INFORMATION ON BINOCULARS

probably 10x50

THANKS PINOT

The first number is how many times it's magnified, so anything above 8 is going to be magnified more but your field of view becomes less.  So yes, reckon a 10x50 is the next one up.  Depends what you want them for because the more an image is magnified the less clearer and more distorted it gets, and especially if it's fast moving like horse racing. 

Hope that helps, (think it's right).

SO FOR A STRONGER VIEW TELL ....AFTERA 10-50 IS GOING TO BE 10-50 PLUS

10-60 ??

THE 12-50 ARE CHEAPER SO THAT MAKES SENSE CAN I GET 8-50

SEEN 8-42

the second number is something to do with brightness and light, (it's the mm of the lens or something) for general viewing 7 x 50 would be fine, 10 x 50 big enough to see plenty and ok to be hand held.  Any higher magnification would be difficult to hold to get a clear image and would need to be mounted on a tripod.

Don't think you can get 8 x 50, it's usually 8 x 40. 

If your looking at something on a wall or whatever your looking at in the distance  -with a pair of binns 8 x 40 - it will be magnified 8 times.  But if you had 10 x 50 - it would be magnified 10 times but your field of view would be less. 

....this is where my expert knowledge runs out, but think that is basically correct.

Bit of an Astro Nut here, what do you need the Binoculars for?

Higher magnification is not always a good thing nor is a big objective nese. If you're after everyday use then go for the most popular 10x50's.

Tell, field of view is in the eyepiece afaik.

A Zeiss 7x50 will be better than a cheapo pair of 7x50 because of the better quality lens. Whether they are £500 better is a matter for the purchaser to decide. You can also get image stabilised bins but they don't come cheap -I've tried them in a shop and if I had the cash, I'd buy them as they give a rock steady view .

ANything above 10x, you'll need a steady arm or a tripod

I bought a decent pair of Vanguards last month for a trip abroad and they are excellent.
Way better than my previous Pentax
Binoculars usually follow the well used phrase you get what you pay for

*n10x42s the Vanguards

In fairness Poppy, quality has come a long way and prices have dropped.

That's why I asked what he needed them for.

Yes. I'd agree with technology.
The optics in the past few years are amazing.

Look at something brought out only in the past few years.

However testing some from £20-£350, I'd disregard anything under, say, £60
They were all no good, especially in the poor UK daylight

Don't waste money on expensive binoculars , simply stand closer to the object you wish to view .

Poppydog.
12 Oct 13 18:49   
ANything above 10x, you'll need a steady arm or a tripod

Correct

Mine are 20x50 and are a pain in the arse to keep still on a windy day.

Mine are 20x50 and are a pain in the arse to keep still on a windy day.

What if you have both hands free to hold them 

I've 2 pairs of 10 x 50's both are reasonable quality and both cost less than £30. I've also a small telescope but I much prefer to use my bins as they are so portable.

Celestron make a pair that cost around £30. I can't vouch for them but Celestron are a quality telescope maker so I would expect they would be decent.

Also possible to get zoom binoculars to vary the magnification - I've got some 8-24 x 50 for example. I also have a monopod to keep them steady - I find it more convenient than carting a tripod around.

I would just like to know EXACTLY  what all you four 'em ites want bins for!!??  In fact I am going to report this thread.  It will make yewtree look like a tiny weed when they collect you use lot!!!  NAP