Shopping for binoculars and stumbling over all those numbers? Don't worry – you're not alone! Getting the right pair of binoculars is key to finding your perfect window to the world, whether you’re birdwatching, hiking, or spotting on the range. Sightmark's Solitude binoculars are top contenders in the outdoor optics game, but choosing between the 12x50 and 10x42 models isn't as simple as "bigger is better." Choose wisely, and you'll spot details you never knew existed, with comfort that lets you watch for hours. But if you pick the wrong pair, you might end up with sore arms from excessive weight, headaches from eye strain, or frustration when that rare bird disappears before you can focus. Or worse – you could be carrying around an expensive disappointment that collects more dust than memories. Those mysterious digits (like 12x50 or 10x42) actually tell you a lot about what you're getting, and they’re the first place you should start.
Magnification
First things first: what do those numbers even mean? The first number (12x or 10x) is the magnification – basically how much closer stuff looks compared to your naked eye. The second number (50 or 42) is how wide the front lenses are in millimeters.
Bigger isn't always better, despite what some might tell you! Sure, 50mm lenses gather more light—like having bigger windows in a dark room—but they also add bulk. It’s the difference between a two-handed spotlight and a pocket-sized flashlight. But lens size is only half the story. Light transmission also depends heavily on the coatings applied to the glass.
Coatings
Coatings are ultra-thin chemical layers (usually made from magnesium fluoride or similar compounds) that reduce glare and help more light pass through the lenses instead of reflecting off them. The more surfaces that are coated—and the more layers used—the better your image clarity and brightness, especially in low light.
Some cheap binoculars have no coatings at all, which means more glare and duller images. Others might have a single-layer coating—better than nothing, but still not great. Multi-coated lenses step things up by adding several layers of anti-reflective coating to one or more surfaces, improving brightness and contrast.
But fully multi-coated optics—like you get in both Solitude models—go all in. Every glass surface is treated with multiple layers to maximize light transmission and reduce internal reflections. That’s why even the smaller 10x42s can deliver brightness nearly on par with the bulkier 12x50s. You’re getting more light to your eyes where it counts, with less weight on your shoulders.
Light Transmission
Solitude 12x50: Bucks and does are naturally more active in early morning and evening hours. With 50mm lenses, you can start spotting movement earlier in the morning and continue viewing later into the evening, potentially adding 20-30 valuable minutes to each end of your hunting day. Thanks to their 50mm objective lenses, these binoculars are also great for overcast days and shadowy environments like dense forests, where ambient light is restricted even during daylight hours.
Solitude 10x42: These will perform admirably in normal daylight and moderate low-light conditions (like cloudy days or early dusk). However, if you frequently find yourself needing to see clearly in very dim environments, the larger 50mm objective lenses of the 12x50 model would gather more light and potentially give you a brighter image.
You can divide the second number by the first to get the "exit pupil" (a measure of brightness):
12x50: 50 ÷ 12 = 4.17mm
10x42: 42 ÷ 10 = 4.2mm
Shared Features
Both Sightmark Solitude models come packed with quality components that boost optical performance and durability:
- BAK-4 Roof Prisms: These prisms are made from high-density barium crown glass (BAK-4), which has a higher refractive index than cheaper BK-7 glass. The result? Sharper edges, better contrast, and minimal internal light scattering—especially noticeable when viewing objects against bright backgrounds or at the edge of the field of view.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Every air-to-glass surface in the optical system is coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds, usually magnesium fluoride or proprietary blends. These coatings significantly reduce light loss due to reflection and increase overall light transmission—often above 90%—delivering brighter, higher-contrast images, especially in dawn, dusk, or shaded conditions.
- Long Eye Relief: Eye relief refers to the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. Both models offer generous eye relief, making them comfortable for glasses wearers and reducing eye strain during prolonged use.
- Twist-Up Eyecups: Adjustable eyecups let you customize the eye position depending on whether you wear glasses. Twist them up for a full view without glasses or down to accommodate eyeglass lenses.
- Waterproof and Fogproof Housing: The optics are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from entering, and the internal barrels are nitrogen-purged to eliminate fogging from the inside out. Whether you’re in rain, snow, or shifting temperatures, your view stays clear and protected.
Sightmark Solitude 10x42 XD Binoculars
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, the Solitude 10x42 XD Binoculars offer a weatherproof, lightweight body with fully multi-coated optics for bright, crisp images.
Sightmark Solitude 8x42 XD Binoculars
These 8x42 XD binoculars deliver wide field of view and sharp detail, ideal for hunters, bird watchers, and nature observers in a variety of lighting conditions.
Sightmark Solitude 12x50 Binoculars
Featuring Bak-4 roof prisms, the Solitude 12x50 binocular is equipped with superior glass for a clearer and better quality image.
Which One's For You?
Choose the 12x50 Solitude if:
- You prioritize long-range viewing and need maximum magnification
- You have steady hands or plan to use a tripod for stability
- You often glass during low-light conditions like dawn or dusk
- You don’t mind carrying a larger, heavier pair for better reach
Choose the 10x42 Solitude if:
- You regularly follow fast-moving subjects like birds or athletes
- Portability matters and you’ll be hiking, walking, or on the move
- You want a wider field of view for tracking or scanning
- You prefer a lighter, more versatile option for all-around use
Both models are built Sightmark-tough, so whichever you choose, they'll be ready for action long after your smartphone becomes a paperweight. Happy viewing!
