Which Power and Size of Binocular to Pick?
If you are trying to decide between a 8x42 or say a 10x50 or any other sizes, here is some helpful information:
Magnification - The first number refers to the power, such as 8x or 10x. The lower the power, the easier it is to focus and hold the binocular steady. So use higher powers only as necessary.
Size - The second number is a measure of size - it's the effective diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. This is the biggest lens that points towards your object. The bigger the size, the more light it gathers, so images are brighter and you can see fainter objects. However, the larger the size, the heavier it is, so harder to keep steady in your hands.
BY LEVEL:
For a beginner, go towards lower power and smaller diameters, a great starter "full size" binocular is a 8x42. Or try our compact binoculars.
For more advanced users, you can try a 10x42.
BY APPLICATION:
For astronomy, a 10x50 or 12x50 is best to see faint objects.
For hunting, an 8x42 works for most hunting or 10x42 for longer range hunting is better.
For bird watching, for a beginner a 8x42 works great, and an experienced binocular user can try a 10x42.
BY COST:
Lower - A compact binocular is the most economical and corresponds to anything below 42mm. Also a monocular is a great choice.
Higher - The higher power and size is most expensive, but has the highest light gathering ability.
Magnification - The first number refers to the power, such as 8x or 10x. The lower the power, the easier it is to focus and hold the binocular steady. So use higher powers only as necessary.
Size - The second number is a measure of size - it's the effective diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. This is the biggest lens that points towards your object. The bigger the size, the more light it gathers, so images are brighter and you can see fainter objects. However, the larger the size, the heavier it is, so harder to keep steady in your hands.
BY LEVEL:
For a beginner, go towards lower power and smaller diameters, a great starter "full size" binocular is a 8x42. Or try our compact binoculars.
For more advanced users, you can try a 10x42.
BY APPLICATION:
For astronomy, a 10x50 or 12x50 is best to see faint objects.
For hunting, an 8x42 works for most hunting or 10x42 for longer range hunting is better.
For bird watching, for a beginner a 8x42 works great, and an experienced binocular user can try a 10x42.
BY COST:
Lower - A compact binocular is the most economical and corresponds to anything below 42mm. Also a monocular is a great choice.
Higher - The higher power and size is most expensive, but has the highest light gathering ability.
Updated on: 13/01/2024
Thank you!