Bino combo - RF in 10x or 8x?

[wedgetail]

On a two person hunt, with a pair of 10x42 and 8x42, which mag would you rather have the rangefinder in if you could only have one?

I’m starting to get into long range shooting followed by hunting. My sons (11 and 13) are too. I need to get a range finder. I’ve got a big backpack hunt planned for later in the year for me and the eldest. I want to get our optics sorted. I currently have 10x42 SLCs and a very old pair of 8x32 Hensoldts. I thought the Hensoldts were really good (recently serviced by an ex Zeiss technician) until I got the SLCs, now I don’t like using them because the contrast is so poor (literally). I was planning on getting a pair of RF 8x42s to replace them, as I like the 8x mag and want 42s for the bigger exit pupil. But now I’m wondering if I should get a regular set of 8x42s and trade the 10x42 SLC for a RF pair - there’s a lot more choice in 10x42 RF binos than 8x42. And the used market is big in 8x42. I prefer to buy good used than new.

So who prefers which for a RF Bino?

 

[mtntough]

I really like my Leupold 10x42 RF binos
They aren’t light but I like the fit and can use them all day with zero eye fatigue issues
I do like 8x binos sometimes but when im looking and shooting longer ranges Im glad I have the 10x

 

[wedgetail]

Sure. So if you and a mate were hunting, with a 8x42 and 10x42, you’d definitely rather have RF in the 10?

 

[KY_coop]

I've found and ranged some tough targets at distances up to 1030 yds in some matches with 8x40 gpo rangeguides. I've been quite impressed with them. A fella I shot with had the 10x50 gpo and he loved them as well.

 

[handwerk]

I've been content with my 10x42 Geovids out west for many years.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I've found and ranged some tough targets at distances up to 1030 yds in some matches with 8x40 gpo rangeguides. I've been quite impressed with them. A fella I shot with had the 10x50 gpo and he loved them as well.

The GPO Rangeguides are great units and priced way below comparable units

 

[KY_coop]

I would have to agree, though I haven't looked through all competing binos

 

[Trr15]

I’ve had both and much prefer 10x42. I hunt a lot of wide open country and 8x just didn’t have the legs to get me where I wanted to go.