Tasco Sierra 10x42 vs Carson Raven 8x26

Hi

Actually, the greater weight of a full size [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/binoculars.html]binocular[/link] will aid in steadiness, but even more importantly for steadiness, the larger size of a full size fills the hands better. A full size [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/binoculars.html]binocular[/link] is always easier to steady than a compact for these reasons.

Thanks for your reply.

Which of the two will be harder to hold steady? Will the Sierra's larger size and heavier 25 oz weight make it just as easy to hold steady as the smaller and lighter 9.8 oz Raven?

HI

It sure helps being multi-coated, yes, but that won't make up for a smaller objective/exit pupil on the Raven. The [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/tasco-brand.html]Tasco[/link] will be the brighter glass when things get a bit dim.

Will the Sierra's 10X magnification make it harder to steady than the Raven or will its larger size and weight make it easier to steady?

You mentioned "all else equal". Since the Raven is fully multi-coated while the Sierra is only multi-coated, won't that make the Raven just as bright and clear as the Sierra? Is the difference in coatings just not enough to make up for the difference in objective lens size between these two models?

HI

All else equal, yes, a larger objective will get you better performance and you will also find a larger [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/binoculars.html]binocular[/link] easier and more comfortable to use than a compact. Compacts are very useful if you need that portability, but they do have some drawbacks as far as viewing comfort. See my article, [url=Buy Compact Binoculars (How To Guide)]Buy Compact Binoculars (How To Guide)[/url].

Yes, the fact that you are buying a smaller [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/binoculars.html]binocular[/link] for the same price suggests that it is of better quality, but in this case, much of that price in the Raven is for the open bridge design, which does cost more to produce than a conventional bridge design, a la the [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/tasco-brand.html]Tasco[/link].

If size is not a factor, will the [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/tasco-brand.html]Tasco[/link] Sierra 10x42 be a better choice than the [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/carson-brand.html]Carson[/link] Raven 8x26? Will the Sierra yield a much brighter and clearer view compared to the Raven due to its larger objective lens and exit pupil or will the Raven's fully multi coated [link=http://www.OpticsPlanet.Com]optics[/link] as opposed to the Sierra's multi coated [link=http://www.OpticsPlanet.Com]optics[/link] make the difference negligible?

Since the Sierra is larger than the Raven but they cost almost the same, does it mean that the Raven will have a better quality build and will be more durable than the Sierra?

If you were to choose only between these two models, which would you choose?