Is 12x Better than 10x in Binoculars? What Factors Make Better

When it comes to binoculars, bigger is always better, well, sort of. Because while they can get heavy, bigger binoculars with more magnification capability can give you the extra zooming flexibility that you need. But the real question is how much of that zooming or magnification capability do you really need? Since the extra magnification capability usually comes with the tradeoff of sacrificing handiness.

So, it’s a fair question to ask is 12x better than 10x in binoculars? Well, the most straightforward answer is yes. Having that extra magnification will always come in handy and will not burden your hands, which we can assure you of.

Why 12x Binoculars are Better Than 10x?

When glassing, there are several factors you should consider to make a proper buying decision. You should consider handiness, usage ability with or without tripods, and field of view differences between these two. Let’s begin.

1. Handiness

One of the biggest misconceptions about 12 times powered or 12x binoculars is that they are impossible to handle only with your hands, so you must use a tripod with them. So, they tend to ask can you hand-hold 12×50 binoculars?

The answer is a 100 percent yes, all the time. If you train your hands properly, users have reported using them one-handed with a breeze. So yes, you can hand-hold 12x binoculars.

2. Field of View or FOV

The field of view is the amount of area you can see through your pair of binoculars. As a general rule of thumb, the more magnification you use, the lesser the field of view gets. Depending on your geographical location, a wider FOV can either be an advantage or a disadvantage for you. You see, in the plains, a narrower field of view is more appropriate for hunting or bird watching. However, this can present a problem in areas where there are lots of grass and foliage, etc.

So how does the field of view compare between a 10x and a 12x? Well, the difference is very minuscule. Because going from 10x to 12x, the FOV doesn’t go that much narrower. So, you don’t have to worry about adding extra shakiness with that added magnification power.

3. Using Tripods

This is another area where 12 powered binoculars shine. Yes, you can still tripod with a 10x pair but that will sometimes leave you with a desire for more magnification. What about 15x then? Well, a 15 times magnification, while great for mounting on a tripod, can present a whole new set of problems when hand-held.

A 12x offers the perfect middle ground here. It adds extra magnification capability while not compromising on the freedom of taking it off the tripod anytime you want.

4. Weight

For bird watchers or hunters who like to move around a lot, the handheld capability is a must. But the added weight of bigger binoculars can be a downer. So, while 15 or 18 powered pairs offer great mounted views, they are almost impossible to use at a handheld position, especially for long hours.

 Again, a 12x offers the perfect balance here. Most of the time, they weigh almost the same as a 10x pair of binoculars. The weight difference is very little and, in our opinion, doesn’t add any extra burden on your hands.

5. Shakiness and Stability

This is one area where 10 times magnification performs better than 12 times. However, that is easily avoidable with a little practice to hold your hands more steadily. But, if you have shaky hands, a lower magnification is always recommended. In that case, we recommend you go for a 10x or even lower.

Remember, magnification works both ways. It doesn’t only magnify the image, but your hand movements as well. So, with any slight movements on your hands, you’ll see 10 or 12 times according to your binocular zooming capability.

So in this case, a 10×50 is better than a 12×42.

6. Low Light Visibility

Our pupils dilate more when the conditions are dark. Unfortunately, lenses don’t work that way. So, you’ll need to check the specifications beforehand. A wider objective lens (the outer lens) will let more light in. Hence, they are better for darker conditions. If you plan on more early morning or late evening adventures, choose your glass wisely. A 10x with a wider lens is better here than a 12x. The added benefit of less shakiness in the dark will come in handy here.

If you are still confused, here’s a quick comparison chart between a 10x and a 12x binocular.

	10x	12x	Difference in Percentage
Magnification Power	10 times	12 times	18.18 %
Weight	912 grams	1023 grams	11.42 %
Field of View (1000 yards)	346 feet	288 feet	-18.30 %

Do note that the weight and the field of view data are taken from a standard 10×42 and a 12×50 model.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

How far can 12×50 binoculars see?

A 12×50 will give you a field of view of 250 feet at 1000 yards.

What are 12×50 binoculars good for?

Typically, they are used mostly for bird watching and hunting. And they are good at it.

What does 12x magnification mean?

A 12x magnification indicated that it can make images appear 12 times bigger, or closer in the case of binoculars.

Should I get 8x or 10x binoculars for hiking?

For hiking, we recommend getting 8x binoculars. Because they offer better stability and are more lightweight, which is better suited for activities like hiking and climbing.

Final Thoughts

If your outdoor activities require a lot of movement, getting a lower magnification is always a wise choice. However, in the case of 10x vs 12x binoculars, the latter offers better value for money with their added zooming capabilities. And they don’t add any significant jerkiness compared to 10x.

With little to no added weight, they are an excellent choice for both handheld and mounted situations.