SCOTT SHALAWAY Some basics to help you get a bead on binoculars

Birders, hunters, sports fans, theater buffs, and star gazers are just a few of a diverse array of people who use binoculars to enjoy their pastimes. Yet few know what to look for when shopping for optics. Here are some tips.
Let's begin with the basics. Binoculars are described by two numbers, such as 8x42. The first number indicates the magnifying power of the lenses. A pair of 8x42s makes a scene appear seven times closer than it really is. A bird 70 feet away will appear to be only 10 feet away.
The second number is the diameter of the objective lenses (the larger ones farther from the eye) in millimeters. The larger the objective lens, the more light it transmits. Bigger objective lenses make binoculars more effective under the low light conditions of dawn and dusk. This is important to birders because birds are most active early and late in the day. But bigger, brighter optics are also heavier.
Style is important
Another consideration is style. In traditional porroprism binoculars each barrel is offset to accommodate the porroprism optical system. The barrels of roof prism binoculars, on the other hand, are straight and lack the offset. Fine binoculars come in both styles, but I prefer roof prisms because they tend to be more compact.
Minimum focus distance -- a critical factor for birding binoculars -- isn't important for most other uses, so it's often ignored. But I often get within 10 feet of birds, especially while observing them through the living room window, but still need binoculars to pick up certain details. If you plan to bird or watch butterflies, be sure the binoculars you buy have a short minimum focus distance.
Now let's get specific. Ask any optics expert to name the best brands, and you'll hear names such as Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, Nikon, Bausch & amp; Lomb, and Swift. All make optically superb binoculars, but the best models can be very expensive ($600 to $1,200). Most are waterproof and come with a lifetime warranty, so they're worth the hefty price tag.
Recently, however, one manufacturer has come out with a line of waterproof, guaranteed, high quality optics at a more reasonable price. Eagle Optics is based in Wisconsin and carries most brand names, but their own Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum Class line of binoculars and spotting scopes is getting a lot of attention. I bought a pair of 10x42s a few months ago, and to my eyes, they are as good as any binoculars I've ever used. The image is bright and sharp, they fit my hands, and they're relatively lightweight. Experts may rate the Platinum Class line a notch below the most expensive competitors, but I'd bet most birders couldn't tell the difference. I can't.
A recommendation
For general birding, I recommend 8x42s ($379; 22.9 ounces.; 5.2 ft. minimum. focus distance) or 10x42s ($399; 22.9 oz.; 5.2 ft. min. focus). For long distance viewing of waterfowl or raptors, you might opt for 10x50s ($419; 27 oz.; 8 feet min. focus) or even 12x50s ($419; 27.7 oz.; 8 ft. min. focus). And for butterflies and dragonflies, which can often be approached quite closely, I suggest the 8x32s ($359; 18.5 oz.; 3 ft. min. focus).
More than 10 years ago I saved for months to buy an expensive pair of 8x42 Bausch & amp; Lomb Elites, and they're great binoculars. But now I find myself grabbing my 10x42 Platinums when I venture afield.
A final and perhaps most important consideration is the manufacturer's warranty. Eagle Optics' lifetime warranty on the Ranger Platinums covers repair or replacement of any defects in materials or workmanship. There's no time limit, no warranty card is required, and the warranty is transferable if the binoculars are sold or given away. Furthermore, if you damage the binoculars, even if you run over them with the car, they will be repaired or replaced for just $20 plus shipping and handling.
Learn more about Ranger Platinum Class optics by visiting Eagle Optics' web site (www.eagleoptics.com) or call (800) 289-1132 to request a catalog.
sshalaway@aol.com.