Binos for sheep hunt

[Silvereagle50]

I would like to get an idea of what power binos are suggested for an Alaska backpack sheep hunt.
I don't really want to get into what brands and such. If I had the money, Swaro is where I'd go but that won't be in the cards. (Although a buddy of mine has already offered to let me take his)

These will be for what I carry on my chest for glassing other than when using a spotter. With this being a backpacking hunt, I'm guessing carrying more than one pair wouldn't be such a good idea??
I would guess the options would be: 8x42, 10x42, 10x50, 12x50
I printed out a "gear list" from one outfitter and he suggests 10x25 (mentions they are light and low light situations wouldn't be a factor.

So what do ya'll suggest?

 

[Maverick940]

10x42's. You don't need more than that for Alaskan Dall sheep.

 

[adventure907]

I use the 8 x 30 CL's, and have used 10 x 25's in the past. I would probably just borrow your buddies Swaro's, you'll be money ahead and have the best glass in the business.

 

[Silvereagle50]

I use a pair of Burris 8x42 at this time. They are pretty good for my use. Of course I've never had anything better, so don't know what better is like.

The only problem with using my buddies (other than some bad luck and I have to replace them) is that I don't think he has any of the smaller options. I know he has a 15x56 (or something huge like that) and I think he just got a new set of the 10x50. I'll have to check with him.

 

[justin davis]

I use 12x50’s for all my hunts. A lot of glassing on my Bighorn hunt

 

[Maverick940]

I use a pair of Burris 8x42 at this time. They are pretty good for my use. Of course I've never had anything better, so don't know what better is like.

The only problem with using my buddies (other than some bad luck and I have to replace them) is that I don't think he has any of the smaller options. I know he has a 15x56 (or something huge like that) and I think he just got a new set of the 10x50. I'll have to check with him.

Your 8x42's will work fine. I prefer 10x42's, but your 8x42's will definitely work, no problem. I wouldn't carry 12x or 15x binos on a Dall sheep hunt, because you don't need that much glass.

 

[Silvereagle50]

Your 8x42's will work fine. I prefer 10x42's, but your 8x42's will definitely work, no problem. I wouldn't carry 12x or 15x binos on a Dall sheep hunt, because you don't need that much glass.

why do you suggest 10x42 vs say a 10x50?

 

[Maverick940]

That extra 16mm of glass increases weight, as does the increased housing size. Not that much weight, but it's some. Back in the 1970's I used to carry 10x50 Bushnell's. Then I graduated to 10x50 Leupold's in the 1980's, but soon thereafter I got a pair of Zeiss 10x42B's, because my Leupold's leaked and the right ocular lens also came loose. But anyway, I like my 10x42's, because they reach a bit further than the 8x42's. That can make a difference sometimes, like, on a bright sunny day when everything shines.

 

[ljalberta]

No experience hunting Dalls. I'd imagine they aren't overly difficult to spot unless the mountains are covered in snow. For Bighorns, I've used 8x32, 8x42, and 10x42. I prefer the 10x42s. I like the extra magnification for picking apart the rocks and trees for hidden rams. That being said, I'd speak directly with the outfitter and see what they recommend (if you're going with an outfitter). I'd guess they have the best idea of how a hunt typically goes down in their area and what is needed.

 

[MThoundhunter]

10x42s are what I use, works just fine to locate and use the spotter when you need to judge what they are.

 

[Silvereagle50]

I've been wanting something with a little more power than my 8x42 anyway. So gonna get a set of at least 10x anyway.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

10x42 all day.

 

[dirtytough]

I used 10x42's looking for dall's in AK. Only time it was hard to spot them was when there was snow. In that situation a good pair of 8x bino's that are clear are going to help a lot more than a 10x that isn't as clear. Dall sheep are one animal I would not worry about carrying the best bino's. The spotter is way more important.

I would look for lightweight bino's that are clear in the 8x-10x range.

 

[oenanthe]

There are a lot of better options than 10x25 for sheep hunting. You will be spending hours each day behind them, and a 2.5 mm exit pupil will cause eye fatigue. Especially in low light, and I have been on a lot of sheep hunts with low light, with clouds and fog day after day. Also, depending on the latitude and time of year, you will find that rams are feeding actively at dawn and dusk.

I usually carry 10x42, and 8x30 if I'm going really light. 8x42 would be fine, too.

10x50 - too big and bulky. I have never taken mine on a sheep hunt.
12x50 - big and bulky, plus they are difficult to hold steady. You don't need 12x; that's what the spotter is for.

 

[Jimss]

Either 8 or 10 x 42's combined with a spotter is perfect for sheep. The wind often blows like crazy so 8x may be a little more stable..especially if glassing while standing up in wind or with a backpack on. There isn't a whole lot of difference between 8 and 10. You'll be hunting super open country and mostly glassing long range so you may benefit from the extra 2x for locating sheep with the 10's. If only a horn is sticking up on a far ridge it may be easier to spot with 10 vs 8 power? A bino larger than 42 is a waste of weight and bulk for sheep when you'll have a spotting scope next to you. I would also steer clear of anything smaller than 40 or 42. There isn't much light gathering ability at dawn and dusk plus your field of view is super limited. The extra weight of 40 or 42's are definitely worth it. There is no way I would attempt a sheep hunt in Alaska without a spotting scope...especially if hunting units with 8 ring or FC horn requirements.

 

[Silvereagle50]

Well sounds like 10x42 it is.
And maybe I can get away without Swaro clear. That’s good since I can’t afford them anyway. But maybe I’ll find a pair reasonably priced in the classifieds.

Thanks for y’all help. I probably would have went with the 10x50s.

 

[YBPS]

You should get the 10x50’s. In the EL’s the difference in weight is 7 oz and the 50’s are only like an 1” longer. The 50’s are pretty nice. I went away from the 12’s for general everyday hunting.

 

[Reburn]

Ok here is a question for y'all. I bought a set of Zeiss Victory RF 10x54 for hunting around here. I really like them. To switch to 10x42 Swaro EL and carry a range finder is only 1 oz lighter and another significant wad of cash so i didnt see any benefit. Do 10x32 Swaro EL work ok in the mountains or are the 10x42 perfered? Buying another set of binos isn't high on my to do list but the 10x32 with rangefinder does come into about 8oz lighter.

 

[Maverick940]

Ok here is a question for y'all. I bought a set of Zeiss Victory RF 10x54 for hunting around here. I really like them. To switch to 10x42 Swaro EL and carry a range finder is only 1 oz lighter and another significant wad of cash so i didnt see any benefit. Do 10x32 Swaro EL work ok in the mountains or are the 10x42 perfered? Buying another set of binos isn't high on my to do list but the 10x32 with rangefinder does come into about 8oz lighter.

No benefit. Save your money for more important things, like another hunt. Just stick with the Victory 10x54's.

 

[Reburn]

No benefit. Save your money for more important things, like another hunt. Just stick with the Victory 10x54's.

Thanks that's what i suspected.