Whether you're taking a walk outside, watching a sports event or attending a live performance, sometimes you are sure to want to get up closer. The human eye can only see so far but a telescope or binoculars give you a fuller and richer and more detailed visual experience. But how do you choose the right one? Here's a guide to popular telescopes and binoculars with recommendations from CANON 、NIKON and VisionKids .

 

Main features of a telescope/binoculars

 

What can a telescope or binoculars do for you?

Anyone who has attended a popular sports event or a concert will have experienced the difficulty of getting tickets. But how can you enjoy the event when the only seat you could get is far away from the stage or the action? Well, in that case, you need a good pair of binoculars or even a telescope. It's not just the clearer view you enjoy, but also the experience, and fun of getting up close and personal with the stars.

And if you are interested in celestial stars, or bird watching, a telescope or a pair of binoculars are absolutely essential. The stars are not easy to appreciate with the naked eye, and you can only really watch birds from a distance if you don’t want to disturb them. So to truly appreciate the wonders of nature or the universe, check out our guide to the best binoculars and telescopes.

 

How to choose a telescope or a pair of binoculars

 

1. Magnification power

Also known as the magnification rate this is marked by a number + x. A telescope marked "8-18x42" means that the telescope can be adjusted from 8x to 18x magnification. This means, in effect, that it brings a view from 80 to 180 metres away to 10 metres, reducing the viewing distance 1/10th of the original distance.

Generally, a telescope with 8 to 10 times magnification is sufficient for viewing any show from the upper seats of the Hong Kong Coliseum or AsiaWorld Expo. If you are in the upper seats of the Hong Kong Stadium, it depends on whether you are watching a performance or a football match. For performances, 14x magnification or more will give you a closer view of the stage. For football matches, a pair of binoculars with a magnification of around 8-10x are more appropriate as it offers a wider field of vision.

2. Lens diameter

• Objective lens diameter

The "objective lens" is the lens on the outside of the binoculars and its diameter affects brightness. The larger the diameter of the objective lens, the greater the amount of light intake. The brighter the image, the heavier the overall weight of the binoculars.

• Pupil diameter

This is the diameter of the objective lens divided by the magnification which reflects brightness. A lens with an exit pupil diameter larger than the diameter of the human pupil will give a brighter image, while a lens with an exit pupil diameter smaller than the diameter of the human pupil will give a dimmer image.

The human pupil diameter varies between around 1.5 and 8 mm, with adults having a pupil diameter of 2 to 4 mm. Models with an exit pupil diameter of around 2 to 3 mm are suitable for bright environments. Models with an exit pupil diameter of around 7 to 8 mm are suitable for dim environments.

3. Field of vision

The angle of vision of a pair of binoculars affects the viewing experience. The easiest way to find the angle is to multiply the true field of view by the magnification ratio. 60 degrees or more is a wide-angle lens which offers a wider field of view.

4. Application

The purpose of a pair of binoculars is a main factor, particularly in relation to the background light of the destination. Stargazing and concert-viewing are usually in darker light, while birdwatching or daytime viewing are usually in a brighter light, resulting in different needs. Choose a telescope that is suitable and convenient for you.

5. Size and weight

This is a personal choice. Holding a pair of binoculars for long periods of time can be tiring, regardless of the type of viewing. Choose the lightest weight possible to reduce strain on arms.

6. Styles

There are two main categories: monoculars and binoculars. Monoculars are commonly used as star telescopes. Binoculars are divided into either Porro prism or roof prism designs. Porro prism design is generally larger and heavier with better light transmission and better 3D images. Roof prism types are straight with a lighter and portable design for natural images. Choose according to your preference.