Hello all,
I have been recommended a 7X42 or even a 6x for forest birding in India. Now I have the following questions that I hope some of you can answer:
1) How big is the difference in magnification between a 8X and a 7X roof. Is the difference big enough so as to stick to an 8X even though a 7x would possibly be better at finding birds.
2) If I choose the 7X then does it mean that now I have a bin exclusively for forests and warblers in bushes kind of birding or can it be satisfactorily be used for long distance raptor watching and wetland/shore/river bed birding. This is especially important to me as I may not carry 2 bins with me all the time.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Mayur
A x7 will give you a larger exit pupil (dependant on objective lens size) and generally therefore a "brighter " image than a x8, eg a 7x42 = 6mm exit pupil whilst a 8x42 is 5.25mm.
For forest birding a brighter bino' is probably desired whilst for observation of raptors, particularly in the air, a x 10 would be better.
All this points to the overall scenario in that for all round bird or wildlife observation an 8 x 42 is likely to be the best compromise. Obviously, there is a difference between the magnifications but only you will be able to judge how much this means to you.
8x with the maximum wide field would be OK. You do not have to go to 50mm for most uses.