I'm not sure I can add much to the discussion, but I got 12s this spring. I've had them out a few times in the field hunting, but it was a huge upgrade for me. Brightness, something I was concerned about due to the exit pupil being smaller in 12x42 was a non-issue. Handholding wasn't really an issue until I was cresting ridges in NZ and it was hard to steady them standing. Seated it was fine, but I may have had problems stabilizing 10s in the same conditions. I love the 12s and only once was little more magnified than I wanted when I was in some timber. I hunt mostly in CA open country and looking forward to the 12s on a tripod this summer for archery blacktail.