Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics A survey of hunting binoculars, 8 vs 10 power

I have always been an 8 power guy. My hunting partner swears by his 10 x 42 SLC's. I hunt in Montana everything from dense timber to wide open prairie. When we hunt together I really don't notice that much if any difference.

What do you guys hunt with?

8s

And, given that I'm in the same boat you're in re: optics, I'm going 8s with either the Leicas or Zeiss (the Leicas, to me, just outperform by a RCH the Swaros.... though neither are anything other than superlative).

I have a set of Leicas 10x's which I am selling to buy a pair of 8's...I find that I can't hold them still enough.

Rob,

That's a telling comment.

Where in Wild Rose Country do you live? My wife and I run our Golden retrievers in field trials and we run a few Canadian trials each summer, including Drumheller, Lethbridge and one East of Calgary in the Wild Rose Country.

I've got three 8X, one 9X and one 12X. I hunt with 8X's and, sometimes, use a 12X50 to go over those areas I'm not satisfied with.
I understand 10X binos are way more popular. What I've noticed is a good 8X is less of a strain on the eyes. With top quality 8X binos, there isn't nearly as much a difference way out there as you'd think in terms as to what you can see. And, for that, I have the 12X50's. E

I went from 8X to 10X and finally back to 8X. With the 8X you sacrifice very little -if any - in resolution to the 10X, and gain a steadier and wider field of view. If you carry a spotting scope you can even get away with a 6X or 7X and have it all.

GJ-you may remember but I use the 7x42 SLC's they've been super for me, I've used them since they hit the market and I just couldn't be happier with them.

I pretty much always carry a spotter along cause if I need to micro mgt G1's at a distance or something of the sort I can do so, but the 10's will not be enough. That or my 15's with which I can put the doublers on if need be.

4-me I find the 7's and 8's and even the 6's to be incredibly user friendly and I don't want for more.

IME most are happier with the lower power bins, try em both side by side and let your eyes decide for you.

Dober

Thanks for the replys. As I said I have always been happy with my very old 7x35 Trinovids or newer 1995 vintage Pentax 8x42s. Yesterday I tried the 10x42 along with the 8.5 power ELs and the 8x42 Ultravid. I think you need to use them for an extended period of time because I didn't really have a shake problem for the short time I held them. I'm going to play it safe and go eight power. Now I can dream about buying an nice spotting scope sometime.

10X42 SLC is my primary. Love them . Having said that if I was buying ONE set now it would be 8X30 (32) . IF Swarovski (or the Zeiss Victory )was ever offered in the 7X30 I'd grab one in a minute.

Your results might/will be different. Cannot go wrong with any of the glass you mention

Have fun

8.5x42 Swaros. I have looked thru 10x's and can't seem to like them as much--but to each his own.

Easy for me, 8x.

I have both the 8 and the 10 EL's and for my use I can sum it up very easily. I use the 8's when I bow hunt and the 10's when I rifle hunt. I carry both in my pack at all times, but that is the way it usually works out. The 8's are much lighter therefor a litle easier to carry on spot and stalk hunts. I am fortunate enough to have both, but if I had to pick just one it would be the 10s. IMO...

E,

I agree with you on the eye strain but to my eyes the EL 10x42's are much better at counting points at a distant than me EL 8's. I find myself straining to count points or tine length with the 8's anywhere past 200 usually. However my eyes could be seriously failing me.

FWIW - I looked through the 8s and 10s in Swaro, Leica and Zeiss, Minox, etc. My preference was for the 10x Ziess FLs, but truly would have been pleased with any/all of them in 8x or 10x.

However, the best deal is what forced my hand and actually made the final selection very easy. I ended up with Leica Duovids... 8x and 12x, along with the unoffical 10x (intermediate setting). I also found that their weight definitely helps me steady the glass at the higher setting.

7x42

7x42

I like 8x42 for general all around, but if I use 10x I need them to weigh at least 30 oz.

I hunt the Northeast, but have glassed in Washington and Idaho with my 8X Conquests and haven't wanted any more.

NH Hunter

8X32 Leica Ultravids. Good enough.

Steve

I hope so, that's what I have coming.