8x vs 10x (1 Viewer)

[Pabluefox]

Thanks for all the advice. Appreciate it.

 

[perterra]

Thanks for all the advice. Appreciate it.

I prefer 8X, never found enough difference between 7, 8 or 10 to matter.

 

[etudiant]

The trick is to learn how to let the image "float" so smoothly the data can be easily deciphered by the eye. I apply shooting techniques acquired in my youth (thank you Gunny Acosta) that have proved invaluable while birding. Trying to hold a bin rock steady is the job of a tripod, not a human.

Or just apply technology in the shape of a stabilized glass such as Canon's 12x36.
For anything other than very low light conditions, it will run circles around the competition, at a reasonably competitive cost.

 

[Pileatus]

Or just apply technology in the shape of a stabilized glass such as Canon's 12x36.
For anything other than very low light conditions, it will run circles around the competition, at a reasonably competitive cost.

Most birders would disagree.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Or just apply technology in the shape of a stabilized glass such as Canon's 12x36.
For anything other than very low light conditions, it will run circles around the competition, at a reasonably competitive cost.

Yes, a steady image but not an alpha level image. Tried the Canon's and except for 10x42 IS-L they are not alpha level optics.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Actually I agree with Dennis, a 10X is`nt hard to hold, in fact I find it just as easy as my 7x..................keeping it steady though is a different matter.

Just down a couple ale's. You will be steadier than a Canon IS.

 

[SuperDuty]

So if you own a $2000 binocular, that automatically makes you a snob, interesting.

 

[mfunnell]

So if you own a $2000 binocular, that automatically makes you a snob, interesting.

I've never met anyone who is snobbish about binoculars, but I probably hang out with the "wrong" crowd. I have met a (very) few people who act snobbish about cameras and lenses. They're well worth avoiding. I will point out, though, that being a binocular snob would be much cheaper!

...Mike

 

[perterra]

So if you own a $2000 binocular, that automatically makes you a snob, interesting.

Dont be so quick to take offense.

 

[WJC]

I prefer 8X, never found enough difference between 7, 8 or 10 to matter.

Suran I di nokt know thar were real Donals in Wes Tejas. :eek!:

Bill

 

[Tero]

I only use 10x for ducks in winter, maybe some raptors. When I'm too lazy to bring the scope along or it is just too much of a distance. I haul the scope up to a mile away. My 10x is an off brand ED no longer found. I still have two 10x, the other is Bushnell but I do not use it in cold weather. Too stiff.

 

[Pabluefox]

No, it is not that someone who owns a 2,000 binocular is a snob. Believe me, they are in my future, just not yet. BUT, I've met many, many nice birders and the ones who have been birding for years all have alpha optics. I've shared their scopes many times. There are those that exist though that won't even talk to you unless a 2000 optic is around your neck. I've become really engrossed in this hobby because I've always loved birds but also because of the people I've met.

I laughed when on a hawk count, one guy noone knew was picking up on species and seeing birds when the rest of us couldn't even see them yet. Turned out he had a pair of 30 power cheap zooms. Handed them to me while he took a photo of a passing golden eagle. Gave me a wonderful view of that bird.

 

[etudiant]

Yes, a steady image but not an alpha level image. Tried the Canon's and except for 10x42 IS-L they are not alpha level optics.

The nice thing about the Canons is that none are alpha priced either...

Do agree the excellent 10x42s are probably not the glass for a safari, they are heavy enough to do real damage when bouncing around.

 

[perterra]

Suran I di nokt know thar were real Donals in Wes Tejas. :eek!:

Bill

We are everywhere now days, mostly run out of our home land, so here we be.

 

[Maljunulo]

You guys are missing out on a really good thing.

It's fun to be a snob.

 

[perterra]

I've never met anyone who is snobbish about binoculars, but I probably hang out with the "wrong" crowd. I have met a (very) few people who act snobbish about cameras and lenses. They're well worth avoiding. I will point out, though, that being a binocular snob would be much cheaper!

...Mike

I think before Denco became the kinder gentler Denco he insinuated your choice of binocular says a lot about you. If I recall owning the best put spring in your step and let people know you were serious.

 

[mfunnell]

I think before Denco became the kinder gentler Denco he insinuated your choice of binocular says a lot about you. If I recall owning the best put spring in your step and let people know you were serious.

Perhaps, but I've never met Dennis. I'm not sure I count "online" as "meeting" (not that I don't love you all :eek!: ).

...Mike

 

[Dennis Mau]

The nice thing about the Canons is that none are alpha priced either...

Do agree the excellent 10x42s are probably not the glass for a safari, they are heavy enough to do real damage when bouncing around.

The Canon 10x42 IS-L is optically a superb binocular. The only thing that will beat it optically are the top 10x50 alpha's like my SV but with the IS on you will see more detail with the Canon but it is a PIA ergonomically(The eyecups are really uncomfortable) and functionally compared to an SV and in reality you can hold a 10x50 SV pretty steady and you don't have to mess around with the buttons and batteries. I loved the Canon's 10x42 IS-L until I met the 10x50 SV and then I found my new love. The rest of the Canon's are sub-alpha with dull contrast and they never gave me the WOW factor like the alphas although you can see a lot of detail in them with the IS. Tried all the Canon's. Been there done that.

 

[cycleguy]

I only use 10x for ducks in winter, maybe some raptors. When I'm too lazy to bring the scope along or it is just too much of a distance. I haul the scope up to a mile away. My 10x is an off brand ED no longer found. I still have two 10x, the other is Bushnell but I do not use it in cold weather. Too stiff.

Yep... 10x or better for Velociraptors! Don't want to get too close to those buggers... :king:

CG

 

[Theo98]

The trick is to learn how to let the image "float" so smoothly the data can be easily deciphered by the eye. I apply shooting techniques acquired in my youth (thank you Gunny Acosta) that have proved invaluable while birding. Trying to hold a bin rock steady is the job of a tripod, not a human.

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