Binocular telescopes, or simply binoculars, are devices that help your eyes get a better look at things. That is, you are given a bigger or magnified image of distant images. It is very similar to normal or what are called monocular telescopes with a few very obvious differences. Well for starters, you should look through it with both your eyes. Another is that it functions in a much more similar manner to your eyes than monocular telescopes.
Our eyes function in binocular vision. Binocular vision is the ability of one’s eyes to look at the same thing and register a single image. This is possible because the field of vision of each of the eyes overlap at the center. The slight differences in the angle of each eye and what it sees individually create a sense of depth perception and distance. Depth perception and distance become apparent when the image converges on the sweet spot at the center. This is where the field of vision overlaps. So simply, two eyes are better than one.
The same principle is followed in making binoculars. The earliest form is this invention is, of course, the monocular telescope in the 17th century by the Italian physicist and astronomer, Galileo. Mounting two together showed potential and this potential was, and to this day, explored in optics and astronomy.
Early binoculars followed the principles of Galilean optics. This is where a convex objective or lens and a concave lens called the eyepiece. Compared to modern binoculars, early binoculars only provided a narrow field of vision and little magnification. They were most often used in opera houses and theatres.
Improved versions of binoculars are the ones that use prisms. These binoculars employ the principles of Keplerian optics where images formed by the objective lens are viewed through a positive eyepiece lens though this configuration lead to inverted images. There are many different ways in correcting this. Examples of these prisms are the Porro and Roof prisms.
Binoculars that make use of Porro-prisms create a great sense of depth in the images seen. It uses a Z-shaped configuration that erects images. Roof-prism binoculars use objective pieces in line with the eyepiece. The advantage of the latter is that they provide a narrower and more compact device that of the ones which use Porro-prisms. Another difference here is the brightness. Porro-prisms produce a brighter view because it employs silvered surfaces that reduce light transmission.
Porro prism binoculars occasionally need their prism sets to be re-aligned to bring them into collimation. Collimation is the alignment of the optical elements in getting the best view. The fixed alignment in roof-prism designs means the binoculars normally won’t need re-collimation. So, the choice between Porro- or Roof-prism is dependent on the preferences of the user.

Say hello and never say goodbye to the Monarch ATB Series Binoculars by Nikon, one of the world’s leading powers in optical technology. Nikon has a long history of high quality products and also an even longer list of loyal followers. Well, those followers wouldn’t be disappointed just yet with the Nikon 10×42 Monarch in the series. It’s been given high regard by many enthusiasts and it’s studded with cool features that make it worth more than its almost $500 price tag. Some are discounted though to only $300 hundred.
It makes use of a Roof prism so it’s built to be compact and requires little manual collimation, the alignment of optical elements in the device. It’s one of the top choices for nature-viewing, bird-watching, and game-hunting. It has fully multi-coated lenses and phase-correction coated prisms that are lead and arsenic free to deliver bright and clear images.
The Monarch has a 330-foot field of view at 1000 yards and close-focuses to about eight feet. The focus knob is large and easily accessed, and needs just 1¼ turns to go from close-focus to infinity. The action is smooth and easy, making sharp focus quick and simple to achieve. However, the focus gets rather blurry at the edges of the field. In bright light when focused on high-contrast objects, the Monarch shows a substantial chromatic aberration, a separation of the visible light to yield a prism effect.
Users of the Monarch transcend age and occupation. It’s light enough, a forgiving 21 ounces, for children and old people alike to use without fatigue and capable enough to be used by professional hunters to weekend warriors. Aside from being versatile in terms of the user, the Monarch is also versatile for almost any environment. It is equipped with a sleek yet tough rubber armor and, for hunters, it can also come in camouflage coats. The rubber coat absorbs shock and provides protection, making the Monarch waterproof, thus preventing internal leaks and fogging.
The Monarch is also comfortable to use. It features turn-and-lock eyecups with an eye relief of about 15 mm. The eyecups are made of a soft rubber which provides comfortable contact. The nylon strap widens at the neck area and it is padded with a soft cloth on the inside to provide more comfort. It also comes with a spacious cordura case that can be worn over the shoulder or around the neck.
One flaw Nikon should work on, however, are the lens caps which are quite easily dislodged. But all in all, the Monarch remains one of the coolest products offered to us by Nikon.

If you dare call yourself an extreme individual, you’re going to love this. When you’re out looking for trouble or just looking for a way out of trouble, the Nikon 10×50 mm Action Extreme EX is going to be your best friend. It’s one of the best binoculars out there for professional hunters, thrill seekers, and even for the run-of-the-mill bird watcher.
The EX is equipped with lens elements with multi-layered and anti-reflective coatings. These offer great optical abilities such as adequate brightness, high contrast, true color rendition, and flare-free viewing in most lighting conditions. It makes use of aspherical eyepiece lenses which virtually eliminate all distortion. If vision imbalance occurs, a diopter control is put in to easily control it. The key to the efficient optics are the high index BaK4 prisms that render superior resolution and brightness. The quick central focus also maximizes viewing comfort.
The EX is part of Nikon’s most popular binocular series. Its optical capabilities are engineered in league of Nikon’s well-known and satisfactory standards. But what really makes the EX special is its robust structure. It’s been engineered by Nikon to withstand most of the conceivable abuse most binoculars can take. It has a rubber full body armor that makes the EX completely waterproof and shockproof. Because of this, the EX is preferred by many hunters who hunt in environments which might become extreme. It also has adjustable eyecups and a neck strap to add more comfort to the user.
Since it is completely waterproof, the chances for internal fogging are also completely eliminated. To ensure total waterproofing and fog-proofing for optimum performance, Nikon constructed the EX with nitrogen-filled interiors and O-ring seals to prevent any leaks from happening. The binoculars’ body is ergonomically shaped and robustly built. It is tripod-adaptable with the rubber coat; it also provides a comfortable and non-slip grip for the user on either wet or dry conditions. This makes it great for rafting and boating.
Because of the EX’s great viewing capabilities and cutting-edge optics, it’s also great even for the more subdued kind of man. It’s great for bird watchers and nature lovers because it offers the right balance of magnification and field of view.
The EX is priced at about $250 though discounts can lower it down to up to $140. Some even sell it for as low as $80. The list price is actually cheaper the Nikon 10×42 Monarch ATB Binoculars which is part of the same series by Nikon. The Monarch is priced to up to almost twice the list price of the EX.
The EX is a versatile tool. From game hunters to bird watchers, the EX is making a lot of people happy.