What power binoculars do you prefer

[Brambles]

What power binoculars do you prefer for Goat, Sheep, Mule deer hunting.

Certain things come in to consideration as power increases and some people complain that its hard to hold a 10x bino steady, some like the light gathering of a 7x etc.

What power do you prefer.

[Fisher-Dude]

10x. The lesser power ones just don't seem to show me that 1" tine I'm looking for. Those who can't hold 'em still enough are just excited about what they're looking at! :razz:

[Gateholio]

10X

There are times I wish I had 8X, but I think if I carried 8X I'd wish I had 10X more often...:smile:

[open-sights]

Used 8x42 last 3 years and loved them, now I have the Mojoves 10x42 and wont look back, love them.

[Barracuda]

10 power . I have had lower but have settled 10 power as a good do all magnification

[rocksteady]

For longer distances and where you have to count points 10X50....

Where you are just locating and gonna take the first legal buck (no point restrictions) 8X42

[Brambles]

I had 10x binocular for quite a while, although not high end I had bauch & Lomb legacy and after they got stolen I got Minolta 10x50's. I then switched to 8x42 Browning and the glass was superior but I feel I'm missing the extra 2x. Its hard to compare binocular power when the 2 binoculars your using to compare with don't have the same quality glass in them.

Like i said in the other thread, I tried my brothers Swarovski EL's 10x42 EL's but only for a few minutes when we were up north, to say the difference was astounding, especially at low light compared to my 8x42 Browning would be an understatement.

[bigwhiteys]

I like my 8x30 swaro's. I hardly notice the difference between 10x and 8x anyways. So for the hiking I do I like the lighter weight of the 8x. If I need to look at something closely then out comes the spotter - which is what I do most of my glassing with anyways.

Carl

[tuchodi]

I have had both 8 power and 10 power for many years and I always seem to grab the 10 power ones. If you cant keep them steady do like me and use a rest of some sort, walking stick or a tree.

[tufferthandug]

With my Leica 10x42's I have never thought, "Damn I wish I had the 8x42's."

[todbartell]

10X

There are times I wish I had 8X, but I think if I carried 8X I'd wish I had 10X more often...:smile:

exactly my view too

[rocksteady]

exactly my view too


Knew you were going to say that....Like Father, like Son...

[Fisher-Dude]

Knew you were going to say that....Like Father, like Son...

I think Toddler's got a bit of a man-crush on him! :shock:

[todbartell]

man crush on my own son? that's twisted

[Kechika]

Rishu Pepper's infatuation with Bartell is the true definition of a man crush.Oh ya I have 8's some times wish I had 10's

[Stone Sheep Steve]

10X

Can't remember once wishing I had less magnification. Not even for chasing whitetails.

SSS

[BCrams]

10X

Not even for chasing whitetails.

SSS

Thats because you're too busy snoozing :lol:

[rishu_pepper]

Rishu Pepper's infatuation with Bartell is the true definition of a man crush.Oh ya I have 8's some times wish I had 10's

Admiration is a more suitable word here :razz:

Same deal, have the 8x but definitely wouldn't mind the 10x.

[BlacktailStalker]

I had a pair of 8x30 Zeiss Classics I sold to upgrade to the 10x42 ELs.
Sometimes I still wish I had them but more times than not I'm happier with the 10x.

[Spitzer]

I prefer 8x because of the superior F.O.V, steadiness, and brighter than the 10x. If I need more I use the spotting scope.

[Bow Walker]

I've used all of them at one time or another - 7x35's, 8.5x50's, and 10x42's. My preference is for the light gathering ability of the 50mm's and the all round versatility of the 8.5's.

I'm not dropping any brand names 'cause that's irrelevant to the poll.

[Sitkaspruce]

I switched to 8x last year as I have hand shakes and need the smaller power to give me less of a headache.

I miss the 10 x sometimes but will stick with the 8x's especially for timber hunting.

SS

[BiG Boar]

I own a kick ass pair of tasco's. I dont think they even say a magnification power on them. So I just picked 10 because they are massive, and huge. You can see some things through them. Not others. Basically one of the worst investments I have ever made. Other than buying some washinton mutual stock a few months back at 35 dollars on my uncles word. We dont hunt together anymore....

[Fisher-Dude]

Thats because you're too busy snoozing :lol:

He doesn't realize that he needs to open his eyes to see those 170 class whities walking by. :shock:

[Stone Sheep Steve]

He doesn't realize that he needs to open his eyes to see those 170 class whities walking by. :shock:


Just trying to save some wall space. I just may need it one day:smile:.

SSS

[Fisher-Dude]

Just trying to save some wall space. I just may need it one day:smile:.

SSS

I think you've got the same problem as buddy who isn't allowed to buy a wall tent. :rolleyes:

[Brambles]

I think you've got the same problem as buddy who isn't allowed to buy a wall tent. :rolleyes:

OUCH that hurts:lol:

[Steeleco]

When I bought my Monarch's a few years back, the guy at binocularscanada told me they sell (10x) 8 to 1 over (8x) So I bought the 10's There has only been one occasion when I needed more light, but many whem I'm glad I've got more power.

[oldtimer]

use 8 as that is the maximum you are allowed on a 3D course so I don't have to buy 2 different pair. Mike

[Brambles]

use 8 as that is the maximum you are allowed on a 3D course so I don't have to buy 2 different pair. Mike


That I didn't know, I don't think anyone has ever checked bino power at any of the 3D shoots I've been to. I do use 8 power for those shoots, but I wonder how many don't

[Bow Walker]

I.B.O. rules state that the maximim power can only be 8.5 - as listed by the manufacturer. That's why I got 8.5 by Vortex. I went with the largest light gathering lense that I could and so ended up with a great set of 8.5x50's.

Oops - I dropped a "label". Damn! I wasn't going to do that.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

I.B.O. rules state that the maximim power can only be 8.5 - as listed by the manufacturer. That's why I got 8.5 by Vortex. I went with the largest light gathering lense that I could and so ended up with a great set of 8.5x50's.

Oops - I dropped a "label". Damn! I wasn't going to do that.

Didn't realize that rule for 3d's.

Does anyone know why the rule is in place??

SSS

[huntwriter]

Of all the binoculars I own, and I own may in different configurations, the Swarovski 10 x 42 are my favorite. It a good all around size that permits me to see far into the distance or pick apart details in thickets.

[Bow Walker]

Didn't realize that rule for 3d's.

Does anyone know why the rule is in place??

SSS
I copied this from the "rules"...my guess would be that it creates somewhat of a level playing field for all.



C. BINOCULARS AND RANGEFINDERS

An integral part of IBO 3-D competition is the archer’s ability to judge yardage without the assistance of range-finding devices or assistance from others. Therefore, cameras, rangefinders, or any other devices that may be used to calculate yardage to the target are prohibited. An archer may not use parts of his or her body, the bow, or any other accessories or equipment to calculate yardage. Any mark on otherwise legal binoculars that could be construed as a reference point for range finding is prohibited.
Hand held binoculars of 8.5 or less magnification (per manufacturer’s specifications) are allowed
Binoculars shall not be used at the stake after the shot has been taken. An archer with an adjustable sight may not re-adjust their sight after they have used their binoculars at the shooting stake. Archers may utilize binoculars additionally to view the target, while waiting their turn at the shooting stake or from an on deck area behind a group that is in the process of shooting a target.

[Avalanche123]

I have 10 X 50 Swaro that I purchased years ago however when I go sheep hunting I do wish I had something smaller as I think it would complement my spotting scope.

My next optics purchase will be 8 x42 swaro. (I answered the poll by saying I liked the 10X power which I do...)

[oldtimer]

Dan I stand corrected I thought it was 8 but the FCA rules state "Binoculars of less than 9 power " Thanks for the correction. Mike

[Bow Walker]

Darn it Mike! Now I gotta go out and get some 9 power binos so as to push the envelope should I ever get the chance to compete in a "sanctioned shoot".........

oh well, what else is the paycheque good for, eh?

[mpotzold]

10x(BAUSCH & LOMB) -don't have the shakes:smile: to use <10x!

[KevinB]

10X

There are times I wish I had 8X, but I think if I carried 8X I'd wish I had 10X more often...:smile:

I'm pretty much the opposite... I've always owned 8X binoculars, and I have yet to wish I had a 10X...but I've often been glad to have the 8X (or even wished I had a nice 7X with a wider FOV).

I've found that for all practical purposes, a high-quality 8X42 will show you as much or more detail as a 10X42, especially while being hand-held - to get the benefits of the extra 2X, the 10 will usually have to be sporting a larger objective or have higher quality glass. All else being equal, the 8X will be smaller and lighter, and generally easier to carry around and hold steady. Also the 8X will have a wider FOV, probably will have a better depth of field, and will be at least theoretically, a little brighter.

I have a set of 8X42 Pentax DCF SP roofs, and to see all their detail, I have to have them sitting on something solid. If I'm trying to see one more tine on a buck at 3, 4, or 500 metres, and if good quality 8X binos won't do it, the odds are an equivalent bino won't either - so I figure, why p*ss around with binoculars at that point, I'll have my 20X compact leupy spotter in the pack and it'll be coming out anyways! :biggrin:
my 2 bits anyways.