

A pair of binoculars with 20 times magnification would likely benefit from a tripod. Many users find a magnification of 8 or 10 to be the highest that they can keep steady with their hands before a tripod or another type of platform is needed. Keep in mind that the more an image is magnified, the harder it will be to keep that image steady. In the case of the formula 20×50, a pair of binoculars with this magnification would produce an image that is 20 times larger than what you would see with your eyes alone. The listed magnification power (the first number in the formula) indicates how many times larger an image appears through the ocular lenses than it does with an unaided eye. These numbers, taken individually or together, can tell you a lot about the viewing quality of that particular model. The second number indicates the objective lens diameter for the binoculars. The first number in this equation indicates the magnification power that the optics provide.

A Common FormulaĪs you shop for binoculars, you’ll see that each pair has a spec listed in this number x number formula. For example, what does 20×50 mean for binoculars? Let’s take a closer look at the number x number formula and discuss what it reveals about the optics it describes. However, understanding the various numbers is critical if you want to make a well-informed purchase. Shopping for binoculars can be overwhelming, especially with the avalanche of data that manufacturers and reviewers provide.
