What do the numbers mean on binoculars and spotting scopes?
This is the most common question about binoculars and it is a good one. You will see combinations of numbers like 7×35, 8×42, 10×50 or 7-15×35 and many more. The numbers to the left of the “x” always refer to how much magnification the binocular has. The number to the right of the “x” indicate how big the lens is at the bottom of the binocular (this is called the objective lens). So, 7×35 means this binocular magnifies objects so they appear 7 times closer. This binocular also has a 35mm diameter “objective lens”. A 10×50 binocular magnifies objects so they appear 10 times closer and has an “objective lens” 50mm in diameter. The 7-15×35 binocular is a zoom model because you can change the magnification from 7 times to 15 times. This binocular has a 35mm “objective lens”.
This is the most common question about binoculars and it is a good one. You will see combinations of numbers like 7×35, 8×42, 10×50 or 7-15×35 and many more. The numbers to the left of the “x” always refer to how much magnification the binocular has. The number to the right of the “x” indicate how big the lens is at the bottom of the binocular (this is called the objective lens). So, 7×35 means this binocular magnifies objects so they appear 7 times closer. This binocular also has a 35 mm diameter “objective lens”. A 10×50 binocular magnifies objects so they appear 10 times closer and has an “objective lens” 50 mm in diameter. The 7-15×35 binocular is a zoom model because you can change the magnification from 7 times to 15 times. This binocular has a 35 mm “objective lens”.
