Binocular Numbers

[Prudie]

Can someone please explain to me in very simple terms what the numbers mean on various binocular descriptions? I'm getting
10x25
8x21
20x22
etc

[ladybirder]

Prudie, if I were you, I would buy a quality brand of bins, but secondhand, still keeping within your budget. Then if you want to upgrade later you would probably be able to get very near your money back on the old ones.

[ladybirder]

Prudie you would try before you bought though wouldn't you?

[Prudie]

I would for that money. I can afford to waste about £60. I'd prefer to try first but it would require a 45 minute minimum trip to the nearest town that would stock a decent selection, that's why I'm looking online, not seeing these as a long-term pair.

[ladybirder]

Fair enough Prudie, all the more reason to get secondhand if you won't be keeping them long term. Good luck anyway.

Off to my bed now.
Good night.

[Tuvok]

http://www.strathspey.co.uk

[Prudie]

Thank you all for helpful and interesting answers. I should clarify that I already have a decent large pair at home, these are for taking away, they'll regularly spend 2 weeks in a beach bag (hence the sand). I'm going to continue looking online today with the new knowledge of the specs. I'll give BA to Baldric because he answered the actual question first.