About a decade ago, I purchased a pair of Leica 8X32 BAs, which have been my main birding binoculars ever since. Prior to that, I had a pair of Leica 10X42s. Generally, I've been happy with the 8X32s (the light weight makes them far more comfortable to carry around the neck than my old 10X42s), but lately I've been wanting something that gives me a bit bigger (and brighter) image. I wish one of the alphas would make a 9X45, which would be my ideal binocular size, but in the absence of that ideal, I'm wondering if I should try the 10X50s (Leica Ultravids or Swarovski EL Swarovision). Has anyone used these for general birding--i.e., in both forests and more open areas? Are they good all-round binoculars or are they more specialized tools?
Thanks for any opinions.
I have a feeling that the use of 10x50s for birding is so rare, that I expect you will get very few experienced responses. No doubt the views are fantastic, but for most folks the size and weight of 50mm is prohibitive.
I used an 8x42 BA for a few years, and although there was much good about it, compared to more recent binoculars, it's outstanding weakness is that it is not very bright. I still wish I had one of the 32s like yours, it is a classic that has stood the test of time.
But, you don't need to go to a 10x50mm, only to a modern 10x42mm, to get what you are looking for. The exit pupil is still only about 4mm, it is true, but the higher transmission alone makes a very noticeable difference in the look of brightness.
Ron
You will lose much of the field of view that you are used to either way. And a 10 x 50 will weigh close to 3 pounds with all the glass it has in the objectives and prisms. The Leica weighs 35oz to a Leica 8 x 32 Ultravid's 18.9oz.
Bob