12 x 50 Binoculars: Can you hold them still enough for sports?

[gypsyman]

I am looking at a pair of Bushnell 12 x 50 binocs. I like the idea of the 12 power, but I have heard that the extra power decreases the field of view and you need a very steady hand or a tripod for effective viewing. Anyone had experience with this type of binoculars?

 

[Insane3D]

I just recently got a set of the Bushnell's, but the 16 x 50 model, and I don't have any problems using them to view stuff without a tripod.

I actually got mine at trusty ole Walmart for about $60...they were only like $5 more than the 12X.

 

[ScottMac]

Yes, field of view will be reduced, that's what magnification is all about.

Most people have trouble stabilizing for long periods of time with higher power. The minor wavering around leads to viewing fatigue.

If you wear glasses, or will be wearing sunglasses, make sure you have extended eye relief (~12m) available. Usually, if you're not wearing glasses, you have the eyecups extended, if you are wearing glasses, then fold the cups down.

The brightness is a function of the objective diameter (the "50" = 50 millimeters) and magnification, then the quality of optics (composition, coatings, etc). More magnification with the same objective diameter will be a dimmer image (i.e., 16X50 will generally be dimmer than 12X50 from the same manufacturer).

Binoculars that look like straight tubes (or slightly tapered) use a roof prism, which tends to be brighter than the traditional porro prism-style binoculars of the same objective and magnification.

I think the Zeiss site has (had) some explanation of some of the important things to look for in a binocular.

I've got a couple pair of Zeiss. I loaned my 10X25b mini to a cop friend, they were brighter than the 10X50 Bushnell he was trying to use (for survellience). He could still read plates at night from some distance with the Zeiss. I also have some 10X50 and 8X40 Zeiss. They're amazing.

I worked for Zeiss for a while, so a got a discount .... but even without, I'd have bought 'em.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[BuckNaked]

Originally posted by: ScottMac
Yes, field of view will be reduced, that's what magnification is all about.

Most people have trouble stabilizing for long periods of time with higher power. The minor wavering around leads to viewing fatigue.

If you wear glasses, or will be wearing sunglasses, make sure you have extended eye relief (~12m) available. Usually, if you're not wearing glasses, you have the eyecups extended, if you are wearing glasses, then fold the cups down.

The brightness is a function of the objective diameter (the "50" = 50 millimeters) and magnification, then the quality of optics (composition, coatings, etc). More magnification with the same objective diameter will be a dimmer image (i.e., 16X50 will generally be dimmer than 12X50 from the same manufacturer).

Binoculars that look like straight tubes (or slightly tapered) use a roof prism, which tends to be brighter than the traditional porro prism-style binoculars of the same objective and magnification.

I think the Zeiss site has (had) some explanation of some of the important things to look for in a binocular.

I've got a couple pair of Zeiss. I loaned my 10X25b mini to a cop friend, they were brighter than the 10X50 Bushnell he was trying to use (for survellience). He could still read plates at night from some distance with the Zeiss. I also have some 10X50 and 8X40 Zeiss. They're amazing.

I worked for Zeiss for a while, so a got a discount .... but even without, I'd have bought 'em.

Good Luck

Scott

Some good info there... I have some B&L 10x40's, and I would think that 10x is the upper limit for sports, and would probably recommend 8x as optimal... Looking at something for extended periods of time does get fatiguing unless you have some way to support them...

Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski are all top of the line, and once you compare high end binoculars to lesser models, its hard to go with the lesser models... Even though the high end models are a BOATLOAD of money...

I went with the B&L Discoverer 10x40's after comparing ALOT of binoculars, as I couldn't afford the Swarovski's I wanted, but couldn't settle for the lesser sharpness of most models you find in most stores...

Dave

 

[gypsyman]

Well these are the ones on Amazon that I am want to get. I saw a pair of Meades for near the same price, but there were no reviews on them.

16 x 50 Bushnell Binoculars

 

[BuckNaked]

Shop around a little. and try them in person and compare several brands before you buy...

SWFA
Band H

Dave