Best magnification binos?

[Bustercluck]

What magnification binos are you guys running in the mountains? My wife wants to get me some binos for my birthday. I have a decent spotter if I have to take a closer look at something so these will be just for quick looks and covering big areas.

Ive looked through some Leupold bx4 10x42 before and I think I’d go with those from anything else I’ve looked through in that price range. I’m just wondering if there’s any value in going 8x32 or 10x32 12x50.

[Frank grimes]

I use some meostar 10x50’s. I can hand hand hold them abit. But best on a tripod or sitting with elbows on knees.
iv always thought a really good pair of 8 or 8.5x, would be the best for hanging around your neck and glassing off hand, but everyone seems to go with 10x42.

[longrifle]

I've run a set of 8.5x42's for almost twenty years...Best compromise between field of view and magnification, plus they allow more light in then a 10x bino.


'rifle

[MRP]

10x40+ is my preference in good quality, 50mm in more economy models. I have a 10x50 a kid broke on me, I cut the bad side off. It’s what I use the most. I’ve been looking at 15ish monos lately.

[dapesche]

If you have a spotter then you have a tripod. I'd go 10x's. I liked 8s but I sold them and I'd only go back to an 8x32.

I have a 11x45 that I can hand hold decently well and they are great at off the tripod.

Really depends on the intended use.

[MarkyMark]

I like my 8x42s for field of view and not being so shaky offhand and for short glassing sessions not too far distances, but if l spent more time in open country with a tripod then 10s or 12s would probably be my choice. all depends on hunting style.

[Gateholio]

Lots of guys swear by 8X but I prefer 10x. I can hold them steady and if you practice a bit from various positions it's easy. I don't think I would go higher than 10x though. After that I'll use a spotter. I wouldn't feel handicapped by 8x though.

[nedarb2]

IMO - Timber hunting 8 x, slash / general hunting 10 x, distance glassing 12 x

[twoSevenO]

Don't go higher than 10x unless you plan to use them on a tripod. Chances are you won't hold them steady enough to get any decent field use out of them.

[upperleftcoaster]

I run 10x42. I think it’s a great all around for the mountains. Good for long distance if you can keep steady, and not too much for brushy close conditions. I just got a tripod mount and it really opens up the capabilities with that perfect steadiness. I use them from coastal rainforest black tails to turkey to sub alpine open country. Not disappointed yet.

my buddy runs 12x50 but personally I think it’s too shaky and unstable to freehold. You can do it, but it’s really more of a tripod glass.

I also have a chest harness, so the binos feel like free weight: out of the way and despite the mass just doesn’t seem to contribute to my total pack weight. If you get bigger glass it will weigh more. 10x42 is perfectly in the middle. 10x50 is heavier but better in low light. 12x magnification and more you are looking at some serious glass weight. Having said that I think most midrange binos are so good now that they have great performance without breaking the bank.

[wildcatter]

What magnification binos are you guys running in the mountains? My wife wants to get me some binos for my birthday. I have a decent spotter if I have to take a closer look at something so these will be just for quick looks and covering big areas.

Ive looked through some Leupold bx4 10x42 before and I think I’d go with those from anything else I’ve looked through in that price range. I’m just wondering if there’s any value in going 8x32 or 10x32 12x50.

I have 2 Carl Zeiss, one is a 7X40 built bulletproof, rubber armored, the East German border guards used the same, very cler and sharp, has a slight yellow tinge.
The other is an 8X32 Carl Zeiss Notarem, light and pretty clear, not a low light binocular, but I'm happy with both.

[Elkaddict]

I've run a set of 8.5x42's for almost twenty years...Best compromise between field of view and magnification, plus they allow more light in then a 10x bino.


'rifle

^^^^This right here. I run 10X42s because that was what was available in the model I wanted at the time. Can't go wrong with either really, but I think Longrifle is bang on with his statement. I have an 8X32 truck bino that I use when walking the dogs and just general poking around. Compact and light, I really like them but as a main binocular they will leave you wanting in low light (10X32 even more so ). 50mm, too large and heavy for my taste.

[srupp]

8.5 x 42.
period
Srupp

[marcus44]

Everyone has their favorites and good suggestions but I feel you need to try a few magnifications out and find which works best for you.

[MattW]

There's a lot of right answers to this question. I have a set each of 8x32s and 10x42s. I really like the lightness of the 8x32s and the magnification of the 10x42s. If you tried to combine the two the light gathering would be inadequate, it's always a compromise. You can hardly go wrong with a good binocular in that range though.

[Downwindtracker2]

Clarity beats magnification . As magnification goes up the the cost to achieve the same level of clarity goes up as well. A $500 8x had the same clarity as a $1000 10x. There was a birding site, I think it was called Better View . It had the best and most reliable reviews. Good glass costs, even made in China.

[sames14]

I like the 10x50 I find the 12x50 shake too much.

[J-F]

Twelve years ago, I treated myself with high quality binos (Leica Geovid). I had a chance to try bot the 8x and 10x side by side.

I was just more comfortable with the 8x. Ans so far, I regret nothing.

Try them to compare, if you have that option.

[Harvest the Land]

Go with the 10's Cliffy. The 10X42 are just right and cover a lot of situations. You'll appreciate having that extra power if you need it. You should have no problem holding them steady freehand (just practice a bit). Leupold (pronounced Loopold, not Leahpold) are the best bang for the buck in that price range imo. Good luck

[Citori54]

Twelve years ago, I treated myself with high quality binos (Leica Geovid). I had a chance to try bot the 8x and 10x side by side.

I was just more comfortable with the 8x. Ans so far, I regret nothing.

Try them to compare, if you have that option.

I did the same comparing Zeiss Victory (8x42 and 10x42) and Swaro (8.5x42 and 10x42). I settled on the Zeiss as they suited my eyes better, but with both brands the 8 power was best for me. My hunting partner prefers 10X. It is definitely a matter of preference so compare brands and power to determine which is best for you.

[MOOSE MILK]

12X50 Shake too much?
It's not the binos that shake, it is the holder...I love my 12x50's, I don't shake, but then again I don't smoke or drink coffee.
The only problem I have is the 12x50 binos are bulky and fair bit heavier than say a pair of 8x42's, which would be my choice now, as most of my hunting is in forested semi-open areas.

[wideopenthrottle]

https://opticsmag.com/how-to-hold-binoculars-steady/?nowprocket=1

I have searched a few sites and none of them mention using your pointer fingers flush to your eyebrows as well as your thumbs under the eye sockets to steady your binos...that is how I was shown as a kid

[ccrcc]

running 8x42s for the tight stuff and 12x50 for open country.
good compromise would be 10x for most hunting situations in bc, apart from alpine stuff when one really wants to reach out.

[Darksith]

used to run 8x, now I run 10x. can make all the difference when trying to count a point or tine. anything more than 10x and you might want something to stabilize it.

[IslandWanderer]

I don't actually run bino's, but we use 10x42's and they work well.

I haven't had any issues keeping them steady. Quality is probably more important than magnification.

[J_T]

I have the Minox 10x50. Awesome glass. Very reasonably priced.

I primarily use my 12x50 Swaro's. Saves having to pack a spotting scope. Stability isn't an issue. If the object is far enough away, one can always find a rest.

[directmule]

We have a pair of older Leupold Porro i. F. 10x40 and have used & liked them for many years

[Ron.C]

I prefer 10x in open country but like lower power if im in thicker bush.

A bit of a sidebar here, i learned last year just how much more detail i notice when bino's are on a tripod while long distance glassing. Was easily picking up some bedded mule deer because I caught an ear flicker as I was introducing zero relative movement.

[J_T]

I prefer 10x in open country but like lower power if im in thicker bush.

A bit of a sidebar here, i learned last year just how much more detail i notice when bino's are on a tripod while long distance glassing. Was easily picking up some bedded mule deer because I caught an ear flicker as I was introducing zero relative movement. Great point. Clear glass and magnification matter, but stability is important.