Jack Speer
Well-known member
Hi Bruce,
Just wanted to say I enjoy reading your posts whenever I see them. They always provide good information and are easily read.
You know, I neglected to try the 10x42 even though it was sitting there. It did not cross my mind since I was more interested in the bigger exit pupil and bigger field of view of the 10x50. I will keep a note to try the 10x42 next time I stop by there.
That is interesting. I will have to try that model as well when I am tempted by higher power again. The price is nice as well. I wonder though, as an owner of some nice high end binoculars, do you find going to a "lower class" binocular lacking at all? Not to sound like a snob; a real concern of mine when buying my Swarovski was not being able to satisfyingly bird with cheaper optics again.
I found with the greater depth of field of the 8.5x, it was easier to get things in focus than both the 10x and 12x. I know this somewhat contradicts my reasoning for why the 12x was easier to focus with than the 10x, but I'm having trouble putting it into words.
Yes I planned on only having one binocular, but the more time I spend here the more I am tempted to try others. They are fun to read about.
Just wanted to say I enjoy reading your posts whenever I see them. They always provide good information and are easily read.
The much more notciable shake may be partly due to the much greater size, weight and forward balance of the 50 mm compared to a 42 mm. The 10X50 mm is a heavy beast and I find it harder to hold steady free hand compared to a 10X42. It is also more front heavy with the 50 mm of glass up front.
It would interesting if you notice the same amount of additional shake comparing your 8.5X42 with a Swaro EL SV 10X42. I suspect you will find some due to the additional magnification but not as much of a difference that you found comparing to the 10X50.
You know, I neglected to try the 10x42 even though it was sitting there. It did not cross my mind since I was more interested in the bigger exit pupil and bigger field of view of the 10x50. I will keep a note to try the 10x42 next time I stop by there.
I was out yesterday evening using a recently acquired Opticron 10X42 BGA VHD iMagic. It is relatively light for a 42 mm weighing only 24.6 oz (no strap or caps) and is relatively small in size. The place was an area of large open water reclaim ponds with no place to brace. I found the iMagic to be easier to hold steady than most other 10X binoculars I have used. I attribute a lot of that to the lighter weight and the smaller size putting the balance in the hands. It is a very nice binocular.
That is interesting. I will have to try that model as well when I am tempted by higher power again. The price is nice as well. I wonder though, as an owner of some nice high end binoculars, do you find going to a "lower class" binocular lacking at all? Not to sound like a snob; a real concern of mine when buying my Swarovski was not being able to satisfyingly bird with cheaper optics again.
I have not noticed any difference in my ability to get a subject in focus between using my 10X50 EL SV and the 12X50. I will have to watch for that in the future. Did you find it more difficult to achieve a quick focus with your 8.5X compared to the 12X?
I found with the greater depth of field of the 8.5x, it was easier to get things in focus than both the 10x and 12x. I know this somewhat contradicts my reasoning for why the 12x was easier to focus with than the 10x, but I'm having trouble putting it into words.
The 10X50 and the 12X50 are more special purpose binoculars for my use. Your 8.5X42 does sound like a great all round general purpose choice. If I wanted just one binocular, then I can see the case for the 8.5X as a compromise for the advantages for both. However in my case, going with both a 8X and 10X, then I would go with an 8X over a 8.5X to get more of the advantages of the lower magnification (less shake, more depth of field, larger exit pupil).
Yes I planned on only having one binocular, but the more time I spend here the more I am tempted to try others. They are fun to read about.