I have three sets of binoculars - all Hawke by the way.
A set of 10x25, a 10x42, and 12x50.
Now, what with it being Christmas Eve, and the inevitability that at some point today I will just be getting in the way, I thought I'd go out for a bit.
So I was looking over what I would take with me.
Then it occurred to me. I just about never use the 10x42s. I have often seen this size described as 'the birdwatcher's favourite'.
And I wonder why.
I should say that I have never actually gone bird watching. By that I mean 'formal' bird watching - going out with the sole intent on seeing what birds I can see. I often go out and know that I stand a good chance of seeing stuff and so will often go equipped, but the animals I see are a by-product (and a very pleasurable and gratefully accepted one) of what i am actually doing - most of the time hiking/walking, often camping.
But I don't see how that changes things.
Here's why.
10x42s are either too big for one situation or not big enough for another. Here's what I mean. They are too big to keep swinging from your neck if you're on the move and too big to have in a belt pouch. If I am going to be moving around a lot then I'll use the 10x25s which can either fit in a pocket or in a belt pouch.
Likewise, if I'm going to be stationary or not going that far and don't mind a set of bins hanging around my neck all the time then why bother with the 10x42s when the 12x50s are not that much bigger and the larger lens provides a better image?
See what I mean?
For me, the 10x42s just don't fit in with either situation. And it makes me wonder how they work for others? Why are they so popular when they are too big to carry if on the move, or not powerful enough if you're going to be stationary?
Strangely, I do like having all three as an option, but the 10x42s just never get used.
I'm going to make up for that today. I'm going to take the 10x42s with me!
A set of 10x25, a 10x42, and 12x50.
Now, what with it being Christmas Eve, and the inevitability that at some point today I will just be getting in the way, I thought I'd go out for a bit.
So I was looking over what I would take with me.
Then it occurred to me. I just about never use the 10x42s. I have often seen this size described as 'the birdwatcher's favourite'.
And I wonder why.
I should say that I have never actually gone bird watching. By that I mean 'formal' bird watching - going out with the sole intent on seeing what birds I can see. I often go out and know that I stand a good chance of seeing stuff and so will often go equipped, but the animals I see are a by-product (and a very pleasurable and gratefully accepted one) of what i am actually doing - most of the time hiking/walking, often camping.
But I don't see how that changes things.
Here's why.
10x42s are either too big for one situation or not big enough for another. Here's what I mean. They are too big to keep swinging from your neck if you're on the move and too big to have in a belt pouch. If I am going to be moving around a lot then I'll use the 10x25s which can either fit in a pocket or in a belt pouch.
Likewise, if I'm going to be stationary or not going that far and don't mind a set of bins hanging around my neck all the time then why bother with the 10x42s when the 12x50s are not that much bigger and the larger lens provides a better image?
See what I mean?
For me, the 10x42s just don't fit in with either situation. And it makes me wonder how they work for others? Why are they so popular when they are too big to carry if on the move, or not powerful enough if you're going to be stationary?
Strangely, I do like having all three as an option, but the 10x42s just never get used.
I'm going to make up for that today. I'm going to take the 10x42s with me!