What will an NL x50 offer in terms of handling?
At this stage, in terms of hand-holding a large binocular with the NL's unique design, the Vortex Razor UHD's probably come closest to giving an idea
The UHD's come in three sizes, with the most relevant being the 12x50 and 18x56 versions
Roger Vine has reviewed the 18x56 at:
Vortex Razor 18x56 UHD Review
See three photos, including one comparing the 18x56 to the conventionally shaped Swarovski SLC 15x56
Roger notes in relation to the Vortex:
'Those barrels with their long slim section and flared ends look weird. But here’s the thing, they make these the most comfortable big-eye bino’s I have tested. Reducing shakes in big-eyes means holding them around the objectives: Vortex know this and have designed accordingly, with that patch of ribbed armour where your fingertips go. This feature really helps make them easier to hold stead. The only problem is that the focuser is then a long way off; it might have been better on the front end of the bridge'
And in his conclusions, comparing the Vortex to the Swarovski SLC 15x56:
'The Razors’ slim, flared barrels are a bit easier and more comfortable to hold steady'
From Roger's comments it seems that he prefers a symmetric hold on the front of long and heavy binoculars (especially note the observation about the focuser location). And since he wears spectacles, he indexes and presumedly braces the ends of the eyecups against the spectacle lenses
In contrast I don't wear glasses, and with my EL 12x50 I prefer an asymmetric hold; with one hand as far forward as possible, and the other sufficiently rearward so that the thumb is braced against my nose - forming a triangle with the top of the two eyecups braced against my brow ridge
(compared to the photograph of Roger, my front hand would be more forward, and my back hand more rearward)
Either with or without glasses, I'd be surprised if the symmetrical hold of the waist of the NL x42 that seems to work so well for many, would be as successful with a longer and heavier - and presumedly more forward balanced - NL x50. Though the FRP forehead brace may help make a difference for some
And of course the smaller volume of the waist in the focuser area, will be a significant advantage for any with smaller hands wishing to hand-hold a large binocular
. . . so in anticipation of an NL 12x50
John
p.s. In contrast to the photograph, I hold my elbows closer together, so that my forearms are more nearly vertical when viewed from the front.
This means that the weight of the binocular is supported on the palms of my hands, and not my thumbs
