Hung up on bino power: 8 vs 10

[Bluto]

Search didn’t turn much up, although I’m sure it’s been beaten to death somewhere.

In the context of only considering elk archery hunting, what’s the score with power? I was convinced it was 10x or nothing but last year I rented alpha glass to try out but they only had some 8x and I’m not sure I missed anything? (Of course I didn’t kill an elk, so maybe I did…)

The Zeiss lightweight stuff is intriguing, and I’m leaning towards the SFL 8x40 or maybe trying Swaro 8.5’s.

(And when I say elk hunting, we aren’t talking scoring/field judging at range. We’re talking “yes that’s elk, go kill elk” or “not elk.”)

 

[Antares]

Heavy cover or shaky hands, I would lean 8x.

More open country and steady hands, 10x.

 

[accountantsanonymous]

I had this conundrum as well. I ended up keeping my 10s, but use the 8s for archery and 3D, mostly because they are so much smaller, and easier to handle. The increased FOV is an added bonus.

 

[Mykolaivka887]

Several decades ago I used 8x for years and was completely satisfied till I borrowed a pair of 10x, when my 8's went toes up on me while in the field. After that brief experience, I immediately went out and bought myself a pair of 10x. That was forty-some years ago and I've been using 10x ever since. Does this answer your question?

 

[WCB]

No idea how guys use 8x binos....10x in minimum in and terrain including say dark timber. Now for some situations obviously 8x would be better. Like my dad has involuntary tremors in his hands. So 8x work best for him. However, he bought a stabilizing pair of binos (maybe Sigs) in like a 14x and can use them really well.

 

[atmat]

I moved from 10x to 8.5x and don't feel like I gave much up. For me, the increased FOV was nice for prolonged glass periods. Also, the rare times they're not on a tripod I hold them much steadier.

I think the answer you're going to find most is that it's user and terrain dependent.

 

[jimh406]

Better glass can provide benefits more than power except if you are glassing at distance. You seem to have the quality covered. 10X will give you a bit more distance with more weight, but might not be important if you plan to stay in the really thick stuff.

I keep 12.5s by my chair where I live, but carry 10x hunting. There's been a few times I wish I had the 12.5s with me, but I'm comparing mule deer racks at hundreds of yds not just whether it's a deer or not.

 

[Laramie]

10 is the best of both worlds so that's what I carry for everything. No wrong answer and it seems like you know the pros and cons of both- just need to make a decision.

 

[Hnthrdr]

8’s for archery hunting in the timber, 10’s for everything else

 

[Happy Antelope]

Heavy cover or shaky hands, I would lean 8x.

More open country and steady hands, 10x.

Perfect advice

 

[Happy Antelope]

We have been selling a ton of the SFL, the size and weight are a huge plus. I'd say we are selling 5 to 1 vs the conquest and Victory right now. The price point is in the middle and you are still getting some top tier glass. Antres above gave the perfect answer on 8x vs 10x. In the thick bush in Africa it's all 8x, if you are older and starting to shake then drop down to 8x. If you decide on the SFL, hit us up will see what we can do for you.

 

[Bluto]

Thanks to all. Folks do seem to lean towards 10’s. I wish I had a preference or a “normal” for conditions but the nonres tag game has gotten to its current state so I take whatever I can get. Meaning - open/timbered/etc varies by the year. I guess the better discussion point is - are the 10’s the better all arounder.

The in it additional point is that last year I purchased (and returned) some victory SF’s and EL’s in 10x42. While sitting at home testing out back, I didn’t feel like my low tier 8x was losing much of anything in magnification - but boy could you see the difference in clarity, color, edge clarity for sure, etc.

Saving weight would be nice though…

@Happy Antelope I appreciate the insight. They do seem to be popular, and I know R. Denning is a fan (speaking of both the Zeiss and the 8x in general.) I’ll keep that in mind, thanks for the words.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Search didn’t turn much up, although I’m sure it’s been beaten to death somewhere.

In the context of only considering elk archery hunting, what’s the score with power? I was convinced it was 10x or nothing but last year I rented alpha glass to try out but they only had some 8x and I’m not sure I missed anything? (Of course I didn’t kill an elk, so maybe I did…)

The Zeiss lightweight stuff is intriguing, and I’m leaning towards the SFL 8x40 or maybe trying Swaro 8.5’s.

(And when I say elk hunting, we aren’t talking scoring/field judging at range. We’re talking “yes that’s elk, go kill elk” or “not elk.”)

Are you trophy hunting?

10x would be a minimum if you’re in a unit where you need to differentiate antlers from big antlers. If you’re just trying to confirm a tan spot on the mountain is an elk, then it probably doesn’t matter.

I personally don’t see a lot of value in a 8x over a 10x. I would go 10x.

 

[insanelupus]

The context of when and how you use binos most likely will affect this decision.

Like for like quality is usually a choice of field of view and/ or weight, with a slight advantage to the 8x in low light (presuming the same occular size, i.e., 8x40 vs 10x40).

Where I usuall hunt, it's heavy, timbered country with lots of still hunting or glassing clearcuts. I like the 8xs for the wider field of view and one handed peaks at the "what is that", especially still hunting.

10xs have been great for long range glassing at distant targets or open fields and from hunting blinds.

That said, i find if I only wanted one pair, mine would be 8xs, no question.

 

[Bluto]

Are you trophy hunting?

10x would be a minimum if you’re in a unit where you need to differentiate antlers from big antlers. If you’re just trying to confirm a tan spot on the mountain is an elk, then it probably doesn’t matter.

I personally don’t see a lot of value in a 8x over a 10x. I would go 10x.

Nope. I get fired up for guys that do trophy hunt and wish ‘em the best, I just don’t. I’m very much in the “don’t pass up on day 2 what you’d beg to see on day 8” camp.

Of course, I now also consider any elk with a bow a trophy. But I got old at some point.

The context of when and how you use binos most likely will affect this decision.

Like for like quality is usually a choice of field of view and/ or weight, with a slight advantage to the 8x in low light (presuming the same occular size, i.e., 8x40 vs 10x40).

Where I usuall hunt, it's heavy, timbered country with lots of still hunting or glassing clearcuts. I like the 8xs for the wider field of view and one handed peaks at the "what is that", especially still hunting.

10xs have been great for long range glassing at distant targets or open fields and from hunting blinds.

That said, i find if I only wanted one pair, mine would be 8xs, no question.

Yeah that’s the gain for me with 8’s. FOV and easier use/handling once the game is on. Talking strictly elk, I just need to know if that brown spot is worth taking a walk, or it’s a rock.

 

[MallardSX2]

8X The next step-up IMHO is 15X.

 

[Mojave]

I have Zeiss Victory 10x56, several Japanese mid-tier 8x56, Several Japanese and Chinese mid to low tier 10x42 and 10x50, and a pair of 8x42s that are mid tier Chinese Bushnells.

For anyone over 40 an 8x42, 8x50, 8x56, 10x50 or a 10x56 is a better optic than a 10x42. If you have 20-20 vision and don't wear glasses it doesn't matter as much.

Eye relief is brutally rough for someone who is heavily near sighted. We are limited to some 8x42 and almost all 8x50, 8x56, some 10x50's, and the 10x56.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Search didn’t turn much up, although I’m sure it’s been beaten to death somewhere.

In the context of only considering elk archery hunting, what’s the score with power? I was convinced it was 10x or nothing but last year I rented alpha glass to try out but they only had some 8x and I’m not sure I missed anything? (Of course I didn’t kill an elk, so maybe I did…)

The Zeiss lightweight stuff is intriguing, and I’m leaning towards the SFL 8x40 or maybe trying Swaro 8.5’s.

(And when I say elk hunting, we aren’t talking scoring/field judging at range. We’re talking “yes that’s elk, go kill elk” or “not elk.”)

On archery hunts I carry 8 power. That hunt is typically in deep timber where you are looking tops 50 yards and usually much closer and trying to pick out parts of the animal
Or find them bedded. Gives me a bigger FOV and exit pupil to gather more light.

On rifle I carry 12 power as it’s usually in more open terrain and I’m looking further with more brightness already.

 

[Indian Summer]

It’s elk country. 10! I have no problem in timber with me 10x42ELs. Take your time. Even in timber you should be looking as far ahead as possible. I have 8s. They’re for whitetail deer back home in Pa. But guess what… I don’t use them there anymore either. 10!

 

[butcherboy]

I use 8X for archery in timber. 10X for more open country rifle hunts. Even use my 8X a lot for rifle hunts. I have a pair of Leica 10X42 rangefinding that I never use. I found that I prefer a separate bino and rangefinder combo. Anyone want a pair of Leica rangefinder binocs? I haven’t listed them yet in the classifieds.