Say you have two binoculars with the following specs (numbers are made up and approximate):
7X, 449' FOV at 1000yds, 8.6º Angle of View
10X, 314' FOV at 1000yds, 6.0º Angle of View
Going by these numbers the 7X would be considered to have a quite wide field of view and the 10X a somewhat narrow field of view, correct?
However, both have an apparent angle of view of 60º - so does this number tell you anything useful when comparing binoculars of different magnifications?
Going by the old fashioned method of calculating Apparent FOV, which is angular field in degrees X the magnification, both examples you list are about 60* afov.
My understanding of apparent FOV is that it “measures” subjective impression of field width & is therefore useful in comparing how the looks through binoculars of different magnifications & true FOVs will “feel” (high magnification expands apparent FOV by bringing the observer further into the scene). With luck Henry Link or one of the other experts will come along soon & expand on this (&/or correct me if I’ve got it wrong).