Explain Binocular Magnification

Binoculars are basically two small telescopes that are hinged together.

The invention of the telescope led to the development of binoculars, which are basically two small telescopes hinged together. Utilizing refraction technology, binoculars act much like simplistic versions of our own eyes.

The Objective Lens

The outer glass lens, or objective lens, takes in the light reflected off of the objects in view. Like the lenses in our own eyes, the objective lens turns the image upside down and reverses it. The image continues its route through the binoculars for further manipulation.

Prisms

Prisms inside the binoculars reverse and flip the image back to its correct orientation before its light reaches the eyepiece. The prisms also allow binoculars to have their compact size, as early versions without prisms were large and difficult to use.

The Eyepiece

The binocular's eyepieces are the last bit of optics that the light must pass through before your own eyes process the image. The eyepieces act as individual magnifying glasses, increasing the size of the image being viewed.

Specs

Models come with representative numbers like 6x30, 7x50 and 8x30. These numbers refer to the lens size and magnification. The first number represents the binoculars' magnification abilities, while the second number specifies the objective lens' diameter represented in millimeters. The larger the objective lens, the more light that can reach your eyes, making this type better for use in dim light.

References

• "Molecular Expressions": Science, Optics and You