Which 10x42 binoculars are you using the most? (1 Viewer)

[Patudo]

I have always felt the combo of 10x magnification and x40/42 form factor worked really well. Choosing a binocular based on handling and weight might make the he-men humping x50 plus class binoculars sneer at "weak arms", but as a tool for finding and (just as important in my birding) following birds, I find a quality 10x42 or indeed x40 really hard to beat.

I used (and still use, especially when travelling) a 10x40 Dialyt for quite a while but since buying a Nikon 10x42 SE during the Covid year that has been the binocular I've used most by some considerable margin. Practice and familiarity have mostly resolved its quirks (blackouts, handling) and the qualities that impressed me then (light weight, image quality) still do today. I use other binoculars for their charm and nostalgia, but am aware of their limitations. This (and my 8x42 FL) is better than my eyes. It's what I use when I want to give myself the best possible chance.

 

[Paultricounty]

I have always felt the combo of 10x magnification and x40/42 form factor worked really well. Choosing a binocular based on handling and weight might make the he-men humping x50 plus class binoculars sneer at "weak arms", but as a tool for finding and (just as important in my birding) following birds, I find a quality 10x42 or indeed x40 really hard to beat.

I used (and still use, especially when travelling) a 10x40 Dialyt for quite a while but since buying a Nikon 10x42 SE during the Covid year that has been the binocular I've used most by some considerable margin. Practice and familiarity have mostly resolved its quirks (blackouts, handling) and the qualities that impressed me then (light weight, image quality) still do today. I use other binoculars for their charm and nostalgia, but am aware of their limitations. This (and my 8x42 FL) is better than my eyes. It's what I use when I want to give myself the best possible chance.

View attachment 1535223

And what a quality 10x42 Id ad! 🙏🏼

 

[MiddleRiver]

It's funny... i've tried to use 10x and just can't. I'm not quite an old shaky fart yet, but it's nowhere as comfy as 8x. Have owned Terra, Trinnie, and now have virtually unused Noct 10x42... which I really ought to sell. I think they've been out 2 or 3x, if that

 

[Dennis Mau]

Zeiss Conquest HD 10x56. I find a 10x42 has more difficult eye placement, it is not as bright in most situations, and it shows more glare than a 10x56.

 

[Paultricounty]

It's funny... i've tried to use 10x and just can't. I'm not quite an old shaky fart yet, but it's nowhere as comfy as 8x. Have owned Terra, Trinnie, and now have virtually unused Noct 10x42... which I really ought to sell. I think they've been out 2 or 3x, if that

I’m kind of the same way. I’m using 8x 75% of the time. But the SE 10x is real nice glass, not in the same league as the Noctivids, but then, what is?

Paul

 

[MiddleRiver]

I’m kind of the same way. I’m using 8x 75% of the time. But the SE 10x is real nice glass, not in the same league as the Noctivids, but then, what is?

Paul

I’ve compared side by side but in few circumstances is the extra mag needed. If looking at shorebirds or hawkwatch, I just grab my compact scope for 15x or more!

8x is sweet spot for me. I should try and trade down to a nice 7x instead
Ymmv

 

[Ignatius]

In only have a Habicht 10x40 so I can't play.