6 Uses of Binoculars
If you don’t know yet, there are many uses of binoculars.
Binoculars are two telescopes mounted side by side so you can use them with both eyes. They are a tool that allows you to see things clearly ‘though they’re far away.
Unlike a telescope, binoculars allow you to view objects easily using both eyes. No need to peer through one hole.
This is why binoculars have become a more popular choice.
How Does It Work?
Binoculars use two convex lenses; one in front of the other. The first lens (the one nearer to the object), catches light rays from the object and makes a focused image seem near behind the lens.
The second lens (the one close to your eyes), magnifies the image.
When rays from the distant object pass through a convex lens, they cross over. The problem is, images can sometimes look upside down.
This is why binoculars use a pair of prisms that work together to rotate the image through 180 degrees.
One prism flips the image to its side (90 degrees), then the other prism does the rest of the 90-degree flip, completing the rotation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcJzFuyj5OQ
Roof and Porro Prisms
There are two types of prisms used for binoculars. The difference is in how they are arranged inside the binoculars.
Roof prisms are arranged back to back. They look compact and simple. But they actually have a more complicated technology.
Porro prisms have a zigzag shape design. They look old-fashioned compared to roof prism binoculars.
1 – Main Use
The primary reason why people buy binoculars is to have a clear view of things they want to see even from a distance.
But aside from their main purpose, there are other non-common uses of binoculars.
2 – Start a Fire
When you go on an outdoor adventure you are more likely to bring with you a pair of binoculars. In case of an emergency, you can use your binoculars to start a fire.
Disassemble the binoculars and use them as a magnifying glass to start a fire.
3 – Signal for Help
This only applies to binoculars using the roof prism technology. Because roof prism binoculars will have even a small mirror in it.
Hopefully, you won’t get into a situation like this. But when you find yourself in dire need of help you can use the mirrors inside the binoculars to signal for help.
The catch is, you’d have to break the binoculars to get through the mirror.
4 – Spot a Good Catch
If you love fishing, you’ll find binoculars helpful too.
Binoculars are helpful not only for catching animals in the prairie but they can also help you reel in a good catch.
Use your binoculars to spot fishes near the surface. You’ll get a good idea of how big they are, their shape, their color, or even distinguish what kind of fish they are.
5 – Splinter Finder
Splinters are bothersome. And they can be quite difficult to remove. But with the help of your binoculars, the process becomes easier.
By inverting your binoculars you can use them as a microscope. This makes it easier for you to find the tiny splinter.
6 – For Stargazing
Binoculars can be a cheap alternative to telescopes. But they can be just as good.
You’ll see the craters of the moon, or look at stars, planets, and meteor showers.