Dan, you mentioned earlier that you are aware that what you would be receiving are personal opinions, and indeed that is true - so in the final analysis the best compromise is going to be what works for you.
The 10x50 SV certainly has an enticing view.
Just to offer more completeness of information, it does fit my large hands very well, and I can hold it very steady. At a kg it is heavy, and so you should think how that will affect your particular styles of use as time goes on - ie. if you also find it nice to hold, and steady to hold, how long will you be able to use it for at a stretch? What about after a strenuous hike up a hill - what then? Do you become fatigued? and how does that affect the steadiness? Also, how will you carry it - do you want a kg hanging around your neck? Will you use a sling? Or a harness?
For comparison I also find the 42mm SV's to be heavier than I would desire in a 42mm binocular. There's not much in it with the 50mm, that's what rules the 10x42 SV out for me - plenty of 'personal' drawbacks and no really tangible advantages.
The other thing to consider with a 10x is the depth of field - it is narrower in the 10x than a 8.5x /8x. .... how will this go when you are doing the more closed in, closer woodland component of your mixed viewing? Bear in mind that the SV focus is not lightning quick.
Along with the 10x50 SV, another bin I would check out in the 10x vs 8.5x question is the NIKON 10x42 MHG. It ticks many boxes - 120m Fov tick, light weight tick (~2/3rds of the 10x50 SV, and ~80% of the 8.5x42 SV). You are going from a ~5mm EP with either of the SV's though down to 4.2mm so factor that into the equation for dusk/dawn and deep shadow viewing. You would have to carefully compare them optically - brightness, depth of field, Chromatic Aberration, glare handling, across the field sharpness, panning, and plain old fit to your face/eyes /ease of use, and see if they match what the SV's offer for you. On the upside the MHG focuser is likely to be noticeably better and faster too, and the cost may be around half of the SV's. You should also consider Warranty and customer support in your Country.
That's my best advice, compare away, and get what compromise ticks the most boxes for you and suits you best. Ideally you would finalize say two selections and purchase them on trial (or hire a 2nd one) and compare them over a week or two, and return the less suitable one. If this is not possible, then compare your purchase carefully with the options along the lines that I have mentioned - good luck! Don't do your head in too much, your 8.5x42 is a fine all rounder.
Chosun :gh:
Hello Chosun,
I went back to the shop to do some more comparisons. The 10x50 is indeed a fine binocular, but I had hoped its weight or the shake would instantly put me off. It did not. I spent an age going from one binocular to the next, in the end the guy in the shop said he would loan me the 10x50 to do some proper comparisons in the field.
I've had the two binoculars since Saturday now and still none the wiser. Yes, the 10x50 is heavier but I hardly notice the weight. It's not unless I've been holding them up for a prolonged period, then I feel it.
In the woods, finding birds hasn't been an issue with the 10x50. The focus is quite slow but incredibly smooth, and the extra magnification is definitely noticeable. I haven't been hiking with them yet, so I haven't tired holding them when tired.
So far the only cons for the 10x50 are the price, the lack of close focus, and potentially the weight. Hopefully by the end of the week, I am able to make my mind up!
Dan
Good luck with your choice, you are certainly going about it the right way. When considering which model to go for, if you can, do think ahead into the future.
If you use your binos only to identify a bird species or indeed just to find it before getting a scope on it, then heavier bins may not be a problem. If you like to watch behaviour for as long as the birds or animals are in view, then a heavier bino could be a real problem after 15 or 20 minutes. We have been known to watch Otters or Seals for over an hour at a time. And then there is the close focus capability. If you have no interest in butterflies or dragonflies or freshwater life or marine life in rock pools etc then a real close focus would not be useful to you. But if you suspect that on hikes, if the birds are being shy and keeping hidden, you might like to watch dragonflies or some of the other stuff I mentioned, then having a good close focus (say 2.0 metres or less) now will mean you can expand your interest in nature when you are ready.
Lee
Hi,
congratulations on your Swarovision 8.5x44 - nice glass certainly... the 10x50 would have been a worthy opponent for my SE 10x42 ;-)
Joachim
Thanks for the advice, Lee, it's much appreciated.
I am indeed already extremely interested in all of nature, have been since a little boy. My background is in ecology, and up until 2015 I worked as an ecologist.
All the points you made are incredibly valid, and it is these that have help form my choice.
I have just got back from another outing with the bins, and although I love the 10x50, ultimately it doesn't weigh up against the 8.5x42. I, like you, consider the close focus as an important feature. I also spend time watching different animals, so the extra weight does become a factor with this in mind. Also, as previously said, this is going to be my one family binocular, so I need it to be a good all rounder.
I'm happy I've spent the time trying different bins, I now am 200% happy with my final choice. Tomorrow I am taking a work colleague to see a family of wild beavers
I know of. I can't wait to actually enjoy my new binocular, instead of stressing over comparisons.
All the best,
Dan
You can't beat that! :king: :t: Sounds good. It's always a nice feeling to be very comfortable with your final choice, and happy with the compromises made. You can now just enjoy! .... :cat:I now am 200% happy with my final choice.....
You can't beat that! :king: :t: Sounds good. It's always a nice feeling to be very comfortable with your final choice, and happy with the compromises made. You can now just enjoy! .... :cat:
Btw, Joachim mentioned you had the new 8.5x44 SV - I wasn't aware that this rumoured new model was officially released yet - how did you manage to get a hold of it so soon? Do the tangible, very real and easily visible performance improvements reported show up in your usage?
Hahaha!! Lol!!! :-O Just funnin' ya! 3 Relax - no 44mm models on the way - just go and enjoy your bins ....... :cat:
Chosun :gh:
Enjoy your SV` Dan.
Clearly Chosun is unaware of the 700g 9x45 SVEB (extreme baffling) launching at Birdfair 2017
To change the subject slightly, do people just insure their binoculars under the house insurance or take out a separate policy?
Would think that house/contents insurance would cover the binoculars, but thankfully have never tested that.
Here in the US, it is costly to file a claim, as your future rates are adjusted to reflect it. That is why for example most solvent drivers will prefer to settle privately, it is cheaper that way.
A separate policy for binoculars seems unlikely, as the item value is too low and the usual claims, for loss or theft, are best covered under a broader umbrella policy.
Congrats on the 8X5X42 SV Dan! For an all arounder....pretty hard to beat!
To change the subject slightly, do people just insure their binoculars under the house insurance or take out a separate policy?
John
News of this leaked locally here in Sheffield last week because the new carbon-fibre component factory being opened by MacLaren just a couple of miles away is making the carbon-fibre optical tubes for this new SV. Using similar technology to that used on the upwards-opening doors on MacLaren sports cars, the focus wheel can be cranked somewhat to the left side or right side according to your preference or fitted with an optional wheel sized for those who always use two opposing fingers.
And of course the name Extreme Baffling has nothing to do with any of CJ's contributions on BF.
Lee