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8x vs 10x (1 Viewer)

Technique...to me, Pileatus has nailed it! :t:

There is no brand, power, size, weight or style of binocular that if I use my grip on the barrels, I can maintain a steady optical image. I almost immediately start seeing hand tremble, my heart beat or even my breathing that detracts or even destroys image sharpness and resolution.

For me, gripping the barrels with finger tips, not the whole hand, gives a steadier, floating image that allows details to come through. This resembles mechanical stabilization, much like current SLR stabilized lenses (that I didn't have in a prior life)!

Shooting techniques, like controlled breathing, relaxation and target focus also help assist me in glassing smoothly for long periods with non-stabilized 10X on up to 15X.

IS camera lenses are heavy, so are IS binoculars. Get the power and resolution you want with non electronic optics, just relax and Enjoy the View. My opinion...YMMV!

Ted
:t:
 
Yup, Pileatus and Ted are spot on with the technique of letting an object float a bit to get a better view rather than clinging on tight to it. The tighter you hold to keep steady, the more shake you will notice.

I have participated in archery for many years. And if you are looking at a sight that is placed over some target, if try to hold tight on that point, rather than letting the "bullseye" or intended target point "float", it is not best for accuracy. Very hard to hold steady and not induce shake. You will not be as accurate.

Different phenomenon, but somewhat similar is to be on a boat and look out and try to have what you are viewing stay rock steady, rather than just letting the scene "float" and move. Well, that is usually a recipe for getting "sea sick".
 
Yup, Pileatus and Ted are spot on with the technique of letting an object float a bit to get a better view rather than clinging on tight to it. The tighter you hold to keep steady, the more shake you will notice.

I have participated in archery for many years. And if you are looking at a sight that is placed over some target, if try to hold tight on that point, rather than letting the "bullseye" or intended target point "float", it is not best for accuracy. Very hard to hold steady and not induce shake. You will not be as accurate.

Different phenomenon, but somewhat similar is to be on a boat and look out and try to have what you are viewing stay rock steady, rather than just letting the scene "float" and move. Well, that is usually a recipe for getting "sea sick".

This is interesting and something I didn't think about...it makes sense. Thanks for the tip guys.
 
Thank you. Very interesting strata. Since I have done archery since I was a kid and shoot as well, I never thought about looking at it from that perspective. Saw a Kingfisher and 4 buffleheads at the lake yesterday during a snow storm. Was rammy from sitting in the house and turned out to be a good day. I love scouting the little buggers. Thanks all.
 
Thank you. Very interesting strata. Since I have done archery since I was a kid and shoot as well, I never thought about looking at it from that perspective. Saw a Kingfisher and 4 buffleheads at the lake yesterday during a snow storm. Was rammy from sitting in the house and turned out to be a good day. I love scouting the little buggers. Thanks all.

Rammy?
 
Technique...to me, Pileatus has nailed it! :t:

There is no brand, power, size, weight or style of binocular that if I use my grip on the barrels, I can maintain a steady optical image. I almost immediately start seeing hand tremble, my heart beat or even my breathing that detracts or even destroys image sharpness and resolution.

For me, gripping the barrels with finger tips, not the whole hand, gives a steadier, floating image that allows details to come through. This resembles mechanical stabilization, much like current SLR stabilized lenses (that I didn't have in a prior life)!

Ted

Yes, I can see the sense in this, in fact, I have noticed many racehorse trainers when watching their horses gallop, do not hold their binocular, they balance them on the finger tips, I never thought about why, but obviously the same principle.
 
I found it easier to hold my 10x steady after being prescribed beta-blockers ;)

Those + a couple of stiff drinks...but after the binos slam down on the chest ...:cat:... and shaking is re-induced, the third is the charm!! B :) :-O 8-P
 
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I have a Swarovski 8x32 SV and the 10x50 SV and I use the 10x50 more because I see more detail. It is harder to manufacturer a good 10x binocular so if you want 10x you have to pay more. I found it is baloney about a 10x being hard to hold. If it balanced good you will have no problem. Yes, it is nice to have both but if you can have only one get the 10x.


Hi Dennis:

Since so much time and so many posts have elapsed since my original post (#11) about why a 10x bino is more difficult to manufacture than an 8x, I thought I would ask again. I hope you don't mind. :cat:

Cheers,

Bill
 
I tried a little experiment awhile back. A friend wanted a good used 10x binocular, he knew nothing at all about binoculars, had moved to the country and wanted me to find him one, insisted 10x but had no reason as to why, he wasn't bothered about cosmetics, just that it was good optically. I actually found him a bargain near mint 10x Leica BN. I gave it to him, together with a Zeiss 10x40 T*P, and a Leica 8x32 BN, not cosmetically perfect, but both optically perfect, both of which I was going to sell, and told him him to use them and let me know which one he wanted, he could have any one for the same price, which was actually less than I paid for them. I showed him how to focus them and adjust diopter setting etc. He tried them a while, and eventually picked the 8x32BN, he did not know why, or anything about FOV, brightness, image shake etc, etc, all he knew was when he used them, in his words " the 8x32 gave the best picture" . It was what I expected, and the reason I gave him both 10x and 8x to try.
 
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Yes, I can see the sense in this, in fact, I have noticed many racehorse trainers when watching their horses gallop, do not hold their binocular, they balance them on the finger tips, I never thought about why, but obviously the same principle.

Hi Ben:

Here’s one for those using the larger raptor-in-the-crags binos. When I introduced this at a Celestron convention, you would have thought I invented optical glass:

Using BOTH hands, hold ONLY ONE telescope as far out as possible on the objective bell. Pretend it’s the only one you have; I put it in front of my dominant (left) eye and let the other bell/barrel/telescope rest upon the back of my other (right) wrist. Slight pressure will hold the telescope into your eye socket; remember the other telescope does not exist.

Many observers find this more comfortable, providing better balance, and being considerably more stable. :cat:

Just a thought.

Bill
 
Hi Ben:

Here’s one for those using the larger raptor-in-the-crags binos. When I introduced this at a Celestron convention, you would have thought I invented optical glass:

Using BOTH hands, hold ONLY ONE telescope as far out as possible on the objective bell. Pretend it’s the only one you have; I put it in front of my dominant (left) eye and let the other bell/barrel/telescope rest upon the back of my other (right) wrist. Slight pressure will hold the telescope into your eye socket; remember the other telescope does not exist.

Many observers find this more comfortable, providing better balance, and being considerably more stable. :cat:

Just a thought.

Bill
Here's the proper technique.
http://www.123rf.com/photo_10832751...rs-with-her-leg-looking-at-camera-and-sm.html
 
Hi Dennis:

Since so much time and so many posts have elapsed since my original post (#11) about why a 10x bino is more difficult to manufacture than an 8x, I thought I would ask again. I hope you don't mind. :cat:

Cheers,

Bill

I expect because it takes an extra number to label it 10 instead of 8
 
32mm vs 42mm
I can promise you....in 99% of birding situations...you'll never notice the brightness difference with 8X binoculars...maybe not with 10X. IMO a GOOD pair of 8X32s are just a GOOD as a pair of 8X42s...all things being equal. In other words...your 8X32 Vanguards will probably do anything a 8X42 Terra will do...

10X vs 8X
Yes...there ARE times I've been glad I had a 10X or wished I had them. But there have been times I wished I had 8X instead of 10X too. Depends on the birding environment/situation. I do agree one NEEDS some 10X binoculars. SO...take the Terra's back. SAVE for some 10X42 Vanguard Endeavor EDs or Vortex Viper HDs.... ALSO watch BF classifieds... There have been some great deals lately! :king:

What you may notice is the ratio of objective diameter to magnification, however, aka exit pupil.

A 10 x 30 binocular versus an 8 x 42 would have a lot of difference in size of the exit pupil, at 3 mm versus just north of 5 mm.

Once properly placed, either one might be better overall, but getting the 8x42 placed usably relative to your eye might be easier than with the 10x30. I know it would be a lot easier for me.

This one varies from person to person, but I spent quite a bit of time learning to get my 8x30s placed well relative to my eyes.
 
What you may notice is the ratio of objective diameter to magnification, however, aka exit pupil.

A 10 x 30 binocular versus an 8 x 42 would have a lot of difference in size of the exit pupil, at 3 mm versus just north of 5 mm.

Once properly placed, either one might be better overall, but getting the 8x42 placed usably relative to your eye might be easier than with the 10x30. I know it would be a lot easier for me.

This one varies from person to person, but I spent quite a bit of time learning to get my 8x30s placed well relative to my eyes.

Totally my experience as well. I really prefer a larger EP, as it makes aligning the image much easier with eyeglasses. It's just more comfortable and also helps when you need to get the bin up quick to your eyes. Overall, a more pleasant viewing experience with 5mm and higher EP.
 
I'm deciding between the Swarskovi Habichts 8x30 or 10x40. The 8x30 has bad flare which the 10x40 has controlled better (how better?). Can you hold the 10x40 steady? Or is shaking really a problem? Anyone who own both of these?

Lume,

Welcome to BF! :hi:

Just sold my Habicht 8x30 W (2014 edition) porros and still own the Habicht 10x40 W GA. I never took the 8x30's out into the field (too many other options for me), but I personally didn't experience flaring issues under other bright daylight conditions. The pair I obtained from another BF member included Butler Creek objective flip caps. Although I didn't have a situation to use them, I'd imagine the extended tubes of the slip-on caps would have blocked stray light, minimizing any perceived flare issues.

Just the same, glassing with my 10x40's never displayed any flaring issues while using in low light, setting sun conditions. However, others are more sensitive to flaring, I'm not! Both the Habicht 8x30 and 10x40 are Solid, well designed optical instruments that are proclaimed by some members as still rivaling the best that roofs have to offer. To my eyes, I personally prefer optics in the SV's, SLC's, SF's, HT's, UVHD+'s roof arenas, but no denying the value and quality of the long seasoned porro's magic!

Ted
 
I'm deciding between the Swarskovi Habichts 8x30 or 10x40. The 8x30 has bad flare which the 10x40 has controlled better (how better?). Can you hold the 10x40 steady? Or is shaking really a problem? Anyone who own both of these?


Have you had the opportunity to try both of these binoculars? One of their biggest issues seems to be the small hard eye cups that are on the black bodied version. The eye cups on the green rubber version are bigger and some people like them better.

See this recent thread on that issue:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=318770

Bob
 
Totally my experience as well. I really prefer a larger EP, as it makes aligning the image much easier with eyeglasses. It's just more comfortable and also helps when you need to get the bin up quick to your eyes. Overall, a more pleasant viewing experience with 5mm and higher EP.

one of the adjustments I've made is to add a pair of wire eyeglass retainers to my glasses. I prefer not to wear glasses if in looking at a perched bird or a landscape.

I really like not having to find a pocket, and as a bonus I haven't dropped my glasses leaning over since I got these set up.

the binos I'm using were made with 8 d of overfocus specifically so I could lose my eyeglasses (6.25 d on the left bloody eye, and the right eye almost always is where the adjustment can be made) - but even without glasses, eye placement in a 3.75 mm exit pupil took some learning and some modification to get dialed in.

it turned out that putting field optics wings on was helpful both for glare and for centering the smaller exit pupils. the extra eyecup diameter with them lets me get the oculars to about the right place more easily by feel.
 
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