Does it make sense having a 10x32 and a 10x42 of the same type? (2 Viewers)

[ReinierB]

Why not try the NL 12x42?

I traded in my EL 12x50 for a NL 12x42
And I traded in my NL 10x42 for the NL 12x52.

So now I have the NL 10x32, NL 12x42 and the NL 10x52. More versatile and way too expensive. It has been an addiction, but now I am very happy.
I used to be not the biggest fan of NL's, because of the looks I think. But the large afov and the ergonomics are really special to me. I also like the multiple eyecup positions, so there always is the right position for my facial structure (with the EL's I struggled with this).

So NL 10x32 and NL 10x42 were too close for me. I thought about trading my NL 10x32 for NL 8x32, but I like higher magnifications and the smaller afov of the NL 8x32 put me off (although 65 degress afov is already luxurious.)

So yes, I like my NL 12x42! It's my main birding glass at the moment. The 10x52 is for lowlight and the 10x32 when weight plays a bigger role.

 

[rodneyAB]

Put the 12x42 on tripod yesterday. First time with tripod. Initially confining, I need practice. Focused on a group of Redwood trees, at a distance where it can be the silhouette of a bird that is only seen. Spotted through branches of the tree near to me, a large shape on branches of the next tree beyond. Tripod mounted permitted time to study rather than scan past. A tell tale tail feather wiggle differentiated the shape from a glob of foliage, and a white band across the tail feathers, with wing movement, light and dark patterns over the backside...Red Shouldered Hawk. A scope may have given better view, but the 12x42 tripod mounted gave a cleaner view than I've previously had handheld. Sitting in chair on patio under cloudy sky.

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

I traded in my EL 12x50 for a NL 12x42
And I traded in my NL 10x42 for the NL 12x52.

So now I have the NL 10x32, NL 12x42 and the NL 10x52. More versatile and way too expensive. It has been an addiction, but now I am very happy.
I used to be not the biggest fan of NL's, because of the looks I think. But the large afov and the ergonomics are really special to me. I also like the multiple eyecup positions, so there always is the right position for my facial structure (with the EL's I struggled with this).

So NL 10x32 and NL 10x42 were too close for me. I thought about trading my NL 10x32 for NL 8x32, but I like higher magnifications and the smaller afov of the NL 8x32 put me off (although 65 degress afov is already luxurious.)

So yes, I like my NL 12x42! It's my main birding glass at the moment. The 10x52 is for lowlight and the 10x32 when weight plays a bigger role.

Yes great combo like mine. 10x32 and 12x42 NL. Best of both worlds!

 

[SanderBird82]

Yes great combo like mine. 10x32 and 12x42 NL. Best of both worlds!

Dont you think there too close?
Why not 8x32/42?

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

Dont you think there too close?
Why not 8x32/42?

I had the CL 8x30, EL 8x32 and EL 10x42 and 8x32 were my primary since 2010.

The luxury of wide afov with the NL made me decided to get back into 10x and when I found out the NL 12x42 afov were wider and lighter than my EL 10x42, it was a best decision for having the 32 and 42mm for different purposes while birding on different habitats

I see more details with the 12x of the same birds I have seen many times in my birding tours than with the 8x...

 

[ReinierB]

I had the CL 8x30, EL 8x32 and EL 10x42 and 8x32 were my primary since 2010.

The luxury of wide afov with the NL made me decided to get back into 10x and when I found out the NL 12x42 afov were wider and lighter than my EL 10x42, it was a best decision for having the 32 and 42mm for different purposes while birding on different habitats

I see more details with the 12x of the same birds I have seen many times in my birding tours than with the 8x...

And what about dense forests when the light is fading? You traded in exit pupils of 4mm and 4.2mm for 3.2mm and 3.5mm.
Do you sometimes miss 8 power or larger exit pupils?

I what accoasions do you use the NL 10x32?
I found that I use my NL 12x42 way more since I have it.

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

And what about dense forests when the light is fading? You traded in exit pupils of 4mm and 4.2mm for 3.2mm and 3.5mm.
Do you sometimes miss 8 power or larger exit pupils?

I what accoasions do you use the NL 10x32?
I found that I use my NL 12x42 way more since I have it.

I have used both for night safari and also in the deep rainforest from dusk till dawn. So far for my eyes, I didn't find any problem with the smaller exit pupils.

And I do planned my daily trip either along the access road or trails while on tours. So 12x42 would be for the road, open area, river cruise and 10x32 for the trails.

At the same time, I let my clients tried those binos so they could see which one is the best for them if they decided to upgrade in the future.

But if I could only choose one bino for the rest of my life, NL Pure 12x42 with headrest 🤤

 

[quincy88]

In my collection, same model 8x32 and 8x42? No. 10x32 and 10x42? No
The closest I have to this scenario is a pair of 7x35 Retrovids and a pair of 7x42 Ultravids. They are very different in the hand, while both still being relatively lightweight and handy. Their views are very similar to my eye though. It does not make sense to have both. The Ultravid is all I need. I'm never getting rid of either pair though.

 

[SanderBird82]

In my collection, same model 8x32 and 8x42? No. 10x32 and 10x42? No
The closest I have to this scenario is a pair of 7x35 Retrovids and a pair of 7x42 Ultravids. They are very different in the hand, while both still being relatively lightweight and handy. Their views are very similar to my eye though. It does not make sense to have both. The Ultravid is all I need. I'm never getting rid of either pair though.

I dont understand. 7x35/ 7x42 combo is more close to eachother than 8x32/8x42 and 10x32/10x42?

 

[Trinovid]

I dont understand. 7x35/ 7x42 combo is more close to eachother than 8x32/8x42 and 10x32/10x42?

You'd have to try them both yourself to understand because they're totally different instruments in hand.
I have one of the last Leitz 7x35 iterations and a 7x42 HD+, and they coexist very well together.

 

[quincy88]

I dont understand. 7x35/ 7x42 combo is more close to eachother than 8x32/8x42 and 10x32/10x42?

Kind of more close to each other. A modern 7x35 and a modern 7x42 would be very similar. There aren’t many modern 7x35s though, and my pair is based on a very old design. They are actually Trinovids, but we call them “Retrovids” which is a nickname referencing their vintage design.
The Ultavids and Retrovids aren’t the same model, which is why I made the distinction between my collection and the ops question. They have totally different look and feel because they are different models, but very similar view because they are the same manufacturer.

 

[quincy88]

Haha. They’re aren’t that many modern 7x42s either. Sometimes I get the feeling that the only people who use 7s are here posting on birdforum.

 

[soloflyfisher]

Hi,

I have the swaro NL 10x32 and love it, but it doesn't shine in lowlight and has glare. So I was wondering how the NL 10x42 would perform and found a really good deal. I bought it and I love the NL 10x42 as well!
But since I am still in love with the NL 10x32, I find it hard to let it go. Actually, I can't decide which one I want to keep. I like 10 power. It's my favourite magnification. So I do not want to swap one for a 8x or 12x either.

Do others have a 10x32 and a 10x42 or a 8x32 and 8x42 of the same type and actually use them both? What are your thoughts?
If I want the best of the best and weight isn't an issue, I will take the 10x42. If I do like to carry a lighter one and I use it in bright daylight, I will take the 10x32. So it makes sense, doesn't it?
My wallet doesn't like this idea, but my heart does.

If you really like 10 power it makes sense for the reasons you state, though if it were me I'd choose 8X32 and 10X42 to keep the exit pupil at 4 mm in both pairs. Then again, with the 10X52 as a new option, you could do 10X35 and 10X52 to get a bigger difference between your small and big binoculars. I'm honestly considering 8X42 and 10X52 for myself—keeping the exit pupils even bigger, in the 5 mm range. My old eyes like a lot of light, so bigger objectives and bigger exit pupils tend to attract me.

 

[SanderBird82]

If you really like 10 power it makes sense for the reasons you state, though if it were me I'd choose 8X32 and 10X42 to keep the exit pupil at 4 mm in both pairs. Then again, with the 10X52 as a new option, you could do 10X35 and 10X52 to get a bigger difference between your small and big binoculars. I'm honestly considering 8X42 and 10X52 for myself—keeping the exit pupils even bigger, in the 5 mm range. My old eyes like a lot of light, so bigger objectives and bigger exit pupils tend to attract me.

I would say 10x32 and 8x42 is a good combo
10x32 for open land at daytime, and 8x42 for lowlight/dusk/dawn/ forests etc..
Than you have at least one with good exit pupil.
At daytime on open lands you dont really need that.

But i have to say, i never tried a 10x32
I would like, but don't think its worth the money for not that much difference.

 

[soloflyfisher]

I would say 10x32 and 8x42 is a good combo
10x32 for open land at daytime, and 8x42 for lowlight/dusk/dawn/ forests etc..
Than you have at least one with good exit pupil.
At daytime on open lands you dont really need that.

But i have to say, i never tried a 10x32
I would like, but don't think its worth the money for not that much difference.

That's a reasonable approach too. My approach is to have one pair of all-purpose binoculars (the 10X42s) that I use when seriously birding and one smaller, lighter all-purpose pair (the 8X32s) for times when I may not be seriously birding (i.e., I'm casually hiking with friends or canoeing), but want to have binoculars with me in case I see something interesting. Your approach seems to me to be more about having two types of binoculars for different birding situations.

 

[SanderBird82]

That's a reasonable approach too. My approach is to have one pair of all-purpose binoculars (the 10X42s) that I use when seriously birding and one smaller, lighter all-purpose pair (the 8X32s) for times when I may not be seriously birding (i.e., I'm casually hiking with friends or canoeing), but want to have binoculars with me in case I see something interesting. Your approach seems to me to be more about having two types of binoculars for different birding situations.

Thats great combo.

For the lighter, not seriously birding if have the smaller, lighter and cheaper VP 8x25. I can hang around my neck all day.

Yes, i use my 8x42 NL Pure for birding also, but mainly for spotting deer, wild boars, and other wild animals.