Standard compact binoculars.
Binoculars are useful tools for the nature lover and the astronomer alike. They are essentially two telescopes next to each other and allow the user a handheld method for distance magnification. Binocular lenses are rated on their coating rather than their design. The amount of coating determines the quality of the lens.
Coated Lenses
Coated lenses are at the lowest end of the binocular spectrum. Coated lenses have one layer of non-reflective coating. This small amount of coating provides for the poorest image quality regarding viewing distant objects through binoculars.
Fully Coated Lenses
Fully coated lenses are the next step up in the spectrum and provide a higher image quality to the viewer. When binoculars are rated with fully coated lenses, it means that all air to glass surfaces of the lenses have been coated with one layer of non-reflective coating.
Multicoated Lenses
As the name indicates, multicoated lenses have multiple coatings on them. At least 15 layers of non-reflective material are applied. The downside with this rating is that to receive the rating the binoculars need only have one lens coated with the multiple layers. This will provide exceptional image quality and justifies the higher cost.
Fully Multicoated Lenses
Fully multicoated lenses are the pinnacle of binocular lens ratings and therefore cost more than the less coated varieties. They do, however, provide the best image quality possible. To receive a fully multicoated lens rating, the binoculars must have every air to glass surface coated with a minimum of 15 layers of non-reflective coating.
Tags: image quality, coated with, lenses have, non-reflective coating, amount coating