8X or 10X

[Andy Cooper]

I started using some Zeiss 10x40's about 30 years ago, and never looked back. I've used them in the hill country of TX, the mountains of CO, ID, MT, and NM, and a lot in the desert of SE NM. Haven't felt handicapped with them in the woods, but that is probably because I'm so accustomed to them.

[L. E. Carroll]

I've had and used both Leupold and Zeiss 10x42's but have replaced them with ...8x42 Gold Ring Leupolds for their better light gathering capability and "wider field of view"... Which work great on the "more open" West Side of the state, for both Elk and Mule Deer.

Here's the funny thing however.. I hunt the coast of Washington [ very dense dark timber  ] for elk.

I have actually found myself using a set of very inexpensive  Leupold [windriver] Yosemite 6x30 binos. more than anything else... Even Wider field of view, "Waterproof", excellent clairity, and great light gathering charistics, and as important in my opion... they are light in weight and have leuopold's lifetime warranty [ but in this instance, to the origional purchaser ]

Gene

[Bjorn]

My preference is a really good 6x for bowhunting.

[waknstak IL]

I settled on 8x42 because they were much easier for me to focus quickly.

[Northwoods]

It seems that terrain your hunting in would make the most difference in the decision making process.  

Differences that I can see would be:
1. cost
2. weight
3. brightness (8x will gather more light for a given exit pupil and will work better in low light).
4. magnification - long distance viewing will be better with the 10x model.
5. steadiness.  the 10x will magnify your movement more
6. 8x will have a wider field of view.

For most of the glassing I do in heavily wooded areas in the midwest, 8x works as well as, or even better than 10x.  I've never hunted really open areas in the west where 10x may have the upper hand.  I would say that the quality of glass will have more to do with the level of satisfaction with the binoculars you choose than the amount of magnification.  Presuming glass quality is similar the above parameters apply.


Ted

[macksdad]

10 x 42 is my favorite

[ermont]

8X for woods and 10X for open country.

[screamin]

I hunted for yrs with 10x42's and as long as I could sit down and get a really solid rest they worked pretty good. But then about 3 yrs ago I gotta hankerin to get some 8's. After using those 8's for those 3 yrs there is no way I'd go back to 10's. The 8's are so much easier to hold steady and in the low light of dawn and dusk they pull in a little more light than the 10's. I don't feel like I miss anything either because of 2 less power, if anything I see more than I did before because I can hold em steady. Throw a Nikon 13x30 Fieldscope in the pack and you'll have everything covered.

ymmv

[[email protected]]

I used my Zeiss 10 x 40's for 25+ years and they are a great glass.

I recently got a pair of Swarovskis EL 8 x 30 and I like them very much.  They have become my go to glass.

To get the very best use of 10's try using a tripod.  I think you will be suprised at just how much additional clarity and sharpness complete "steadness" provides.

Bob

[Michael Pfander]

I use 10x32 Lieca's.  I find the higher magnification helps me focus on an area. With smaller glass I see to much to focus on what I'm looking at.
MAP

[ron w]

Steiners....8X30.....good for everything!

[jfelkins]

Thanks all! I wish I could get broader cross section of perspectives    !

Really though, thanks for the input.

[Shawn Leonard]

I agree with the people saying 8x, easier to steady and focus quickly and in the timber and even open country more than enough magnification!! They are also more versatile, so ya can use them in the whitetail woods and bird watching as well. Shawn

[azhunter]

What Jeff said. I do not like more than 8x without using a tripod. I use 8x around my neck and then carry 15x Swarovski's for use with a tripod.

[overbo]

I'm w/ Bjorn
A moderate priced 6x32's(leupold,minox) will perform as good or better than high priced 10x40's or 8x30's(swarv,zeiss) durring low light conditions.

[Cool Arrow]

I do most of my hunting in the dark timber where you can never see more than 50 yards. I have a pair of Ranging 5x32s. I pick up a lot of things that my naked eyes overlook. They really brighten things up. Unfortunately I don't think any body makes glasses like these anymore.
        Larry

[jrstegner]

7x or 8X is the way to go with at least a 40mm objective lens. I highly recomend the Zen-Rays too, or Promasters. They are the same glass, made in the same factory. Jap glass assembled in China is the only drawback. They are better than anything you can buy under $2000. I have owned just about every kind of glass there is and I have sold all the European stuff. You really need a good rest with 10X or you are going to be battling eye fatigue trying to get a steady image.

[Don Stokes]

I like 8's in the woods and 10's in open country.

[stagetek]

Heck, I think I use 8X just for reading glasses ! 10X for hunting.

[Davt]

I had a pair of swarovski 10x42 and they were wonderful, I did not like carring them around very much though. I ended up with the Leica 8x32HD ultravids, very light and small for a full size binoc, but for me size was a very big priority. If it is not I did like those 10x42's.
David