8x or 10x binos

[johnf]

I want a new pair of binos but am torn between 8x42 or 10x42. I've heard that 10x is harder to keep stable, but the extra magnification would be nice. I hunt in the woods, so I'm not real sure how usefull the 10x would be though.

What say yee?

[wtnhunt]

For the woods 8 should be plenty.

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

I carry 8X for bow hunting and 12X for rifle. During rifle season I like to be able to accurately judge a buck at 300+ yards, and it really takes 12X or higher for me to pull that off.

[redkneck]

I like my 10x50's. Not hard to keep stable and the bigger objective really draws in the light.

[Prairiepredator]

I just recently bought a pair of 10x42 Nikon Monarchs and really like them. I have always liked 10x better. The one advantage to an 8x is that it will allow a little more light in.

[BWiz]

I would go with the 8 power binos, unless you can swing a pair of variable (zoom) binos. Woods really necessitate the lower magnification.

[Rhino]

It's really a personal preference thing John. I don't have a problem keeping my 10x binos stable but one of my best friends can't so he has 8x. The 10x allows me to see better detail than 8x in the woods but if you can't hold them steady you can't realize that benefit. What you really need to do is go to a store that has both and just look around with both to determine what's best for you.

I like my 10x50's. Not hard to keep stable and the bigger objective really draws in the light.

That's what mine are too for the same reason. They are a little heavier than the 10x42's though.

[LifeNRA]

For the woods 8 should be plenty.

Yeah, I had a pair of 10's. Everything was so un-stable! Now if your going to carry a tri-pod around go for it!

[johnf]

Yeah, I had a pair of 10's. Everything was so un-stable! Now if your going to carry a tri-pod around go for it!

You know, now that I think about it, my rifle scopes generally stay on 4x in the woods. I don't see that 10x is necessary.

I think I've made my decision.

[johnf]

Well someone else changed my mind and I went with 10x. A guy on another forum hand a pair of Nikon ATB 10x for sell for $150. Couldn't pass it up.

[Flintlock1776]

When looking at bino power get the best match for where you hunt.

High magnification if you hunt wide open areas vs light gathering ability for hunting in deep woods are things to keep in mind.

I aim to get binos that provide an exit pupil of 5 to 7. Divide the diameter of the front objective lens by the magnification of the binocular to get the exit pupil of the bino (i.e. 8x42 = 5.25; 10x50 = 5.00). You eye's exit pupil runs from 7 down to 4 as you age.

I need a bino that provide light gathering ability for the early morning and early evening ability to see. The sun could look nice on my cleared field when I hunt but it is always darker when I am right inside my woodlot.

For me, hunting in the heavy eastern woods I want light gathering , good power binos. I have fixed power too as I had the variables but my preference are fixed binos. I want to pull the bino up, look and get right back to business and not be scrolling through powers.

My main Bino is Voretx. Other bands like Nikon are good and the high end like Lecia and Swarovski are top of the line are something I've not experienced but would love to have. I've found the lower end binos may try and match objective and power but I found the better binos just have better glass and that will make all the difference.

Go to a store and look though a few in different proce ranges. I would suugest you may try and wait, save and push yourself into the bino one step up from where you think your budget is.

Good luck.

Edited August 7, 2010 by Flintlock1776

[clrj3514]

I like my 10x50's. Not hard to keep stable and the bigger objective really draws in the light.

That's what my daddy says about his Nikon Action 10x50s. Personally I use 7x35 Tasco Zips. Good cheap binoculars. Good for open areas or woods.