Introduction
Choosing the right binocular has always been a dilemma for many people. There are many things to consider when you’re choosing binoculars. But most of all you need to know what you’re looking for.
So, which binoculars are better between 10×50 vs 12×50?
To begin, 10×50 binoculars are better for constant movement and quick focusing. In reverse, 12×50 binoculars are more suitable for stable positions and far-away objects. But 10×50 is relatively lighter. It’s also better in terms of eye relief and image stability. It even has a better exit pupil rate than 12×50.
That was the sneak peek. To know more about them read along with us till the end.
So, let’s begin!
Short Comparison Between 10×50 Vs 12×50 Binoculars
Before we go on to a detailed discussion, let’s give you some surface ideas. This table shows a short comparison of 10×50 and 12×50 binoculars-
| Aspects | 10×50 | 12×50 |
| Magnification Power | Better in constant moving and quick focusing | Better for small objects & very far views |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Eye Relief | Better | Good |
| Image Stability | Easy to maintain image stability | Hard to maintain image stability |
| Exit Pupil | Provides more light | Provides less light |
Now, you have an idea of the topics we’re going to cover.
Detailed Comparison Between 10×50 Vs 12×50 Binoculars
First, you might wonder about the price of 10×50 and 12×50 binoculars. Their price differs depending on the brands you’re looking for.
But the price comparison between the specs doesn’t differ much. That’s why you should worry about the quality more.
So, let’s get to know about the spec differences in detail-
Magnification Power
Understanding the magnification power can help you choose the right binocular. The first number from the binocular description refers to the magnification power.
A 10×50 binocular brings the view 10 times closer. A 12×50 binoculars bring the view 12 times closer.
You might be thinking the 12×50 is the better choice then. But don’t be so sure. The higher the magnification power is, the harder it is to steady the view. So, 12×50 is for seeing objects that are small and very far away.
But if you need constant moving or quick focusing, using 10×50 binoculars is better.
The second number from the binocular’s description refers to its front lens size. The larger a lens is, the lighter it lets inside. You’d better understand this difference in an 8×42 and 10×50 comparison.
Winner: In terms of magnification power, using 10×50 is the better choice.
Weight
A higher objective lens means more weight. Both 10×50 and 12×50 have a front lens of 50 millimeters. Thus both of the binoculars are heavier than those of smaller objective lens power.
10×50 binoculars work pretty well with a harness. But 12×50 binoculars require a tripod to hold them steady. Because of this tripod, the 12×50 binoculars get heavier than 10×50 binoculars.
Using lighter binoculars is easier and more advantageous. These are some 10×50 binoculars that are lightweight and easy to use-
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
For those who are okay with heavy ones, try the top-quality vintage Japanese binoculars. They’re heavier and have an aesthetic look to them.
Winner: 10×50 binoculars.
Eye-Relief
Eye relief is a super important factor for choosing binoculars. Especially for those who wear glasses. Because people who wear glasses might face hindrance while wearing binoculars. This is why the new models of binoculars pay special attention to eye relief.
Binoculars with high magnification power should have a minimum of 16mm eye relief. 10×50 binoculars seem to have a higher eye relief rate than 12×50 binoculars.
Winner: 10×50 binocular.
Image Stability
To get a good view of your target, you’d need better stability on binoculars. The higher the magnification power is, the harder it is to hold the stability. With increased magnification power, even a small movement can mess with the view.
12×50 binoculars magnify a view 12 times while 10×50 binoculars magnify 10 times. As you can see, it’s harder to hold stability on 12×50 binoculars. Because a little movement can shake the whole view. As a result, with a 12 times magnified view the shake will have an effect worth 12 times.
On the other hand, 10×50 binoculars are better in this sense. These binoculars don’t shake the view as much as 12×50 binoculars do.
Winner: 10×50 binoculars.
Exit Pupil
Light departures through the binocular’s eyepiece to let us see an image. This light then enters into our eye’s pupil. The diameter of this light is what we know as the exit pupil. The higher the exit pupil rate, the better you can see through the binoculars.
Exit pupil rate is calculated by dividing the objective lens power by its magnification. Let’s do our exit pupil calculation on 10×50 and 12×50 binoculars- For 10×50 binoculars, the exit pupil would be 50mm/10=5mm.
Then for 12×50, the exit pupil is 50mm/12=4.16mm.
The bigger the exit pupil rate the better the lens is. Our pupil contracts down about 2mm under bright light. This causes some of the light to get blocked by our iris. But in a dawn environment, our pupils can dilate up to 5mm or more.
So, a 10×50 binocular will provide more light for your pupil than a 12×50. By the way, 7×50 and 10×50 binoculars have the best exit pupil rate too.
Winner: 10×50 binocular.
Now, the winner for each round is clearly 10×50 binoculars. But if you want to easily view objects that are far away, 12×50 is the one you need!
FAQs
Question: Can 12×50 Vortex Diamondback binoculars be converted to scope?
Answer: Yes, you can convert them to scope. Vortex Diamondback 12×50 binoculars have an extra pair of lenses. These lenses can double the magnification power when attached to ocular lenses. This turns them into scope.
Question: Does interpupillary distance affect binocular viewing experience?
Answer: Yes, it does. It happens when the center of the pupil doesn’t align with the exit pupil. It gets harder to bring the object into focus. This might make your eyes strained.
Question: What magnification power binoculars are needed for stargazing?
Answer: You would need a binocular of at least 7x to 10x magnification. Also, it must have an aperture of 35-60 mm. A 10×50 or 12×50 binocular is just perfect for stargazing.
EndNote
That was all from us about the 10×50 vs 12×50 binoculars. Hopefully, you’ve found the right binocular you’re looking for.
See you next time!
