Which Binoculars are more powerful?

[Ruby Jane]

My husband do a lot of sightseeing.l have an old pair of binocs..7x50,field degrees.7.1.
l am looking for something a bit more modern and smaller.Would a pair 16x50 be stronger than what l have.Or can you recommend something to me.
Thank you.

[Vinnie]

Hi Ruby Jane

The first number ie the 7x is the magnification so the bigger that number the more magnification you will get. The 50 is the diameter of the objective lenses in mm and the 7.1 is the field of view, in degrees, ie how large an area you can see. Unfortunately anything bigger than about 10x50 is getting to big to hold steady freehand.

Here is a budget pair of 10x50's with 7 degree Field of view that rate well

[Registered users can see links. ]

These are "Porros' (meaning they have porro prisms) and have the more traditional shape and size of binos.

You can get more compact with "Roofs" (which use a roof prism) but will cost more eg

[Registered users can see links. ]

But in fairness, the example that I have given you is a much higher overall quality

But realistically, however you choose to go, bigger than around 10x50 won't do you any favours if you can't hold the things steady. Users of bigger binos tend to mount them on a tripod.

HTH

[powerwindows1985]

I have the scenix 10x50's and I really like them. They give nice views and aren't all that expensive, about $100 (they are the deal of the day at orion's web site and you can get them for $82 if you order before they change the deal this evening).