Would those here who are or have been working ornithological or otherwise nature-oriented researchers consider 8x30-32 binoculars a sufficient tool? The binoculars I buy will be used for my pleasure birding but will also pull double duty at graduate school. For my own use I had begun to gravitate towards the smaller dimensions, lower weight, and often wider fov of midsized binoculars. However I am aware that larger lenses provide more detail and better color. Will I need 42mm lenses to get proper detail, would smaller objectives hinder researhc in any way?
Thanks again gents and gentesses.
>>However I am aware that larger lenses provide more detail and better color.<<
This is not true at all. You are talking about a magnification of 8 (and not 30). The only drawbacks of midsize binoculars (if you buy the best brands) are their performance in low light conditions and that they need a more careful adjustment to the eyes' pupils. But if you choose a 8x32 (4mm EP) there should be nothing critical with it. To say that they have problems in reproducing detail or colour is completely nonsense.
Try it out, take a Leica/Zeiss 8x32, compare it side by side with a Leica/Zeiss 8x50 and you will believe me.
But - very important for personal comfort is to consider, that mid-sized and full-sized bins have usually different eyereliefs.
BTW, most professional daylight observers use smaller bins (30-42mm), whereas hunters prefer the big bins (50mm and more), knowing that they often need the additional light in darker surroundings.
Walter
The fit and feel of a binocular in your hands and aqainst your face is very important. A pair that one person recommends may just not be right for you, or a pair someone else dismisses may be just perfect to you. I recommend setting a price range, finding the binoculars in it that seem to meet you requirements, and then trying them in person.
Clear skies, Alan