Binoculars vs. Telescope — What's the Difference?

Binoculars or field glasses are two refracting telescopes mounted side-by-side and aligned to point in the same direction, allowing the viewer to use both eyes (binocular vision) when viewing distant objects. Most binoculars are sized to be held using both hands, although sizes vary widely from opera glasses to large pedestal-mounted military models.

A telescope is an optical instrument using lenses, curved mirrors, or a combination of both to observe distant objects, or various devices used to observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. The first known practical telescopes were refracting telescopes invented in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 17th century, by using glass lenses.

Relating to, used by, or involving both eyes at the same time:binocular vision.

An arrangement of lenses or mirrors or both that gathers light, permitting direct observation or photographic recording of distant objects.

Having two eyes arranged to produce stereoscopic vision.

Any of various devices, such as a radio telescope, used to detect and observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation.

OftenbinocularsAn optical device, such as a pair of field glasses or opera glasses, designed for simultaneous use by both eyes and consisting of two small telescopes joined together.

To cause to slide inward or outward in overlapping sections, as the cylindrical sections of a small hand telescope do.

A hand-held device consisting of a series of lenses and prisms, used to magnify objects so that they can be better seen from a distance, and looked at through both eyes.

To make more compact or concise; condense.

An optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes

To slide inward or outward in or as if in overlapping cylindrical sections

A monocular optical instrument that magnifies distant objects, especially in astronomy.

Any instrument used in astronomy for observing distant objects (such as a radio telescope).

(television) A retractable tubular support for lights.

(ambitransitive) To extend or contract in the manner of a telescope.

(ambitransitive) To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass.

(intransitive) To come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another.

To collapse, via cancellation.

An optical instrument used in viewing distant objects, as the heavenly bodies.

To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass; to come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another; to become compressed in the manner of a telescope, due to a collision or other force.

To cause to come into collision, so as to telescope.

To shorten or abridge significantly; as, to telescope a whole semester's lectures into one week.

Capable of being extended or compacted, like a telescope, by the sliding of joints or parts one within the other; telescopic; as, a telescope bag; telescope table, etc.; - now more commonly replaced by the term telescoping.

A magnifier of images of distant objects

Crush together or collapse;

Make smaller or shorter;