We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.
Forum Center,
2680 NE Hwy. 20, Ste. 310
Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 617-8840
Fax: (541) 617-8840
Email: Send Message
Store Hours:
Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Understanding the following definitions will aid in choosing optics that will best fit your specific needs.
- Magnification (Power): The number of times larger an object appears when viewed through the optics. Binoculars vary, but 8 and 10 power are most common. This is the first number listed on a binocular. More magnification is not always better. As magnification increases the brightness of the image and the field of view decrease. Also, higher power binoculars are more difficult to hold steady.
- Objective Lens Size: The diameter of the lens farthest from the eye, measured in millimeters. Larger objective lenses gather more light, but also add to the size and weight of the binoculars. The objective lens size is the second number listed on a binocular (e.g. 42).
- Field of View: This is the size of the area one sees when looking through the binocular. Higher magnification results in a narrower field of view.
- Eye Relief: A measure of the distance behind the eyepiece where the image comes into focus. Eye relief should be greater than 15mm for those who wear glasses.
- Close Focus: The minimum distance to which one can focus a binocular. Near close focus is important for nature viewing.
