Binocular Magnification Dilemma!

Rich1990 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 04:11 PM

Hello all

After looking around through countless top end binocular reviews and trying several brands etc. I decided to pull the trigger on a pair of EL 42's, as they stood out to me as having simply the finest quality.

The only problem is I really cant seem to choose between the 8.5x and 10x magnification. I have tried out both and like the extra magnification of the 10x, but also like the steadiness of the 8.5 models and the wider field of view. I am currently using lower range binoculars (Celestron Outland LX's) which have a magnification of 10x, sometimes I have a problem with the shake, sometimes I don't. I use my bins for nature observation of all kinds i.e. insects, birds, the occasional boat trip around Skomer etc. and so need a versatile binocular to suit my needs.

basically I was hoping someone could help me decide which size to go for? Does anyone have 8.5x magnification bins and wish they had 10x for any reason, or vice versa? Any guidance from someone with more experience with top end binoculars than myself would be greatly appreciated.

RJ

tcvarlh · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 04:34 PM

It's one of those things, some will clamour for the high Mag, others decry it. I needed Zooms, which have other problems but I had no choice as I wasn't going to lug two sets around with me, up and down ruddy mountains. My needs were different to yours, I was observing large Mammals from a hide or across a valley and only now and again Birds. So the Zoom problems were not too awkward. They are out performed by my other set. I adapted to the Zooms and wouldn't be with out them now but it was initially a right pain in the ...
Sorry I can't be of more help.

h

nightshade · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 05:36 PM

Where do you go to spot birds?
Woodland type areas 8x42
Open ground/pasture 10x50
You have one size and get your partener to carry the other

Tringa · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 07:19 PM

Really it is what you feel more comfortable with. I know this is not much help, but it is you who is shelling out the money so they have to be right for you and what we say is not worth much.

Having said that here is a thought. If you look at something 50m away (ie about the length of about 4 - 5 normal buses) then 10mag binoculars will make it appear 5m away whereas with the 8.5 mag bins it will appear to be 5.88m away. 88cm doesn't sound a lot. Put it another way it is a difference of 18% which, to me, sounds more.

I've used 10x50s and 7x50s and I don't feel the lower mag ones are underpowered but that is just me; but ultimately its your call.

Dave

wizzo · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 07:31 PM

I use 8x42 Hawk Frontiers for my general birdwatching which are superb and about as good as any top end bino's and I carry a lighter, cheaper pair of 10x25 Opticron's for general use. I'm delighted with both pairs really, but I slightly favour the 8x42's. Wizzo

Rich1990 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 08:34 PM

Thanks for the replies peps

88cm at 50m doesn't sound a lot really does it! I suppose it is only 1.5x difference which doesn't sound much either. My main concern is that with the 8.5's I will feel the loss in magnification, although I do find them more comfortable to use when trying them out.

I also have a pair of 10x25 pocket Swaro's which I keep with me most of the time.

To answer Nightshades question I visit many different habitats for different reasons, which doesnt make choosing any easier for me