Binocular magnification

[giles]

I hunt rolling hills, flat land and Appalachia. I also enjoy a few shed hunts a year, lol. In another thread I seen where @Hedgelj said that he preferred the 8.5 magnifying glass for deer hunting. I had a set of 8x that when I upgraded, I upgraded to 10x. I went a few weeks ago to order a set of 12x because they were on sale and I figured they would make a goof set for the truck. That purchase never happened because they were on sale and my voucher didn't work. So it made me rethink as I went to order today and I'm not going to pay the difference. So I'm stuck between the 8x and 10x.

What magnifying power do you prefer? I thought about making this a pole, but I'd like to hear why, not just a click.

 

[cspot]

I use the 10X, but 8x would work for what I do most of the time. If you aren't using a tripod or a rest then when you get above 10X I think it tends to be a bit shaky if I remember correctly.

 

[Jamie]

For deer hunting, squirrel hunting and general use in Ohio I like 8X. Higher than that and there is too much shakiness for me unless I have something to rest my elbows on, less than that and you cannot see much at a distance. Also, lower power with middle range objective lenses (30-42mm) make for a larger exit pupil which means better viewing in low light conditions. My #1 binos are 8x32, which is an exit pupil of 4mm, and with these I can see extremely well through them in very low light.

 

[giles]

Shop All Nikon Binoculars Monarch M5 | Nikon USA

Shop the latest mirrorless & DSLR cameras and NIKKOR lenses from the official Nikon eCommerce site. Explore our innovations and photo equipment!

www.nikonusa.com

These are what im thinking.

For deer hunting, squirrel hunting and general use in Ohio I like 8X. Higher than that and there is too much shakiness for me unless I have something to rest my elbows on, less than that and you cannot see much at a distance. Also, lower power with middle range objective lenses (30-42mm) make for a larger exit pupil which means better viewing in low light conditions. My #1 binos are 8x32, which is an exit pupil of 4mm, and with these I can see extremely well through them in very low light.

 

[Mickey Merrie]

Whatever fits in my uber expensive aftermarket camo bino carrying system...

I have both 8 and 10. 10 for big fields 8 for woods. Over 10 and you need a rest. Lower power works better at light gathering in low light conditions also. 42mm objective lenses for my old eyes as well.

 

[triple_duece]

10x42

 

[giles]

10x42

That is what I've carried the last 15+ years. But I originally bought them for my grizzly hunt.

As the others commenting about a rest, I generally carry a shooting stick when I hunt. I turn the saddle sideways and rest the binoculars on them. I will admit that when I'm jacked up, this option is worthless. As all I see is ground or sky

 

[triple_duece]

Can use the brim of your cap to stabilize. Anything above 10 it’s gonna be hard to stay steady without something proper like a shooting stick.

 

[GoetsTalon]

10x42 here also.

 

[GoetsTalon]

Current pic. Been a great pair of binoculars! If I ever upgrade I'm going to get the Swarovski 10x pocket binoculars that fit in your shirt pocket. Got the wife a pair of 10x25 zeiss pocket binos for Christmas and I can't believe how bright and clear they are.

. I should at least get a new rain guard for them lol.

 

[5Cent]

Also atleast a 10x here. For me it's one of those have it and not need it type of situations. The only time I could specifically benefit from an 8x or less is when I'm archery hunting. But most times tho, my range finder gives me enough boost and clarity on the animal before I would think of drawing. Therefore, my binocs are really for seeing mid-long distance, and the importance comes with a firearm in hand. More times than not, the scope + eyes will cover what I need at shooting distance and anything beyond is where the glass around the neck shines for me.

 

[Hedgelj]

For deer hunting, squirrel hunting and general use in Ohio I like 8X. Higher than that and there is too much shakiness for me unless I have something to rest my elbows on, less than that and you cannot see much at a distance. Also, lower power with middle range objective lenses (30-42mm) make for a larger exit pupil which means better viewing in low light conditions. My #1 binos are 8x32, which is an exit pupil of 4mm, and with these I can see extremely well through them in very low light.

Complete agreement

My better (viper vs diamondback) binos are 10x42 and I've gotten used to them but when i had the 8.5x50s it was effortless to use them. I don't think i lost anything here in Ohio with 8.5 vs 10x but i could see in more wide open areas 10x being better.

Anything give and i want shooting sticks or some sort of support.

 

[hickslawns]

I'll second or third what Jamie said. 8x Nikon Monarchs here. Perfect in the tree stand. I've found the 8x to be very capable for road scouting as well. They are good out to a few hundred yards. Might miss a kicker or sub 1-2" points here and there. The other pair I have for longer range scouting are the Vortex 15x. You need a rest for them.

 

[jagermeister]

Jamie nailed it. 8x42 has better light gathering potential than 10x42. For sitting in a treestand or turkey hunting, my go-to binos are Vortex Viper HD 8x42’s. If I’m glassing from a truck or my house, 10x or higher. I just don’t like carrying the extra weight when I’m hunting, and the additional 2x in power is negligible.

 

[Buckmaster]

Ohio is a #8 State.

 

[Jamie]

Current pic. Been a great pair of binoculars! If I ever upgrade I'm going to get the Swarovski 10x pocket binoculars that fit in your shirt pocket. Got the wife a pair of 10x25 zeiss pocket binos for Christmas and I can't believe how bright and clear they are. View attachment 192034. I should at least get a new rain guard for them lol.

I have the CL 8x25's. they are nice but I don't really use them for much more than a back up. Much prefer my 8x32 EL for everything. I have been dragging them around for nearly 20 years every big game hunt, mostly deer, of course, hog hunts, every squirrel hunt, and they are as good as the day I bought them. I have put tons of miles on these. That is a testament to the quality of high end optics. buy once, cry once. I also have a pair of Vortex 10x42 Vipers, and the quality of the viewing is not comparable with the Swaro's. unless I lose them, or damage them, I may never need another pair of binoculars for the rest of my life.

 

[GoetsTalon]

Same for the kahles for me. When I bought those in 2000 the Swarovski was out of range for me at that time and the Kahles were almost. Those binoculars have more time on them than any other piece of outdoor gear that I own. They just go everywhere with me.

 

[GoetsTalon]

Back in the day nobody I ran with had good glass. It was Bushnell Sportview shit that you were lucky to get a couple years out of then you pitched them. Now it's Leupold for scopes Austria for binos. Going to have to hit up the optics tent during the week on birding and look through some Swarovski 8x!

 

[Jamie]

I have to confess that I did not pay full retail price for the EL's. I found them by luck at the Bargain Cave in Dundee in 2005. I was up there shopping for binoculars for an elk hunt in '06. They were sold as new with lifetime warranty. Somebody bought them and returned them. These were about 25% less than "new" ones at the time. I won't ever have anything but Swarovski glass around my neck. Once you get used to the finest quality glass, everything else is just hard to look through.

 

[giles]

Maybe once my house is paid off I can think about spending a mortgage payment on glass. I think you guys have talked me into trying a set of 8x. Strictly for the reason of gathering more light. I've never killed a buck and knew how many points it had