Binoculars for the Beginner

Abstract

While binoculars are technically twin telescopes, the design and function of modern binoculars are significantly different from modern amateur telescopes. Binocular observers generally have different priorities from telescope observers. The binocular offers amazing capabilities that the telescope cannot match – and vice versa. Using one telescope for each eye presents both optical and engineering challenges, but the rewards of a good pair of binoculars are substantial. In this chapter, we will discuss binoculars, how they work, and how to get the most out of them when observing.