8x42 or 10x42 diff

[stick hunter]

Hi guys another bino question what is the diffrence between the two and what are your favorites thanks!!

[Mr.Chuck]

I favor and use the Leica 8X40 for my all round binos.   If I want to see closer,  I pull the spot scope out.   The 10X42 tend to show my pulse when I'm using them after get to my high point!  8's work for me.

[Autumnarcher]

I have a pair of each,Nikon's. I prefer the 10x42's, especially when elk hunting. The 8x's work fine, I just like the higher power for counting points etc.

[csdqm2]

Higher power equals a more narrow field of view. ie 8X or 10X. 42 is the size of the objective bell the higher the number the more light the lenses can capture. Everything is a compromise. You just have to fit it to what you want for your situations. 10X will be better for say elk or antelope hunting, 8X would be better for white tail and pig. But no way you can follow a squirrel in an 18X rifle scope   )

[Wannabe1]

Simple equation for Oregon so, no offense to anyone. Here in Oregon on the Western side of the Cascades, timber is pretty thick so, an 8X42 is perfect for seeing through the brush. On the Eastern side where mule deer, elk and pronghorn hunting is abundant, there are more wide open spaces so, the 10X42's work well for seeing further distances.
 
Think of the areas you will most hunt and buy accordingly.

[elknut1]

Either sized Optic you mentioned will focus in to 20' away clearly! From that distance on out the noticeable difference will be as mentioned, field of view.
  For instance, on turkey hunts & elk hunts where I'd not be looking over 3/4 of a mile away I go to the 8X42 or even 8X32 on my western hunts. When I know I'm going to be looking at distances from 1/2 mile out to a couple of miles I choose the 10X42 for that day or hunt. Either will focus on closer objects clearly as long as they're in your sight window. In most cases the less power Optic, then the smaller the Optic in size & weight.

  ElkNut1

[LKH]

I've been w/partner glassing for elk and deer in the breaks. He has 8's and I have 10's.  There is no doubt that I can find critters further out.  I think you need to be braced for best glassing so the extra movement some talk about is not a factor for me.

[slivrslingr]

Mr. Chuck mirror my experience, I like 7 or 8x binos and use a spotter for a closer look.

[JimB]

Besides the power issue,the 8X42's will gather light about 20% better than 10X42's,if all else is equal.Divide 42mm by 8 power and you get a factor of 5.This is the maximum that your eye can use.Divide 42mm by 10 power and get a factor of 4.Less light gathering.If the 10 powers were actually 50mm,light gathering would be about equal.

[stick hunter]

Thanks guys i need one pair for everything tough choice!

[Rick McGowan]

The 8X42's is a good all around choice and what I have been using for over 20 years, I would buy the same thing again. I have used mine from the Arctic to S. Africa and Australia. Rain forests, mountains and deserts. If I was doing a lot  of mountain hunting like for goats and sheep I would probably go to a 12X50. The quality is more important though its a lot easier to look through high quality glass.

[BowHuntingFool]

Originally posted by JimB:
Besides the power issue,the 8X42's will gather light about 20% better than 10X42's,if all else is equal.Divide 42mm by 8 power and you get a factor of 5.This is the maximum that your eye can use.Divide 42mm by 10 power and get a factor of 4.Less light gathering.If the 10 powers were actually 50mm,light gathering would be about equal.

Jim nailed it! The magic number is 5...  

[hormoan]

Yes the magic number is 5, BUT

Only if combined with superior quality lens and reflective coatings  

i.e. your 50 dollar 8x40's with a exit pupil of 5 are still junk,compaired to quality glass.

[griz#1]

I have the Swarovski 10 x 42 and they work pretty good for all hunting situations. I used to carry a spotting scope but not anymore I rely on my Swarovski's.

[ozy clint]

i've had a pair of steiner nighthunter 10x50 for about 6 years. they're outstanding and great for long range work but i want to get another pair of binos more suited to close range stuff, a bit more compact and less magnification. i had my heart set on a pair of nighthunter 8x30 but i'm now leaning towards an 8x40/42. probably steiner peregrine 8x42

[Day Dreamer]

Im no bino expert by no means. What Im told, there is a better field of view between 8x42 and 10x42(which is true in some brands). For what its worth, the field of view in a 8x42 nikon monarch is 330ft. and the field of view in a swarovski el 10x42 is 330ft. but a big difference in price. If you get the swarovski 10x42, they will perform the same a the 8x nikons plus have bigger magnification. I did purchase 6x30 yesomite leupolds and the field of view is 420ft, huge difference in thicker woods (love mine).