Binocular Power

[fairchase]

With all factors being similar in regards to size and weight and quality, what power binocular would you pick for general purpose glassing out west in open country 8X or 10X ? Thanks.

Greg

 

[DallanC]

I really dont carry bino's. I dont think I could function without my 15-45x spotting scope. I use the death out of them and think its well worth the extra lbs when you get up on ridges / hilltops. You can glass for miles and pick up detail that you cant hope to with binos.

But if binos are the only choice I prefer 10x if the objective is large enough else you better stick with 8x.


-DallanC

 

[Chef]

10x

I had the same debate when I bought my pair of binoculars too. I ended up going with the 10 power. Mostly because I live out west also and could be looking for mulies in the distance. I have, however, used them extensively when still hunting in the woods. Helps to pick up details of game in the dark brush and overhang of trees. My eyes get really tired after a while from squinting to make out what I'm looking at. The binos really help out, especially being higher powered.

Chef

"I Love Animals...They're Delicious!"

 

[supersider34]

It depends on where you are going to be glassing and what time of year. I use 20x and use them for my hunts as I hunt wide open area's and I can pick out game really easily. Some people have eyes for it and some dont. Mine are gas filled for when I am in the rain and snow. Pulling in and out of the truck. But I use the bino system and have yet to have any problem with them being to heavy. I even belly crawl with them on as I keep them on the muleys I am crawling to. Believe me I do all right hunting Mule deer archery hunting.
But if those 2 choices are what you are looking at I would go with 10x. Also like the other post a good spotting scope will help out with looking at size or for more power.

 

[kingfish]

10x

 

[TimberMan]

I prefer 10 power with at least a 50 mm objective lens. I think the pentax DCF WP 10x50's are hard to beat at around 400 bucks.

 

[slamdunk]

Personally, i use both. I use 10x Zeiss classics for longer range eyeballing, and for close up stuff, i reach for my 8x swaro's. Both pair are small & light. I also can lay my classics on top of my Leica scope, that way i can use my tripod to keep steady. Once i spot something through the 10's, all i have to do is pull up on the tripod handle, and there's my target in the scope, BINGO!!!

 

[BrianID]

Unless you have spent some time glassing you probably won't notice much of a difference between 8x and 10x. Overall 10x are better for long distant glassing but if you want to get a better look at the horns you will need a spotting scope.