Franz Erler and Daniel Rotter give some practical tips how to test the quality of binoculars and scopes for yourself. This kind of test can quickly separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to optical instruments.
Test for yourself
1. LIGHT-DARK TRANSITIONS:
These can be found on car license plates, signs, and illuminated billboards, but also on trees, leaves, branches, and mountain edges and ridges in front of a bright sky. A top-quality device means there is hardly any color fringing in the transitions. But be careful – never use the device to look directly at the sun or you could seriously damage your eyes!
Test for yourself
2. DELICATE STRUCTURES:
The fine structures of plumage make it an ideal subject for testing, and the same is true of fur. Pay attention to the detail resolution. The better the optics, the less you can see yellow or bluish color fringing.
Test for yourself
3. STARRY SKIES:
Stars are perfect for testing because they are very bright, point-shaped light sources against a dark background. Top-quality optics will display them without distortion.
Test for yourself
4. EDGES:
It is also interesting to train your binoculars on an object somewhat off-center rather than right in the center as normal. This allows you to check the edge sharpness and see whether there is any color fringing.
Test for yourself
5. BAD LIGHT:
And finally, you can also test the image quality based on the prevailing light conditions. In the case of scattered light phenomena that occur when an object is back-lit or when viewing at twilight, it is easy to see the difference between premium and mass-market optics.
