Hello,
I want to upgrade to mid level binoculars and have been looking at 10x42 and 8x42. Seems these days the internet is the only real source for bins. Given that, I don't have a way of testing for myself the two powers I am considering. What I like to know is should I get an 8x or 10x? Are shakes more noticeable with a 10x versus and 8x?
"Are shakes more noticeable with a 10x versus and 8x?"
Yes, this is true for the vast majority of people, so much so that most experienced users recommend 8x, especially if the buyer can buy only one binocular.
The general opinion amongst most birders is that 8x is the best though personally i've always used 10x and have never had any reason to change.