If you are a hunter or love the outdoors, then you most probably own a binocular. But getting the ideal binocular is not easy. Currently, 10×50 and 20×50 binoculars are the most popular. However, choosing the right one is the concern!
So, which one to choose between 10×50 vs 20×50 binoculars?
A 10×50 binocular has quite good image stability. A 20×50 would have average image stability. But its visual quality is quite remarkable. However, a 10×50 binocular would provide more eye relief. So, you need to take all the factors into account and choose the one you need.
Sounds like what you are looking for? Get started now!
10×50 vs 20×50 Binoculars: Head to Head Battle
Before we get to the detailed comparison, let’s have a quick comparison in a brief. Take a look here.
| Features | 10×50 Binoculars | 20×50 Binoculars |
| Image Stability | Better | Good |
| Vision Performance | Good | Better |
| Eye Relief | Good | Average |
10×50 vs 20×50 Binoculars: Detailed Comparison
Once you have a basic knowledge about their features, you can understand their differences. Now, let’s get started with the detailed comparison of 20×5 and 10×50 binoculars.
Image Stability
Holding the binocular steady while focusing is not so easy to do. Because it’s quite common that your hand would keep shaking. And this would disrupt the stability of the image.
While the image is magnified by the binoculars, the movement of your hand is magnified as well. A 10x pair will magnify a picture by ten times. It would also tenfold enhance tiny hand movements.
Just like that, 20x binoculars would magnify a vision by 20 times. This also makes the hand shakier by a factor of 20.
A 20x binocular would have a higher magnification than a 10x binocular. They do, however, have poorer image stability.
As a result, using the 20x pair not having a stand is substantially more challenging. With the 10x pair, there isn’t the same issue.
Furthermore, a good tripod could help drastically with the stabilization issues. If you’re wondering what to go for, check our recommendations-
The larger the image, however, does not always imply that it is clearer.
Winner: As per our evaluation, 10×50 binoculars would be a better option. This is because it can have better image stability overall.
Vision Performance
The human eyes can adapt to the brightness of the light accordingly. But the binoculars cannot respond to the light stimuli accordingly. They act how their features are adjusted.
You may wonder how is 10×50 vision and how far can 20×50 binoculars see? Well, let’s get the answer below.
You can find out the exit pupil of the binocular by dividing the magnification by diameter. A 10×50 binocular has an exit pupil of 5mm. This can be really good in the dark.
10×50 binoculars for astronomy can be great but it’s not the best choice for birdwatching!
On the other hand, 20×50 binoculars would have an exit pupil of 2.5mm only. Now, you may wonder are 20×50 binoculars good for astronomy?
Well, a 20×50 is a good choice for the sunlight. These binoculars get the best views in the proper light. And it can see the objects of the greatest distances that binoculars could see. This means 20×50 binoculars for astronomy are not ideal.
However, 20×50 binoculars plane spotting can be considered in the daylight!
Winner: So, we choose 20×50 over 10×50 as it has a better visual quality. And this can make 20×50 binoculars for astronomy ideal!
Eye Relief
When you are watching through the binocular, your eyes can get tired. Like, you may either feel okay or disturbed at times. That’s because of the eye relief or disruption.
You might be someone who needs glasses on a regular basis. As a result, less eye relief might be a serious issue.
A set of binoculars with a larger eye relief will be required. So that your spectacles can be accommodated as well. Surprisingly, the smaller the eye relief, the greater the magnification.
The eye relief of most 20x binoculars would be less than that of most 10x binoculars.
This is not, however, a hard and fast rule. When you try closely enough, you can obtain 20x binoculars with adequate eye relief.
And remember, 20×50 binoculars for bird watching can be good!
A 10×50 binocular can be good for a hydrogen alpha filter. And 10×50 binoculars for hunting can also be considered.
Winner: With the above points, we would choose 10×50 binoculars. Because these have a greater eye relief!
Which One to Choose Finally?
It’s okay if you’re still confused to jump on to the final decision. We have got a final evaluation for you here.
If you are looking for more stable imaging and more eye relief, then go for 10×50. However, a 2×50 binocular would be better in performance.
FAQs
Question: How is 20×50 binocular in general?
Answer: Yes, 20×50 binoculars are great! In comparison to the others, they are extremely sharp. And, given the magnification, they’re quite easy to keep steady. However, they are slightly heavier than the others.
Question: Is 20×50 binocular ideal for stargazing?
Answer: Yes, you may use a 20×50 binocular for stargazing. This binocular is a great choice when you have a tripod to use for it. You could also use it for hunting and astronomy! But if you are not having a specific purpose, then this is not worth it.
Question: How are 10×50 binoculars in general?
Answer: 10×50 binoculars are good in general. This is ideal if you are hiking, watching birds, or feeling nature all around. These 10×50 binoculars also have a good version of sight that would help to see in the dark. So, you can count on this binocular!
Question: Can I see the planets with a 10×50 binocular?
Answer: Yes, you can see all the 8 planets with your 10×50 binocular. However, you may not be able to see them in a bigger size. You can understand the planets though. Other than the planets, you can also see comets and meteoroids with this one.
Question: How to choose the ideal binocular?
Answer: The first thing to do is fix the price range. Then you need to also consider the purpose of its use. If you decide on these two aspects, then go for a few models. See which one you like the most. And finally, get the one that suits them best!
The Final Words
Now you know which one to choose between 10×50 vs 20×50 binoculars! We hope the information helps you to get to the final decision.
If you are not sure yet, give it a read once more. You can look for more comparisons on our website.
All the best!
