8x42 or 8x56 for whitetail timber treestand hunting

[rhyno_9]

After purchasing new glass and spending a little more money on higher quality on my 15x's, now I am looking at replacing my 8x and wanted thoughts if anyone has experience with the difference between 42 & 56 for treestand hunting (so I imagine weight/portably is not an issue). Thoughts on what may be more advantageous. I was thinking the 56 just because a lot of glassing in timber is low light due to a thick canopy.

 

[dtrkyman]

Not sure the exact details but 4 times the magnification for objective lens is a common practice for optimal light and image quality.

8x56 seems over kill. But I have no experience with them.

 

[Lionhound1975]

When comparing the same brand/make, the 8x56 is going to give you a noticeably brighter image over an 8x42 in low light conditions. If you are comparing different brands like an alpha 8x42 vs budget 8x56, then the results might be different.

I compared my Swaro SLC 8x56 with my Zeiss SF 8x42. As far as low light goes, there is no comparison as the 8x56 gives a much brighter image under heavy tree cover and during early dawn/dusk. For stand hunting in timber I don't think you could beat an alpha 8x56 or 7x42.

 

[JimIsland]

I tree stand hunt 95% of the time. Most of it is in bottoms and pretty thick stuff..... never felt the need for more than my Meopta 8X42s. I also like the compact and lightweight since they're around my neck for sometimes 3 hours or so.