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10x42 vs 10x50

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motts View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote motts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 10x42 vs 10x50
    Posted: September/10/2010 at 11:12
For hunting in the field, do most of you prefer to carry a 10x42 bino vs 10x50? 10x50 gives you a larger exit pupil, more relaxed view, better low light conditions, but at the cost of being bigger, heavier, and more expensive. Are the trade offs worth it? Do you guys think it's worth to carry the larger bino all day or is the performance increase not going to be worth it enough to justify the extra weight/size/cost? Obviously, different for everybody, but just would like to hear some personal preferences.
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spf2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spf2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2010 at 11:41

10x50 is too big and heavy for me. It's worse it is multiple days trip. When I was tired, that extra 10 oz feels much heavier than it really is.  I use binoculars watch some critters in my backyard too. sometimes, 10x50 does not have close enough focus range than 10x42.  Well, I guess it all depends on how you plan to use your binoculars

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Klamath View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2010 at 14:16
The 50mm will have more light to work with, so it will be an advantage in lower light because it should be brighter than a 42mm (assuming equal quality glass and coatings).  The field of view of a 50mm is less than with the 42mm.  If low light is not a serious priority there is no way I'd go with a 50mm for general use.
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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mike650 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2010 at 14:21
I looked at 10x42's and 10x50's (same manufacturer) and the 13oz (almost a pound) difference easily made my decision.  
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Tranan View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tranan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2010 at 17:19
I always prefer a higher light factor as it makes watching more pleasent and enhances the contrasts, which is why I love 50mm and 56mm binos.
I did however have negative experiences with binoculars that were too heavy. You kinda avoid taking them out and they tend to collect dust.
My favorite choice became therefore a Swarovision 10x42. The fact that the objective is only 42mm, is heavily compensated by the tremendous optics therefore making it a better alternative than numerous other 10x50s out there. 
To avoid the discomfort of weight, it might help choosing an ergonomically cut neoprene strap. It does help quite a lot.
CHARLIE DON'T SURF!
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NDhunter View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2010 at 20:24
Motts:
For carry in the field a quality 10x42 is the way to go.  Much lighter than the 10x50.  But if you
can afford both for early or late viewing from the truck, a 10x50 is very nice.
A quality 10x42 is easily better than a lesser 10x50, so that is the easy lesson in purchasing optics.
You do get what you pay for.
Jerry
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stickbow46 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2010 at 22:20
+1 ND!
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