Question 1

How much is the zoom difference between 10x42 and 12x50?

Accepted Answer

In a binocular power rating (e.g. 10x42) the first number is magnification. The second number is the diameter of the objective lens (large lenses at the opposite end from the eyepiece lenses), in this case 42 millimeters. Hence, 10x42. The magnification power of a 12x50 is 12 times magnification (12 times larger than normal unaided vision). So the "zoom difference" would be an increase of 20% in the magnification from a 10x42 to a 12x50.The objective lens diameter determines light gathering capability and the size of the field of view. A higher magnification is not necessarily a good thing, as it is more difficult to maintain a stationary image, the light gathering capability is often impaired, and the field of view is reduced. For most uses, a binocular of 7 or 8 power is about right. 10 power is good for people with steady hands, and 12 power often requires a tripod to hold a stable image.

Question 2

We are going whale watching, which would be better 8 X 42 or 10 X 42?

Accepted Answer

I own Celestron 18-40X80MM for the sky view and Canon 12X36 IS III for wild nature. Based on the experience and knowledge I have, using those 2 binoculars, I can tell you that higher a binoculars’ viewing power is, more details but less content on the view you will see, whereas weaker/lower viewing power a binoculars is, less details but more content you will see. Also higher viewing power helps you see things far away whereas lower viewing power helps you see things less far away.

The above said is not all that should be taken into consideration. The other factor is stability that must be well considered because the view through the binoculars does shake/wobbles. With higher viewing power ones, the view is more unstable when held by hands, whereas, with lower/weaker viewing power ones, the view is more stable when held by hands. That’s why my Celestron 18-40X80MM is useless when held by hands because the view shakes and it makes my eyes very uncomfortable. Imagine you hold a level tool in your hands. Your hands shake and you can’t keep it still. You won’t be able to keep your hands steady holding a high-powered viewing binoculars in hands. That’s why I bought a tripod.

Taking these two binoculars into comparison, I’d go with 8 simply because the view would be more stable. Staying on a boat in the water, the stability wouldn’t be ideal.

(Hope it helps assuming you haven’t watched the whales yet.😄)

Question 3

they are good to take them to a music concert?

Accepted Answer

Would be yes. They aren't that heavy.

Question 4

Recommended by manufacturer for stargazing binoculars, the Skymaster ED pro 7x50. Is this a good size to put in my luggage to travel?

Accepted Answer

The Skymaster Pro ED 7x50 is not an outsized instrument and should travel well. The dimensions are 180mm x 198mm x 64mm (7.1" x 7.8" x 2.5") and the binoculars have a nylon carrying case.

Brand	Celestron
Manufacturer	Celestron
Model	71347
Model Name	OUTLAND
Model Year	2016
Product Dimensions	17.78 x 7.62 x 20.32 cm; 907.18 g
Item model number	71347
Compatible Devices	Standard binocular compatibility (human eye)
Special Features	Fog Proof
Mounting Hardware	Objective Lens Caps, Rain guard, Neck Strap, Carrying case, Lens cloth, Instruction manual
Number of items	1
Has Image Stabilisation	No
Maximum magnification	10
Optical zoom	10 x
Maximum resolution	1 MP
Optical Sensor Resolution	10 MP
Batteries Included	No
Batteries Required	No
Material	Multi-Coated Optics, Protective Rubber Covering
Lens type	Objective Lens
Mounting Type	Roof
Actual viewing angle	5.6 Degrees
Does it contain liquid?	No
Includes Rechargeable Battery	No
Is there a timer?	No
Includes AC Adapter	No
Manufacturer	Celestron
Country of Origin	China
Item Weight	907 g

Celestron Outland X 10X42 Binocular

Details

Description

Specifications

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

Reviews

Common Questions