10x50 on binoculars mean you can see objects 10 times closer using your device.
10 which is the number on the left of the x represents the power or the zoom capabilities of the binocular lens. It indicates how many times the lens will magnify an object you are looking at.
The number 50 after the x is in millimeters and indicates the diameter of the lens.
In short if you look at an object through 10x50 binoculars, it will appear 10x closer than looking at it with naked eyes.
Is 10x50 good for binoculars?
Yes, 10x50 is good for binoculars. As explained earlier the 10x is the power or magnification of the device while 50 is the size of the objective lenses.
Although popular sizes are 8x32, 10x42, a 10x50 binocular will allow you to see a distance object with more clarity. This is as if you were looking at it from a closer range.
10x50 binoculars are particularly good if you are an outdoors fan of activities such as hiking, bird watching or even wanting to watch a game.
Magnification is important in choosing binoculars but it’s not the only criteria to check when buying your device.
Indeed, you also need to consider the objective lens size which is represented by the 50 in the case of the 10x50. When this diameter is large, you have more light to see objects better thus increasing your field of view.
However, be aware that binoculars with a large lens diameter are bulky. Large-diameter objectives mean important measurement in both weight and volume.
Finally, we will give you some advice on the binocular exit pupil. This is the circular part of the rear lens, best seen when you look at the lens from a little back.
The circle has a diameter in millimeters, obtained by dividing that of the objective by the magnification factor. Binoculars with a magnification of 10x50 have an exit pupil of 50/10 millimeters.
This eye ring should be larger in diameter than your pupil, otherwise you may not be comfortable watching through the lenses. Typically, this pupil is 8mm in diameter in children, 6mm in people under 50, and 4mm in people over 50.
What does 10x50 mean on binoculars? The Recap
We have clearly explained that the 10x50 numbers are linked to the magnification and the size of the lenses on a binocular. Both measures determine how wide can be your field of view.
A bigger size in the 50 number implies a wider field of view. On the opposite side, when the 10x factor increases so does the field of view decreases.
The magnification and the lens sizes (10x50) don’t tell the whole story. Many factors may influence how suitable will be your binoculars based on their intended use.
For example, these numbers won’t indicate how much light is sent to your eyes or whether or not the binoculars are lightweight.
There is no denial that the numbers are a good start.
Further Reading
If you are interested in buying binoculars, you can look at our top pick of the 10x50 Binoculars on the market.