General Question for new binoculars (1 Viewer)

[Thegeezer9999]

Hi

I am really just starting out, and I bough GoSky 10 x 42 binoculars which are very good, but they do not give as good magnification as I had hoped. I have seen here most people using 8x and 10 x, and wondering why 12x and even 16 x are not used ? Is this due to the weight, or is there another reason ?

I am looking to trade up to better quality binoculars now so would love to understand this nuance before I commit.

Thank you to all who respond.

 

[Bezzer]

Assuming unsupported freehand then shake is your number one problem, higher the magnification the more noticeable any shake is. Weight can hinder or help depending on the person. Once you get over x10 a lot less people are able to get a stable view without support, some can use x12 but bet there aren't many/any walking round and using x16. Satisfy your curiosity by trying higher mags at a shop to find your particular limit.

 

[Thegeezer9999]

Assuming unsupported freehand then shake is your number one problem, higher the magnification the more noticeable any shake is. Weight can hinder or help depending on the person. Once you get over x10 a lot less people are able to get a stable view without support, some can use x12 but bet there aren't many/any walking round and using x16. Satisfy your curiosity by trying higher mags at a shop to find your particular limit.

Thanks Mike, I am looking at the Nikon M5 12 x 42, which actually weigh less than my current gosky 10 x 42 !! I am just wondering, for the loss of depth of field, is te extra 2 x magnification actually worth it ?

 

[Mono]

Binoculars aren't just used for looking at a known target and making it look bigger. They are also used for searching for targets in the first place. Broadly speaking the higher the magnification the smaller the field of view. Higher magnification will also capture less light for a given objective size leading to a duller image.

If you want handheld magnification than image stabilisation is the way to go. IS binoculars can easily handle up to 20x.

 

[Thegeezer9999]

Binoculars aren't just used for looking at a known target and making it look bigger. They are also used for searching for targets in the first place. Broadly speaking the higher the magnification the smaller the field of view. Higher magnification will also capture less light for a given objective size leading to a duller image.

If you want handheld magnification than image stabilisation is the way to go. IS binoculars can easily handle up to 20x.

Hi Mono

I guess it is just the frustration that it is difficult to make out birds at a distance, but I also guess you get used to that. I don't think I could drop to 8 x magnification, even if it gives the best dof. That being the case, what would be the "real" difference between a 10 x 42 and a 10 x 50 pair of binoculars - in terms of which would give a better birding experience ? Apologies for the probably obvious questions !

 

[Maljunulo]

Hi Mono

I guess it is just the frustration that it is difficult to make out birds at a distance, but I also guess you get used to that. I don't think I could drop to 8 x magnification, even if it gives the best dof. That being the case, what would be the "real" difference between a 10 x 42 and a 10 x 50 pair of binoculars - in terms of which would give a better birding experience ? Apologies for the probably obvious questions !

Most of the time, the only difference you will see is the 10X50 is heavier.

Also, how much is the most you are willing to spend?

 

[Jinac]

You have to be careful with the minimal focus with certain 10x50 that is more than 5m which is problematic for birding, some have a fov less large than 10x42...
Many 10x50 are made for astro, I think it can explain this.

 

[Thegeezer9999]

Spend up to €500, and would ideally be looking at either 10 x 42 or preferably 12 x 42, the key things are portability (the Nikon M5 is only 640g !!), warranty, and built to last. I watched the Italian dude's review and read some other reviews here and elsewhere of the Nikon M5 12 x 42, and his view was that you cannot get the value of the extra magnification hand-held, compared to the equivalent 10 x 42 model. So I am kind of nonplussed now as to whether it is worth buying, find another 12 x 42, oe find the best 10 x 42 at the price range. If there are relevant threads you know of, or personal experience, choice, please feel free to respond. Meantime I am going to look at all available 12 x 42 to rule in/out this specification. Thanks to all who have/will respond.

 

[Thegeezer9999]

OK I am leaning towards these, they are light (685g) seem to get really good reviews and come with the vortex lifetime warranty. If anyone has these vortx viper 10x42, would be very interested to hear if anything bad as well as what is good ?

Vortex Viper HD 10x42 Binocular Review | Ireland's Wildlife

Vortex Viper HD 10x42: Short Review Pros: Outstanding optical quality, superb bright image with excellent detail and very good edge sharpness. Compact and robust, great build quality, balance and handling. Bordering on an "Alpha" quality view, but only 1/3 the price of the big guns. Awesome...

irelandswildlife.com

 

[Bezzer]

Thing is they have to fit and be comfortable for you not anyone else. Different models of the same configuration can feel much different in use, you can get replies from different people as to them loving, loathing or indifferent to the same model. You really need to try before you buy if possible.
Mick

 

[Dennis Mau]

Hi

I am really just starting out, and I bough GoSky 10 x 42 binoculars which are very good, but they do not give as good magnification as I had hoped. I have seen here most people using 8x and 10 x, and wondering why 12x and even 16 x are not used ? Is this due to the weight, or is there another reason ?

I am looking to trade up to better quality binoculars now so would love to understand this nuance before I commit.

Thank you to all who respond.

How important is weight, FOV size, CA, focuser smoothness and edge sharpness to you? Rank the five according to your priorities. What is your budget?

 

[Thegeezer9999]

How important is weight, FOV size, CA, focuser smoothness and edge sharpness to you? Rank the five according to your priorities. What is your budget?

weight very important, focuser smoothness, I am not sure what CA is, but FOV prob second, price, edge sharpness. Really leaning now towards the Vortex Viper 10x42 now, seems to have all of the qualities I am looking for and good price. Not ready at this stage to consider Swarkovsi ! Price range up to €500 ish

Thank you

 

[Mono]

I guess it is just the frustration that it is difficult to make out birds at a distance, but I also guess you get used to that.

No matter what optics you have there will always be birds that are too far away. It is a balance between size, weight, fov and magnification. I use a 7x32 for my everyday birding binoculars, but I will often carry an 80mm scope as well.

Going down the Swarovski/Leica/Zeiss "alpha" route can often be tempting, but one could buy a more than decent pair of binoculars, a scope, a tripod and some pocket binoculars for less money than single pair of the latest and greatest.

 

[Dennis Mau]

weight very important, focuser smoothness, I am not sure what CA is, but FOV prob second, price, edge sharpness. Really leaning now towards the Vortex Viper 10x42 now, seems to have all of the qualities I am looking for and good price. Not ready at this stage to consider Swarkovsi ! Price range up to €500 ish

Thank you

The Vortex Viper HD 10x42 is a good choice. The only other binocular at your price point I would check out is the famous Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42, and it is famous for a reason. The Zeiss has slightly larger FOV than the Vortex at 6.6 degrees versus 6.5 degrees for the Vortex, and it is considerably brighter with higher transmission. The Zeiss is about 3 oz. heavier than the Vortex, but I think it is a step-up optically for about the same amount of money. I prefer the original Zeiss Conquest HD over the newer HDX, and it is highly discounted now because it is discontinued. You can find the HD for about $600 now. It would be best to compare the two binoculars side by side to see which you prefer. From Allbinos.

"During this test I had as many as six 10x42 instruments available on my shelf: all the current line-up Zeisses (the Terra ED, the Conquest HD, the Victory HT and SF), the Swarovski SLC and the Leica Ultravid HD Plus. Many times I looked through them from my balcony in order to check how they perform in reality. After some period of time, I realized that I was choosing the Conquest more often than the rest. Why? The Terra ED optically lagged behind the whole group, the Victory SF annoyed me with the reflections behind the diaphragm, and the Victory HT had a narrower field of view.

To sum up, the Conquest HD 10x42 is so good that personally I find it rather pointless to spend significantly more money on such models as the Leica Ultravid HD Plus, the Swarovski SLC or even the Victory HT. Of course different customers have different preferences; I admit that eg the casing of the Conquest HD is not as shapely and handy as that of the Leica and the Victory HT corrects the chromatic aberration better. For many people such details might be decisive. Still they cannot change my personal opinion that among the aforementioned pairs of binoculars belonged to the premium class the Conquest HD features the best price/quality ratio."

Vortex Razor HD 10x42 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

26 Best Binoculars For Hunting | Backwoods Pursuit

Looking for the best binoculars on the market and aren't quite sure which ones to purchase? Maybe you are looking for the best binoculars for hunting or the

backwoodspursuit.com

 

[Maljunulo]

Do not be seduced by magnification.

You pay a price for it in steadiness of the image, and field of view.

 

[Thegeezer9999]

The Vortex Viper HD 10x42 is a good choice. The only other binocular at your price point I would check out is the famous Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42, and it is famous for a reason. The Zeiss has slightly larger FOV than the Vortex at 6.6 degrees versus 6.5 degrees for the Vortex, and it is considerably brighter with higher transmission. The Zeiss is about 3 oz. heavier than the Vortex, but I think it is a step-up optically for about the same amount of money. I prefer the original Zeiss Conquest HD over the newer HDX, and it is highly discounted now because it is discontinued. You can find the HD for about $600 now. It would be best to compare the two binoculars side by side to see which you prefer. From Allbinos.

"During this test I had as many as six 10x42 instruments available on my shelf: all the current line-up Zeisses (the Terra ED, the Conquest HD, the Victory HT and SF), the Swarovski SLC and the Leica Ultravid HD Plus. Many times I looked through them from my balcony in order to check how they perform in reality. After some period of time, I realized that I was choosing the Conquest more often than the rest. Why? The Terra ED optically lagged behind the whole group, the Victory SF annoyed me with the reflections behind the diaphragm, and the Victory HT had a narrower field of view.

To sum up, the Conquest HD 10x42 is so good that personally I find it rather pointless to spend significantly more money on such models as the Leica Ultravid HD Plus, the Swarovski SLC or even the Victory HT. Of course different customers have different preferences; I admit that eg the casing of the Conquest HD is not as shapely and handy as that of the Leica and the Victory HT corrects the chromatic aberration better. For many people such details might be decisive. Still they cannot change my personal opinion that among the aforementioned pairs of binoculars belonged to the premium class the Conquest HD features the best price/quality ratio."

Vortex Razor HD 10x42 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

26 Best Binoculars For Hunting | Backwoods Pursuit

Looking for the best binoculars on the market and aren't quite sure which ones to purchase? Maybe you are looking for the best binoculars for hunting or the

backwoodspursuit.com

These look excellent from the reviews, but are around twice the price (actually a little more than this at around €1100 the cheapest I could find). Given that all I have read about the Viper is good, I am going to opt for these.

Massive thanks to everyone who has helped me to make up my mind on this !!

 

[Dennis Mau]

These look excellent from the reviews, but are around twice the price (actually a little more than this at around €1100 the cheapest I could find). Given that all I have read about the Viper is good, I am going to opt for these.

Massive thanks to everyone who has helped me to make up my mind on this !!

If you look around, you can get the older Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 for around $600 to $700 because they are being discontinued for the newer HDX model. The newer model Zeiss Conquest HDX 10x42 are around $1000. Of course I guess prices could be different in Ireland.

 

[Thegeezer9999]

Hi, maybe from US sites but here in Ireland (and UK) cheapest I could find new or second hand were €1200 - also if we import items into Ireland we face fearsome import duties.
The vipers I am looking at are from a Dutch site I have used in the past so no unexpected surprises on quality or taxes.
Thanks again for the advice and research though 👍

 

[Royfinn]

Few points...

1. Binocular magnification is many times not enough and you need scope or zoom camera to identify the bird. And even 30x magnification in scope is often not enough.
2. Bigger magnification results in poorer qualities in other areas and moving from 8x to 12x don't help that much. There is good reason, why 8x and 10x is most widely used.
3. Viper 10x42 is great choice, but if you want light bins, 8x30/32 or 10x30/32 is way to go. Nikon M7 8/10x30 is good and light bin for around 300-400€ if lightness is priority.

 

[Patudo]

I am really just starting out, and I bough GoSky 10 x 42 binoculars which are very good, but they do not give as good magnification as I had hoped.

If you're just starting out, you need to bear in mind that rarely - unless viewing park/garden birds that are very habituated to humans - will you get the kind of wonderful detailed image that you might see in TV programmes. Indeed, the views that you do get may be disappointing at first - a flash of movement, or distant small silhouettes out in a field or on a mudflat. That's just part of the pastime.

You've noted that 8x and 10x binoculars are very often the choice of even the most experienced birders, and the folks above have told you why: wider field of view, greater steadiness, normally brighter than higher mag for the same size, etc. (Admittedly, often the more experienced birder is looking for "field marks" (distinguishing features) to tell him/her what species he's looking at, rather than trying to obtain the best possible view of a bird.) Your 10x42 is a classic birding format. So rather than get sucked into spending lots of money on "upgrades", it's worth thinking about things like:

- getting a feel for the range of your binoculars (at which point birds become too small) and focus on birds within that range. It's actually not unlike shooting - every firearm has an effective range and you wouldn't normally attempt a shot at targets beyond that.

- improving your fieldcraft - learning when birds are most active, how to approach them (using cover, hides etc).

- visiting locations where birds aren't too far away eg - wooded areas, parks, etc., and

- enjoying those birds that you can easily see. If you're a beginner (or even if you're not) there is a lot of pleasure to be gained from looking at even the more common birds; you'll learn how to find them and what they are (size/shape/flight), so that when you see something unusual it stands out; and you might see something unusual even in a city park.

With time and experience you'll get better views and recalibrate your expectations. And if you don't find the pastime as satisfying as you'd hoped, there's absolutely nothing wrong in that.