Bob, I've done my best and longest shooting on game with my fancy variable left on 8x. In fact, I just left it there last season, even in wooded areas. 8x seems to 'fit' me.
The majority of the animals I've taken, 4x would have been ideal. Too bad they don't make a 4-8x variable in a light, trim profile with good glass. 8x is plenty for making good shots at big game at 600, and 4x gives plenty of FOV, even at spear-range.
I know 6x fixed is the preferred here on the fire for many with much experience. To me it seems like a compromise. Maybe I'll set my optics to 6x and run them that way this season, to test thoroughly the hypothesis.
