Magnification question

[Swedishhunter]

I am looking to buy a new pair of binoculars, leaning towards Vortex Viper HD. But a little unsure which model and more specifically what magnification. I have hunted with both 8x and 9x and definitely want a little more power. But where does it start to get "shaky" and require a tripod setup? I assume the 15x is not really practical for other than spotting with a steady rest or tripod? How about 12x? To clarify, not looking for a specific spotting lense, more of an all-round hunting binocular with good power.

 

[hoshour]

10x is probably the most you can hand-hold without a lot of shakiness

But, I think you are still well served to do anything more than just quick glassing with your binos on a tripod anyway, no matter what the magnification. The rock solid steadiness allows your eyes to see a lot more than you can when you are hand-holding them. You'll be surprised how much more you pick up.

 

[Musket Man]

IMO 10x42 is the best all around bino. Quality of glass will mean alot more then the magnification. If you need more then a good 10x42 I would get a spotting scope.

 

[marcusvdk]

Second MM on the 10x42

 

[rjroberts15]

I have the 12x50 vipers, if I had to do it again I'd get the 10x42's. They are lighter (4oz. I think) and have a wider field of view.

 

[rjroberts15]

I would also look at the Leupold BX-3 Mojave Pro Guide HD 10x42's. They're about the same price and in my opinion are better glass than the Vipers.

 

[Slugz]

If the intent is to hunt with them hanging from your neck/harness/pouch the 10x42 is the way to go.

 

[Swedishhunter]

Thanks guys, very helpful and I think you have convinced me on the 10x. What is the benefit of the 10x42 over the 10x50? I would imagine the 50mm to be slightly brighter but also bigger and heavier, correct? Is there an age aspect? I think I read somewhere regarding scopes that with age your eye can't really absorb all the light from a bigger diameter lens, so it is kind of wasted anyway? (I am 42).

 

[Slugz]

Thanks guys, very helpful and I think you have convinced me on the 10x. What is the benefit of the 10x42 over the 10x50? I would imagine the 50mm to be slightly brighter but also bigger and heavier, correct? Is there an age aspect? I think I read somewhere regarding scopes that with age your eye can't really absorb all the light from a bigger diameter lens, so it is kind of wasted anyway? (I am 42).

SH, Good read below that should answer the mail.

http://forum.eastmans.com/showthread.php/13112-Review-of-my-optics-set-up-maybe-help-those-looking-to-purchase

 

[Slugz]

Thanks guys, very helpful and I think you have convinced me on the 10x. What is the benefit of the 10x42 over the 10x50? I would imagine the 50mm to be slightly brighter but also bigger and heavier, correct? Is there an age aspect? I think I read somewhere regarding scopes that with age your eye can't really absorb all the light from a bigger diameter lens, so it is kind of wasted anyway? (I am 42).

As we age, our eyes do not dilate as much as they did when we were younger. Younger people (under 30 let's say) can usually achieve somewhere around 7mm of dilation. Once we are in our 50's or 60's, the eye will typically dilate to only about 5mm or so. Of course there are exceptions to this, but it's something to keep in mind. If your eyes are only dilating to 5mm, then much of that 7mm shaft of light is never reaching your retina. In this case, you may wish to go with a higher power model.

I think really in the weeds stuff though above....IMO.......if they are hanging and hunting off my neck its 10x42......if I'm glassing an area my son and I will have a spotter and a set of 50s on us.

 

[hoshour]

A person's pupil size varies according to the light. It gets smaller when there is more light and vice versa. But there is a limit it can reach in terms of getting larger, called the maximum pupil size.

The maximum pupil size is 5-9mm under age 25 and decreases with time but varies a great deal among individuals of the same age. At 42, your's may be 4.5 or 6.5. Your doctor can measure your maximum pupil size when you have your next eye exam. Or, you might call, he may have it recorded from your last visit.

You can also measure your's in a room that has been dark for a good 15 minutes. Have your wife hold up to your eye a ruler with millimeters on it while the room stays very dimly lit. It's pretty rough, but better than nothing.

Slugz is correct, if you buy glass with an exit pupil larger than your maximum pupil size, you are needlessly adding weight and probably expense.

But, if you think about it, if your max pupil size is 6, then you would need 10x60 to get all the available light and since I don't know of any binos like that, it's not practical at 10x. If you wanted all the light your eye would allow, you would get it with an 8x50. So, there's a tradeoff between more weight and brightness on the one hand and magnification on the other.

You can see that when you change the magnification on your spotting scope. As the magnification gets higher, the exit pupil gets smaller and the image gets darker.

 

[stevevan]

I find 10x the most I need/can handle. Even then I usually use my shooting sticks to aid in steading.

 

[Catahoula12]

I have both 8x42 and 10x42 in Nikon Monarch 7... I find both excellent but the 8x noticeably better in low light obviously. When we go glassing together (wife ) she always takes the 10x set... Personally I wouldn't go any more than 10x unless you plan on using a tripod.

 

[Swedishhunter]

Just got my Vortex Viper HD 10x42. Very happy so far. Good thing I did not go with higher magnification. Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

[hoshour]

Even with 10x, use it on a tripod as much as possible. You'll see more game.

 

[JimP]

When I am using my 15x and 10x binoculars I try to lay down on the ground and raise my head slightly and use my body for support. It is surprising at how steady it is that way.