I was at Cabelas and purchased on sale a Cabelas Euro HD 10x32 binocular. After reading the internet i am not sure if should buy a set of the same but in 8x32 at regular price. These would be for all round use, I hunt mainly deer in a combination the Saskatchewan plains or wooded areas. I tried Swarovski I found the Euro HD to be just as clear . Leica were better but were 2750. These were on sale for 750. I have had a set of bushnell custom compacts which I wear around my neck , but it is 35 years old and bushnell don't have parts for it. I don't want a big binocular around my neck but after reading about exit pupil and light transmission I wonder if I should buy the 8x32. Look forward to the advise of people who know. Thanks in advance.

I own 6x32mm, 8x32mm, and 10x42mm. If could only keep one pair I would keep the 8x for size and optical qualities.

I also favor the smaller, 8 x 32. ease of carry allows me to take along. Ive had larger bino's and at times left them in the car. the 8's are a good compromise for me

Yes sir, get the 8x32.
A 10x is far too much compromise packed into a 32mm bino.

This. Exit pupil of 4 is the lowest I would go on a hunting binocular.

That is usually the case. Most 30-32mm binos seem to fall off in performance with 10x.


Casey

8x32

I have the 8x32 in Leica HD and I absolutely love them. They replaced Swarovski 8x30 SLC and I think it was a hell of an upgrade. I also have 8x20 in Leica and Swarovski, and 10x25 in Swarovski. These tend to be too small and the 10X are hard to hold. Binoculars are a good exercise in trade offs, and it depends on what you value, as far as weight, price, low light gathering etc. I would say the 8 vs 10 is also a trade off, but 8 are so much easier to hold steady for most guys. I think the 8x choice is easy to recommend.

This. I own a bunch of bins and have found that 8x32s are the ones that end up going with me 8 out of 10 times. Very versatile and the best of all the compromises.

Another vote for 8x. I have a 8x30 Steiner that is about perfect for general woods use, whitetail and turkey. Tried 10x Nikons, extea magnification in woods doesnt help, increases visible shake, and reduces field of view, plus is heavier.

If I did a lot of longer range glassing, a 10 x would get the nod.

The 8 is much better for a neck glass. Exactly as cv540 said. 10x for this purpose is counterproductive.

If long range glassing was the norm, and one also packs a tripod, the 10s may be better. But then you've gone from general purpose to specialty glass ...

I've recently ordered ATN smart hd binoculars for myself, these ones:

They are 4-16X, but are much cheaper than those you're talking about.

If you have a normal pair of binoculars which cost about the same, would you do a very careful side by side comparison and let us know what you come up with?

I have 8X20 Leica Ultra Vids, 8X32 Swarovski EL Swarovision, and 10X42 EL rangefinding binoculars and on a scale of use from 1-20; I use the 8X32 around 16, the EL range 3 and the Leica around 1.

I use binoculars a lot and would always recommend high quality binoculars in the 8X32 for almost any application...

Thanks to everyone for their responses. Based on what was said I was able to borrow an identical euro hd in 8x32 for comparison to the euro hd 10x32. They are almost identical in size and weight. The tubes are the same size, and the weight of booth was 21 ounces. The 8 power was usable in the morning about 8 or 9 minutes earlier than the 10 power. Also the 8 power didn't show the movement as much as the 10 power and was a little easier on my eyes i.e. reduced movement. The 10 power was better for distances. They both gave quite a bit better view than my 35 year old bushnels especially early in the morning. They are supposed to be quite a good glass. I am getting 8 powers and taking the 10s back. I appreciated your comments they were very helpful. Thanks Bob

RBell check you PMs.

Count me as another 8X32 fan ... Leica Ultravids.

I won a pair of Swarovski 7X30SLC binoculars and they are excellent, as well.

Compared to 10-power, the 7s and 8s give me a few minutes of light at each end of the day. Also, It's amazing how many deer and elk I've "incidentally" picked up at the very edge of the field of view ... and I've ended up stalking and killing them.

The lower power binoculars have literally made me a more successful hunter than I would have been using 10-power classes.

Need more power? I use a Leupold spotting scope and love it ... the 12-40 or whatever it is.

Blessings,

Steve

I own the 8x32 Euro HD's, and they are fantastic. I think you'll be very happy with them as well.