Cameras and Lenses
10x42 vs 8x32
I understand this is a tough question to ask and that many points may be needed to come up with a answer, but
If you had the need for just one all around bino, which would you chose out of the two listed below. I have decided on one or the other but can't pick a winner.
Lecia 10x42 Ultravid
or
Swarovski 8x32 EL
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
John
Hi John, I will answer your question with a question.
I noticed you sold a Leica 8x32 BN not that long ago. What was it you didn't like about the Leica? The focuser? Where you plan to use this binocular is it pretty thick area or more open? I never tried the Leica 10 so can not answer that, but I have tried the Swarovski 8x32 EL and liked it a lot. I have a Swaro 8x30 SLC neu I just got for Christmas and like it a lot, I would of sooner bought the 8x32 EL but I am cheap and my wife thinks I have enough binoculars. The 8x32/8x30 have a lot going for them, light wt. etc.
Do you have a vendor close by that you can try both of these binoculars?
Regards,Steve
John,
I think you're going to receive questions about why those are your choices.
Usually people ask about a choice between two 8xs or two 10xs, but choosing between a full sized 10x and a midsized 8x is a mixed bag that suggests that you have varied needs that sometimes require extra magnification (such a shorebirds) and other times requires lower power, lighter, more compact bins (hiking, nature trails).
To quote from the canon of Ingraham Philosophy of Birding: In theory, an exceptional 32mm glass should show all of the detail the human eye is capable of seeing. In practice, and hand-held, 32mm glasses equal the performance of larger glasses in all but the most extreme conditions. When you factor in the ease of carrying and using the smaller glass, 32mm binoculars begin to make a lot of sense.
Ingraham's philosophy would suggest going for the 8x32 EL.
However, if your needs are such that you sometimes prefer a 10x bin and at others prefer a midsized 8x, why not "split the difference" and consider a Swaro 8.5x42 EL?
Hand held, you will get around the same resolution as the 10x42 Ultravid, if not better, due to less shakes, and you will gain a larger FOV, larger exit pupil, less CA (unless you meant to write Ultravid HD), and possibly better ergonomics, depending on your preferences.
With the new Swarovision EL out now, you will probably find some good buys on the previous model (check SWFA, Camerland, and eBay camera and optics Stores).
A better question to ask might be, which should I buy, an 8.5x42 EL or an 8x32 EL?