A binocular rule of thumb is that anything over 10x requires some kind of support for the sake of steadiness and for the vast majority of the human race this is true. Even stepping up to
12x binoculars creates a steadiness problem. That bino support, however, does not automatically have to be a
tripod. I have successfully used many a 12x50 binocular and even a 14x binocular from a vehicle by simply resting the
binocular on the door. I don't recommend anything more than 10x for field work, but if you find yourself out in the field with that
12x50 binocular, any tree or rock makes for a good support or, if the landscape allows, just sit down and brace the binocular on your knees. The problem, of course, is that that tree, rock and option to sit is not always available when you need it most and that little extra bit of movement can be spotted by wildlife.