8x bino options? (likely used)

[camping1601]

I'm saving up for a good pair of 8x binos and I'm looking for some advice on used ones that I should be looking for how much coin I need to save. Right now I'm thinking Swarovski slc's?

 

[zeroforhire]

I'm saving up for a good pair of 8x binos and I'm looking for some advice on used ones that I should be looking for how much coin I need to save. Right now I'm thinking Swarovski slc's?

Depends on your budget. If I were you I would get some sightron blue sky for $150 and put the rest towards a cool hunt. Either that or some maven B3.

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[elkguide]

I agree with your thoughts on Swaro SLC's but I would definitely get 10X42's. I hunt eastern whitetails in thick, nasty stuff as well as elk in the dark timber and mulies in the wide open spaces and I am very well served with my 10X42 Swarovskis.

 

[Browninglover1]

I snagged my 8x32 EL's for well under $1k and they're the best money I've ever spent. My dad just bought some Maven B3 8x30 and for $500 they seem like a killer deal. I may buy a set of those Mavens for a backup and to give to my wife and children when they tag along.

As much as I love my 8x32 EL's I do keep having an itch to try the 8.5x42s. With as much as I've enjoyed the 8x magnification I don't see myself going back to 10x ever again unless I get a smoking deal on a set that I just can't pass up.

 

[camping1601]

I agree with your thoughts on Swaro SLC's but I would definitely get 10X42's. I hunt eastern whitetails in thick, nasty stuff as well as elk in the dark timber and mulies in the wide open spaces and I am very well served with my 10X42 Swarovskis.

I should have mentioned that this is for treestand bow hunting in the deciduous forest of the NE. I use 10x now and I find them pretty frustrating at times. I'd rather have a dedicated pair for this.
Thanks.

 

[StopMakingSense]

8x42 or 10x42... personal preference, I've gone back and forth and I've stuck with 8x42 out west

 

[camping1601]

It would also be nice if they had some kind of warranty to cover mishaps.

 

[dotman]

I would also consider the Swaro 8x30 CL, the 2018 released generation. For under $1k, I haven’t tried them but many really liked the previous generation and I’m sure these have been improved for 2018.

 

[DougP]

Last fall I did the Pepsi challenge with 8x and 10x Leicas. All my hunting was in “dense cover” environments like what you described. I preferred the 8x and gave the 10’s to my dad for Christmas.

I would imagine I might prefer larger magnification binos if I were hunting more wide open terrain.

Both sets were bought here. If you’re patient, you’ll snag a good deal.


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[1shotgear]

I'm saving up for a good pair of 8x binos and I'm looking for some advice on used ones that I should be looking for how much coin I need to save. Right now I'm thinking Swarovski slc's?

The SLC's are a great option I tend to push more to my 10's but are great in the field light weight and compact.
Weight: 28.5 oz.
Dimensions: 5.9" x 4.7" x 2.5" (L x W x H)
Eye Relief: 18.5mm
Field of View: 408' @ 1000 yds
Exit Pupil: 5.3mm
Objective Diameter: 42mm

The SLC 10's are amazing as well but your field of view will be better on the 8's
Weight: 28 oz.
Dimensions: 5.7" x 4.7" x 2.5" (L x W x H)
Eye Relief: 16mm
Field of View: 330' @ 1000 yds
Exit Pupil: 4.2mm
Objective Diameter: 42mm

If you look at a new pair price is pretty darn similar from 8's to 10's
SLC 8x42
SLC 10x42

 

[elkguide]

I should have mentioned that this is for treestand bow hunting in the deciduous forest of the NE. I use 10x now and I find them pretty frustrating at times. I'd rather have a dedicated pair for this.
Thanks.

I live and do most of my hunting in Vermont. Thick and nasty to some open fields. I am first a bow hunter, second a muzzleloader hunter and thirdly a centerfire hunter. With less quality glass, 10 power doesn't distinguish/separate/ clarify what I am looking at. With my Swaro's, I don't feel over glassed. Same with my rifle scopes. Once that I made the switch to Swaro glass, I run my variable power scopes on 6.

When I get out west, I haven't found any need to switch up anything. I do find myself, occasionally turning a rifle scope up to a larger magnification, if I am taking a long distance shot but usually turn it back down to make the shot.

 

[camping1601]

First off thanks for the help.
What's the chance of finding used Swaro 8x slc's for $1k?

 

[camping1601]

I live and do most of my hunting in Vermont. Thick and nasty to some open fields. I am first a bow hunter, second a muzzleloader hunter and thirdly a centerfire hunter. With less quality glass, 10 power doesn't distinguish/separate/ clarify what I am looking at. With my Swaro's, I don't feel over glassed. Same with my rifle scopes. Once that I made the switch to Swaro glass, I run my variable power scopes on 6.

When I get out west, I haven't found any need to switch up anything. I do find myself, occasionally turning a rifle scope up to a larger magnification, if I am taking a long distance shot but usually turn it back down to make the shot.

I'm in PA so I can relate to the thick thing. Problem I have with my $350 Nikon 10x is when you see a deer moving through heavy cover like Laurel at say 75 yrds, I have a hard time finding them in the binos. Or even closer distances at low light.
I do love the 10 for gun season.

 

[rickjames80]

What's the chance of finding used Swaro 8x slc's for $1k?

8's are the way to go! I have seen the SLC 8's for 1100 a couple of times, but that's the cheapest I have seen in a couple years of watching. The Cabelas Euro 8x32 is an excellent bino and was $399 a while ago when they came out with the new model. Also the Conquest HD is worth considering, very clear and bright for the price.

 

[Firehawk]

Count me in as another fan of 8x binos. I have used 8-12x42 Leica Duovids, 8x42 Vortex Talons, 8x32 Minox BD ASHP, and I now own an 8x42 Maven C1 and I only hunt out west in mostly open country. I couldn't hold my various 10x binos steady enough unless they were on a tripod. 8x do great.

That said, my favorite binocular is my Maven B2 in a 9x45. Would have bought the 8x B1 but I liked the glass better in the B2. They are terrific and I can mostly hold them steady enough. They are great on a tripod too

FH

 

[Owenst7]

FWIW, I use my 8s a lot even here in NV on sheep hunts. I usually only bring my 10s if I expect to keep them on a tripod most of the time.

Don't overlook 8x32s. Some of them have a greater FOV than 8x42s, as is the case with my Mojaves. I had the 42s and liked them so much I got a pair of 32s to save weight for sheep and some mule deer areas. I was pleasantly surprised when I put them to my eyes and realized a substantial FOV increase.

 

[timberbuck]

Lots of options I think you would be happy with.

I would stick with 42mm for brightness in low light. 32mm are noticeably dimmer and your are a treestand hunter so the size/weight of the 42mm should not be an issue.

Nikon Monarch HG
GPO passion HD
Zeiss Conquest HD
Leica trinovid HD

Or go alpha class and look for a deal on a used set of SLC or Zeiss HT (best 8x42 I have seen).

 

[camping1601]

Thanks for all the opinions.
I've settled on the Swaro SLC 8x42 used and will likely post a wtb in the classifieds when I save a little more coin.

 

[bates]

8x32 are worth saving up for

So handy and the smaller barrel just fits your hand perfectly

 

[BlaserLRH]

The Zeiss Victory FL 8x42 are some of the best binos, they are around 1,200-1,500

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