12×50 Vs 20×50 Binoculars
Whether you are an avid birder, an astronomer, or simply enjoy observing nature and wildlife, choosing the right binoculars can greatly enhance your experience.
One of the key factors to consider when selecting binoculars is magnification, which determines how closely you can view the subject.
But that’s not all – there are many other factors to consider, such as the size and weight, field of view, and exit pupil.
In this article, we will compare two popular models – 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars – and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each. Are you ready to find the perfect pair of binoculars for your needs? Let’s dive in!
12×50 and 20×50 binoculars-Factors For Comparison
We will see the differences based on
- Magnification
- Twilight Factor
- Exit Pupil and Image Brightness
- Field Of View Size &
- Weight & Size
- Eye Relief
- Price
- Uses In Various Situations
Lets start with the magnification
Magnification
When comparing the magnification of 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars, the latter offers a magnification of 20 times, while the former has a magnification of 12 times. This means that the image seen through the 20×50 binoculars will appear to be 67% larger than that seen through the 12×50 binoculars.
Higher magnification offers several advantages. It allows for greater detail and clarity of the image seen through the binoculars, making it easier to observe fine details such as feathers on a bird or craters on the moon. This can be especially useful for activities such as birdwatching and astronomy.
However, higher magnification also comes with its disadvantages. One of the most significant drawbacks is image instability. The slightest hand movement can cause the image to shake or blur, making it difficult to focus on the object being observed. This can be particularly challenging when using the binoculars for extended periods or in windy conditions.
Another disadvantage of higher magnification is a reduced field of view. The higher the magnification, the smaller the field of view, which makes it harder to locate and track moving objects. This can be a significant disadvantage when using binoculars for activities such as birdwatching, where speed and precision are essential.
Furthermore, higher magnification usually means larger and heavier binoculars, which can be a challenge when carrying them for extended periods. This can make binoculars with higher magnification less suitable for activities such as hiking and travel.
Twilight Factor
The twilight factor is a measure of the ability of binoculars to gather light in low-light conditions. It is calculated by taking the square root of the product of the magnification and the objective lens diameter. The higher the twilight factor, the brighter and clearer the image will appear in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or under heavy tree cover.
Twilight factor is an important consideration when choosing binoculars, especially for those who plan to use them in low-light conditions such as birdwatching at dawn or dusk. A higher twilight factor means that the binoculars will be able to gather more light, making the image appear brighter and clearer.
Let’s Compare the twilight factor of 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars
When comparing binoculars, it is important to consider the twilight factor. The twilight factor of 12×50 binoculars is approximately 21.2, while the twilight factor of 20×50 binoculars is approximately 28.3. This means that the 20×50 binoculars should be able to gather more light, making the image appear crisper and clearer in low-light conditions. However, exit pupil always overpowers the twilight factor and we will see in the next section why you shouldn’t get a 20×50 binocular for dusk and dawn.
Exit Pupil
The exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light that exits the eyepiece of the binoculars and enters the pupil of the user’s eye. The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image will appear, and the easier it will be to see details in low-light conditions.
When comparing 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars, the exit pupil of the 12×50 model is 4.17 mm (50 divided by 12), while the exit pupil of the 20×50 model is 2.5 mm (50 divided by 20). This means that the 12×50 binoculars will produce a brighter image in low-light conditions, as the larger exit pupil allows more light to enter the eye.
However, it’s important to note that a larger exit pupil is not always necessary, especially if the binoculars will be used primarily in daylight conditions. For activities like birdwatching or nature observation, where light conditions may vary, a larger exit pupil can be beneficial. But for activities like astronomy, where the objects being observed are very bright, a smaller exit pupil may be sufficient.
It’s also important to consider other factors that can affect image brightness, such as lens quality and coating. Higher-quality lenses and coatings can help to maximize the amount of light that enters the binoculars, resulting in a brighter and clearer image.
Note: The twilight factor alone is not sufficient to make an accurate statement about binoculars’ suitability for low-light conditions.
A large exit pupil is always a critical factor in such situations. Ideally, the exit pupil should be as large as the user’s pupil or larger.
Binoculars with an exit pupil smaller than 4 mm are not preferable for low-light conditions, even if they have a high twilight factor.
In this case the 20×50 mm has a very low exit pupil despite having a high twilight factor, so 12×50 will be able to produce clearer images in low light conditions such as dusk or dawn
Also Check: Exit Pupil vs Twilight Factor: Which Matters More for Binoculars in Low-Light Conditions
Field of View
When choosing binoculars, one of the most important factors to consider is the field of view (FOV). This term refers to the width of the area visible through the binoculars, usually measured in feet or meters at a certain distance.
What is Field of View
Field of view is determined by the optical design of the binoculars and is influenced by factors such as magnification, objective lens size, and eyepiece design. Generally, higher magnifications result in narrower fields of view, while larger objective lenses and wider eyepieces lead to wider fields of view.
Comparison of Field of View in 12×50 and 20×50 Binoculars
When comparing the field of view of 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars, it is important to note that the 20×50 binoculars will generally have a narrower field of view than the 12×50 binoculars. This is because the higher magnification of the 20×50 binoculars results in a narrower field of view.
For example, a typical 12×50 binocular might have a field of view of around 350-320 feet at 1,000 yards, while a typical 20×50 binocular might have a field of view of only around 150-200 feet at the same distance.
We will check for, the Bushnell Powerview 20×50 which has a fov of 170ft@1000yds while Bushnell Powerview 12×50 has fov of 267ft@1000yds.
Importance of Field of View
A wider field of view can be particularly important for certain activities such as birdwatching or sports events where it is important to track moving objects.
A wider field of view can also make it easier to find objects and navigate the environment.
However, a narrower field of view may be more suitable for activities such as astronomy, where the user is focused on a smaller area of the sky.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece of the binoculars and the user’s eye at which the entire field of view is visible. This is an important consideration, especially for people who wear glasses or have other vision impairments. Eye relief is measured in millimetres (mm).
When comparing the eye relief of 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars, it’s important to note that higher magnification generally results in a shorter eye relief. This is because higher magnification binoculars tend to have a narrower field of view, which requires the user’s eye to be closer to the eyepiece in order to see the entire field of view. However, this is not always the case, as some manufacturers have developed higher magnification binoculars with longer eye relief.
Let’s compare again the eye relief of Bushnell Powerview in both configurations:
| Binocular Model | Magnification | Objective Lens Diameter | Eye Relief |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Powerview 20×50 | 20x | 50mm | 9mm |
| Bushnell Powerview 12×50 | 12x | 50mm | 10.5mm |
It’s important to note that longer eye relief does not necessarily mean better image quality, but it does provide greater comfort and ease of use, especially for eyeglass wearers.
For individuals who wear glasses, it’s recommended to choose binoculars with a minimum of 15mm of eye relief.
This allows the user to comfortably view the entire field of view without having to remove their glasses. Binoculars with shorter eye relief may cause discomfort or require the user to remove their glasses, resulting in a loss of image quality.
Price
When comparing the prices of 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars, there is a wide range of options available at different price points. Generally speaking, 20×50 binoculars tend to be more expensive than their 12×50 counterparts, as they offer a higher level of magnification and may include additional features such as image stabilization technology.
How ever in most cases the price difference is not more than 5-10% if the binoculars are of same quality or company.
For example, the Bushnell Powerview 20×50 costs $66 which is only $3 more than Bushnell Powerview 12×50 which costs $62. This is a minor price difference.
When considering the price of binoculars, it is important to weigh the cost against the features and quality of the product.
A higher-priced pair of binoculars may offer better image quality, greater durability, and additional features such as waterproofing or image stabilization. These features can be especially valuable for activities that require precise and steady viewing, such as astronomy or wildlife observation.
However, for more casual activities such as attending concerts or sporting events, a lower-priced pair of binoculars may suffice.
Some Comparisons Of Popular Models Of 20×50 and 12×50 Binoculars
| Model | Field of View @ 1000 yards | Exit Pupil | Eye Relief | Weight | Size | Close Focus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celestron – UpClose G2 20×50 | 167ft | 2.5mm | 7mm | 28oz | 18.5 x 8.1 x 16cm | 42ft | Check On Amazon |
| Celestron–Nature DX ED 12×50 | 252ft | 4.1mm | 14.3mm | 28.4oz | 18.8 x 19.99 x 8.99cm | 6.5ft | Check On Amazon |
| Celestron Granite 12×50 | 279ft | 4.1mm | 15mm | 27.69oz | 16.76 x 13.21 x 6.1cm | 8.2ft | Check On Amazon |
What Should You Choose: 12×50 or 20×50
Here, we will discuss how the factors discussed in the previous sections affect the suitability of 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars for each use.
Hunting
Hunters require binoculars that are durable, lightweight, and can withstand harsh conditions. Magnification is a crucial factor as it allows hunters to see their prey from a distance.
For hunting, 12×50 binoculars are recommended as they provide a good balance of magnification and field of view, making them ideal for spotting game in open areas.
Astronomy
For astronomy, a higher magnification is typically preferred, so the 20×50 binoculars may be a better choice.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that higher magnification can also lead to shakier images due to hand movements, so using a tripod may be necessary for steady viewing.
Additionally, a larger aperture (i.e. objective lens size) can result in brighter images and better performance in low light situations, so a 50mm aperture in both 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars is good for astronomical viewing.
Birdwatching
Birdwatchers require binoculars with a wide field of view, excellent color rendition, and good light transmission.
12×50 binoculars are an excellent choice for birdwatching as they provide a wide field of view, allowing birders to track birds in flight.
Additionally, the larger exit pupil and good twilight factor of 12×50 binoculars ensure bright and clear images, even in low light conditions.
Nature Observation
Nature observation encompasses a wide range of activities, from watching wildlife to admiring the scenery.
For this activity, 12×50 binoculars are an excellent choice as they provide a wide field of view and bright, clear images. The compact size and lightweight of 12×50 binoculars also make them easy to carry for extended periods.
Hiking and Travel
When hiking or traveling, binoculars need to be lightweight and compact.
12×50 binoculars are a good choice as they are lightweight, easy to carry, and provide excellent image quality.
The larger field of view of 12×50 binoculars also allows hikers and travelers to take in the beauty of their surroundings.
Concerts and Theatre
For indoor events, such as concerts and theatre, 12×50 binoculars are a good choice as they provide a clear view of the stage.
The wider field of view of 12×50 binoculars also allows you to take in more of the stage, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Plane spotting
For plane spotting, a larger magnification and field of view can be beneficial, as well as a comfortable eye relief for extended use.
In this case, the 20×50 binoculars may be a better choice as they offer a higher magnification and larger field of view than the 12×50 binoculars.
However, they may also be heavier and more difficult to hold steady for extended periods of time, so it is important to consider the weight and size of the binoculars as well.
Sports Events
Sports fans need binoculars with a wide field of view, good image stabilization, and the ability to follow the action on the field or court.
12×50 binoculars are recommended for sports events as they provide a wide field of view, allowing fans to follow the action more easily.
Comparison Table :12×50 vs 20×50 Binoculars
| Features | 12×50 Binoculars | 20×50 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Field of view | Narrow | Narrower |
| Weight and Size | Less Heavy | Heavier Than 10x50s |
| Common Uses | Hunting, Astronomy, Birdwatching, Nature Observation | Astronomy, Surveillance |
| Twilight Factor | Moderate | Low |
| Exit Pupil | Smaller | Smallest |
| Low Light Performance | Good | Poor |
An Interesting Video:
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars, it is important to consider various factors such as magnification, twilight factor, exit pupil, field of view, eye relief, and price.
Each factor plays a significant role in determining the suitability of the binoculars for different activities such as hunting, birdwatching, hiking, travel, and sports events.
Ultimately, the choice between 12×50 and 20×50 binoculars depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. By carefully considering all the factors, one can make an informed decision and enjoy the best possible viewing experience.
