10x42 vs. 10x50 Binoculars Pros and Cons

[Dust1n]

10x42 vs. 10x50 Binoculars Pros and Cons

If the extra length and weight worth the extra cost?

What’s some Benefits to having the larger object lens? FOV?

What’s some Cons to having the larger objective lens? Size

 

[Moserkr]

All things being equal, 10x50 would be better. Bigger lens = more light, bigger fov. Marginal weight, size, and price difference for a good benefit.

That being said, Id buy a 10x42 with better glass over a 10x50 with lesser glass.

 

[Blue72]

You will see a lot more in low light conditions and at night with 10x50

only get the 10x42 if you want a smaller binocular to carry around.

 

[recon493]

Some of the higher quality glass with a 42mm objective could have a better view than the cheaper and larger 10x50's. You pay more but get a smaller package. The FOV may not be impacted as much as you think. The FOV has more to do with the eye piece side of the set as opposed to the objective end.

 

[Hoodie]

It's counterintuitive, but a 10x50 will generally have a smaller field of view than the same model in a 10x42 configuration. This confuses a lot of people.

Benefits will be increased light at dawn/dusk due to larger exit pupil, very slightly better resolution at the same magnification, and better eye relief.

Cons are less FOV than in a comparable 10x42, bigger size, more weight.

I think the Maven B6 10x50 does a good job of playing up the benefits, while mitigating the drawbacks. It has a really good FOV for a 10x50 and handles like a 10x42. Think it weighs right at 30 oz.

 

[Moserkr]

It's counterintuitive, but a 10x50 will generally have a smaller field of view than the same model in a 10x42 configuration. This confuses a lot of people.

Im confused. Care to explain? Lol

 

[Hoodie]

Field of view has to do with focal length, not objective lens diameter.

Binoculars with smaller objective lenses tend to have shorter focal lengths, so they usually have a bigger field of view.

Examples:

Zeiss Victory SF 8x32- 465 ft FOV
Zeiss Victory SF 8x42- 444 ft FOV

Tract Toric UHD 10x42- 341 ft FOV
Tract Toric UHD 10x50- 304 ft FOV