Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics All purpose hunting binocular 8x42 or 10x50?

If you were limited to one full size hunting binocular would you go with an 8x42 or 10x50 model? I know that 10x42 are very popular but I prefer a 5mm exit pupil, for the more relaxed view. 7x42 have an even larger 6mm exit pupil but I do not hear much about them any more.

Preferably, an 8x32 for the size. Otherwise, limiting it to the x42 size, easily the 7 or 8 over anything 10, with the Zeiss Classic 10x40s being an exception to that.

Power, don't mean dick; when compared to quality and resolution.

Limited to one, only, I'd be happy with an 8x32, 7x42, or 8x42 from any of the "Big Three".

Of the two you mention, I'd go w/ the 8x42. That said, I'd be much happier w/ a 10 power, but 42 is max on the objective as I don't want the weight and bulk.

For me a 8x32 or 8x42 as I cant hold a 10x steady anymore

I went with 8x42 after having used 10x for several years. the 8x provides a clear, bright image, basically wobble free. I've not regretted having the 8x42.

8x42 without a second thought.

7x42

+1 yup. No brainer.

I grab my 8x32's most of the time, but also have an 8x42, a 10x42 and a 12x50 I use on a tripod. Of the ones you mention, 8x42 by a mile.

8x42's and if you hunt in the timber 7 or even 6 power. I have a pair of 6x32 Vortex Viper's and you can't beat them in the heavy stuff here in the Northeast part of Pa.

Kicking and screaming I would take an 8x42;but never had an 8X in the West when I didn't want a 10X of high quality with great glass.I would carry the 8X for one day and then want my 10's back again......and if there is a 15X in the truck, even better

I've never seen, or played with, a 10X50 that I could carry with comfort around my neck all day. Anything over 25 ozs. is really too heavy for me. Using that as a yardstick, it would have to be an 8X42.
I own lots of binoculars. I joke that when I go on a hunting trip, I take more binoculars than rifles. The ones I carry the most are my lighter 8X32's or my 6-6.5X stuff. The heavier 8-12X ones usually ride in the pack while a lighter model rides around my neck. E

I hunt with 7's and 10's. Prefer the 7's as an all rounder. Would think an 8x would be right there.

I don't think I have ever found something with 10X that I wouldn't have been able to find with 8X and I think the 8X are easier to hold stable. That being said the easiest glass to glass with that I have used is the 7X42 Swaro.

I think a better title to this one, could be which is better
the 8x42 or 10x42. I own or have owned most of the sizes mentioned here, and my favorite is the 8.5x42. But, if you
check with Cabelas, and many large sporting goods stores, the
10x42 easily outsells the 8x42. If fact they don't always stock
the 8x42. 10x50 is more specialty glass, great for low light
but heavy.

More is better right? if 8x is good then 10x MUST be better. This makes sense until you've put in some real ass time on a mountain.

Much would depend on what 90% of my hunting consisted.
If the answer is "mostly in Indiana", the answer is NOT 10x50. *grins*

No brainer for me, 8x42. Id look at a 10x42 if I needed 10x. A 10x50 is too big and will have less fov.

High quality 7x42 is the best all around IMO, but you can get a heck of an 8x42 now starting at $200 with the zen ray dielectrics that 8x42 has become the standard. All things considered you could start with the 7x36 Swift Eaglets. They are so small they fit in a jacket pocket and the newest ones are awfully good. Personally, I like 10x50's and use them a lot. Unless I know I'm going to be in the woods all day I say 10x50. My Eagle Ranger Platinums are no heavier and not much bigger than a lot of 8x42's. Most of the guys I hunt with who hunt mostly open spaces have 10x binoculars. Don't know about everyone else, but I've never found myself wishing for less magnification in the field. I have many times wished I had something more than the 6-8x I was carrying.

If I need more magnification than 8x a spotting scope is the next step