Telescope Reviews: Re: Advantages of 10x50 over 8x42?

Actually, I answered your question based on reams of practical test data.

There is no mistaking the increased image size. This leads to finer resolution in the 10x50s, and unless you are comparing the best 8x42 to the worst 10x50 (which you are not), then you will see at least 20%-25% finer resolution with the 10x binocular. Practically every model I tested falls into that results range. This holds true for handheld resolution. Best handheld resolution at 8x is 14.5 arcseconds, typical is 15-16 arcseconds. At 10x, best resolution is 11.5-12 arcseconds, typical is 13 arcseconds.

"Gathers more light" is a much different concept than "gives brighter image". Increased (or fainter) light is readily noticable in astronomical viewing. That may not translate as easily to bright light terrestrial viewing, but I would make the assumption both would be operating at a much smaller and equal exit pupil predetermined by your maximum daylight eye pupil and that would still have the 10x operating at a larger aperture, for instance 10x30 vs 8x24. The differences on night sky is easily quantified (and has been posted in this forum). You would notice the difference at dusk or any other low light conditions.

I read other answers (elsewhere) to you that the 10x50s will be much heavier. Perhaps for the specific models you are comparing that may be true, but there are quite a few heavy 8x42s that are not lighter than some light 10x50s, so genericly, this may not always be true. For instance, the Leupold WR Mesa 10x50, Nikon Action VII 10x50 and even the Nikon SE 12x50 all weigh 32oz. (900g.), and the Orion Ultraview 10x50 weighs in at 30oz. (850g.). Well the Pentax PCF WP II 8x40 and the Oberwerk Mariner 8x40 weigh 32oz. and 33oz. and the Nikon Action Ex 8x40 wieghs 30oz., so weight is not always readily apparent by size.

edz

--------------------
Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21

Post Extras