilities?
Does the camera battery need to hold a charge for a specific period?

Fix Mounted & Pan and Tilt

When buying a fix mounted or pan and tilt thermal imaging camera, there are a number of factors to consider as well. Buyers should ask themselves the following:

Should the camera remain fixed at all times?
Does the camera need to have the ability to pan and tilt?
Will the camera be exposed to outdoor environmental elements?

Look For High Resolution Options

When setting out to purchase a thermal imaging camera, it is important for buyers to understand that the majority of these cameras have fewer pixels than most visible-light cameras. For this reason, buyers should select a camera with the highest resolution and image quality possible. Understandably, smaller budgets may limit the choices for some buyers, but each buyer should still focus his or her attention on high-resolution options that fit within their own unique budget. This is important because, in thermal imaging, the higher the resolution and image quality, the more accurate the results for showing fine details.

Thermal Imaging Cameras Make Life Easier

Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance your work performance or a home owner hoping to detect problems in your own house, finding a reliable, high-quality thermal imaging camera is a key component to getting the accurate temperature measurements you deserve. Clear images can not only make filing reports easier, but they can also help you see potential problems right away.

Buyer Considerations Review

As a buyer, it is best to seek help from a knowledgeable professional if you are not sure which camera may be the right fit for your specific need and budget. However, a few things are certain; high-quality cameras will last longer and provide clearer and more accurate images. Buyers looking to purchase a thermal imaging camera should consider a wide range of factors before making their final decision. Anyone that is not sure what they should look for can benefit from the detailed information included for each camera discussed in this review. When following these tips, anyone can make the right choice based on his or her individual needs.

New to Thermal Imaging? There’s no need to worry. Although some thermal imaging camera buyers are savvy in the industry and possess a clear understanding of thermal imaging and all that it entails, many people find it useful to conduct significant research to ensure they will make an informed decision.

Keeping Workers Safe

Whether a worker is a firefighter, electrical contractor, home inspector or leak detector, there is a lot to learn about each thermal imaging device and how it can bring the most benefits to a work place. With a well-designed thermal imaging camera, firefighters can remain safe and more confident in their job, electrical contractors can rest assured that they will not have to touch hot wires and home inspectors can relax in knowing that they got the job done as thoroughly and completely as possible.

Regardless of the specific thermal imaging camera you choose, you can experience the many benefits associated with each brand and design. You may prefer a fully equipped multi-use infrared device or a compact, but powerful camera. Either way, the main point is to purchase a thermal imaging camera that is sure to give you the most benefits for your money. Taking the first step toward getting that high-quality thermal imaging camera is easy when you understand how these cameras work, and how each one could benefit you.

Rifle Scopes

The Best Muzzleloader Rifle Scopes

Purchasing a scope for your muzzleloader can be one of the most important improvements you can make to it. Hunters find that they can shoot tighter groups as well as have more success when using a weapon with a scope. Scopes work well when compared to the simple mechanical sights being used alone. This is especially true when hunting at dawn or dusk when light levels are low. Scopes will also help less experienced hunters until they’ve had more practice shooting.

Regardless of one’s age or eyesight, a scope can help your shot and make your hunting experience more enjoyable, but trying to choose the right scope for your weapon can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of different types of scopes available for muzzleloaders, and each one will have specific features designed to improve your shot. With a little knowledge on the subject, you’ll be able to make a confident selection.

What to Look for When Buying a Muzzleloader Rifle Scope

The first feature you want to take note of is the eye relief. You’ll need at least three inches to avoid eyebrow knocks and cuts from heavy loads. If the stock or eye relief is too short, you won’t have a very pleasant shooting experience. You will also want to look for one with a fixed or low power. One’s with magnification levels of 4X to 6X are average for a muzzleloader, although anything from 3X to 9X works nicely for all-purpose hunting. The 6X to 12X scopes are ideal for long range shooting. Take into consideration how far you’ll be shooting. Those in wide open areas will need long distance visibility while anyone hunting in the woods will never need a visual distance of more than 150 yards.

Your budget will be a big determining factor when deciding exactly which scope to purchase. Cheaper versions often fail, and expensive ones can include more features than you will actually use. The general rule of thumb when budgeting for a scope is that it should cost about half of what your muzzleloader did. This gives you a high quality scope that matches the rifle’s level of quality. Those that come with the mounting brackets are also an exceptional deal.

The Basics

When shopping for a muzzleloader scope you will come across many terms and descriptions that you may not understand. Becoming familiar with them will allow you to pick out the perfect scope for your needs. The following is a list of some of the most commonly used terms and what they refer to.

The front lens gathers light. Its size is what gives the scope its field of view.
One inch, or 30mm, is considered the standard tube size. The rings have to match the body’s diameter.
Elevation and windage are adjusted by turrets, knobs, a flat blade screw driver, or your finger pressure. Those where one click makes a ¼ inch change in impact at 100 yards are standard.
Larger scopes may include a parallax adjustment while single power scopes have no adjustments.
You’ll find the eye piece and magnification adjustment at the rear of the scope as well as a possible focus knob.
The reticle will vary among scopes. It can be mil dots, a simple cross hair, or a set of smaller lines with a cross hair that compensates for bullet drop. Scopes with batteries light up.
Variable power lets you adjust your given power. 3X9X40 is standard.
Lens coatings will repel water and block several different wavelengths.
A charged scope refers to how it is filled with nitrogen gas to keep the moisture out.

The Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope

This scope is a 3-9X40 with a circle reticle and a matte black finish. The Multi-coated crystal lenses will give you increased clarity, especially in conditions with low light levels. The compact design is nitrogen filled, and it is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. It weighs 7.2 ounces and measures 14.8 by 3.5 by 3.5 inches. Overall, it is a very nice piece at an affordable price point.

Online reviews are favorable stating that this scope has a smooth elevation and wind age in addition to clear optics. Some were disappointed that it doesn’t come with the necessary mounting rings, but were still pleased with its performance. It is priced on the low side, and it is a practical scope with few features. That being said, it is a good value when compared to other similar designs in this price range.

The Thompson/Center Universal Muzzleloader Scope and Mount Kit

This rifle scope from Thompson/Center Arms comes with a four inch eye relief and a 36 to 12 feet field of view at 100 yards. Each shot is more accurate due to your ability to dial in on the target. The fully coated lenses offer superior clarity and are fog proof and waterproof. This makes it an ideal scope in challenging circumstances. It comes with a one inch tube and measures 12 ¼ inches long. It weighs in at 15 ½ ounces. The scope mounts and all screws are included, and they fit a weaver style base.

Online reviews describe this muzzleloader scope as very nice with high clarity. At a median price point they find it to be a fully functional scope that doesn’t break their budget. Another top notch product by Thomas Center Products, this scope mounts easily.

Truglo Tru-Brite Xtreme 3-12X44 Muzzleloader Scope

Available for a higher price point, the Tru-Brite Xtreme 3-12×44 offers many more features than the previously listed scopes. It comes with a high resolution and ultra-high contrast optical design. The illuminated, dual color reticle gives you a choice of green or red for a quicker target acquisition when lighting conditions are low. The reticle is easily calibrated with several bullet/powder combinations and offers aiming points out as far as 300 yards. It is nitrogen filled as well as fog-proof and waterproof.

The multi-coatings will give you maximum clarity, brightness, and contrast in the worst lighting conditions. You’ll find it has a rubber coated eye piece with speed focus, and a flip up, see thru lens cap. The large diameter adjustment drums are low profile, and there are elevation and windage adjustments with leaf springs. The tube is one piece constructed of aircraft quality aluminum. The entire scope has a textured, durable, matte finish that is non-reflective. It requires a 3V CR2032 lithium battery which is included, and it has a lifetime limited warranty.

Conclusion

Now that you have become familiar with some of the terms used to describe a muzzleloader rifle scope, you should be able to better understand their descriptions. This will allow you to find the best one for your rifle. If you are looking for a very basic, simple to use scope, the Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope will suit your needs perfectly. It’s a good scope at an affordable price. The Thompson/Center Universal Muzzleloader Scope is a nice middle of the road option while the Truglo Tru-Brite Xtreme 3-12X44 Muzzleloader Scope will give you plenty of features for a somewhat larger investment.

Binoculars

How to Choose and Buy Binoculars

Binoculars are optical instruments consisting of two small telescopes placed side-by-side. Each of the telescopes consists of lenses that bring the image being observed into excellent focus. In addition to the lenses, they are further fitted with a pair of prisms in each of the chambers. The prisms play a significant role in giving an image the proper orientation. Binocular vision finds wide applications in many areas including hunting, watching distant birds in the sky and astronomy. Also, sports lovers use binoculars to catch a good view of a sporting event from a distance.

Unlike monocular vision, which utilizes only a single telescope device to observe objects, binocular vision provides a three-dimensional view of an object. Furthermore, using binoculars will result into perfect visual acuity or simply clarity of the subject matter under focus. Working with binoculars has various advantages. The light weight and small size make them portable and easy to handle, carry and store. The user, therefore, can easily work with them comfortably with minimal strain while getting an incredible view of the object.

There are however various brands of binoculars in the market today; it can be confusing to make a proper choice of binoculars. When shopping for binoculars, an in-depth knowledge of the functionality and the anatomy of the device is significant. Other than that, one has to understand their needs so as to choose a perfect binocular that will meet your needs. Consider when, where and how you to use your instrument. What criteria then should be taken into consideration when shopping for a binocular instrument? Well, there are various vital aspects that anybody interested in buying a binocular has to consider. Some of the most important factors include:

1. Get to know the numbers

Binoculars are identified by unique numbers assigned to them. Each binocular is referred to with numbers like 7×35 or 10×50. Each of this numbers represents a given attribute, the number appearing before the × accounts for the magnification factor or simply the power. The 7×35 lenses make the object seven times closer while the 10×50 will cause the object appear ten times closer. The second value, on the other hand, defines the diameter of the objective lenses in millimeters. 7×35 lenses, therefore, have a diameter of 35 millimeters or 1.38 inches. The 10×50 lenses, on the other hand, have a diameter of 50 millimeters or 1.97 inches.

When you divide the second value by the first value, you get the exit pupil value. It refers to the diameter of the light beam reaching your eye in millimeters. A larger magnification results in a dimmer and larger image. Consequently, your field of view will be narrow hence making it harder to keep the picture in focus. Binoculars with a more than 10× magnification require a tripod socket for mounting. It is important in making your binoculars steady. If a larger field of view is desired, then choosing a binocular of a lower magnification would be appropriate.

In astronomical activities and hunting at dawn or dusk, a binocular with a larger objective lens is the most suitable one; this lens gather more light making them best for low light intensity activities. The larger the exit pupil value, the more light that enters and reaches your eyes. Ordinarily the human eye dilates between 2 to 7 millimeters depending on the amount of light available. Therefore, go for the exit value that matches your eyes dilation value.

2. Check the Lenses

Binoculars often have two types of lenses, those made of glass and those made of plastic. Most binoculars, however, have glass lenses. Glass lenses, however, are expensive, but give quality images. However, a set of plastic lenses that will give the same image quality as glass lenses is even more costly.

Despite giving high-quality images, glass lenses have one disadvantage; they reflect back part of the light. This problem, however, can be rectified by giving the glass the right coating. Lenses coats are often described by certain codes; they include C, FC, and MC. Code C means only some parts of the lens has been covered with a single layer. Code MC means some lens surfaces are coated with various layers. While FC, on the other hand, means all the lens surfaces are coated with several layers.

Multiple coating is the best but; this increases the cost of the binoculars. Plastic lenses are known to give poor quality images and greatly rugged than the glass type. However, they find perfect application where durability is significant such mountain climbing.

3. Access the eyepieces

It is recommended that the eyepiece lenses should be placed in a good comfortable distance from your eyes. For those wearing glasses, they should even be placed further from them. This is referred to us eye relief and mostly ranges from 5 to 20 millimeters and 14 to 15 millimeters or greater when wearing glasses. Many of the binoculars have rubber eyecups around the eye pieces; this will help you set the eyepieces over the eyes when using them. Binoculars with eye cups that retractor flips out of the way are best for those people wearing glasses.

4. Test its ability to focusing

Testing the focusing ability is important when choosing binoculars. Check how close you can focus the binoculars and determine the distance between it and the object you are focusing. Most binoculars have two focusing mechanisms: most have a center-post mechanism and a diopter corrector. It allows one of your eyes to be more strong or weaker than the other. Waterproof binoculars, on the other hand, have individual focusing abilities for different lenses and controls on each eyepiece. Some binoculars, however, have no focusing ability; they can’t adjust their focus beyond the preset focus. This type causes eyestrain should you try to focus on something closer than the preset distance.

5. Check the prism design

A good binocular should have their main lenses spaced wider than the eyepieces this is because of the Porro prisms that are used. It has the advantage of making the binoculars larger and making near objects appear more 3- dimensional. Binoculars using roof prisms let the lenses rest in line with the eyepieces. This makes the binoculars more compact, however, these compromises with image equality. Roof prisms, however, can be made to deliver quality images; this, however, comes at a greater cost. Less expensive binoculars utilize BK-7 prisms, these squares one side of the image. More expensive binoculars utilize BAK-4 prisms. These types of prisms deliver more light, sharper and rounder images.

6. Consider the best weight for your binocular

Binoculars having a high magnification and wide lenses weigh more than the standard binoculars. This can, however, be fixed by using a tripod or a strap, which allows you carry them around. However, if you are involved in long distances traveling you may be forced to settle for a less powerful, but lighter one to make your movement easy.

7. Consider waterproof vs. water resistivity

The environment from which you conduct your activities determines the kind of binoculars you will purchase. Water resistant binoculars are useful in wet conditions; if you are operating in wet environments waterproof binoculars could just be perfect for you. It will be helpful in avoiding damages that may lead to an added cost of buying another binocular.

8. Consider the manufacturers reputation

Reviews other optical objects manufactured by manufacturers and level of confidence that the customers have in that manufacturers. Also, consider the period the manufacturer has been in the business. Additionally, find information on their how they handle matters relating to damage or malfunction of their devices.

9. Armoring

A good binocular should have a well-armored body. This will help protect it from physical harm due to bangs, bumps, and destructive element.

10. Gas filled

It is equally healthy to have binoculars filled with nitrogen gas; this is useful in preventing interior condensation. It happens when binoculars are moved from a warm environment to cold environment or vice versa. It causes condensation in internal optics fogging them up. Additionally, mold can even form over time from repeated condensation. Hence most weatherproofed optics is gas filled, though not always.

11. Price

Before settling on a specific binocular model, it is wise to do a comparative analysis of the prices from different outlets dealing with the same item to ensure you settle on not the only quality product, but also, cost friendly as well. Getting the right binoculars, therefore, is a combination of various factors, define your needs well that will set a precedence to shop for the right binoculars. Additionally, proper care and maintenance is the key to ensuring that your binoculars function properly and more efficiently. Binoculars are very stable optical instruments; they rarely get extensive damage. However, you may encounter a few problems like broken lenses caused by a shock, double imaging caused by collimation, getting ideal binoculars lies with, make a perfect choice depending on your needs. Taking the right steps before getting a binoculars from a shop is essential.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge on how to best buy a pair of binoculars, check out our guide to this year’s best binoculars to get some ideas for great pairs that will meet your needs.

Binoculars

Binocular Magnification and Aperture Explained

Binoculars are used for everything from birdwatching to getting a closer look at lunar surfaces. There are many manufacturers of binoculars, and their quality can vary greatly from one brand to the next as well as from one model to the next. Before understanding the finer points of the best optical elements and coatings suited for specific uses, it is important to understand binocular magnification and aperture to determine which type is needed for the jobs the binoculars will be expected to perform.

Binocular Numbers

Two numbers are used to designate the power of binoculars. They are written with the letter “X” in between them. The number before the X is related to magnification. It is the number of times closer an object will appear in the field of view of the binoculars as opposed to viewing it with the naked eye. The second number is the aperture measured in millimeters. This refers to the width of what is called the objective lens. It is the big lens of binoculars and is important for capturing light coming from objects. Both work together to produce binoculars that are suited for tasks such as watching a sporting event or sky-watching at night.

Binocular Magnification

There is more to choosing the magnification power of binoculars than just picking the largest number before the X. A 7X magnification power means that an object viewed through the binoculars appears seven times closer. As the magnification increases, the field of view decreases. Magnification can get to be unwieldy in keeping viewed objects steady in the viewfinder. At larger magnifications, a tripod or other steady mount is needed just to keep objects from bouncing around when they are viewed. The slightest movement at high magnification powers results in large movements of an object being viewed through binoculars. A compromise must be made between being able to easily hold an object in view and getting the desired object close enough to be examined or identified.

Binocular Aperture

The aperture is the width of the front, or objective lens, of binoculars, measured in millimeters. Wider lenses have greatly increased total surface area. This is important for gathering the light that makes objects viewable, especially in dim light. Larger lenses can bring in more light to strike the ocular magnification lenses. These are the lenses one looks through when using binoculars. Bigger aperture objective lenses need bigger binocular housings, but larger binoculars do not mean more magnification power. Larger binocular apertures are needed for viewing objects in dim light. This could be game animals at dawn or dusk, or celestial objects throughout the night sky. At the same magnification, a larger aperture makes objects brighter when viewed through binoculars.

Field of View

As magnification increases, the field of view diminishes. Imagine viewing the 50-yard line of a football field from the bleachers to help understand field of view. As the magnification increases, the yard lines toward each goal post would disappear from the field of view when fixed on the 50-yard line. Increasing magnification brings objects on the field closer, but the area around the object being viewed gets smaller and smaller. High magnification can make distant objects appear much closer, but there must be a compromise depending on intended use. Binoculars with magnification that can get in close and tight to identify a small animal may be useless when glassing larger areas to identify landmarks or for search and rescue.

Balancing Magnification and Aperture

An important part in making a choice for what type of binoculars to buy is to decide what they will be used to view. It may be impossible to find one pair of binoculars that are suitable for all viewing occasions. Foe example, it would be a disappointment to attempt a bird-watching hike with a pair of binoculars of large aperture and high magnification normally used to view dim night sky objects. The binoculars would be too heavy to hold for long viewing periods in the field. Also, high magnification would make it difficult to find and track birds in trees. On the other hand, field binoculars that are recommended for birding do not have the light gathering capabilities needed to view faint galaxies in the night sky.

Variable Magnification Binoculars

Photography buffs know the value of prime lenses over variable (zoom) lenses. Prime lenses are of a fixed focal length. Zoom lenses can have their magnification changed at the turn of a dial or the press of a button. However, a certain degree of optical clarity and sharpness are compromised with variable focal length lenses. The same goes for binoculars that have variable magnification. Also, just as in photographic lenses, variable power binoculars can be much more expensive, especially for superior quality glass elements used in their construction. It may be better to buy two or more binoculars of a fixed power and aperture than to get one inferior variable power pair of binoculars.

It is important for those interested in purchasing the best pair of binoculars to consider what they will be used for. The service they will be put into is a great help in determining the appropriate magnification power and aperture size. More magnification and bigger apertures are not always the best. A pair of 7X20 binoculars can fit in a backpack or glove compartment. An 8×20 would increase magnification, keeping the binoculars the same general size. Increasing the aperture to an 8X42 size would make them much larger and heavier with no increase in magnification, but they would present a brighter image. Looking at the binocular size choices used by experts in birding, astronomy, hunting or whatever field the binoculars will be used in is helpful.

Misc

What is Eye Relief?

The term “eye relief” can be somewhat confusing due to its unusual construction but it is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing any kind of optics such as binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes or telescopes. The simple definition of eye relief is an exact measurement of distance between the limit of the eyepiece and where the user can still see the complete picture of what is being magnified in the scope or binoculars.

Imagine that a pair of binoculars has two cups where the eyes can be placed. Should the user pull their face backward from that point, the distance where the full image can still be viewed is the eye relief.

How Eye Relief Is Measured

Although all modern rifle scopes, binoculars and sporting optic instruments have the eye relief provided by the manufacturer, it is important to understand how this critical distance is calculated.

All scopes and sporting optics work by magnifying light through the use of a lens or a series of lenses. In effect, incoming light is channeled and refracted into a cone of light. The cone of light rays that pass through the eye piece is officially known as the exit pupil, a term normally reserved for photography but also applicable when it comes to scopes and binoculars. Effectively, the measurement of the exit pupil is usually described in either inches or millimeters, referring to the diameter of the cone of light that could can reach the eye of the user of the instrument.

Due to the way modern scopes and binoculars are constructed, the exit pupil diameter is often deliberately designed to be larger than the user’s pupil. In effect, there is more of an image being channeled through the lenses than the eye can comfortable take in with one glance. This is a deliberate engineering strategy to allow for the user to move slightly to the side of the eye piece without losing any visual information, a term known in the business as vignetting or clipping. The eye relief is therefore the distance from the eyepiece that the entire image can be viewed in its entirety, and rarely matches the same measurements for the exit pupil.

To use a practical example, a binocular rated at 10 by 52 refers to an internal series of lenses that can magnify a given visual image by ten times with an exit pupil of 52 millimeters with no magnification being employed. Should the binoculars be used at full power (i.e. at 10 times power) then the exit pupil then becomes subsequently smaller, in this case 10 times smaller, therefore just 5.2 millimeters.

The eye relief is therefore calculated to determine the maximum amount of distance the eyes of the user can be from the scope or binoculars when used at its most powerful magnification and still retail a full image as focused through the lens(es).

Why Eye Relief Matters

Whether purchasing a rifle scope, a spotting scope, or binoculars, it is not always feasible or comfortable to place the eyes directly on the instrument. Instead, it may be advantageous to pull the face back from making direct contact with the instrument. Although this may be more comfortable or desirable, it is still essential to be able to get a full view of what the instrument is magnifying or if the user’s eyes move slightly to the left or right of the eyepiece.

Individuals wearing eyeglasses, goggles, or other forms of eye wear may find it uncomfortable or impractical to place the lenses of their goggles or glasses directly on the sporting optic device. Hunters and sharpshooters using a scope on a rifle may have practical reasons to keep their faces a short distance away from the eyepiece in order to avoid damage from recoil. Going by the informal nickname of “idiot cut”, it is definitely possible to sustain a laceration around the eye if the shooter presses their face too close to a weapon when it is fired.

What to Look For In Terms of Eye Relief When Buying Sporting Optics

The simplest way to understand eye relief when first using a scope or binoculars is that the larger the eye relief, the better. While this maxim is not always true under all circumstances, it is essential to always review the manufacturer’s information on eye relief before purchasing a piece of sporting optics.

For professional sportsmen and hunters, the eye relief becomes a critical factor especially when using the optics for large-scale magnification. Hunters and sportsmen who wear glasses or wish to wear goggles must be especially careful to make sure that they have a sufficiently large eye relief to still be able to see the entire image without risking damage to either the lenses of their glasses or goggles or to the skin and area around their eyes.

Many professional sporting optical devices have built-in eye relief adjustment mechanisms. Usually designed for wearers of corrective lenses, a rotating eye cup can be adjusted to provide additional eye relief.