How much is the zoom difference between 10x42 and 12x50?

In a binocular power rating (e.g. 10x42) the first number is magnification. The second number is the diameter of the objective lens (large lenses at the opposite end from the eyepiece lenses), in this case 42 millimeters. Hence, 10x42. The magnification power of a 12x50 is 12 times magnification (12 times larger than normal unaided vision). So the "zoom difference" would be an increase of 20% in the magnification from a 10x42 to a 12x50.The objective lens diameter determines light gathering capability and the size of the field of view. A higher magnification is not necessarily a good thing, as it is more difficult to maintain a stationary image, the light gathering capability is often impaired, and the field of view is reduced. For most uses, a binocular of 7 or 8 power is about right. 10 power is good for people with steady hands, and 12 power often requires a tripod to hold a stable image.

We are going whale watching, which would be better 8 X 42 or 10 X 42?

I own Celestron 18-40X80MM for the sky view and Canon 12X36 IS III for wild nature. Based on the experience and knowledge I have, using those 2 binoculars, I can tell you that higher a binoculars’ viewing power is, more details but less content on the view you will see, whereas weaker/lower viewing power a binoculars is, less details but more content you will see. Also higher viewing power helps you see things far away whereas lower viewing power helps you see things less far away. The above said is not all that should be taken into consideration. The other factor is stability that must be well considered because the view through the binoculars does shake/wobbles. With higher viewing power ones, the view is more unstable when held by hands, whereas, with lower/weaker viewing power ones, the view is more stable when held by hands. That’s why my Celestron 18-40X80MM is useless when held by hands because the view shakes and it makes my eyes very uncomfortable. Imagine you hold a level tool in your hands. Your hands shake and you can’t keep it still. You won’t be able to keep your hands steady holding a high-powered viewing binoculars in hands. That’s why I bought a tripod. Taking these two binoculars into comparison, I’d go with 8 simply because the view would be more stable. Staying on a boat in the water, the stability wouldn’t be ideal. (Hope it helps assuming you haven’t watched the whales yet.😄)

they are good to take them to a music concert?

Would be yes. They aren't that heavy.

Recommended by manufacturer for stargazing binoculars, the Skymaster ED pro 7x50. Is this a good size to put in my luggage to travel?

The Skymaster Pro ED 7x50 is not an outsized instrument and should travel well. The dimensions are 180mm x 198mm x 64mm (7.1" x 7.8" x 2.5") and the binoculars have a nylon carrying case.

Exit-Pupil Diameter	5.3 Millimeters
Coating	Multi coated
Water Resistance Level	Waterproof
Focus Type	Center Focus
Field of View	118.2
Apparent Angle of View	7 Degrees
Diopter Adjustment Range	14mm
Zoom Ratio	8 multiplier x
Mounting Type	Tripod Mount
Eye Relief	18 Millimeters
Prism Type	Roof Prism
Special Feature	Waterproof,Fogproof
Objective Lens Diameter	42 Millimeters
Magnification Maximum	8
Specific Uses For Product	personal
Item Weight	1.8 Pounds
Size Map	Compact
Material Type	Synthetic
Color	Black

CelestronOutland X 8X Roof Binocular, 42 Mm Lens Diameter, Black, 8X42

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