GPO Passion HD 10x42 vs 10x50 Binoculars: Which is Best?

[@mrmaxaxl]

Filming through the binoculars like you do here; is what you should do in all your reviews :) It really makes it easier for us viewers to grasp their qualities, field of view, clarity, chromatic abberration etc..

[@MusikPiratCH]

Optica Exotica is doing this and explains what those binoculars can do in comparision to others (cheaper or more expensive ones)! I really like these videos more because they are in the field footages. But it really depends what camera you use. With a bad camera all (or nearly all) binoculars will look the same. I don't really trust those phone cameras. Even the very best cameras IMHO are not as good as the very best binoculars and therefore cannot do justice to a Leica, Zeiss or Swarovski top pair of binoculars! 🤔

[@aholmeset]

You really are a legend. Thanks! I am a captain on a large fishing vessel and I am looking for a binocular that will last a lifetime. Price is not important :)

[@jeandelucdephil5481]

Once again a pleasure to watch ! Thank you, I hope you'll get the appreciation you deserve.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Jeandeluc, you are welcome and many thanks thanks for the kind words and feedback - much appreciated

[@bookas4u]

Hey, I’m a hunter and a birder (more on the birder side though) and am currently using the Nikon Monarch HG 10x42. I like the quality of glass and would like a pair of binoculars with as good or better quality but would like binoculars that are perhaps more rugged and tougher than the Monarch’s. I don’t care about the weight or size of the binoculars either. What would you recommend in the under $1000 mark? I was thinking the Maven B2 11x45 because I wouldn’t mind the extra magnifying as birding in forests with taller trees can be difficult. I have never used x11 before and was wondering whether there will be a big difference in hand-held stability between those of x10, I am young however and have a stable enough hands. Not sure either though if switching to x11 is worth it when there are these binoculars like the GPO 10x50’s, that would be better in lower light scenarios than the 11x45’s. If you can help me out in any way because I’m a bit stuck, thanks for you help in the binoculars and I appreciate what you do, cheers!

[@vikinona]

FUJINON FMTR SX 10x50

[@WarrioRAbsolutE]

Anyway, however and therefore, nice review!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks! :-)

[@tehrihumbert876]

Would be nice to hear you about the GPO PASSION ED 10x42 !! Thx for your work, Buddy !

[@nicolasmasset]

Thanks for another gpo video! I’d like to ask a slightly off topic question regarding 8x32 or 8x42. Of those configurations, would you choose gpo passion ed, hawke frontier Ed or kite lynx hd for birding and backyard viewing?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Nicolas, it is very hard just to give you a straight out answer as everyone is different and so it is more about taking a look at each and deciding which one in terms of their specs and features best suits those needs and at your budget. The good news is that your shortlist contains 3very good instruments, so don't think there is a wrong choice here.

[@keys-bw9bc]

I am an absolute novice in the market for decent quality binoculars. For 2 days now I have been watching and reading your reviews and articles, and have learned much concerning what to look for in quality binoculars. Before I started researching, I had no idea that there where so many choices. Now I just have to find some local retailers so I can physically compare binoculars. Thank you for all the information, confusing the hell out of me, and helping to narrow down my choices.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, Many thanks for the feedback and I am really glad to have been of help. What have you decided to go with?

[@keys-bw9bc]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews I am looking to compare the Nikon Monarch 7's, the Vortex Vipers, and the Hawke Frontier EDX 8x42's. Now if I can only find them to take a peak through. According to the numbers, all three would be a good choice for my needs. However, I did compare the Nikons and Vortex 10x42's, and even though my brain was screaming that the Vortex were better, my eyes liked the Nikons better. Now to find them all in 8x42's for a proper comparison.

[@shanerobinson565]

I would love to see you give the GPO 8x32 a go , especially after the informative Hawke review.

[@crimsonpearl4686]

Jason, I have narrowed my choices down to either the GPO Passion HD, Maven B.1 or the Nikon Monarch HG, all in 10 x 42. In your opinion, which is you favorite as far as top quality build, optics and ergonomics? List in order of preference if you can. Also, which do you feel is the best for overall genera use? Also, I know the Nikons are made in Japan, but where are the GPO and the Maven made?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - thanks for the question and really it is impossible for me to be as clear cut with the answer as you want me to be, especially as I have not tested the Nikon Monarch HD. GPO Passion HD's are designed in Germany and then manufactured in Japan and I know the top end Maven's like the B5 uses Japanese glass and Components: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Maven-B5-18x56-Binoculars-Review-263.htm - not sure about the B1 as I have not tested them.

[@RenoLaringo]

How would you think the GPO Passion HD would compare to the Maven ''C'' série ? Thank you for this excellent presentation! I enjoyed every bit of it!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Reno - I have not fully tested a Maven C series binocular yet, so cant really say - I have tested a number of Maven B Series binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-brand-Maven-Binoculars.html and others as well as Many GPO instruments: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-brand-GPO-Binoculars.html - For me I think both brands compare well against each other in the relevant price categories and thus it will often come down to a few small personal preferences or details that are important to you. Either way, they both make excellent binoculars. Sorry, not to be able to be more specific.

[@RenoLaringo]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews That's great to read! Thank you for the time you took to answer my question ! I really appreciate it. I think I'm going to go for the Athlons and life will tell. Thank you again and I wish you all the best to happen! Greetings from Belgium !

[@arshadmahmood5112]

Hello..I want to buy binoculars to view long distance mountain ranges but I don't know which one to buy..I will take your advice please recommend one for example by number ..12×50 or something else. Thanks.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Arshad, A 12x50 would be a good option and should be just fine for you to use without needing a tripod. I have more info on long distance observation binoculars here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/high-powered-long-distance-viewing-binoculars.php

[@bonienl4550]

Really love your reviews. GPO is a very interesting brand and their binoculars are top notch. Thank you

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

My pleasure and many thanks for the feedback - I very much appreciate it

[@aniketakabir1572]

Hello. Your reviews are truly great. Do you plan on reviewing the vanguard veo hd2 binoculars? They seem to be decent in terms of fov (for the 10x42) and have those hoya ed glass I believe.

[@vanesagonzalezcarbajal801]

Hola! Sorry if this is not the place for asking you this, but i´ve seen several of your videos to learn about binoculars and i think they are great. The question is; what about the autofocus binoculars? i don´t find any information. Does it really work? i´m looking for a pair of compact cheap but not very bad binoculars... XD and the tasco parafinoma 8x25 seem ok until i saw that they have autofocus.... some advise?? Thanks and sorry if my english is terrible :))

[@timj.8056]

An excellent professional presentation! I do now have a better opinion on both of these high quality binoculars. Thank you for your time and effort to make this video!

[@exis221]

I love your professional presentation for all binoculars in your channel. Subcribe done!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Awesome, thank you! - also please accept my apology for the delayed response, I have been away and then unwell!

[@joergschweizer8639]

Is there any difference in terms of handshakes(keeping the picture steady) between 10X42 and 10X50??

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Joerg, no not anything major, but a 50mm binocular is likely to be a bit bigger and heavier than a 42mm one - for some (usually bigger, stronger people with large hands) this actually helps a fraction, but for smaller people it will be a little more difficult to hold. but both have the same 10x magnification so no change there.

[@zbaird3]

Wonder how these compare to the swarovski slc or how close they are to an alpha glass. I suppose lower level. I've heard good things about GPO

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - I would say extremely close in most areas and equal in others. The view especially is stunning on these and to my eye at least I can't fault them...

[@zbaird3]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews fair enough. Thx! would you say they are better than the leica trinovid. I've got 3 in mind the gpo passion hd, slc, trinovid I would say slc is the best but wondering if the gpo or trinovid is that close. Slc is $400 more. Needing your expertise on helping making a choice. Thx

[@Paultricounty]

I’d like to know how you would rate these binoculars when compared to Nikon HG, zeiss conquest & Leica Trinovids? Would these fall on the same level or would they be a step up say closer to SLC’s. I’m trying to nail,down where they fit in. Are these considered alphas?

[@crimsonpearl4686]

How would you compare the GPO HD 10 x 42 to the Nikon Monarch HG 10 x 42 as far as feel in the hand, ergonomics, optics and build quality? I find the feel of the Nikon HG to small for my hand, kind of skinny an not beefy enough. What are your thoughts?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Crimson - unfortunately I have not had the chance to fully test the Monarch HG series. Nikon are pretty hard... actually impossible so far foe me to get hold of in regards to sending me samples and so I cannot really make a informed comment in this regard.

[@joshuasollitt4558]

Hi Jason. While not relevant to this video, I have a question about 10x vs 8x. Would you say 8x is still suitable for viewing distant raptors, say on a migration watch or in open country? I like the magnification of 10x but I'm finding shake a problem with 10x now and am considering 8x. There are also a number of other benefits that are tempting me towards 8x but any thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Joshua - Yes absolutely - Whilst you don't get as much image detail, I often prefer using an 8x for viewing birds on the wing as it is easier to locate them with the wider view and with the reduced image shake, you can actually sometimes (depending on distance) actually "see more". As for stationary birds - it depends on the distances that you are talking about and what level of detail you expect or want to be able to see, but unless it is very, very far, I find an 8x fine for viewing larger birds like raptors normal distances (so just outside of their comfort / fight-or-flight zone), and if it is very far away, even then 10x may not be enough anyway. So I personally would not be at all afraid of taking an 8x out with me.

[@joshuasollitt4558]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you for your response Jason. Almost certainly going to go for 8x when I upgrade next. Thankyou for your thoughts, opinion and advice.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

No worries and please do let me know which pair you get and how you find them once you have had a chance to use them for a bit

[@joshuasollitt4558]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Will do. Thanks again.

[@utilitymaximizer9026]

Where are they made?

[@briandean3347]

What binocular do you recommend for indoor concerts? It doesn't need to be one of these. Thanks

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Brain, whilst you could use these, due to their size which you would have to carry about, they would not be ideal. Take a look at my section on theatre glasses, which also has some standard compacts on it www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/opera-binoculars-theatre-glasses.php - Do note though that in terms of light gathering a compact is often not the best choice, but a bright, well lit up stage often makes up for this.

[@adriangarridomartin2180]

Muy buen vídeo gracias, esto videos con que nivel de prismáticos se pueden comparar? Muchas gracias

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You are welcome and I would say they sit just behind the "alpha" level binoculars. But even then, I say to tell the difference in terms of performance is very difficult.

[@kondasrobi8016]

8:08 The image of the 10x50 binoculars is brighter even during the day.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, yes it looks that way through the camera, but as I say in the video, those videos should be considered for illustration only as it is not really represented like that with your eyes. It all depends on many camera settings, but especially on where I am pointing the camera and how it sets the light meter to compensate and how much I have adjusted the zoom and thus opened or closed the aperture on it in order to get a good mage through the binocular - this all changes from binocular to binocular and what scene I'm focusing on, so it is hard to compare like this.

[@alandyer910]

Excellent. Thank you. The 10x50 would be better for astronomy. Though I continue to be surprised at why manufacturers can’t make binoculars in the same series with the same power also have the same field of view. Why does the 42mm have eyepieces with wider apparent fields than the 50mm? Especially when many other 10x50s from other brands, including ones much cheaper, have wider fields than the GPO 10x50s, which are premium glasses.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Alan, yes I agree, the 10x50 would be a better option for Astronomy, although as you say it is a shame about the slightly narrower view. Yes, you would think that with the same magnification, they would use the same eye-piece design, but for whatever reason (I am yet to be 100% sure - but think the large objective lenses have a different focal length and thus the whole system has to adjust - which is another reason why the 10x50 is a little longer as well.

[@anthonycannamela8081]

Jason great videos. However a lot of hunters and others are going to 12x50 Binoculars and I think it would be a good idea to make a video testing and comparing different brands and the best bang for the buck.Thank You.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Anthony - yes, you are right, I have also seen a trend towards more and more powerful binoculars being used.. and not only by hunters. They of course do have their downsides, but for the right uses and users can be better and so yes I will do my bet to review more in the future - I have however reviewed a bunch of more powerful instruments recently - you can find the 12x ones here: tinyurl.com/12xbinoculars and for more powerful ones like 15x check out my section on Long Range Binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/high-powered-long-distance-viewing-binoculars.php

[@saluto1397]

I hope you are well, coz you have not posted in the last three months. I have a specific question related to magnification. If i look at a 1 cm ×1cm square at 10 x magnification , will it look like a 10cm×10 cm square ; meaning it will be magnified a 100 times the actual size ?!

[@elroykez]

Have you got any 25x100s? Would love to see a video on a big pair

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Elroy - not at the moment unfortunately - I currently have a couple of 70mm binoculars - the excellent value Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Pro-15x70-Binoculars-Review-259.htm - the Bresser 15x70 Spezial Astro SF www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Bresser-Spezial-Astro-SF-15x70-BinocularsReview-261.htm and the largest I have is the 20x80 Levenhuk Bruno Plus www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Levenhuk-Bruno-Plus-20x80-Binoculars-Review-233.htm - But I will see if I can't get a 100mm binocular to review as I think it could make for a good comparison against these.

[@ricardosoto5770]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews 15x70 nitrogen purged binos get my interest. for astronomy and long range bird watching in swamps or mountains.

[@garyshilton9502]

How do these binoculars compare to the likes of Leica, Swarovski or Zeiss as these ‘big 3’ seem to be the go to for many birders because of the optics quality?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Gary, sorry for the late reply - In terms of the optical performance, they compare Very well and would even go as far as to suggest it would be very hard/impossible to tell the views apart if you did not know what you were holding in your hands.

[@kurtnitschke5083]

Thank you for the useful comparson 42 vs 50mm. For me is 42mm enough and so just buy the new SVBony SA205 10x42 and compare it with the GPO Passion ED 10x42 from my friend. They are realy nearly equal, with a little advantage in pictureflatness for the SA205 - for less the half price.

[@FirozAlam-fm4zz]

Though i am from india, tben how i will able to buy a gpo or a vortex uhd binox from america made?

[@saulgood6190]

Do you have time looking thru range finders? No one really does good reviews about the difference in glass and image quality on them.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Saul - I 100% agree, there is definitely a need for that - If I had the time, I would, but at the moment I struggle to keep up with the binos, scopes, and occasional Night Vision gear that I test and review. Also, sorry for the delayed reply, I have been away

[@gabicristea812]

I think that the quality of the image matters more with binoculars, not the weight or the size, when you look through binoculars you want to see as clearly and in detail as possible, so I consider that 10x50 is better than 10x42 at any time.

[@Abc-nb9yt]

lager one aperture for basic astronomy is much better

[@张蒙蒙-k7x]

您好！请问特拉特品牌的8ｘ42有屈光锁定吗？

[@lstuartlarkin]

Really useful and interesting, thank you.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Peter, Glad it was helpful and you are very welcome - kind regards

[@ЛуиБен]

Please review Nikon Monarch 7 8x42

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - If you can get Nikon to send them to me I would love to! - I have been trying for many years to get Nikon to send me binoculars, but without success!

[@InCountry6970]

I have sent you three emails to your web site contact us and no reply. Is that option not working are you still in business ?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, I don't think i have seen them - what were they about?

[@InCountry6970]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews I was asking when you were going to do a full complete review of the Swarovski NL Pure 8X42. I have already seen your cursory review, before you had your hands on any actual models. Perhaps your web page "contact us" is not working

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - it works, but I get ALOT of requests and so really can't answer them all - Anyway, I would love to fully review them, just waiting for Swarovski to send me a sample - I have asked and they said they would.... I will remind them :-)