10 or 12 power Binos?

[dstark]

Looking for advice choosing my next set on binoculars. I have settled on make and model, but I'm torn on which power to choose. 10x42 or 12x50. Cost difference is not an issue however these will be kinda pricey for me so I only want to do it once. Here's how I see it:

12x50 pros:
More magnification

10x42 pros:
20% Lighter & slightly smaller
28ish% Larger FOV

It seems like 10 power is the standard that everyone uses, and there is a size/weight and FOV advantage to them. However I don't hunt with a spotting scope and I think that the increase in magnification would be great for identifying/judging game despite the decrease in FOV. These will primarily be used for glassing elk, deer, and varmints in open mountainous areas as well as desert. What do you guys think?

 

[lloydsmale]

im to shaky with anything more then 10x unless its on a tripod

 

[bruce_ventura]

If you glass while hiking a lot and do not use a tripod, I would go with 10X42 binos. If you glass in low light and have good (corrected) eyesight, I would recommend 8x42 over 10x42. Low light performance is much better with an 8x42 over either bino you mentioned.

If you glass for long periods with a tripod, then 12x50 or even 15x56 is the way to go.

 

[kcebcj]

I totally agree with the two post above. With me movement is the determining factor. If you hike a lot and when you usually spot game you are puffing then keep the power lower. During my back packing days I used a pair of Leitz 7X35 and could hold them still enough to size things up even when a little excited.

 

[Timber338]

I totally agree with the two post above. With me movement is the determining factor. If you hike a lot and when you usually spot game you are puffing then keep the power lower. During my back packing days I used a pair of Leitz 7X35 and could hold them still enough to size things up even when a little excited.

+1. I agree with all of this as well. I currently have 8x42's and love them for their versatility in all terrain while hiking a lot. At some point when I save up enough money I'll get a pair of 10x50's for hunting in more open country.

considering how much binocs cost, I think it would be a really good use of your time to call somebody like Bruce_Ventura at High Power Optics to discuss all of this in more detail. He really knows his stuff. I don't personally know him, but have read enough of his posts to see that he really is good at explaining optics. Bruce, I hope you don't mind the unsolicited endorsement.

 

[gillettehunter]

I hunt wide open high dessert where you can see for a long ways. Use the 12X and have liked them. If your hiking or breathing hard then you need to steady them on something. In the truck , blind or short walks they are great. Got a new pair of 10X in a lighter model and they work nice too. Bruce

 

[bruce_ventura]

...I think it would be a really good use of your time to call somebody like Bruce_Ventura at High Power Optics to discuss all of this in more detail. He really knows his stuff. I don't personally know him, but have read enough of his posts to see that he really is good at explaining optics. Bruce, I hope you don't mind the unsolicited endorsement.

Thanks! I'm always interested in talking optics. Anyone can PM me and we'll set up a call.

Bruce

 

[Dosh]

Stark, have 8X and 12X, the 12's are too heavy and strong. Will try 10X for a happy balance.