bino thoughts: 10x50 or 12x50?

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I am working on lightening up what I'm carrying up/down the mountain and need your opinion. I am thinking of ditching the spotter this year and going with binos with a higher magnification. I figure i can strap them to me in a harness when walking, and when glassing can attach to a tripod. That'll cut several pounds out of my pack. Last year I didn't use the spotter very much.

So, with that thought process in mind, would you go with a 10x50 or 12x50? Obviously the 12's would be better when attached to tripod, but would it be too much magnification to glass free hand without being all over the place? Or would 10x be a better option?
 
Not looking for brand opinions or anything like that, just which would you choose as an all around bino 10x50 or 12x50. I've already decided on brand and model, just going back and forth on magnification. It will be replacing both a spotter and 8x42 bino. I'll be using it for both glassing on a tripod and offhand viewing.
 
Depending on budget (brand and model) would change most people's recommendation, which is why I asked. It would be hard to make an overarching statement saying whether 10x50s or 12x50s are better. If you're looking at Swarovski level glass I would go 12x50s all the way, personally. The glass is good enough that the extra magnification can help. If your budget is south of $800 I would go with 10x50s typically. Depending on brand and model some have better or worse FOV and I wouldn't choose a 12x50 as an all around binocular with a FOV less than 280 ft per 1000 yards.
 
I use 8x42 and really only carry my spotter when scouting or helping others hunt. If the 8's aren't enough magnification I move closer if I see something interesting. I prefer 8's because of the FOV, less shake, and it is easier to see animals when in close. Yes 10's or 12's will save you some walking but you might wish you had lower power binos when moving in close enough to shoot them. This is just my preference and worth what you paid for it.
 
I personally wouldn’t choose a 50mm as an all-around. For me if it was one, 10x42. If pairing 2, an 8x32 around my neck and 12x50 on a tripod.


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I wouldn't recommend a 50mm bino for all around mountain use. They're too bulky to carry comfortably while hiking. In addition, a 12x50 would be very difficult to hand hold (for me anyway).

My set of 10x50s sits at home for watching critters in the yard.

If I were to have a pair of 50s for use on a tripod, I'd go with the 12x. And I'd carry a pair of small binoculars on a strap around my neck, like my 8x30.
 
I am the opposite of some of the other posts, I would get the 12x50’s and never look back. You can hold them plenty still for short period glassing and they are superb on a tripod. I carry mine in a harness and would never personally consider going smaller now that I have used these for so many years.
 
Same as Doug here. I now carry EL 12x50 in my harness. They have such a wide Field of view, plus they are crisp to the edge, I have no problem using them free hand for shorter periods. If i'm setting up to glass for longer than a few minutes I put them on the tripod and they are great.
 
I’m in agreement with others. I use 8x42’s carried on my chest. Only use my spotter while scouting. I have never had the desire to carry heavy bulky binocs. Spend your money on 10x42’s of the highest quality you can manage (comfort zone) and maybe then some. If it’s Swarovski so be it! Good luck.
 
Depending on budget (brand and model) would change most people's recommendation, which is why I asked. It would be hard to make an overarching statement saying whether 10x50s or 12x50s are better. If you're looking at Swarovski level glass I would go 12x50s all the way, personally. The glass is good enough that the extra magnification can help. If your budget is south of $800 I would go with 10x50s typically. Depending on brand and model some have better or worse FOV and I wouldn't choose a 12x50 as an all around binocular with a FOV less than 280 ft per 1000 yards.

That's sort of what I was getting at, thank you for the thoughts. That's a good point, the glass does make a difference..

BTW, where are you going to be hunting, what are you hunting, and with what weapon?

This year it'll be for elk during rifle season, but definitely not limited to that.
 
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I am the opposite of some of the other posts, I would get the 12x50’s and never look back. You can hold them plenty still for short period glassing and they are superb on a tripod. I carry mine in a harness and would never personally consider going smaller now that I have used these for so many years.

Ok good to hear, that is what I was thinking as well. I tested out in stores but that just doesn't do it justice, even outside. Need to spend some quality time behind glass to really know. I get everyone has a system they like, and I could probably get by with leaving the spotter at home and just using the 8x42s, but I'm thinking I might give it a try.

Thanks for the opinions everyone!
 
I used some slc 10x42 alongside some EL 12x50 last weekend and I was surprised at the increased detail I could see with the 12s. I didn’t think it would be that noticeable but it was a pretty big difference. Something to consider especially if you’re looking for a single do-it-all pair.
 
I used some slc 10x42 alongside some EL 12x50 last weekend and I was surprised at the increased detail I could see with the 12s. I didn’t think it would be that noticeable but it was a pretty big difference. Something to consider especially if you’re looking for a single do-it-all pair.

The glass is good enough in the Swarovskis that you’ll be able to see increased detail. In lower quality glass you will not get that increased detail, you’ll just get a bigger but blurrier image. I’m no expert by any means, but of the binoculars I’ve owned and many that I’ve looked through thoroughly I wouldn’t buy a set of 12s of lower glass quality than say Vortex Razor HDs. You just aren’t going to get the additional detail you’re looking for, and if you get a little you’re typically sacrificing a ton of FOV and getting quite a bit of image shake offhand, neither of which is good for hunting. That’s my opinion, perhaps others see it differently. I’m firmly in the camp of top quality 12x50s are the best all around glass to have if you can afford it. But with that magnification you’ll notice the glass quality much more than in a set of 10s, so you’ll want to make sure you get some nice glass.
 
The glass is good enough in the Swarovskis that you’ll be able to see increased detail. In lower quality glass you will not get that increased detail, you’ll just get a bigger but blurrier image. I’m no expert by any means, but of the binoculars I’ve owned and many that I’ve looked through thoroughly I wouldn’t buy a set of 12s of lower glass quality than say Vortex Razor HDs. You just aren’t going to get the additional detail you’re looking for, and if you get a little you’re typically sacrificing a ton of FOV and getting quite a bit of image shake offhand, neither of which is good for hunting. That’s my opinion, perhaps others see it differently. I’m firmly in the camp of top quality 12x50s are the best all around glass to have if you can afford it. But with that magnification you’ll notice the glass quality much more than in a set of 10s, so you’ll want to make sure you get some nice glass.

100% agree. There are mid tier models I find the 10x to be awesome and the 15x to be ok (conquest). Bumping up the power really brings out the flaws in glass. If my budget was below 1k I’d stick with 10x
 
I dumped my 12x50 leica bins because they're just about useless without stabilization. I kept my 15x56 swarovski and 8x30 edg's....the 12 s were fantastic and I miss them, but if I were only using one, not a good choice.

I'd look at alpha 42 class objectives and not feel handicapped. The leica douvid might also scratch your itch.

I personally love 8x because they don't mess with me in the heat and quality 8x30 are still better than mid grade 10x50's......bit optics are purely in the eyes of the holder.
 
Sounds good guys, thanks for the advice. I think the consensus is the EL 12x50's are a pretty solid choice. They are a lot of money to drop, so just wanted others' opinions before I jump in.
 
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