What You Need To Know About Pocket Binoculars
Definition of a "pocket binocular"
Pocket binoculars are a special class of binoculars, in particular of compact binoculars ( which should be distinguished from normal size binoculars).
Requirements for a compact binocular to pass as a "pocket binocular"
1.They have to be small enough to fit into a shirt or jacket pocket or anything similar. The length of the barrels could be 6 inches (153 millimeters) and the height should be around 3 inches (77 millimeters). It should be 4 inches (101 millimeters) wide, depending on the size of your pocket.
2.It should be very light: Not more than 12 ounces (340 grams) (16 ounces if you fancy "reverse porro binoculars").
3.The best type of binocular design is the type where the objective lenses and eyepieces are in the same line, known as the roof prism binoculars. They are smaller and more light-weight than the porro binoculars. When you're not using it, it can fold even smaller.
Why should you consider a pocket binocular?
1.A pocket binocular is small enough to fit in virtually everything. You'll hardly notice it - in particulars if it's a roof prism pocket binocular.
2.These binoculars are so light in weight , that you won't even notice them on your trips wherever you go - out in nature watching birds, or joining friends at a sports event.
3.When you want to focus on something really close to you, nothing beats a pocket binocular. They are simply better than their bigger brothers.
4.Smallness does not equal inferiority at all: Generally speaking, a pocket binocular can be just as good as a bigger binocular.
The negative points of pocket binoculars
1.In fading light pocket binoculars do not deliver an image as bright as in the case of normal size binoculars. This has to do with the fact that pocket binoculars have smaller apertures (lenses at the front) ( usually less than 25 millimeters), which does restrict the amount of light that enters the instruments. In bright daylight this is not a problem at all.
2.Field of view (FOV): Although FOV is mainly determined by the optical design of the eyepieces, both the diameter of the objective lenses (aperture) and the magnification also play a role in determining the FOV of a binocular. The higher the magnification of your pocket binocular, or/and the smaller the aperture, the narrower the field of view. Pocket binoculars normally have a smaller FOV's (smaller apertures).
Decisions to make before buying a pocket binocular
1.Why do you want to buy a pocket binocular? Will this be the only binocular you have, or will it be nr. 2? Whatever your reason, it will make a difference when you make a decision on what you're willing to pay.
2.Budget: The eventual use of the instrument will play an important role in budget considerations. If it will be the only binocular you'll have, you might be willing to pay more. If not, maybe a little less. In the case of binoculars price and quality go hand in hand. Even if you're not going for the expensive ones, sacrificing quality should never be an option.
3.You should never compromise on quality. Always try to get the best instrument (within your price range). The most important feature are lens type and coatings: Just like all other binoculars, your pocket binocular should have "fully multi-coated" coatings on Bak-4 glass lenses. Water- and fogproof are always a bonus, whether you intend using the instrument in wet conditions or not.
4.Overall dimensions: The sizes of hands differ; pocket sizes differ as well. Make sure the one you choose is perfect for you as far as size (not too big, not too small) and weight are concerned.
Cobus Cronje has been publishing articles on the internet for a number of years. Apart from his site on pocket binoculars, you can also see his blog on how to build a water feature.
