Binoculars

Binoculars, field glasses or binocular telescopes are a pair of identical or mirror-symmetrical telescopes mounted side-by-side and aligned to point accurately in the same direction, allowing the viewer to use both eyes (binocular vision) when viewing distant objects. Most are sized to be held using both hands, although sizes vary widely from opera glasses to large pedestal mounted military models.

Unlike a (monocular) telescope, binoculars give users a three-dimensional image: for nearer objects the two views, presented to each of the viewer's eyes from slightly different viewpoints, produce a merged view with an impression of depth.

Optical designs

Galilean binoculars

Almost from the invention of the telescope in the 17th century the advantages of mounting two of them side by side for binocular vision seems to have been explored. Most early binoculars used Galilean optics; that is, they used a convex objective and a concave eyepiece lens. The Galilean design has the advantage of presenting an erect image but has a narrow field of view and is not capable of very high magnification. This type of construction is still used in very cheap models and in opera glasses or theater glasses. The Galilean design is also used in low magnification binocular surgical and jewelers' loupes because they can be very short and produce an upright image without extra or unusual erecting optics, reducing expense and overall weight. They also have large exit pupils making centering less critical and the narrow field of view works well in those applications. These are typically mounted on an eyeglass frame or custom-fit onto eyeglasses.

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Binoculars

by: Julia Nunes

I'm a peeping Tom, I shamelessly
Watch the windows next to me
When it's dark outside
There's nowhere they can safely hide
I can see you when you're getting ready to go out
and other stuff you're embarrassed about
and when you sing off key I can't hear you
but I see that your mouth is moving
Can you see me
I only watch you when I'm bored
Your place - all the gadgets I can't afford
Don't know your name
but I like the PJs that you wear
Please don't be freaked out by me
You're my miniature TV
Comb your hair and brush your teeth
So obliviously
Can you see me
When your lights are off
I wonder where you go
'cause I want to serenade you
from my window
I can sit and be amused
by your scandalous dance moves
and if you're sick I'll dance it alone
I will come and dance with you
Can you see me
Am I creepy?
I'll come dance with you (can you see me?)
I'll come dance with you (can you see me?)
I'll come dance with you
I'll come dance with you




Latest News for: binoculars

Skywatch: Your universe through binoculars

Pioneer Press 23 Mar 2025
Binoculars never get enough credit when it comes to stargazing. They don’t have as much light-gathering ability and magnification as telescopes do, but binoculars have definite advantages ... Nature DX 10×42 Roof Binoculars by Celestron, $179.00.

Our best binoculars for viewing the sun safely have a dazzling 58% off – grab ...

Space 17 Mar 2025
Get the Celestron EclipSmart 10x25 Solar Binoculars for their best price in over a year — a fantastic pair of binoculars for safe observation of the sun ....

Grab your binoculars for bird watching at Lake Julian

Biltmore Beacon 12 Mar 2025
Bird walks and boat tours at Lake Julian will be held from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on the first and last Saturdays of the month from March to October with Buncombe County Parks and Rec ....

New binocular stand at the end of Parley Street in Nauvoo

The Hawk Eye 12 Mar 2025
A binocular stand has recently been installed, thanks to the Nauvoo Betterment Association, as part of its “Natural Nauvoo” program ... The blue binoculars are securely mounted into ...

Curious collection of movie clips that misrepresent looking through binoculars

Boing Boing 12 Mar 2025
A person in a movie holds binoculars up to their eyes and the scene shifts to show ...

Bigfoot can run, but he can't hide from these night vision binoculars

Boing Boing 09 Mar 2025
... high-resolution photos and 4K video with these night vision binoculars— Now $84.97 (reg.

Leica’s Colorful New Binoculars Promise Performance and Style

PetaPixel 07 Mar 2025
... pies, including projectors, rifle scopes, and binoculars.

Our best binoculars under $300 are now even better value with this $90 price cut

Space 07 Mar 2025
Get the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 for their best price in over a year — a fantastic pair of binoculars for skywatching on the go ....
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