>There is a huge difference, Edge
>to edge clarity allows for
>one to sit longer behind
>the glass without eye strain
>and headaches, It allows for
>full field of view and
>the use of your peripheral
>vision. Greater clarity allows for
>better definition at longer distances.
>
>
>Make sure to buy European glass,
>the Asian crap is just
>not on the same level.
>
>
>As for the previous comment about
>power, its all about what
>you can hold steady, I
>run 8's because I can
>hold them steadier and see
>more detail. 10's are awesome,
>put them on a tripod
>and they are even better.
>All bino's are better when
>put on a tripod.
+1 on this advice. Spot on.
There is a big difference when you step up. Although, you won't notice it until your out in the field. While inside a store, everything is going to look clear through a decent pair of binoculars. In my opinion, the biggest advantage you will get is detail. Edge to edge is a nice feature, and light gathering is a big deal as well, but at the end of the day detail in your FOV is the biggest advantage. You may now pick out a set of antlers washed out by the surrounding sage brush, or buck brush that you couldn't otherwise see before. That's the difference.
If you're looking at a bald mtn, and there is a silhouetted elk on the skyline, you'll see that just as good with the Nikons as you will with the Swaros. The secret is to get these high end specs mounted up on something steady like a tripod, and here's why:
The story above about the 10X specs vs the 7X specs is a perfect segway to my point - when your holding a bigger pair of specs in your hands and trying to pick out animals, after a minute or two, your muscles start to fatigue and you will start to shake. When that happens, EVERYTHING in you FOV is now moving. Advantage animal. Conversely - when your specs are mounted, and steady your FOV becomes similar to a picture mounted on your wall. Completely motionless. All it takes is one flicker of an ear, or wag of a tail and you've spotted an animal you would have never seen before. Advantage goes to you. Now you're a real predator with spidy senses. Don't believe me? Give it a try. I've proven my point on this more times than I can remember.
"Luck is often nothing more than
preparation running into opportunity.?
-Some Smart Guy