Both 10X50 and 7X50 binoculars are widely famous in the hunting and birding communities The 10X50 provides brighter, crisper images whereas the 7X50 is ideal for extended use.
In other words, the 10X50 specializes in image quality, and the 7X50 is fixated on comfort.
Let’s explore more differences between these two pairs of binoculars in our “10×50 vs 7×50 Binoculars” comparison guide and find out your best pick!
Things to like about 10×50 binoculars
- Brighter image
- Good for seeing through a light-polluted sky
- Higher magnification
- Enhanced contrast
- Better light efficiency
Problems with 10×50 binoculars
- Can’t use freehand for a long time
- Narrow field of view
- Lower image quality
Things to like about 7×50 binoculars
- Ideal for handheld viewing
- Wider field of view
- More stable image
- Better shadow detail
- Great for daytime views
- Less weight
- A good option for beginners
Problems with 10×50 binoculars
- Lower magnification
- Lower contrast
- Lower light efficiency
Difference Between 10×50 vs 7×50 Binoculars
1. Contrast
10×50 binoculars have better contrast than 7x50s. They make dim objects in the dark sky clear and enhance the contrast between the sky and your target.
For instance, you’ll be able to see Halley’s comet far better compared to the 7×50 binos.
2. Field of view
The width of your field of view depends on your preferences.
For example, you have to choose 10×50 binoculars to see a specific star arrangement that fits nicely inside the FOV of 10x50s.
However, you will prefer 7x50s more than 10x50s if you want a wider field of view to see larger areas of the sky and find interesting things.
There are 7×50 and 10×50 binoculars with the same 6.5 TFOV. In reality, the FOV ranges in these models are 45 degrees and 65 degrees respectively.
3. Magnification
7×50 binos cannot magnify the flaws in optics such as imperfect alignment or chromatic aberration.
On the other hand, 10x50s with higher magnifications show you more detail in distant objects. They are best to focus on large objects such as M31, Pleiades, Hyades, or the moon.
Even if you get a 7×50 pair, the desire for increased magnification will compel you to buy a 10×50 pair soon.
Image quality
7×50 binoculars give you a smaller but more stable image.
They also have better color rendition and shadow detail compared to 10×50 pairs.
Exit pupil
10×50 binoculars have 5 mm exit pupil whereas 7x50s have 7 mm. The smaller exit pupil on the 10x50s gives a brighter image and a darker sky background.
But the problem with smaller pupils is that your eyes need to be closer to the eyepiece, which may make it harder for you to see things.
Seeing through light pollution
The higher-powered 10x50s are preferred where skyglow light pollution is an issue.
You want to use them for a quick look at a nebula or a galaxy from moderately polluted areas.
On the other hand, the 7x50s are easier to hold but they always have an excessively bright background, which makes them inadequate to see through light pollution.
Light efficiency
The pupil of your eyes constricts with age, which reduces the light coming from the larger exit pupil of 7×50 binoculars.
If you are over 30, 10x50s is the solution. They are lighter and more efficient, so you will see things with more detail.
Daytime view
The 7x50s give an outstanding twilight or daytime view that is more natural than that of the 10x50s. You also get to see things in closer proportions with them.
Size
The size of 7×50 binoculars is nice for handheld use. They are easier to use when you stand up and go freehand.
The compact size allows for less hand-shaking and steadier observation compared to 10×50 models.
They are not only comfortable but also ideal for an easy first step in sky observation.
Weight
You may get more steadiness from the extra weight of 10×50 models but extended use will make you tired.
This diminishes the benefit of using a higher magnifying device.
If you don’t want to deal with the added weight, try the 7×50.
Using one pair vs several pairs
If you want to use a single pair of binoculars for several years then you may consider 10×50 models.
But 7x50s are better when you plan to buy several binoculars within a year or six months.
When should you use 10×50 binoculars?
If you need higher magnifications and plan to see things through polluted skies, then get the 10×50 binoculars.
They will help you see dim objects with higher contrast and their light efficiency will let you see the detail when you get older.
However, the 7×50 binos will facilitate freehand and stable observation.
These compact devices will let you enjoy daytime views and better shadow details from the backyard of your house.
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