Optical Quality

Determining true optical quality can be tricky. Many manufactures will make great claims concerning their optics quality. When researching optical quality of binoculars you should consider that you get what you pay for.

Don't be mislead, binoculars with large objective lenses can have poor light-gathering capability if the optics are low quality.

Here is a simple way to test the quality of the optics:

Hold the binoculars at arm's length.
Point them in the direction of a bright light source.
The circle of light that you see in the eyepiece is called the exit pupil.

If the exit pupil is clear and bright with a sharp edge then the binoculars have high quality optics. If the exit pupil is dull or only bright in the center then the quality of the optics is low.

You should try to choose binoculars that have fully coated optics. The optics of good quality binoculars will be coated on both sides with non-reflective film. The coating will deliver more light to the eyepiece by reducing reflection.

Choosing the best birding binoculars will greatly enhance your enjoyment of watching wild birds, even if only at your backyard bird feeders.

Optical quality is important. Click here for more information on choosing binoculars for birding.