If you find that watching a sporting event, a live performance on stage, or going out-of-doors to look at birds is a lot of fun ... then using a good pair of binoculars is more fun. But people who don't know a great deal about optics can get confused when it comes to purchasing a set that fits their needs. Here are a few things that will help.

THE NUMBERS GAME:

One of the most important things to consider when you are shopping for a pair of binoculars are the numbers used to describe each and every pair. Let's use a pair of 7 x 35 binoculars as an example. The first number, 7, represents the power of magnification. This means the image you see in the binoculars will be 7 times larger, or will appear to be 7 times closer, than it appears to your naked eye.

The second number, 35, represents the diameter in millimeters of the "objective lenses" - the lenses furthest from the eyes. Larger objective lenses allow more light to reach you eyes and create a brighter image.

While a brighter image is good, there is a price to pay. Larger objective lenses make the binoculars heavier and bulkier. You may want to choose smaller objective lenses (sacrificing some brightness) to get binoculars that are more compact and easier to carry.

You'll notice many trade-offs like this as we continue. So it's best to decide how and where you plan to use your binoculars. This will help determine the best pair for you.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Binoculars are often labeled with a second set of numbers representing the field of view. A pair marked 350 ft/ 1000 yds means that if you focus on an object 1000 yards away, your field of view will be 350 feet wide. This is the field of view of most standard binoculars.

Wide-angle binoculars provide a field of view about 500 feet wide, while super wide-angle binoculars cover 550 feet or more.

For bird-watchers and some stage performances, a wide field of view is preferred. If the field of view is too narrow, it may be difficult to find the bird in the tree or see the entire stage action without sweeping back and forth.

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

• Prism Design. There are two basic systems of lenses and prisms that make binoculars work. Roof-prism binoculars have straight barrels and look like two telescopes that have been connected. Porro-prism binoculars have eyepieces and objective lenses that are not in line with each other, giving them a dogleg shape. Roof-prism types tend to be lighter, more compact and more expensive.
• Durability. Will you keep them beside your armchair for backyard bird-watching, or will you carry them on hikes etc. where they might need protection from the elements.
• Weight Are they too heavy or to light to easily hold steady? Can you wear them comfortably around your neck? Do your arms tire after holding them for a few moments? If so a different pair might be needed or monopod might be of some help.
• Focus Do the binoculars allow you to focus quickly and easily? What is the closest object you can focus on? Do you plan to study visitors to a feeder or butterflies a few feet away from your window or something you can spot at a distance?
• Using with eyeglasses With some binoculars, a person wearing glasses can see only 60 percent of the field of view. With adjustable eyecups that screw or fold down can partially increase the field of view. Some manufactures offer binoculars with long "eye relief" specifically for eyeglass wearers. A pair with eye relief of 17 mm or more may offer these users a full field of view.

If you think about these considerations while you are shopping, I believe you'll select the right binoculars that will provide years of enjoyment.

TABLE USE ..... Introduction ...... $700 +

$400 - $700 ..... $200 - $400 ..... UNDER $200

COMPACT