The 12×50 segment is also called the list of “all-rounders”. Well, that’s certainly me who says that but the thing with these binoculars is that they are pretty much of everything. They could serve you as casuals, hunting binos, spectating, and pretty much stargazing too.
In short, the 12×50 segment has such a vast difference in price and spec sheet, that you might even need to rethink before locking upon your target product. We have relieved you from that pressure via our Buying Guide in the end too. So let’s check ‘em one by one.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of magnification
- 50 mm of FMC objectives
- 4.2 units of the exit pupil
- SWAROBRIGHT mirror coatings on Schmidt Pechan prisms allow up to 90% optimum light inlet
- SWARO-TOP, SWARODUR, and SWAROCLEAN technologies upon the glass
- Open bridge model and Magnesium alloy build with tough matte armor
- Thumb indents and a large central focus knob with diopter adjustments to it.
- 5.7 degrees of AOV and an Apparent FOV of 63 degrees
- Close focus starts at 2.5 meters
- Around 2.2 pounds weight
- 19 mm of eye relief
- Purchase includes: Straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes
Our Verdict:
The Swarovski EL features around 10 units of magnification alongside 50 mm of objectives labeling the exit pupil to around 4.2 units.
The build features a double hinge modification – An open-bridge model and a Magnesium alloy build with tough matte armor. The interiors are lined with Schmidt-Pechan prisms that feature SWAROBRIGHT mirror coatings on them. The binos feature proprietary SWAROTOP, SWARODUR, and SWAROCLEAN technologies upon the glass, meant for bright and color representation along with dirt repellence. The baseline features thumb indents and a large central focus-knob with diopter adjustments to it.
The visual specifications include 6.6 degrees of Angular Field of View, an apparent field of view of 63 degrees along with a Close focus distance of around 2.8 meters. It also features a Linear field of view of around 328 ft/1000 yds. Plus the bino features 20 mm of eye relief aided via twist-up eyecups.
The bino itself weighs around 2.2 pounds and the purchase includes Neck straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of magnification
- 50 mm of FMC objectives with absolute Waterproof and fog-proofing
- 5 units of the exit-pupil
- ED Glass and AOV of 5.3 degrees
- Open bridge configuration and Eco-Glass Coatings
- Linear FOV 280ft/1000 yds
- Phase corrected and dielectric coated BaK4 roof prisms
- An interpupillary distance of 56-73 mm
- Close Focus Distance of 9.8 ft
- 15 mm of eye relief and twist-up eyecups
- Tripod adjustable and right eye diopter
- Around 1.7 pounds
- Purchase includes Neck straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes
Our Verdict:
The Celestron Granite features around 12 units of magnification alongside 50 mm of Objectives which offers an exit pupil of 5 units. It features an ED Glass that offers ultimate precision to the imagery.
The build features an Open bridge configuration with a dual-hinge model and the lenses feature Eco Glass Coatings. The interiors are lined up with phase-corrected and dielectric coated BaK4 roof prisms and are made O ring sealed-Waterproof and Nitrogen purged-fog-proof.
The visual specifications include an angle of view of 5.3 degrees and a Linear Field of View of 280 ft/1000 yds. It features a Close Focus Distance of 9.8 ft and an interpupillary distance of 56-73 mm. The bino features around 15 mm of eye relief and twist-Up eyecups to support it.
The build is tripod adjustable with a rear focus knob and right eye diopter. The bino weighs around 1.7 pounds and the purchase includes Neck straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of magnification
- 50 mm of FMC objectives
- 4.2 mm of exit-pupil
- HD optics and ArmorTek coatings
- Phase corrected and Dielectric coated roof prisms
- Shockproof rugged armor Magnesium build
- Agonized fog proof and O ring seal waterproofing
- Adjustable eyecups and Central Focus Dial and Right Eye Diopter
- AOV of 5.2 degrees & Linear FOV of 271 ft/1000 yds
- The interpupillary distance is 60-75 mm and 6 ft of close focus distance
- Tripod Adaptability,1.8 pounds weight and 14 mm of eye relief
- Purchase includes; Straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes
Our Verdict:
The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD features 12 units of magnification alongside 50 mm of FMC objectives eventually ending to 4.2 mm of the exit pupil.
The build itself is a single hinge Closed bridge configuration that holds a prominent focus knob to the rear center of the hinge. The visuals are hosted via High Definition optics and ArmorTek coatings- to fend off adversities. The bino interiors are lined with phase-corrected and dielectric coated roof prisms. The exteriors are made shockproof with rugged armor upon a Magnesium build. The interiors are ensured to be Argon purged fog proof and O-ring sealed waterproof.
The bino features visual specifications like an Angular field of view of around 5.2 degrees and an Interpupillary distance of 60-75 mm. The bino also features a Linear FOV of 271 ft/1000 yds and 6 ft of close focus distance. The apparatus is tripod adaptable and hosts adjustable eyecups that offer around 14 mm of eye relief and a right eye Diopter that work absolutely buttery smooth.
The body weighs around 1.8 pounds and the purchase includes Neck straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes.
All Vortex products are provided with a lifetime warranty against damages or working failures.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of magnification
- 50 mm of XR Plus FMC objectives
- 4.2 mm of exit-pupil
- UHD Optical system and Plasmatech coatings application
- Closed bridged single hinge configuration with Magnesium build and rubber armor
- ArmorTek & UltraTech technologies
- Phase corrected and Dielectric coated roof prisms
- 288 ft/1000 yds of Linear FOV and AOV 5.5 degrees
- 6.6. ft of close focus distance and Interpupillary distance of 56-76 mm
- 2.3 pounds of weight and Tripod Adaptability
- 17 mm of eye relief
- Purchase includes Straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes
Our Verdict:
The Vortex Optics Razor UHD features around 12 units of magnification alongside 50 mm of XR Plus fully multicoated objectives that eventually offer around 4.2 mm of exit-pupil. The bino features an Ultra High Definition Optical system with the application of plasma tech coatings. The build features a closed bridged single hinge configuration with bottlenecked Magnesium build and smooth rubber armor for the perfect possible grip. The lens features ArmorTek UltraTech coatings upon them for durable eternal protection.
The bridge hosts Central Focus Wheel to the rear center and a diopter adjustment on the right eye. The interiors feature phase-corrected and Dielectric coated roof prisms that offer wholesome visual specifications like 288 ft/1000 yds of Linear field of view, an angular field of view of 5.5 degrees, and around 6.6. ft of close focus distance alongside an interpupillary distance range of 56-76 mm. The build is Tripod adaptable.
The bino weighs around 2.3 pounds and the eyepiece features 17 mm of eye relief offered by Twist Up and Down Eyecups. Also, the purchase includes Neck straps, harness, a carry case, tripod adapter, ocular guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of Magnification
- 50 mm of FMC objectives
- 4.2 units of Exit Pupil
- EXO Barrier lens
- ED prime glass
- BaK4 dielectric coated roof prisms with PC-3 phase coatings
- IPX7 Waterproof and Fogproofing encased with Non-Slip Grip Pattern armor
- Twist Up eyecups and 18 mm of eye relief
- 273 ft/1000 yds of Linear FOV
- Close Focus Distance of 8ft
- 1.9 pounds weight
- Ironclad warranty lasting 20 years
Our Verdict:
The Bushnell Engage DX hosts 12 units of magnification and 50 mm of fully multicoated objectives EXO Barrier lens, which eventually offers around 4.2 units of exit-pupil.
The lenses feature an Extra-Low Dispersion Prime glass build which guarantees its brilliance in color representation.
The build itself is a Close bridged configuration provided with Nitrogenated fog proofing and O ring sealed IPX7 Waterproof, with non-Slip Grip Pattern rubber armor. The interiors are provided with BaK4 dielectric coated roof prisms featuring PC-3 phase coatings. The bino features visual specifications like a Close Focus Distance of 8ft adjusted via the rear focus knob and around 273 ft/1000 yds of Linear field of view.
The bino weighs around 1.9 pounds. The eyepiece is provided with 18 mm of eye relief aided via twist Up eyecups.
The purchase features Bushnell’s exclusive Ironclad warranty lasting around 20 years. The purchase includes a carry case, harness, Neck straps, ocular guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of Magnification
- 50 mm of objectives
- 4.2 units of Exit Pupil
- Single-hinged closed bridge configuration
- Composite build material with rubber armor
- 5.5 degrees of AOV and 56-75 mm of Interpupillary Distance
- 16 mm of eye relief and twist-up eyecups
- 8 ft of Close Focus Distance and 288 ft/1000 yds of Linear FOV
- Thumb indents, Central bridge Focus knob, and right eye diopter
- 1.8 pounds of weight
Our Verdict:
The Vortex Optics Viper features around 12 units of Magnification and 50 mm of objectives along with around 4.2 units of Exit Pupil.
The Single hinged closed bridge configuration features a Composite build material with rubber armor and indents that host a rear central focus knob and right eye diopter. The image precision is balanced with dielectric coated BaK4 roof prisms built.
It features visual specifications like 56-75 mm of Interpupillary Distance adjusted via the hinge and around 8 ft of Close Focus Distance adjusted via the Focus Knob, around 288 ft/1000 yds of Linear field of view.
The bino weighs around 1.8 pounds and the eyepiece hosts around 16 mm of eye relief balanced via the twist-Up eyecups. The purchase is inclusive of a carry case, Neck straps, harness, ocular guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of Magnification
- 50 mm of objectives
- 4.2 units of Exit Pupil
- ED glass and Scratch Resistant coatings
- AOV of 4.8 degrees and Apparent FOV of 57 degrees
- 89% of light transmission with Schmidt Pechan roof prism
- 8.2 ft of close Focus distance
- 251 ft./1000 yds of Linear FOV
- Central Focus Dial and Right eye diopter
- Waterproof and fog-proof model
- Lifetime warranty
- 15 mm of eye relief with twist Up eyecups and right eye diopter
Our Verdict:
The Maven C3 features 12 units of Magnification with 50 mm of objectives which eventually offers an Exit Pupil of 4.2 units. The lenses feature Extra-Low Dispersion glass for extreme visual precision and color variance.
The build features a closed bridge configuration with a Polymer build and scratch-resistant coatings. The interiors are made Waterproof and fog-proof via O ring sealings and Nitrogen purging. The dielectric coated 89% of light transmission. The build is a closed bridge configuration and Polymer housing with scratch-resistant coatings that encases the Schmidt Pechan roof prism.
The visual specifications include an angular view of 4.8 degrees and an apparent field of view of 57 degrees. It also hosts around 8.2 ft of close Focus distance adjusted via the Focus knob to the rear center of the bridge. It also features around 251 ft./1000 yds of Linear Field of View.
The eyepiece features a 15 mm of eye relief balanced with the twist Up eyecups and a right eye diopter adjustment. The bino has a Lifetime warranty on its purchase and the box includes a neck strap, a carry case, harness, rain guards, ocular guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of Magnification
- 50 mm of FMC objectives
- 4.2 units of Exit Pupil
- O ring seal Waterproofing and Nitrogen Fogproofing
- BaK4 roof prisms and Eco-friendly Lead and Arsenic-free glass
- 5.3 degrees of AOV and 24.5 units of Twilight factor
- Close Focus Distance of 9.8 ft and Interpupillary Distance of 56-73 mm
- Phase coated and Dielectric coated BaK4 roof prisms
- Eye relief of 15 mm with Twist Up eyecups
- Inclusive of a carry case, Neck Straps, harness, ocular guards, rain guards, and wipes.
- 1.73 pounds of weight
- Tripod Adaptability
Our Verdict:
The Celestron Granite features around 12 units of Magnification and 50 mm of fully multicoated objectives that eventually offer around 4.2 units of Exit Pupil.
The bino features a double hinge Open bridge configuration with an O ring seal Waterproofing and Nitrogen Fogproofing. The interiors are lined with Phase coated and Dielectric coated BaK4 roof prisms and Eco-friendly Lead – Arsenic-free glass as objectives.
The bino features visual specifications like 5.3 degrees of angle of View, 24.5 units of Twilight factor, and a Close Focus Distance of 9.8 ft adjusted via the Central Focus knob. The hinge has an Adjustable Interpupillary Distance of 56-73 mm.
The bino features an eye relief of 15 mm and twist-Up eyecups The purchase is inclusive of a carry case, Neck Straps, harness, ocular guards, rain guards, and wipes.
The bino weighs around 1.73 pounds and is tripod adaptable too.
The purchase comes with a carry case, neck-straps, harness, ocular guards, rain guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of Magnification
- 50 mm of FMC objectives
- 4.2 units of Exit Pupil
- BaK4 Porro prisms design
- Interpupillary Distance of 58-71 mm and 98 ft/1000 yds Linear FOV
- Single Hinge bridge model, splashproof build with rubber armor
- Close Focus Distance of 9 meters
- The light intensity of 17.4 units and AOV of 5.6 units
- Nitrogen-Filled Fogproofing and Waterproofing
- 24.5 units of Twilight Factor
- Around 1.98 pounds
Our Verdict:
The Pentax-XCF features around 12 units of magnification with 50 mm of objectives that offer around 4.2 units of Exit Pupil.
The bino features a single hinge bridge model with a rubber-armored splash-proof build that encases a BaK4-Porro prisms design. The interiors feature Nitrogen purged Fogproofing and O ring sealed Waterproofing to it.
The bino features visual specifications like; an adjustable Interpupillary Distance of 58-71 mm provided by the hinge alongside a 98 ft/1000 yds of Linear FOV, a light intensity of 17.4 units, around 24.5 units of Twilight Factor, an Angle of view of around 5.6 units and a Close Focus Distance of around 9 meters adjusted via the Central Focus Knob.
The bino weighs around 1.98 pounds and the package is inclusive of a carry case, Neck straps, harness, ocular guards, rain guards, and wipes.
Notable Specs:
- 12 units of Magnification
- 50 mm of fully multicoated objectives
- HDX optical design
- 4.2 units of Exit Pupil
- Lightweight Magnesium Alloy with rugged configuration
- IPX7 Waterproofing and Fogproof
- 56-75 mm of interpupillary distance and 5.2 ft of AOV
- Schmidtpechan roof prisms inside the Polymer Frame chassis
- Lens Armor, LenSheild and SpectraCoats
- 16.6 mm of eye relief with multiposition Twist Up eyecups
- 2 pounds of weight
- Tripod Mountable
Our Verdict:
The SIG SAUER ZULU7 HDX features 12 units of magnification with a 50 mm of fully multicoated objectives with an HDX optical design. This magnifier setup offers around 4.2 units of Exit Pupil.
hinge Lightweight Magnesium Alloy with rugged configuration which also holds IPX7 Waterproofing and Fogproof, aided with the O ring sealings and Nitrogen purging. The build encases the Schmidt-pechan roof prisms and proprietary Lens Armor, LenSheild and SpectraCoats upon the lenses for fending pff dirt and top-class imagery.
The bino features visual specifications like an angular field of view of around 5.2 ft, and an adjustable 56-75 mm interpupillary distance via hinge adjustments.
The eyepiece features 16.6 mm of eye relief with multiposition Twist Up eyecups and the apparatus weighs around 2 pounds.
The apparatus itself is Tripod Mountable and the purchase comes with a carry case. tripod adapter, Neck-straps, harness, ocular guards, rain guards, and wipes.
Our Final Thoughts:
So there you have it! The best of the 12×50 category were found to be pretty varied both with specs and pricing. Some feature elegant Spectracoats, SWAROVISION tech, Terracoats, and so on whereas some struggle with providing the best specs because of the cost range. Some are good in build and some are quite questionable in build but outclass the rest in on-field performance. This might make things more complicated to get yourself the most ideal pair.
And that’s the reason our articles are always guided for our viewer’s provision. We present you the buying guide that would guide you to get yourself the best pair and make the smartest purchase out of ‘em all.
Buying Guide:
A budget purchase:
Out of all these binoculars, most of them are overalls. They could serve any purpose in general and are one of the most caressed options ever produced by the manufacturers.
The price range varies from as low as around 167 bucks and up to 3 grands . The range is quite vast yet the most expensive ones don’t require feature addressing. Where’s if you’re checking onto the intermediate range, there’s a pretty good chance for you to end up paying more than what you get. The same features and build materials promised by the manufacturers might vary from the actual product.
So you better check on the reviews on the internet and our pros and cons segment too. We have done a lot of research on the products and their reviews from their fans and critics alike.
Objectives:
The 12×50 bins are the best low light performers where the indexing of 12×50 says it all. All of our products on the list feature 50 mm objectives with full multi-coatings upon the lenses and are also provided with top-notch protection coatings and anti-reflective coatings upon them.
The setup of 4.2 of exit pupil aids in an epic Low light performance caliber which might be surprisingly good on some of these, while some might seem average if you own a better pair prior to this purchase.
Some proprietary coatings like the SWAROBRIGHT, LOTU-TEC, and other proprietary coatings are preferable as they feature they have a good market response and a great on-field performance.
Ergonomics:
The most important thing that most heavy users wish for is modern ergonomics with a powerful and handy build.
There are a lot of features that make a bino ergonomic. Be it the chassis build material to check on weight, the matte grippy rubber coats, the rubberized and adjustable eyecups, ease with the usage of knobs and dials, compact design with tightened hinges, and all that, esp for a long time service without disruption.
The manufacturers prove their products to be ergonomic with the bottleneck designs, matte snug armors, tightened hinges with fine adjustability, lens covers, and fog proof or waterproof build up to different levels, union adjusts or differentiable adjusts and the eye rests and indents all over the body.
The ones to check on before buying include all these external features alongside the finesse weight distribution; both while gripping and a centralized tripod adjustment check spot for proper balancing upon your tripod.
Amazing build and encasing:
Most of the binos in the market come with variances in plastic builds, commonly addresses as polymers with different gradings while premium binos mostly consist of Magnesium or aluminum chassis with rubber armor upon them.
I really don’t mean that a polycarbonate build is that bad but it must come with a rubber armor irrespective of the build material. The reason is, that a tough metallic build suffers internally if dropped and the ones with plastic cases suffer either both externally and internally or withstand all the impact. This is a practical test that we have done on dropping the binos and the results were surprising indeed.
Anyways, always get the bins with the tight and tough rubber armor. By tough I mean they must give a kinda leathery feel while you hold them, otherwise, ‘em bearing rubber makes no sense at all!
Magnification:
All the binos on our list feature 12 units of magnification. A higher magnification caliber doesn’t directly call for supremacy over the ones with a lower numerical. You have to care for the Angle of View and the Linear field of View that follows. Upon magnifying, the vision might blur out if the Linear field of View could not keep up and make you go mad! This is the problem with almost all the intermediate-level binos where extreme focus means disruption.
If you somehow got to know these issues with it even with balanced magnification and Viewing field, avoid the pair as far as possible.
Actual Field Of View and Apparent FOV:
The actual FOV or angle of view (AOV) means the diverging angular alignment of rays that are cast upon the objectives with your eyes. An angular view of 6 degrees is considered awesome and the ones above them are mind-blowing.
The apparent FOV is a visible filed viewing range of a bino, which has a higher value than the AOV by around 12 times. In general, an apparent viewing angle of 60 degrees indicates beast performance.
Both indexes are used for a horizontal viewing range of a bino whereas the linear field of view indicates a straightforward viewing range of a bino. Both of these are indexed in degrees.
Linear FOV:
A Linear Field of View is the range across which you view through your bino. Suppose, a bino has a lower linear field of view and another has a higher linear field of view, you get to see a more extended and precise view with the latter one.
Always go for the ones with more linear FOV. The best on our list have near 300 ft/1000 yds of the linear field of view.
Weight:
As an all-rounder, the 12×50 segment has got pretty much everything within the hood. The main thing to consider when your bino has its entirety is the ‘weight’.
Binos are meant to be held by hands and raised well to fit your socket via your hands. continuously raising your arms for viewing makes your arm go drowsy and if the pair is heavy, then good luck with holding it for a longer duration. It’s pretty tough to do this, and you might find it so disappointing that you change these for occasional usage and opt to buy a lighter pair for regular usage.
So, that was the explanation for why you don’t need two pairs as a casual viewer if you’re smart enough before buying your pair.
Eye relief:
Eye relief means the free space between the oculars and your eyes. This feature allows you to lock your sockets into the eyecups and watch through the cylinders. If you’re putting on spectacles, there’s a pretty high chance that your specs might scratch the oculars and you’d have to place them a bit far which won’t provide full viewing pleasure.
That’s the reason, modern binos never miss an adjustable silicon/rubber eyecups which could be adjusted as per your free space requirements for the eyes. Ideal eye relief is above 16 mm for specsys. A higher value than this is; of course acceptable.
Warranty and stuff:
Always check on the warranties and essentials provided with the product. Check for notations like, ‘the box contains’ or inclusive gears that’d be necessary for a fine usage of your pair.
Most of the binos have inclusions like the harness, Neck straps, wipes, and carry case. But, they might lack rain guards and ocular guards which should be ensured before the purchase.
FAQs:
What is a chromatic aberration in binoculars?
Chromatic aberration means failure to converge light on the same point which might create illusive images and cause the binos to deliver less precise images.
It happens when the manufacturers fail to balance the prismatic alignment with the objectives, the oculars, and variances offered by the focus adjustments and dioptric adjustments. Every inlet light ray is of varied spectra which eventually strikes the interiors of the prisms and it eventually forms the Image. If the prisms fail in such conversion with precision to every adjustment, elusive images form and also slight discoloration of the objects.
Why are binoculars so expensive?
Binoculars are much more than they might seem to you.
The things to consider during pricing the binos are the quality of build materials, the light distribution mechanism, and absolute image precision offered to it along with branding and essentials like warranties, customer services, and kit to offer with the purchase.
There are varieties of high-quality glasses used while constructing them like HD glasses, ED glasses, the Latest dust fending technologies, housing materials, and high-quality prisms which are made either in Germany or in some specialized factories only. All this setup makes binos expensive.
That’s the reason why binos are so expensive, but you’d find cheap binos below 300 bucks too. Check our reviews on such binos below 300 bucks and below 500 bucks.
Which is the best on the list?
The best on the list is of course the Swarovski EL along with Vortex optics diamondback, razors, and Maven series.
They won’t disappoint their buyers, but the price range of Swarovski’s pricing might cause you to hurt your lower back (kidney socket).
Can I use these binos for stargazing?
These 12x50s are actually all-rounders that could be used in casual viewing, stargazing, hunting, bowhunting, birding, excursions, and spectating.
Yes, you could use them for stargazing but that doesn’t mean that these are absolute stargazing binos. Their setup offers low light-viewing alongside premium specs objectives that might help a lot in watching the planets and stars but, can’t say that they could outperform other binos actually meant for the astronomical purpose.
Which manufacturers build the best quality binos?
It’s not actually defined that only one manufacturer builds the finest quality binos. There are a bunch out there that manufacture the finest quality binos. Most of the prisms inside the binos are provided by the same manufacturers, which makes the binos somewhat resembling in construction.
There are popular manufacturers who boast to be the best in this field like; Swarovski’s, Leica’s, Leupold’s, Bushnell’s, and Vortex. Not all of their products are up to the mark, but they have relative finesse in build, better customer service, precision in optical performance, and feature branded essentials too.
Why so much of good binoculars referred to on the internet are old models?
Yes, most of the binos on the internet boasted to be the best in class could be old model binos. Such vintage binos have built specifications like perfect visual precision, fine objectives, nice presence, and discipline on the field. But, they might lack a bit in their build technology and modern claims like; limits of waterproofing, fog proofing, coatings upon Objectives, phase coatings, dielectric correction, and modern build materials upon them. They might be off the trend but their visual caliber can’t be questioned for the price range. They still stand out in their price range segment.