FAQ

What do the numbers mean on binoculars and spotting scopes?

This is the most common question about binoculars, and it's a valid one. You'll encounter combinations of numbers like 7x35, 8x42, 10x50, or 7-15x35 and more. The numbers to the left of the "x" always indicate how much magnification the binocular has. The number to the right of the "x" indicates the size of the lens at the bottom of the binocular (known as the objective lens).

So, 7x35 means this binocular magnifies objects so they appear 7 times closer. This binocular also has a 35 mm diameter "objective lens". A 10x50 binocular magnifies objects so they appear 10 times closer and has an "objective lens" 50 mm in diameter. The 7-15x35 binocular is a zoom model because you can change the magnification from 7 times to 15 times. This binocular has a 35 mm "objective lens".

Should I buy a binocular with the highest magnification possible?

Not necessarily. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a binocular to determine what magnification will be best for you. Generally, the higher the magnification, the more difficult it will be to have a bright, steady, and wide image. Why is this? Try thinking of magnification in terms of using your portable video camera.

What happens when you ZOOM in on objects (using the highest magnification)? You'll find that several things happen:

• The image is "jumpy" (it's difficult to hold the camera steady)
• You only see a very small "field of view" or viewing area
• The image is not as sharp and clear
• The image is not as bright Generally speaking, when you increase magnification, you may increase the possibility of all the above results. Most binoculars sold today range from 7x to 10x. Zoom models offer a range of magnifications from 7x to 20x or even higher.

Why is brightness important and how do I determine how bright a binocular is?

The brighter the image when looking through a binocular or spotting scope, the better chance you will have of seeing a sharp and detailed image of objects viewed.

Brightness is affected by:

• How big the "exit pupil" is of the binocular. (This is an easy thing to determine and is explained below).
• The types and number of "coatings" applied to the optical system.

What is an exit pupil?

The exit pupil is the circle of light you see when holding a binocular or spotting scope about 6 inches away from your eyes and looking at the surface of the eye pieces. This little bright circle is the amount of light reaching your eyes.

The size of the exit pupil is easy to calculate. You simply divide the magnification of the binocular into the diameter of the "objective lens" or bottom lens of the binocular or spotting scope. So, a 7x35 binocular has an exit pupil diameter of 5 mm (35 divided by 7). A 10x50 binocular also has an exit pupil of 5 mm (50 divided by 10).

Why is exit pupil important?

You can use the diameter of the exit pupil calculation to determine how much relative light is available under different conditions. When we are in bright light our own eye pupil constricts to as small as 1 mm in diameter. However, in very low light such as in the afternoon or early morning our eye pupil can expand to around 7 mm. Our pupils open and close to allow enough light to see details and a sharp image.

The "exit pupil" on a binocular can be used to correspond to our own eye pupil. Generally, a 5 mm "exit pupil" will provide good brightness over many conditions. But in low light conditions, it will not provide enough light to see as your own eye pupil may want. The result is a darker image, and you may not see as much detail.

What are lens coatings?

Coatings are applied to the glass elements to reduce the amount of light with is lost due to reflections. Generally, binoculars and spotting scopes are coated with a single layer of coating applied to each glass surface. More expensive models have multi-coatings applied, which further reduce the amount of light lost to reflections.

What is wide angle?

Binoculars typically come in either standard or wide-angle designs. Wide-angle designs provide a wider field of view than standard designs. Field of view is simply the area which you can see at a certain distance. The image viewed is usually measured in the number of feet you can see across at a distance of 1000 yards. A binocular showing a field of view of 430' at 1000 yds. means you can see a horizontal distance of 430 feet when looking out to a distance of 1000 yards.

What is long eye relief and why is it important?

Eye relief is the distance from the surface of the eye piece lens where you can see the full field of view of the image you are looking at. Most binoculars have a standard eye relief distance of from 9 mm to 12 mm. This is long enough for just about everybody unless you wear eyeglasses, and you don't feel like taking your glasses off to see through the binocular!

Long eye relief is primarily a characteristic that specifically benefits people who wear eyeglasses. But it is also great for everyone else because it is great to use them when wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses! Some binoculars with long eye relief do not have a "wide-angle" field of view. This is because when designing optical systems, it is difficult to provide both long eye relief and wide angle in the same system. But several of our Alpen Pro binoculars offer both long eye relief and wide-angle field of view.

What is a fixed focus binocular?

These binoculars are great because they don't have the traditional focus wheel or eyepiece focus adjustment. They are great for action sports viewing or viewing situations where you don't want to lose time having to adjust your binocular. These binoculars are designed so that you can see objects from about 70 feet away and beyond. You just pick them up and look! Alpen offers both a standard and long eye relief design. The long eye relief model is great if you wear glasses!

What is the difference between a porro prism binocular and a roof prism binocular?

Porro prism binoculars have the "offset" design. The eye pieces are not the same distance apart at the objective lenses. Porro prism binoculars offer great viewing performance, are more "traditional" and are generally less expensive to manufacture.

"Roof prism" binoculars are distinguished by their "in-line" appearance. The eye pieces and objective lenses share the same axis. These binoculars also offer great viewing, are less bulky, and generally more expensive to manufacture.

Both prism designs can provide great viewing and it is generally just personal preference that determines which one is best for you.

What is different about compact binoculars?

Compact binoculars are developed to provide a small, lighter weight binocular which can be more easily carried. The advantages of compact binoculars is their small size, ease of use and they're great when you want to transport them with you when hiking or when larger binoculars are just not as convenient to use.

But compact binoculars don't usually offer the brightness that larger binoculars do. Remember the discussion above about "exit pupil"? Compact binoculars usually do not have big exit pupils which means in low light conditions you will not see a bright or sharp image. For example, a 10x25 compact binocular has an exit pupil of only 2.5mm. During the day this isn't a problem. But if you want to use them for early morning or late afternoon viewing they will not provide as much light as a bigger standard design binocular.

How do I decide which binoculars are best for me?
Buying a binocular involves "trade-offs". To get the brightest possible image in low light conditions you need low magnification with a large "objective lens". But many of us don't want to sacrifice magnification. After all isn't this why we are buying binoculars to begin with? We want to see objects far away as though they're close! You may also want a "wide field of view" so you can see as much action as possible at a sporting event. So, you'll find that you need to know how, when and where you are most likely to use your binoculars. In the end you may decide to buy several different pairs to meet all your needs.

Warranty

Get a Limited Lifetime Warranty when you register your Alpen binoculars within 60 days of purchase.

Lakehouse & Cottage is on a mission to make outdoor exploration accessible and easy with only the best products available. A major part of that is ensuring our customers have the experiences they desire by providing unwavering support and product protection.

Upon receipt of your product, we encourage you to thoroughly inspect it and familiarize yourself with the applicable warranty coverage. If you have any questions or concerns about your product and its warranty or if you need advice on getting started, please contact us at 854-777-0909.

Registering Your Product:
To maximize the warranty coverage on your Alpen Binoculars, it is important that you promptly register your product. Instructions for how to do so will be included in your confirmation email. If you do not see them or if you have any questions, please email us at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com and we can assist you.

If registered within 60 days of purchase, your product will have additional warranty protection against manufacturer defects. 

Shipping

We are pleased to offer you free shipping on all orders through Lakehouseandcottage.com

All orders are shipped within 1-2 business days. Product ETA 5-7 business days.

Please note, we do not process shipments on weekends or public holidays. During high order volumes, there may be a slight delay; please allow extra transit time. If a significant shipping delay occurs, we'll notify you via email.

Shipping Carriers

Lakehouse & Cottage uses USPS, FedEx, and UPS delivery services.

Available Shipping Areas

Orders are shipped within the contiguous United States, excluding outlying islands and overseas territories.

Shipping Information Responsibility

Ensure accurate shipping details when placing an order. We're not liable for losses due to incorrect shipping information.

P.O. Box or APO/FPO/DPO addresses are not accepted.

Shipping Tracking Information

You will receive shipment confirmation and tracking information via email. 

Damaged or Missing Items

Report any damage or missing packages within 7 business days to sales@lakehouseandcottage.com. While we don't assume responsibility for shipping carrier errors, we'll assist in contacting them and making things right. Keep packaging and damaged items for potential claims.

Refunds and Returns

We know you'll love your order! But just in case you're not fully satisfied, we've streamlined an easy return process. 

Our return policy covers a 30-day period. Unfortunately, if 30 days have passed since your purchase, we can't provide a refund or exchange.

For a return to be eligible, the item must be unused and in its original condition and packaging. Please note that a 20% restocking fee applies to all returned products.

To process your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.

There are instances where only partial refunds are granted:

• Items not in their original condition, damaged, or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
• Items returned beyond the 30-day delivery period.

Refunds

Upon receiving and inspecting your return, we'll send an email confirming its arrival and notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, a refund will be processed, excluding the 20% restocking fee, and credited to your original method of payment.

Exchanges

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange an item for the same product, please email us at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com.

Shipping

To initiate a return, please email us at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com for shipping instructions. You are responsible for paying the shipping costs for returning the item. Shipping fees are non-refundable, and any refund processed will deduct the return shipping cost.

The duration for the exchanged product to reach you may vary based on your location.

For items over $75, consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We cannot guarantee receipt of your returned item without these measures.