Much has been written and discussed on the 8x32 as being the ideal binocular for birding, but and do correct me if I'm wrong, is this not based on conditions in the US and Europe where most of the birding is done in the "open"? How about birding under forest conditions ? I dont mean the middle of the Amazon but moderately light forests with plenty of tree cover ? Would the 8x32 be just as effective or should one be looking at an 8x42 or even a 10x42?
Hello hawkeye. I live in the middle of woodland, thus my bins are used rather a lot under tree cover. I purchased the Zeiss FL 8x42 because of their brightness - they certainly do the job in low light conditions in the woods.
Regards
[QUOTE=hawkeye_oo]Much has been written and discussed on the 8x32 as being the ideal binocular for birding, but and do correct me if I'm wrong, is this not based on conditions in the US and Europe where most of the birding is done in the "open"? How about birding under forest conditions ? I dont mean the middle of the Amazon but moderately light forests with plenty of tree cover ? Would the 8x32 be just as effective or should one be looking at an 8x42 or even a 10x42?[/QUOTE]
In my opinion the best 8x32 binoculars are suitable for use in dark woods. The Nikon 8x32 SE certainly is and so is the Nikon 8x32 HG. However, some of the older roof prism designs are not as bright and thus less suitable.
In theory an 8x32mm is as bright as an 8x42 until the human eye dilates beyond 4mm, in which case the 8x42 will give a brighter image.
Personally I prefer an 8x42: not much heavier, longer so easier to hold steady, often better resolution and brighter in low light. But that's just my subjective biased view!