Excuse me if this is a FAQ but I'm wondering when it comes to binoculars how much magnification can I realistically use before loss of light, hand shaking, and loss of field of view becomes problematic. Right now I own a 7x35 Steiner and a 10x50. An Oberwerk 11x56 binocular is what I'm thinking about purchasing. Oberwerk also makes a 11x70 and a 12x60 which I'm also considering. My thought is that you don't want to go over 12x magnification especially if you won't be using a tripod.
SPECS FOR OBERWERK 11x56
Objective size - 56mm
Magnification - 11x
Prism - BAK4
Optic coating - Fully broadband multi-coated
Field of view - 105m at 1000m (6°)
Exit pupil diameter - 5mm
Exit pupil distance - 19mm
Minimum focus distance - 10m
Weight - 2.25 lbs.
Thanks in advance,
Scott
Those 11x56 seem rather heavy so shaking might be a problem. And is 11x really any more useful than 10x?
Steve
I have to readily admit that I have never "tested" my limit for handheld useful magnification. Common wisdom would suggest that 10x is about the limit to what the average user can holdy steady enough to really take advantage of the magnification factor. Will 11x make a difference in this regard? I think it is up to the individual user. A large binocular like the Oberwerk you mentioned may fatigue you more quickly than a lighter model but then its increased weight might also make it steadier before you fatigue.
I am assuming you are going with such a large binocular to couple the higher magnification with a large exit pupil?