Binocular magnification

I’ve always maintained that the choice between 8x and 10x in binocular magnification is largely a personal preference and that is still my position. That little bit of extra detail that 10x binoculars deliver is not enough to make a difference as far as what you can see and it typically comes at the cost of reduced steadiness and narrower fields of view compared to 8x binoculars.

That said, I own more 10x binoculars than I do other magnifications, even in my compact binoculars where steadiness is even more of an issue than in full size birding binoculars or hunting binoculars. Why would I choose to go 10x in compact binoculars knowing they are noticeably harder to steady than 8x compact binoculars?

I like the balance, better, on 10x compact roof prism binoculars, compliments of their longer barrels. That little bit of extra heft in your hands aids in steadiness. My 8x compact binoculars tend to be a bit flighty in my hands, by comparison. This matter of feel in the hands is, admittedly, a subjective thing, but like I said, the choice between 8x binoculars and 10x binoculars is a matter of personal preference.

About the pic: two of the world's great compact binoculars, the Swaovski Pocket 8x20 on the left and the taller Leica Ultravid 10x25 BL on the right.