Is an 8x or a 12x binocular a better choice for most users? Well, that depends on what you want to use them for.
Simply choosing to use 12x42 binoculars because they have a high magnification does not necessarily mean that they will be the right ones to use for your main viewing activity.
12x42 Binoculars have a high level of magnification and their properties border on being telescopic, which means that they will perform more like a telescope than an ordinary pair of binoculars.
They will be better suited to a narrower range of activities, and you will need to ask yourself some important questions before making your final decision - such as the following: - What is the activity that you will mostly be using the binoculars for? - Will you be viewing close or distant objects? 12x42 binoculars are better suited to viewing more distant objects in open terrain, prairies, canyons, the sea or sky.
They will not be suitable for use in an area that is heavily wooded for instance.
- Will you be viewing mainly larger or smaller objects? Because of the narrow field of view and high magnification, they are well suited for viewing smaller, very distant objects like smaller game, birds, distant scenery and astronomical objects.
- What sort of environment will you be using them in? If the binoculars will be exposed to dampness and occasional submersion in water then they should be waterproof and fogproof to ensure long life and clear images.
Light conditions are more important for higher powered binoculars, which need the viewing object to be well lit for image clarity and contrast - they will not be as affective for hunting in low light or dusk.
You will need a very steady hand to ensure image stability while viewing, because any hand movement is greatly magnified with high magnification power.
It may be better to use a tripod to ensure that the image remains perfectly still.
Simply choosing to use 12x42 binoculars because they have a high magnification does not necessarily mean that they will be the right ones to use for your main viewing activity.
12x42 Binoculars have a high level of magnification and their properties border on being telescopic, which means that they will perform more like a telescope than an ordinary pair of binoculars.
They will be better suited to a narrower range of activities, and you will need to ask yourself some important questions before making your final decision - such as the following: - What is the activity that you will mostly be using the binoculars for? - Will you be viewing close or distant objects? 12x42 binoculars are better suited to viewing more distant objects in open terrain, prairies, canyons, the sea or sky.
They will not be suitable for use in an area that is heavily wooded for instance.
- Will you be viewing mainly larger or smaller objects? Because of the narrow field of view and high magnification, they are well suited for viewing smaller, very distant objects like smaller game, birds, distant scenery and astronomical objects.
- What sort of environment will you be using them in? If the binoculars will be exposed to dampness and occasional submersion in water then they should be waterproof and fogproof to ensure long life and clear images.
Light conditions are more important for higher powered binoculars, which need the viewing object to be well lit for image clarity and contrast - they will not be as affective for hunting in low light or dusk.
You will need a very steady hand to ensure image stability while viewing, because any hand movement is greatly magnified with high magnification power.
It may be better to use a tripod to ensure that the image remains perfectly still.
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