Obviously, there are many favored formats - each having it's own pro's & cons. However, I am curious if a shallow depth of field is common in the 8x32 format in general? Many seem to really like this format, but I would think that the percieved lack of depth would be a big detriment. Are there bins that seem to suffer more (or less) from this issue than others? If the shallow depth of field is a common issue, then where is the gain from using this format?
I think its a combination of the fast focusers they use today in midsized roofs (the LXL, for example, goes 6 ft to ∞ in the less than 1/2 turn) and the lack of 3-D effect that gives the
perception of poor depth of field.
The pros for 8x32 roof format are FOV, close focus, weight, and size.
The 8x32 model usually has a wider FOV than the 8x42 model (in the case of the Nikon EDG, that only amounts to 1/10 of a degree, but that's an exception to the rule). The 8x32 LXL is 7,8* vs. the 8x42's 7*.
The close focus is usually better, most modern midsized roofs can be used for "butterflying" as well as birding, though here too, the latest and greatest full sized 8xs such as the SV EL, are closing the gap.
Lighter weight and more compact size are other benefits of the midsized format.
There are other trade-offs ("cons") besides a decreased perception of DOF in midsized roofs:
Greater CA due to the shorter FL (ED glass helps here)
They can be harder to hold steady for users with BIG hands (particularly closed bridge roofs)
They often have shorter ER than their full sized counterparts
They have smaller exit pupils than full sized bins. Not a problem in the Lone Star State, but it can be here in Bedford Falls (aka "Cloudy Valley"), particularly in the winter.
I've yet to try an 8x32 roof that could match the resolution of the full sized 8x in the same series.
As far as if there are bins that suffer "mooreorless" from shallow DOF perception...
8x32 LXL = more, 8x32 EDG = less
8x30 SLC = more, 8x32 EL = less
I don't find this perceived shallow DOF issue with Nikon 8x32 SE or 8x30 EII
porros.
Brock