Why is the view through my high-power binoculars and spotting scope so blurry?

Terrestrial viewing is best done with a magnification of 15x to 60x. If you exceed 60x magnification, the view can be blurred because the of earth’s atmosphere. Heat waves and high-altitude winds move air around causing differing temperatures of air to mix, making the air act like a weak lens that interferes with the light from a distant object, especially on a hot day. Bad seeing can drastically distort your image. Early mornings are best for high power viewing with your binoculars because the air temperature is more constant.

Updated 10/21/13