Depending on where and what I am after, it depends.
Thicker woods, whether hunting deer or anything else, I like my 8.5X ELs but could easily roll with a quality 7X or 8X.
For general purpose I prefer 10X, to include open country if doing things like bird hunting, checking traps (yes I set some traps where I can check them from a distance through binos) or non trophy big game like doe antelope, cow elk or even antlered critters if there isn't a point/width restriction.
For serious deer/elk/whatever spot and stalk hunts in open country, I have been really impressed with my Meopta MeoStar 15X.
