Vortex Binoculars

What Do Vortex Binoculars Offer?

Since 2004, Vortex Optics has offered a line of binoculars to fit a variety of needs. All Vortex binoculars are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.

The set of numbers on each pair of binoculars provides two pieces of information. The first number before the "x" denotes the magnification of that particular model. A pair of binoculars marked 8x26 will make objects viewed appear eight times as big as with the naked eye. The second number after the "x" is the size of the front lens in millimeters, which is known as the "objective lens." A larger front glass lets more light into the binoculars and provides a clearer, brighter image.

All Vortex Optics binoculars have been purged, charged and sealed. Purged means that the air is forced out of the binoculars interior with a dry gas, either argon or nitrogen. Charged means that the binoculars remain filled under pressure with dry gas. Sealed means that once the binoculars are filled with dry gas, the interior is sealed with O-rings, preventing outside air from entering the binoculars, making them both waterproof and fogproof.

The magnification chosen should be the smallest magnification that allows you to see a bright, clear, complete image with a good field of view. The higher the magnification is, the smaller the field of view and the dimmer the image.

The field of view is the complete sight picture at a set distance, usually 1,000 yards. If the binoculars specifications denote a field of view of 320 feet then, at 1000 yards, your sight picture is 320 feet across.

All binoculars, monoculars, and similar optical viewers have lenses that are coated to help improve clarity and reduce glare. These break down as:

• Coated optics: This means that a special coating has been applied to the outer surface of the glass to reduce glare and present a better sight picture.
• Fully coated optics: This means the coating has been applied to all exposed glass surfaces.
• Multicoated optics: This means that multiple layers of coating has been applied to at least one glass surface.
• Fully multicoated optics: This means that multiple layers of coating has been applied to all glass surfaces.

Before you buy, decide what you will be using the binoculars for. Holding a large, heavy pair of binoculars steady for a few seconds is very different than holding that same pair steady for several minutes. If your purpose requires holding the binoculars steady for extended periods of time, you should go with the lightest pair that offers sufficient magnification.