10x42 or 12x50 Binos

[ETNative]

Could someone tell me the added benefits of 12x50 binoculars over a pair of 10x42? Most glassing will be done <500 yards with the possibility of glassing large areas <1000.

 

[willfrye027]

12x50 will extend the range that you can reliable spot a deer. It depends on terrain...Muleys in winter coat hiding in sage and rocks are tougher to spot than summer range bucks in a green basin.

10x42 will be more stable when handheld, and lighter weight/smaller. Better FOV typically.

10x42 off a tripod is all you need for 1000 yards and under IMO. I think they are more versatile overall.

12x50 helps you spot stuff a little farther...I’d say extends you out to 1400-1500 yards in general.

 

[ETNative]

12x50 will extend the range that you can reliable spot a deer. It depends on terrain...Muleys in winter coat hiding in sage and rocks are tougher to spot than summer range bucks in a green basin.

10x42 will be more stable when handheld, and lighter weight/smaller. Better FOV typically.

10x42 off a tripod is all you need for 1000 yards and under IMO. I think they are more versatile overall.

12x50 helps you spot stuff a little farther...I’d say extends you out to 1400-1500 yards in general.

Thanks for the reply! I will soon be in the market for a new pair and was wondering what most of you guys used. I’m guessing 10x42 will be the most popular.

 

[ETNative]

12x50 will extend the range that you can reliable spot a deer. It depends on terrain...Muleys in winter coat hiding in sage and rocks are tougher to spot than summer range bucks in a green basin.

10x42 will be more stable when handheld, and lighter weight/smaller. Better FOV typically.

10x42 off a tripod is all you need for 1000 yards and under IMO. I think they are more versatile overall.

12x50 helps you spot stuff a little farther...I’d say extends you out to 1400-1500 yards in general.

At what point does a spotter become more useful and the preferred choice over a pair of binoculars?

 

[willfrye027]

At what point does a spotter become more useful and the preferred choice over a pair of binoculars?

A spotter is good for trophy judging. It’s also good for looking a very long distance (a mile or more), or trying to spot a very hidden deer.