How do you tell what the magnification of a pair of binoculars is? The answer to that is easy enough. Read this review to know how you will choose the binocular magnification.

Two numbers tend to be used to describe binoculars, for example, 8x21, 10x21, 8x32, 10x40, etc. The first of these numbers tells you the magnification of the binoculars. The second number indicates the size, in millimeters, of what is known as the objective lens. In other words, the lens furthest away from your eyes.

The magnification is called the power of the binoculars. If that first number- in other words, the one associated with the magnification or power - is 7, then you'll see the object through the binoculars seven times closer than it is in real life. If the number is 8, it will appear eight times, and so on. So, the magnification gives you an idea of how powerful the binoculars are.

Fixed or Variable?

The examples quoted above just had two numbers, which means the binoculars would have been fixed-power binoculars. However, some models offer variable magnification.

With a variable type of binocular, you'll find two numbers appear before the x. For example, 10-50x50. This means their magnification varies from 10 to 50 times, and they're what is known as zoom binoculars.

High or Low?

At first glance, you'd immediately presume a larger magnification binocular would always be the better choice, but life is not straightforward, is it?

The main problem with high power binoculars is that the higher the magnification, the more it magnifies the movement of your hands, resulting in a shaky or blurred image. Larger magnification also means you'll get a smaller field of view, shallower depth of field, and a less-bright image.

Here are the advantages of a lower magnification:

1) First, the image you see will be brighter. Because of this, the low-light capability will also be higher, and that will allow you to see things well through your binoculars, even at dawn and dusk.

2) Second, you'll have a wider catchment area.

3) Thirdly, shaking will be limited and even eliminated, even if you use your binoculars in a moving vehicle, such as a car or a boat.

The most widely encountered magnifications for hand-held binoculars are 7x, 8x and 10x. The 10x magnification requires a steady hand, plus a little more experience in quickly locating the objects you wish to see. Anything of 15x and above is too high for hand-held use.

A hand-held binocular with higher magnification is going to create difficulties in keeping a steady image, resulting in an image that is neither clear, nor sharp, nor bright. These are serious disadvantages, so it's not advisable to buy an expensive, high-magnification model unless you have specific needs.