By: David H.
Submitted: 2011-08-03 13:17:34 | Word Count: 704
A clear night sky has always been a thing of fascination and mystery for the astronomers and star gazers.To ease the viewing, the telescope was invented which made sky gazing a much easier task.It was more accurate and gave a closer look at all the galaxy.
The next logical progress of the telescope led to the invention of the binoculars.While telescope had only one eye to look through, the binoculars provided the convenience of looking at the stars through both the eyes.A binocular is more or less two telescopes mounted side by side and joined by a bridge.
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The type of binocular is differentiated on the basis of lenses and prisms used in them to bring out the best effect needed for bringing the image closer to the viewer.
The functions of the binoculars also vary according to the requirement of the job.There is a multiple choice in the types of Binoculars based on the functions they are supposed to do.Some of the major ones could be:
Standard Binoculars: This is the most basic form of binoculars and can be used for multiple purposes.They can be used equally well for bird watching as well as for viewing spectator sports. These instruments may not have the frills and fringes of the higher end versions, but they are usable wherever you are.
Compact Binoculars: These are pocket sized binoculars which are smaller in size and are also a lot less heavy.They can easily be put into the purse or the glove compartment of the car.These are specifically day time instruments as they do not give desired effects in the low light.This device is best suited for the kids and is great as a back up set in case of emergencies.
Giant Binoculars: Like most advanced visual devices, giant binoculars were also first designed for the military.These instruments have large objective lenses and can be used efficiently during low light or for that matter in the dark too.They give access to a wider field of view.This type of binocular is much heavier and is not advised for carrying while on a cross country trek.Invariably, it is to be mounted on the tripod while in use.Even though it is unsuitable for casual use, yet it is a great tool for the star gazers.Some of the astronomy enthusiasts love to use this device instead of the single lens telescope.
Binocular with a Built in Digital Camera: A binocular with inbuilt digital camera – what more can one ask for on a vacation? This kind of device combines the functions and features of both the digital camera and the binocular into one.They are heavier and bulky and also belong to the upper end of the price range.These types of binoculars are very useful in the night too as they have the night vision and the video capabilities.
Military Binoculars: Military life is all about hazards, arduous terrains and long treks during emergencies.To suit this kind of profile, the military binoculars were developed which could bear the rough and tough handling of the military personnel.These are predictably very durable devices with strong armors and solid cases to endure the knocks and bumps.These instruments are usually water-proof and have a built in military compass accompanied with night-vision technologies.
Marine/Navy Binoculars: These instruments are meant for use in the navy and the marine agencies.
They have waterproof armors which is one of the pre-requisites for this kind of use.Some of the models have been so designed that they float in the water if dropped into it.The marine binoculars are very flexible and are also operational in the low light situations such as overcast sky or a foggy weather.
Night Vision Binoculars: These are specially meant for night time viewing.The binoculars work in two ways; either they maximize the available light or they can have infrared compatibility which is used to focus and process an image.These are highly useful during viewing wild life at night or the military surveillance.
Thus, depending on the requirements and features of the binoculars, one can decide upon the best option to choose.
