Binoculars/Field Glasses

[Ambidextrous]

I hope this question is appropriate for this forum.

Is a 16X50 set of binocs a fairly good strength, please?

Might they be considered "medium" strength or are they more higher strength?

I also have a MUCH more manageable pair which are 16X32, and I'm also wondering which pair might be more desirable, in general? Which strength would you prefer to have?

Thanks in advance...

[Rifleman1776]

Of course the intended use will dictate what you get in way of power.
IMHO, a 16X binoc will be impossible to hold steady. Even a 10X is hard to hold steady and a lower power, like 8X can actually give a better and clearer picture than stronger because of the shake factor. A 16X is, again IMHO, a tripod-only binoc.
I just bought my wife a pair of binocs for bird watching and got her a 7X just because of that reason.
They are nice binocs and I plan to get myself a pair in 8X but won't go 10X.
I have tried to use 10X when hiking and hunting, muscle fatigue, rapid heart rate and heavy breathing add up to make a high power nearly useless with shake.

[geetarman]

If I was going out in the field, I would carry something like a 7X50 max.

Almost any thing with more magnification is just about impossible to hold steady.

I have a pair of Nikon 7X50 that I bought at least 35 years ago that are still the best pair of binoculars I have ever owned.

I have not tried any of the electronically stabilized units. Just something else that needs a battery that could leave you in a lurch.

Geetarman

[wogpotter]

6X or 8X are thought of as medium. 10X or 12X as high.
16X is a monster
16X32 may be more manageable due to bulk & weight issues but the 16X50 will be considerably brighter. This would be noticeable at dusk/dawn, or when looking into deep shadow.