BINOCULARS DATA

Choosing the right binocular requires some thought on your part. Making an informed choice means evaluating the characteristics of various binoculars, considering your probable use of the instrument, and weighing your personal preferences.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN
Every binocular has a number like "8X42" or "10X25". The number before the X refers to magnification, or power. Remember that bigger is not always better, and if you don't need the magnification of a high-powered binocular stick to the moderate range (about 7X or 8X). It will be more versatile and comfortable to use, and higher-powered binoculars are more difficult to hold steady.
The number after the X indicates the diameter, in millimeters, of the binocular's objective lens (the lens furthest from your eye). Other factors being equal, the larger the objective lens, the more light enters the binocular and the brighter the image.

PURPOSE
To narrow your choices, consider your type of hunting and terrain. You shouldn't purchase a large, heavy binocular for hunts that involve long walks, mountain climbing or other activities where space and weight are considerations. For hunting in dense woods, a lower powered binocular is preferable, but for hunting in elevated blinds overlooking vast areas, a higher magnification would be best.
During periods of low light, such as dusk and dawn, a large objective lens is a plus. When extra light transmission is not needed, you might choose something smaller, and therefore lighter weight.

SIZE AND STYLE
There are many sizes, shapes, and styles of binoculars. Which size and shape is best for you is determined by several factors, such as size of your hand, distance between your eyes, and the significance of weight and bulk for your purposes. Trying binoculars before you buy them is the best way to ensure a comfortable feel and fit.

FOCUSING
Most binoculars have a center focus wheel and one eyepiece focusing device, making fine adjustments possible. A few have individual eye focusing, a premium-quality feature that provides a long depth of field and doesn't require focusing as often as most center-focus systems. Focus-free binoculars do not require focusing and need only be adjusted for the distance between the eyes. These are versatile for a wide range of uses. Zoom binoculars focus much like center-focus glasses, but must be adjusted after a magnification charge.

WIDE ANGLE
Binoculars designated "wide angle" or "WA" have a wider-than-normal field of view, which is the distance in width that you can view through a binocular. Wide angle binoculars are good for many activities, so this is a good feature to look for in an all-purpose binocular.

FINISH
Rubber or neoprene finishes are popular for their quietness, durability, non-glare finish, and other benefits. They are available in many colors and camouflage patterns. A less-expensive alternative for those who don't need those benefits is the traditional black textured finish.
Think of your binoculars like any other tool: when you have the right one for the job, you'll spend your time more productively.

Binoculars with dirty, scratched, or smudged lenses will never perform as they were intended to. Light transmission will be reduced, vision will be impaired, and you may miss that target you are after.

To properly care for the lenses of your binoculars, you should always use the covers that come with them when the optics are not in use. After using your optics, dust off lens surfaces with a soft camera brush before putting the covers back on.

When lenses can't be brushed clean, they must be cleaned with a soft cloth or lens tissue. You should never touch a lens until it is first lubricated by applying eyeglass lens cleaner. Then slowly wipe the lens clean in a gentle, circular motion, lifting off the dirt. Never polish the lens, and take care not to scratch the thin, colored coating on the lens surface.

Be cautious not to disturb the sealant at the edge of the lens; use a cotton-tipped swab for cleaning this area.

Your survival kit should fit inside a fanny pack and weigh just a little over four pounds. A good fanny pack or a pocket in a rucksack is all you'll need

Published in 7th Annual Edition Hunter's Handbook
A Comprehensive "How To" Guide for Today's Hunter