What do the numbers mean on binoculars and spotting scopes?
Date: Wednesday 27 April, 2005
FAQ Summary:
FAQ Content:
What do the numbers mean on binoculars and spotting scopes?
This is the most common question about binoculars and it is a good one. You will see combinations of numbers like 7x35, 8x42, 10x50 or 7-15x35 and many more. The numbers to the left of the "x" always refer to how much magnification the binocular has. The number to the right of the "x" indicate how big the lens is at the bottom of the binocular (this is called the objective lens).
So, 7x35 means this binocular magnifies objects so they appear 7 times closer. This binocular also has a 35mm diameter "objective lens". A 10x50 binocular magnifies objects so they appear 10 times closer and has an "objective lens" 50mm in diameter. The 7-15x35 binocular is a zoom model because you can change the magnification from 7 times to 15 times. This binocular has a 35mm "objective lens".
