Looking for a new pair of binocs and want some of your pros and cons between 10x42 and 10x50. Would be used for mostly stand hunting in Michigan, but also want something that would be valuble on a western hunt. What do you gain/lose with the 50's? Fire away fellas!!
10x42 or 10x50???
- Thread starter Mr.BowJangles
- Start date
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
You gain .8mm of exit pupil, which should help in very low light. You also lose in something else you gain ... weight and bulk.
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So you will pull in a little more light and thats about it. Is it enough of a difference to really matter with a higher quality glass?
BKC
Very Active Member
The average pupil on a human is 3 to 4 mm. If you have a exit pupil of 4 ( in other words objective size divided by the magnification ) then all your pupil is covered with the light that you are looking at. Anything more is a waste. That being said the 10 x 50 will give you an exit pupil of 5mm and a 8 x 42 will give you an exit pupil of 5.25 mm and cover more than just your pupil. My son has a pair of 7 x 50 steiners and immediatly when you put them up you see a great picture. Look in to a bright light and have someone look at the light that is being cast on your eye. You will see how much light is cast outside your pupil. Also the more light your pupils recieve the more they dialate and get smaller. I think the bino people have it all figured out and probably sell more 8 x 42 than anything. It is the most poular size.
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Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I like a 4mm exit pupil or larger. The human pupil dialates from about 2mm in bright light to about 7mm in low light/ dark. An exit pupil larger than your pupil isn't exactly wasted, in that your pupil has a little more room to wiggle around, kind of like a stabilized camera lens, so you can get a little steadier picture.
To me, I prefer the weight and size savings of the 10X42 over the 10X50. If I want more exit pupil, I go down in magnification, as BKC noted.
To me, I prefer the weight and size savings of the 10X42 over the 10X50. If I want more exit pupil, I go down in magnification, as BKC noted.
flatlander51
New Member
For what it is worth I have multiple pairs of binos from compact up to 10x50. The various makers have it figured out that each size has its pros/cons. Guiding out west I use each of them differently, but the one that makes it around my neck the most is 10x42. I believe that the size/weight makes a difference when one uses them day in and day out. Buy the best quality glass that the budget can swallow.
xtreme
Very Active Member
Muleys 24/7
Veteran member
betterthanwefoundit
New Member
- Jun 2, 2012
- 13
- 0
I have worked my way up n quality to the cabelas meopta 12x50 & love images. Size &l weight not so much. I use them on tripod a lot. 10x42 is my next purchase. Will be a much friendlier packing bino and also easily tucked in jacket when im on stand for whitetail. Again the best quality i can aff
ord.
ord.
10X42 vs. 10X50? I've been looking to buy a new pair of binoculars and am considering the Vortex Diamondbacks (about what my budget can handle). I've always had less expensive binoculars with little attention to lens diameter or exit pupil or any of that... I looked through someone's 8X42 Diamondbacks and was amazed at the clearness and light - a revelation to say the least.
I live on a lake and view birds pretty much from my front yard. I also like to bird in the winter time. In both cases, I'm really not carrying the binoculars for a long period of time. I like the larger magnification for distance.
I'm leaning toward the 10X50 Vortex Diamondbacks - any other suggestions?
I live on a lake and view birds pretty much from my front yard. I also like to bird in the winter time. In both cases, I'm really not carrying the binoculars for a long period of time. I like the larger magnification for distance.
I'm leaning toward the 10X50 Vortex Diamondbacks - any other suggestions?
I sent ya a p.m. Also I would consider yhe talons over the diamondbacks. The price difference is noticeable they are a great bino for the money!
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
BB is an optics Jedi and tests more optics in a year than most of us have a chance to use in 10 years so I would P.M him with questions. Just my two cents. I own a pair of Leupolds in the 700.00 range I bought a few years ago that are 10 x 50 and I like them a lot better than the 8 x 42's but can't say on the 10 x 42.
Musket Man
Veteran member
I would agree BB tests more optocs in a year then I will in 30 or 40 years! I have had 1 pair of Swarovski EL 10x42's for the last 10 years and I have no plans to replace them! Think I got them the first year the EL came out. Before that I had stiner predator 12x50 that got blurry after 2 or 3 years. Cabelas gave me a full refund on them so I put it toward the Swarovski's and never looked back! IMO good quality 10x42's are the best all around binos.
Graylight
Active Member
Upon asking most western hunters, you will come to find that 10X42's are the standard. With that said, if the extra weight doesn't bother you, then the larger objective will only benefit you.
25contender
Veteran member
- Mar 20, 2013
- 1,638
- 90
10X42 Swarovski's here don't leave the truck without them!! My 10x 50s were just to bulky and heavy. I don't really feel you really don't give up that much going with the 10x42s if you get good glass. I surly don't miss the extra weight of the 10x50s. Mark
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HiMtnHnter
Active Member
10x50's are a pretty big binocular for western hunting, unless you are using a tripod. For around the neck I like an 8x42 or 10x42. I use both depending on the situation, but most of the time my 10x42s make the cut.