[syousef]

I'm no newbie but this is sure going to sound like a newbie question.

What is the relationship between field of view/angle of view and magnification.

I always thought that angle of view and magnification went hand in had - a change in the angle the optics are taking in affects the magnification and vice versa. However the apparent field of view would depend on how much of the edge of the optics was cut off/vignetted, and how those optics distort the image over the field (curvature etc.)

Lately I've been on a cheap binocular buying kick. I was comparing the following mix of old and new purchases.
1) 10x50 Dick Smith "Digitor" branded binocs
2) 10x50 WA Andrews (clones of Saxon BFWA from what I can tell)
3) 20x50 Bushnell Powerview

To my complete surprise, Crux fit the field of view of 2 and 3. The field is just a bit too narrow to fit Crux in for 1. 3 has the LOWEST magnification from what I can tell, for both near objects and sky at infninity.

I'm trying to work out if 3 are just mislabelled or if I have a fundamental hole in my understanding of how binocualrs work. (Though I'm no specialist in optics or optical design, that would be embarassing given my education).

Thanks.