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Vortex Diamonback 10x42 or 10x50?

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jdk81

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am really in need of some help here. I have 100% decided upon getting these binos and I will be ordering them this evening. My question to you is which would you get? These will be my set of hunting binos and I just can't decide. I have handled both 10x42 and 8x42. I liked that the 10x42 had more zoom power. I was reading online and It said that the 10x50 have more zoom yet? I was confused by this because I have never heard that. Anyway, which would you go with and why?


Thanks!
 
#4 ·
I have two diamondback 4x12 scopes and love them, can't go wrong with either, pretty close in light gathering.
 
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#5 ·
If you are hunting whitetails in Iowa mostly, I would opt for an 8 power bino. There are numerous reason why. Most of the deer and things I think are deer are within 70 yards anyways because you can't see any further than that in the woods usually. 8 power is about the highest power you can hold steady with out a rest. 10x50's would be WAY huge and NOT necessary at all. I have 8x32 and love the smaller size and I can see deer fine through the binos after it's too dark to see with the naked eye so what more could I want. I do keep mine around my neck all the time so the size weight matters.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I am thinking 10x42. I like the slightly smaller size than the 10x50 and I like having more magnification than the 8x42.

Thanks for the help guys!
 
#7 ·
The first number, 10 in this case, is the magnification and the second number, 50, is the diameter of the objective lens (the end opposite of your eye) in millimeters. There is zero difference in magnification between the 10x42 and the 10x50. Only difference is the 50's will be bigger and heavier and might allow you to make out an object maybe a couple minutes later than the 42's. Both well beyond legal shooting light though. I wouldn't want to have 10x50's for bowhunting though. WAY overkill in my opinion. I used some nice Leupold 10x42s for a couple years and then went to Redfield 8x32s (lower in quality than the Leupolds) and I will never treestand hunt with 10 power again. I believe that 8x32s are perfect for Iowa. Maybe someone else will chime in here. Where are you located in Iowa. I'm east of Cedar Rapids 20 min.
 
#8 ·
I got the diamondback 10x42s and they are a bit bulky and heavy. Quality wise, you can't beat vortex and they will replace those binos if anything happens at all. I read a lot of reviews before buying.
 
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#9 ·
I opted for the Diamonback 8x42's for the reasons IAHNTR is pointing out. Typically in the woods, you don't need the extra magnification of the 10 power. I couldn't be happier with my purchase, as these were my first "real" pair of binos. I keep them around my neck as well all the time and can't believe how I hunted without them in the past.
 
#11 ·
if you need help let us know we are running some vortex specials currently
 
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#13 ·
There is no "zoom" with either bino. One has a larger objective lens which will let in a bit more light, a benefit during low light glassing. The 50mm is also heavier and bulkier. I have the 42mm and find them to very good, especially for the price.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
The reason I was asking about the difference in zoom is that on the Vortex specifications the 10x42 have 345' field of view at 1000yards and the 50's have 283 FOV. Thats why I thought the mag might be different or something?

10x42s will be my choice I believe. I like the extra magnification for glassing fields, etc.
 
#17 ·
jdk81 said:
The reason I was asking about the difference in zoom is that on the Vortex specifications the 10x42 have 345' field of view at 1000yards and the 50's have 283 FOV. Thats why I thought the mag might be different or something?

10x42s will be my choice I believe. I like the extra magnification for glassing fields, etc.
Click to expand...
I gotcha. I found this which explains it pretty clearly;

Generally the size of the field of view decreases as magnification increases since the field of view is what is being magnified. When magnification increases, the field of view shrinks, which allows details in the magnified area to become more visible.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Rob5589 said:
I gotcha. I found this which explains it pretty clearly;

Generally the size of the field of view decreases as magnification increases since the field of view is what is being magnified. When magnification increases, the field of view shrinks, which allows details in the magnified area to become more visible.
Click to expand...
Which would make me think that the 50's are more magnified than the 42's. Correct?
 
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