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.

 

[Wolfshead]

We are able to hunt one half hour past sundown here.
I hunt A LOT in thick woods and in bottom areas near swamps, so in the thick dark stuff.
I have a pair of 8x32s and don’t ever feel as though I can’t see well enough at the end of shooting time.
I’m sure which ever you choose be it 42 or 56 you’ll be fine.

 

[rhyno_9]

Yeah, I’m talking about staying in the same brand and model

 

[gr8fuldoug]

As a long standing supporting vendor here it's always our pleasure to assist the members here. Please feel free to give us a call, 516-217-1000, so we can assist you personally with different available options and special opportunities .

 

[torrey.harris.5]

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[TheYukiYama]

For my stand hunting I use a monocular. Never looking too far so not like I’m glassing with them, it’s just to get a closer look at something to tell if it’s indeed a shooter. They’re quite a bit cheaper and lighter also. Where I hunt archery is pretty thick, so rarely see anything past 100 yards so binos seem unnecessary. Just something to consider