I'm about to spend $1,000+ on binos. I've used 6-8x for the last 30 years, and I've learned that I can't hold 10x glasses steady enough to get the most from them. I need to know about the practical difference between 32mm and 42mm objectives. I know larger objective lenses allow a larger exit pupil and how this affects low-light performance, but given top-flight glass (Leica/Swarovski/Zeiss) and assuming equal ergonomics, what are the practical differences between the two sizes? Do they justify the several hundred dollar difference in price?

Thanks in advance, Okie John.

Since you said you've been using 6-8x for thirty years, I assume you are about 50. If that is the case, your eyesight, if it's normal, has deteriorated to the point where you can only receive about 4 - 5 MM of light (exit pupil). Younger guys can get up about 7mm, max.

The exit pupil is determined by dividing the ocular diameter by the magnification power; i.e. 10x42 bino has an exit pupil of 4.2 mm.

Having said that, buy the bino that provides the maximum exit pupil that your eye can receive.

For example: 8x32 = 4mm exit pupil; probably good. 10x32 = 3.2mm exit pupil; bad, because your eye could receive more light. By extension, 8x56 is a waste of money because the exit pupil of the bino is larger (7mm) than your eyes can receive.

I hope this helps.

I think that 8x30 provides the best combination of size, weight, magnification, light gathering, etc. I use Swarovski 8x30's and have been very happy with them. I can wear them all day without discomfort. They have served me well in the mountains and in heavy brush.

Both typing about the same time.Saying the same thing, scary !

I'm about your age & choose the 8x30 Swarovskis after looking at many binos.Excellent in low light and easy to carry (19ozs.).Also very rugged, been everywhere from Africa to ALASKA. 95 DEGREES to -20 below. Buy what fits your eyes, we're all differant.

Cole
What can we say. Great minds think alike.

I've used a set of 8X42 Leica Trinovids for the last five years as my general-purpose hunting binocular, and this is the best combination of magnification and objective lense diameter I've ever used. Early and late in the day, these out-perform 8X30 or 8X32 binoculars considerably, and the greater performance is worth the slight increase in carrying weight. I recently purchased a pair of Leica's new 8X42 Ultravids, and they are even better optically and slightly lighter and smaller than the Trinovids.

I also prefer 8X42 to 10X42s. The 10X42s make the image slightly bigger, but they don't make it CLEARER, and the 10X42s increase apparent heat distortion and they're not as bright as the 8X42s, either.

Another great set of binoculars that you should really consider are Leica 7X42s. One of my friends has a set of these, and they are so incredibly bright that you'd have to really look through them to appreciate them.

AD

My thoughts on this would be to look at either the 7x42 SLC by Swarovski or the new 8x42 Leica Ultravids. Both of these are fantastic glass, and I can't think of any much better-besides maybe and I do mean maybe the 8.5x42 EL's.

I've used the 7x42 SLC's since the came out-to me they are just about unbeatable. I did have the 8x30 Swarovski's b4 I got the 7x42's and once I had them both it was quite easy to sell the 8x30's. They are lighter and easier to carry but they are not to my eyes nearly as good as the 7x42's!

I've a pair of the Leica 8x42 Ultravids at the store I work at and Brad from Boze also and I have come to the conclusion that these are the clearest glass that we have in the shop. I just wish I had a new pair of 7x42 SLC's to compare them with.

If you wanted to go a bit lighter in weight I'd go for the 8x32 Leica's over the 8x30 Swaro's--with the new price jump of this year these isn't much difference to the pocket book and yet I do feel that the Leica's are a bit better. At least to my eyes they are.

I do feel that the Leica and the Swarovski lines are by far the best-I also feel that everyones eyes are different so get out to a shop and try them both out. Let your eyes tell you which way to go.

Just my thoughts...

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dogz

I agree with everything Mark and Allen said... if I were going to get a glass in the $1000 range I'd look no further than the Leica Ultravid in (for me) the 7x42 first and the 8x42 second. I use a Leica 8x32 BN and definately prefer them over the 8x30 Swaro. For pure viewing pleasure the new Ultravid's will blow your mind and I prefer them over the Swaro EL's (for me anything Zeiss is an also-ran).

BA

I too have a pair of Swarovski 7x42's. They were the first pair of Swarovski's I bought. They are a tremendous bino, bettyer for sure early and late. They are just too big and heavy to carry all day while hunting, especially in high steep country. I like the 8x30's so much I just have gotten in the habit and even use them for stand hunting.

I use swarovski 8x30s and absolutely love them . I have tried alot of different glass over the years including lieca and always come back to my swaros. You can have them if you can pry them out of my cold, dead fingers. They are fantastic glass!

8x30 swarovski's!

I also use them for stand hunting and sports events.Save the compacts for opera glasses. the 8x30s are so light you carry them all the time and aren't tempted to leave them in the truck,on the horse,or in your back pack.
All the brands mentioned are excellent.

okie john,

We have tried practically all the quality binoculars available to us, and here I am afraid the Germans and Austrians have no competition.

Those made by Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss are way beyond anyting else.

I have been using a 10x42 Leica for a number of years, and I love them. Won't go on a hunt without them.

The ziess 7x42s are a lot lighter and have a larger field of view. To go lighter you have to to to the new 8x32 ELs which would be my choice unless the absolute last ounce of light is required.

You know what I love about this place? I put up a question that's been driving me nuts for months and in a few days I get a couple of dozen opinions that point me in the right direction. My hat is off to Saeed for the service he performs for us by making this possible, and to all who kicked in.

My Leica 7x42's should arrive this week, and I'll let you know how they work out.

Thanks again to everyone who replied, either on this thread or via PM. I really appreciate your help. Okie John.

I have 7x30 and 8x30 Swaro's. Love both, but they are different. I had Laser eye surgery and the 7 x30's are better for me than the 8x30's. I am looking at the 10x42 now. I agree with most of the others - test several, pick what you see the best with, spend the money. You won't regret it.

Okie-you made an excellent choice--you'll be wicked happy.

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dogz

Great thread and recomendations. I use a pair of LEICA 10x25 whern weight is an issue. When not I have a pair to Zeiss 10/40. Great glass but I do not think they compare to the new stuff out by the companies mentioned above. One thought on the Steiners. Th emilitary issues them but describe them as throw aways. In other words if they break throw them away not worth the price to fix them.

I'm kind of in the same situation you're in. The shopping/comparing is a lot more fun than writing the check.
See the Barsness article in the latest "Rifle" magazine. The Japanese are coming on strong.
He lists a birdwatcher website that compares binoculars. They pick the new Nikon top-of-the-line over any of the European brands. Even the Nikons cost around $700, maybe more.
I'm going to check them out. Ergonomics is important, too. Swarovski binoculars just feel right to my hands/eyes.

I have a pair of 7x30 swarovski SLC's that I love. They are impossible to beat for around $700. They are light and brite. I also have a pair of the Swarovski El's that are 8.5x42. They run around $1300 but they come wuth a nifty little aluminum case They are better glasses but they are also heavier. Putting the two side by side I always pick the 7x30's. The El's are simply impossible to beat for bird watching or sporting events but for humpin up and down a mountain I will take my SLC's any day of the week and twice on Sunday.