I am not sure if 10x50 get a lot of use around here. The "favourite size poll" says 10x50 is the favourite size of 2,45 % of the users taking part in that survey, which is not a lot. On the other hand, that doesn't mean that many members don't use them as a secondary binocular (I know for sure that some members share other hobbies such as stargazing, where a 10x50 comes handy).
I've tried a number of 10x42, and I never seem to find a spot for that format; it does not give me a lot that a 7-8x42 won't give me. And then, there are situations where I feel I want a bit more reach, and especially a bit more light gathering capability (late birding, where 10x combined with a large exit pupil can shine and, obviously, astronomy).
So I'm in the search for a nice 10x50 that can be used for stationary bird observation (car, shore) or on short walks, where size/weight are not an issue and also that can double as a stargazing binocular (where 10x50 is a classical format). Because of this double use, I can't justify IF, which wouldn't be comfortable for birding. So central focus it is. What is there to be enjoyed between 300-500 €/$?
We all know there are many good value binoculars in different price ranges (the "famous case of the Sightron 8x32" is a good example, but the Conquest HD in the Sub-1000 category is also a typical example). The range of binoculars around 500 € is getting more and more competitive and interesting, and can give more and more performance for a pretty reasonable price. However, brands tend to focus on the x32 and x42 formats, and the x50 doesn't get a lot of attention, and there are way fewer choices.
In short: what 300-500 €/$ 10x50 offer good performance. Size and shape are not crucial, but image quality is. Probably porro is the way to go, but many good quality 10x50 porros are IF, because they are designed for astronomy as a main activity. Any ideas or suggestions with central focus? Is something like a 10x50 Diamondback HD a good advice? Why doesn't Nikon seem to offer something other than the Action EX or the Prostaff 5?
Thank you fellow members
I've tried a number of 10x42, and I never seem to find a spot for that format; it does not give me a lot that a 7-8x42 won't give me. And then, there are situations where I feel I want a bit more reach, and especially a bit more light gathering capability (late birding, where 10x combined with a large exit pupil can shine and, obviously, astronomy).
So I'm in the search for a nice 10x50 that can be used for stationary bird observation (car, shore) or on short walks, where size/weight are not an issue and also that can double as a stargazing binocular (where 10x50 is a classical format). Because of this double use, I can't justify IF, which wouldn't be comfortable for birding. So central focus it is. What is there to be enjoyed between 300-500 €/$?
We all know there are many good value binoculars in different price ranges (the "famous case of the Sightron 8x32" is a good example, but the Conquest HD in the Sub-1000 category is also a typical example). The range of binoculars around 500 € is getting more and more competitive and interesting, and can give more and more performance for a pretty reasonable price. However, brands tend to focus on the x32 and x42 formats, and the x50 doesn't get a lot of attention, and there are way fewer choices.
In short: what 300-500 €/$ 10x50 offer good performance. Size and shape are not crucial, but image quality is. Probably porro is the way to go, but many good quality 10x50 porros are IF, because they are designed for astronomy as a main activity. Any ideas or suggestions with central focus? Is something like a 10x50 Diamondback HD a good advice? Why doesn't Nikon seem to offer something other than the Action EX or the Prostaff 5?
Thank you fellow members
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