I have a number of 8x32, 8x42, 10x32, 10x42 and various other binoculars of assorted power and objective lens combinations. If you plan on carrying them around much, I would go with the 8x32. If you are walking a short distance and hunting from a stand, then you may want to go with the 8x42. The only real reason for going with the bigger objective in an 8 power binocular is light gathering, and that is only an issue with an 8x32 at dawn and dusk where there is usually too little light to shoot a bow anyway. If you want to rifle hunt with a scope that has a big objective lens to shoot in dim light, then binoculars with bigger objectives are helpful too. I almost always pick up my 8x32 binoculars for all my hunting because they are lighter, more compact and do just as well for me as an 8x42 in all practical hunting situations. The Vortex Viper HDs are good quality binoculars -- not up to the premium binos like Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss, but much lower in cost with a great warranty.
By the way, when you go to something like a 10x32, you start getting a small enough exit pupil to substantially affect vision during dim shooting light, and the focus must be adjusted more for varying distances because the depth of focus is reduced. For a 10 power binocular, a 42 mm objective lens is a very good idea, although when higher than 8 power is desired, some people are willing to sacrifice the twilight viewing of a 10x42 for the lighter weight and lesser bulk of the 10x32.
Allan
Topic: Bino Question: Vortex Viper HD 8x42 or 8x32? (Read 256 times)
