This can be one of those debates the pros/cons of the 10s vs 12s, Ill lend a few facts that might help then ill add my opinion.
Lets start with the Objective lens, 42mm vs 50mm in this case with a pair in the same quality tier as Diamondbacks you will get about an additional 3-8 minutes of extra light in the morning and evening. Con here is added size and weight.
12x -
Con: Heavier (sometimes), larger size (sometimes), smaller field of view, can add eye fatigue without a tripod for long glassing sits, more expensive
Pro: Larger magnification
10x -
Con: Less magnification, larger field of view
Pro: Lighter (sometimes), smaller (sometimes), Less expensive, easier to free hand, closer focus range.
Ok, my opinion, I own a hunting gear rental store and have the opportunity to use, try out and judge many Bino's and spotters. I always grab a pair of 11x45s or 12x50s for just about every hunt I go on. Here is why, I can free hand a 12x50 well enough in short bursts that I do not get eye/arm fatigue, and when I am going to glass I put them up on a pod. Like most of us I like more power (debate set up on power vs hand shake and seeing the target). Then I might bring a pair of 15x or 18x for the pod rather than a spotting scope.
Conclusion, 10x42 is the most universal bino in the world for good reason, it checks a lot of boxes. I personally like looking though a bigger set with more mag. and don't have a problem in medium to short free hand scans, yet the versatility to putting them on a pod for a more clear glassing session.
Hope that is somewhat helpful. If you want to check out the rental stuff I have a pair of Diamondbacks, I advertise the site here that you can click on or feel free to visit
www.deepwoodsrentals.com
