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

[rodneyAB]

...And it is not ODD either...

 

[Grando]

If it brings you joy and you can afford both then why not!

 

[rodneyAB]

If it brings you joy and you can afford both then why not!

Agree. If his Heart leads, the wallet can follow

 

[ReinierB]

Hey, without going off topic too much (I know there are many threads about this), I was just wondering why you prefer 10x Vs 8x, does the forehead rest make a difference?
I am deciding which one I like the most, I want to like the 10x, but its image is a bit more uncomfortable in terms of shaking, and more prone to blackouts when glancing near the edges of the fov. I don't think one would see less details with 10x Vs 8x because of the shaking, but I don't think you really gain more details because the brain needs some stillness in the image to understand it. So I was wondering about your case, do you use it tripod mounted or with the forehead rest?

Maybe because I am forty and can still hold binoculars stable enough? I like 12 power too (I have the EL12x50) and this is ideal for shorebirds or for wildlife far away in the field. It is not ideal for use in dark woods for example.
Maybe my brains adjust to 10 power easily? I have always used 10 power.
I bought the NL 10x42 with headrest but I am not sure I will use it. Still not convinced I can hold the binoculars more stead with it. Only when I use the binoculars with one hand it really adds something.

Blackouts, in my opinion it has a lot to to with the eyecups (do they fit your facial structure?) and the exit pupil. With the 10x32 the exit pupil is just 3,2mm. The exit pupil of the 10x42 is more comfortable and gives less blackouts. At least, that is my experience.

 

[ReinierB]

32 vs 42: only recently do I have 10x in both, previously having avoided 42s being unable to find one I actually liked. With some experience now, I can say it doesn't really make much sense for me, the difference in low light is too trivial. (If you really care, get 50/56.) It's all just personal preference, but I suspect you're having a similar experience.

It is not just about better lowlight performance. A 10x42 is also more comfortable and, forgive me the word, I think it is more immersive. Although my own eye pupil is <3.2mm, I have the feeling the 10x42 resolves details better, especially far away. Some people say that is nonsense, but I have the feeling I am more "inside the view" than "watching at the view". I do think a 10x42 is better than 10x32 in general, expect for the weight. The view is nicer, more comfortable, a bit brighter, more "immersive".

 

[ReinierB]

Oh, it is really too late to read this discussion 😒 After thinking a lot I ordered an NL 10x32 this morning (too bad it was not an orange one). For me, there is no way to add an NL 10x42 too.

Keep both if your wife doesn't make any objections 😁

But you already have the NL 8x42!
Let us know what you think of the NL 10x32.

 

[ReinierB]

I know, but a higher magnification with same objective size, will have a smaller exit pupil. I guess that, having the same eye relief, a smaller exit pupil might be more uncomfortable when you roll your eyes to see further away from the center of the FOV.

I follow you and I think you are right. Especially when you mount your binoculars on a tripod it is nice having a larger exit pupil so you can roam around and roll your eyes without moving the binoculars.
That's why a 8x42 or 7x42 is so comfortable in use.

 

[Dutchbirder64]

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.

Why not buying the 10x52 NL instead of the 42? Then you would have had the best of both worlds. I traded my 10x42 NL for a 10x32 NL and am really happy about it.

 

[ReinierB]

No, I think Reinier is a collector but needs some arguments to justify his purchases.

Haha, that's a good point. I don't want to be a collector, but it looks like I am getting one.
I just wanted to know if others have 10x32 and 10x42 or 8x32 and 8x42 and use them both in other circumstances.

I think there is a difference between 3.2mm vs. 4.2mm exit pupil and 650g vs. 850g weight to "justify" having both.
I know you have swapped your NL 10x42 for a NL 10x32 because of the weight and I get that...

 

[Viraj]

10x42 is also more comfortable and, forgive me the word, I think it is more immersive. Although my own eye pupil is <3.2mm, I have the feeling the 10x42 resolves details better, especially far away. Some people say that is nonsense, but I have the feeling I am more "inside the view" than "watching at the view". I do think a 10x42 is better than 10x32 in general, expect for the weight. The view is nicer, more comfortable, a bit brighter, more "immersive".

Here you quoted all the reasons to keep the NL 10x42. It seems only the weight is the advantage for NL 10x32. Do you find the differences between NL 10x32 and 10x42 are too big to keep the 10x42 and sell the 10x32?

But you already have the NL 8x42!
Let us know what you think of the NL 10x32.

I too like the x10 power. Perhaps the NL 8x32 (or SFL 10x40) and 10x42 is the best combination.

 

[ReinierB]

Why not buying the 10x52 NL instead of the 42? Then you would have had the best of both worlds. I traded my 10x42 NL for a 10x32 NL and am really happy about it.

Well, my wallet really doestn't like that idea! Because the NL 52 is released and the prices of the NL 42's dropped I could buy this NL 10x42 for a really good price.
But you have a point and I have thought about it.
I wanted a good allrounder. When I go on a birding trip for a day, a weekend or a week I always have this dilemma: which pair of binoculars I will bring with me? The NL 10x32 is nice for bright daylight, the SLC 8x42 is nice for dimlight and dark forests, the EL 12x50 is nice for shorebirds, the Curio 7x21 is nice for in the pocket, but the NL 10x42 is the pair of binoculars which is ideal for everything! At least, for me. Not too heavy, good performer in difficult light, 10x is a good performer for everything: forest, wetlands, shorebirds, deer, etc.

 

[KeesJ]

Haha, that's a good point. I don't want to be a collector, but it looks like I am getting one.
I just wanted to know if others have 10x32 and 10x42 or 8x32 and 8x42 and use them both in other circumstances.

I think there is a difference between 3.2mm vs. 4.2mm exit pupil and 650g vs. 850g weight to "justify" having both.
I know you have swapped your NL 10x42 for a NL 10x32 because of the weight and I get that...

I think Dutchbirder64 did a good suggestion: why not the 10x52 NL ? Edit: I saw your reply to Dutchbirder64, I understand.
By the way, I did not swap de NL 10x42 for a NL 8x32, but considered which one to buy, and weight was indeed important to made me choose the 32.

 

[Dutchbirder64]

Well, my wallet really doestn't like that idea! Because the NL 52 is released and the prices of the NL 42's dropped I could buy this NL 10x42 for a really good price.
But you have a point and I have thought about it.
I wanted a good allrounder. When I go on a birding trip for a day, a weekend or a week I always have this dilemma: which pair af binoculars I will bring with me? The NL 10x32 is nice for bright daylight, the SLC 8x42 is nice for dimlight and dark forests, the EL 12x50 is nice for shorebirds, the Curio 7x21 is nice for in the pocket, but the NL 10x42 is the pair of binoculars which is ideal for everything! At least, for me. Not too heavy, good performer in difficult light, 10x is a good performer for eveything: forest, wetlands, shorebirds, deer, etc.

Yes, they dropped the prices of the 42s. I understand what you are saying.

 

[ReinierB]

Here you quoted all the reasons to keep the NL 10x42. It seems only the weight is the advantage for NL 10x32. Do you find the differences between NL 10x32 and 10x42 are too big to keep the 10x42 and sell the 10x32?

I still have to figure out. I will test it the coming weeks in different situations.

I too like the x10 power. Perhaps the NL 8x32 (or SFL 10x40) and 10x42 is the best combination

You are right, but I started with the NL 10x32 which I bought new. It is not nice selling a pair of binoculars of which I am the first owner. That will cost hundreds of euros... I know that is the reason you don't want to sell your NL 8x42 either.
But I do think the NL 10x32 is nice and I don't want to trade it for a NL 8x32.

 

[ReinierB]

I think Dutchbirder64 did a good suggestion: why not the 10x52 NL ? Edit: I saw your reply to Dutchbirder64, I understand.
By the way, I did not swap de NL 10x42 for a NL 8x32, but considered which one to buy, and weight was indeed important to made me choose the 32.

Yes I am sorry. Now I remember.
The NL 8x32 was a good choice I think.

 

[Hermann]

I wanted a good allrounder. When I go on a birding trip for a day, a weekend or a week I always have this dilemma: which pair af binoculars I will bring with me? The NL 10x32 is nice for bright daylight, the SLC 8x42 is nice for dimlight and dark forests, the EL 12x50 is nice for shorebirds, the Curio 7x21 is nice for in the pocket, but the NL 10x42 is the pair of binoculars which is ideal for everything!

If you get yourself a few more binoculars, you'll never get out birding again. You'll spend all the time trying to decide which pair you want to take.

Alternatively you'll take them all,so you might want to get a really big backpack. And hire a porter.

Think about it.

Hermann

 

[Jinac]

I think that you want to keep both so... listen to you and keep both, no regret !
And if you go to bird with a trusted friend, he will be very happy ^^

 

[Rg548]

I think 32 and 42 are too close. I don't see the point.
I would do 20 or 25, and then a 42 also.
Or just a 32, which, if we are honest, does an amazing job 95% of the time.

I have Ultra 8x20, and HT 8x42
Great combo.... no overlap, so they are both worth every penny I have spent.
The fiddly Ultras have their place on a city trip, genuinely in my pocket for the occassional use, or out on my paddle board travelling light.
All other uses, HT 8x42.
I don't feel I need anything else, and my 'window shopping' has naturally come to an end (for the time being)

 

[ReinierB]

If you get yourself a few more binoculars, you'll never get out birding again. You'll spend all the time trying to decide which pair you want to take.

Alternatively you'll take them all,so you might want to get a really big backpack. And hire a porter.

Think about it.

Hermann

So you have one do-it-all pair of binoculars, I suppose?

 

[rodneyAB]

I bought the NL 10x42 with headrest but I am not sure I will use it. Still not convinced I can hold the binoculars more stead with it. Only when I use the binoculars with one hand it really adds something.

Blackouts, in my opinion it has a lot to to with the eyecups (do they fit your facial structure?) and the exit pupil. With the 10x32 the exit pupil is just 3,2mm. The exit pupil of the 10x42 is more comfortable and gives less blackouts. At least, that is my experience.

In my use, the headrest is not additional stability, it is the contact patch. My best view is eyecups screwed down, no contact. I used to own the EL 10x42 and enjoyed the brightness of 4.2 EP over both my NL 8x32 and 12X42. It is the EP of 8x42 and purported eye ease that makes me think of it, but NL 10x has appeal for the magnification.