I was wondering what the preferred spec for bins amongst BF'ers is... I know there are some who have a different set for different types of viewing, but what if you had to do it all with one pair, what would you want? (I'm not wanting to know which specific binocular you want, just what spec).
I'll kick off with my opinion. Firstly I like lower powered bins, I've never owned a pair of 10x bins but can never get on with them when testing. I have owned both porro and roof prism bins and prefer roofs. I like the more compact design and the potential for closer focusing.
So for me it comes down to three choices 8x42, 7x42 or 8x32 roofs. I have owned all three specs so have had the chance to compare them in real world situations. For me 7x42s beat 8x42s hands down, the wider FOV, better DOF (hardly used the focus on them), and brighter image.
7x42s vs 8x32s is a far tougher choice - I like the closer focus and the compact design of 8x32s... but the DOF and low light performance is better in 7x42s. Overall though I'd say that 8x32 roofs win out for me (very closely followed by 7x42 roofs).
I'll kick off with my opinion. Firstly I like lower powered bins, I've never owned a pair of 10x bins but can never get on with them when testing. I have owned both porro and roof prism bins and prefer roofs. I like the more compact design and the potential for closer focusing.
So for me it comes down to three choices 8x42, 7x42 or 8x32 roofs. I have owned all three specs so have had the chance to compare them in real world situations. For me 7x42s beat 8x42s hands down, the wider FOV, better DOF (hardly used the focus on them), and brighter image.
7x42s vs 8x32s is a far tougher choice - I like the closer focus and the compact design of 8x32s... but the DOF and low light performance is better in 7x42s. Overall though I'd say that 8x32 roofs win out for me (very closely followed by 7x42 roofs).