Leupold 8x32 or 6x32

[Ray Johnson]

I haven't used binos in the past but decided that I'd like to try some.Anyway,I found some Leupold Katmai 8x32 at Gander Mt. for 299.00.I had been looking on some websites and that same pair was 429.00 most places so I bought them.It was their last pair on closeout.I like them alot but I mainly hunt whitetails in thick areas and I read that 6x32 would be much better suited to my needs.Will the 8x32 that I bought work at all or do I need to sell these and get some 6x32.I've been using these around the house and they seem very good but I don't know much about optics so I'm asking others for opinions.

[rastaman]

i hunt in some pretty thick areas for whitetails and hogs & i use 8 x 32. They work great.

[awbowman]

I would think that they are fine

[MnFn]

I had a pair of swaro's 8X32 SLC and they worked very well for me. I went to a pair of 10X42's but then felt the need for a pair of 6X's specifically for in the thick stuff.

Go out and use em for awhile. You may be just fine with them.  If I had to do it again, I think I would stay with the 8X32's.

[Rob DiStefano]

i have nikon monarch 8x42 and they're nothing short of *amazing*!

[joel smith]

ditto what Randy said, the 8's will do fine.

[Ray Johnson]

I guess I'll stick with the 8x32.I'm a complete novice when it comes to binoculars,that's why I'm asking the opinion of others.I'll use these this season and see how they do.I was just asking because I've heard the 6x32 are really best for hunting the thick stuff.Everyone has their own opinion about what they prefer and I'm sure that I'll develop my own as I use these and try others as time goes on.Thanks for the replies.

[huntingarcher]

I actually prefer the 8"s over the 6x.Sounds like you got a good deal on agreat product.So put the good eye on them critters and doin't look back.

[Looper]

I've got a pair of the Yosemite 8x32 and the 6x32.  The 6x32 are noticeably brighter and the field of view is much larger. I use them much more.  I primarily use them for scanning woody thickets within 100 yards of me. I can still pick up a deer a fair distance away, too.  Of course, I'm not estimating P&Y scores, so they are more than sufficient for the vast majority of my hunting.  The Yosemites are also less than $100.

[LimBender]

Good thread.

I've got some heavy 8x42s and in woods was looking for bright, light well priced 6or7x32.
I think 8x42 can get the job done, especially light ones like Katami, but mine are bulky (almost 30 oz).

Yosemites sound nice for price, any other suggestions.

[chopx2]

I have Katmai 6x32 and they are ideally suited to thick stuff and close range <100yds because they are much brighter than the 8 x 32s and easy to hold steady with 1 hand when stalking or still hunting. In fact I see better with the 6x32s at dusk than with the naked eye.

I need to go to 8 x 42 to get the same approx brightness. I do like my 8xs for tree stand hunting where I can use both hands and the little bit extra weight is easy to manage.

Out west the 6x32s I imagine would be pretty much useless for spotting game.

[chopx2]

http://www.opticsplanet.net/binhunt.html

this link has lots of useful info on how to select hunting binos

[Oliverstacy]

Originally posted by Rob DiStefano:
i have nikon monarch 8x42 and they're nothing short of *amazing*!

I have the same pair...they are "amazing" IMHO!  I've used them for the better part of a decade and still love them!

Great FOV and just the right power and they're awesome in lowlight.

Josh

[Mojostick]

I have the 6X also. They are great for certain applications.

If you want better one hand operation, at closer range, at lower light, go 6X over 8X.

If you want binoc's for more traditional "glassing", go 8X.

I like my 6X for sitting on a chair, bow across my lap and looking over deer at ranges 120 yards and under. For me that's perfect. But it may not be for you.