Home Nikon 10×42 vs 10×50 Binoculars – Which is Best?

10×42 vs 10×50 Binoculars – Which is Best?

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In this video, I cover the main differences between similar quality 10×42 and 10×50 binoculars to help you decide which configuration is best for your particular needs and preferences.

📒Links From The Video:

➡️BBR Web Version: 10×42 vs 10×50 Binoculars:

➡️Kite Lynx HD+ 10×50 Binoculars Review

➡️What do binocular numbers mean?

➡️Exit Pupil – The Complete Guide

Having just finished completed testing and reviewing these excellent Kite Lynx HD+ 10×50 binoculars, it reminded me how for some uses combining slightly larger 50mm lenses with a 10x magnification can certainly make a better choice than the default option of a 10×42 binocular, yet it is hardly ever considered and won’t be for everyone.

So in this video, I go over the main differences in both the physical aspects and the optical performance of a 10×42 vs 10×50 binocular which in turn should help you to decide which of these two specific configurations is best suited for your specific needs.

Examples of the subjects I cover:

Size
It stands to reason that in order to accommodate the larger objective lenses, the barrels on a 50mm binocular need to be larger than those on a 42mm one. This has a bearing on the instruments overall dimensions and thus most 10×50 binoculars tend to be greater in size than 10x42s.

Theoretical Optical Differences
1. Just as the large windows in your house are able to let in more light than small ones, the larger surface area of these 50mm lenses means that they have the potential to “capture” more light than 42mm ones.

More light means more information and thus if all else is equal, there is the potential for brighter, better quality views through 10×50 binoculars versus 10×42 binoculars…. and much more.

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➡️Camera: Fujifilm Finepix HS50

📒100% Honest, Real Reviews, Advice & Opinions📒
I would like to make it completely clear that like all the reviews and advice that I give on the BBR video channel and website, this is my honest and completely genuine opinion and I am in no way compensated to describe a binocular in a particular way or with a bias.

In other words, if I think a binocular or a feature on it is great, I will say so. If I think it is rubbish or it is weak in certain areas, I will also point them out.

Before writing and publishing any binocular review, I thoroughly research, test and use the instrument in my office as well as out in the field. I also conduct comprehensive comparisons between the binocular under review with a number of benchmark binoculars in both good and bad light conditions.

Whilst I make every effort not to, I do make the occasional error or am sometimes supplied with the wrong details. If you spot any mistakes, please feel free to contact me either in the comments section, via social media or on my site, so that I can rectify it/them.

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27 COMMENTS

  1. I am comparing the GPO Passion ED 10×42 binocular with the Vortex Viper HD 10×50 binocular. Interestingly enough, the Viper has a slightly larger field of view at 346 ft vs 340 ft for the GPO. The eye relief is 16mm for both. The Viper is only 2 ounces (50 grams) heavier than the GPO.
    Without considering price, what is your opinion on which of these to get? I’m looking for an all around 10x binocular for general use (birdwatching, moon and stargazing, etc. ). Thanks!

  2. Hallo, it a great video.
    I am also looking for my father a binocular for the purpose of having good view of mountain s and hills with a very clean and bright view with almost in 200 euros
    Which one will you recommend.
    Thank you.

  3. Hi., Fantastic video., would you be able to help? Im looking into getting into Astronomy and being amature I'm going to start with a set of binocular (be the perfect bonding time withvthe kids) unsure which binoculars to get… could you help? Thankyou

  4. I'm looking at buying a new nikon prostaff 5s would you buy the 10×42 or 10×50 or would you go to the prostaff 7s 10×42 the reason is I've used a pair of 5s 10×45 and liked them but on the fence of going to 50s or the 7s as a upgrade?

  5. Hi
    I'm lost in a sea of binocular choice!
    I have a home directly on the coast of the northern Atlantic. In the market for a decent set of binos that will be mounted on a tripod and dedicated to whale watching from a fixed position in our home. Could you suggest me a set that would match this application? It would be very much appreciated!!

  6. Namaskar Jason!
    I'm quite impressed from your honest work. I want to ask you that I have selected Bushnell 10×50 as my first binocular. I am getting it in 40$ . Would it be right choice for me?
    It would be great if you suggest your views. Thanks!

  7. Sir, I have a question, I hope you 'll definitely help me to solve this inquiry.

    There are some binoculars having specification of 7×50, 8×50, 10×50, 12×50, 16×50 and 20×50.

    Having observe this, you can see that all these binoculars have a same size object lense which is 50mm, but magnification power of each of them is different.

    My question is how does the magnification system differ even we have a same size of object lense. What do it depends to increase or decrease the magnification system.

    Thank you.

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