Sure does help Frank, I was just out this morning comparing the 20x32's to the 16x50's. I was reading the lettering on a dry dock at a Naval base near here about 1/2 t0 3/4 of a mile from me. I could read the lettering with the 16x50's but not the 20x32's plus the 16's were brighter. I am into into astronomy and I have a Meade 10 inch Shmidt Cassegrain and 5 and 6 inch refractors so I know it's all about gathering light, I just have to believe that if Bushnell and Simmons can put out 50 mm objectives at 16 power why not the high end guys. Maybe it's just me but I don't see 16 power optics being too dificult to hold steady. Regarding the size issue though you're right,I bought the Gladiators that are 12-60X70 and those are just way to big and bulky to put in a pack and hike with.