If you can only have one binocular magnification for hunting.

[longbarrel]

I like 10x in my western hunts, and to keep weight down I choose 42mm objectives. I prefer alpha glass, which is pricy, so that means I effectively have only one, a Leica Ultravid.

 

[nobody]

Here's my catch-all bino answer. It's not for everyone, but it's the conclusion I've come to.

A 12x50 is too much bino for most people to hold still when they're sucking wind and tired and excited.

An 8 power always leaves me (personally) wanting more. It's not quite enough. It's easy to hold still, but it doesn't matter because it leaves me wanting just a bit more magnification under most circumstances.

This leaves a 10x. It's low enough power that most people can hold it still, but doesn't leave you wanting any more. I'm out west and consistently am glassing several hundred yards away, so take that into account.

 

[MtnW]

10x42mm or pocket Bino’s 8x25mm when still hunting the thicker stuff with some openings

 

[idcuda]

10x42, maybe only because I've never tried 12x.

 

[JGRaider]

I primarily hunt pretty open country, so I'll take a Swaro 10x50 SV. I haven't seen the NL's, but I've seen 90% of the primo stuff and the 10x50 SV has no peer. Also since it was mentioned previously, if you take an 8x and 10x with equal optics, the 10x will out resolve the 8x every time, period, showing more detail.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

This is a trick question. You need more than one!

My SLC 15s get used the most as they are the best suited for the bulk of my hunts.

But my SLC 10s get the nod for the hunts where things are not so open spaced.

 

[rclouse79]

If I could only have one it would be 10X. Since I can have two, I have 8x and 15x.

 

[archp625]

10 x 42 to be is the perfect general bino.

 

[Ross]

10x42s will get my vote allows you to glass far enough in most settings to not need a spotter and still not tooo heavy

 

[WDE]

I have been using 8×42s for the last dozen years and don't think I will change.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

10x42 NL.

Resolution of the 10x50, field of the 8x42.

 

[Catahoula]

8x42

 

[NeverSummer]

East coast: 8x42s
Out west where I live my go to is 10x50s. I run the Tract Torics.

 

[Xlr8n]

8x42. Wider field of view and larger exit pupil. Can still see everything I can with a 10x42 yet only brighter, better depth, and longer into waning light. Win win.

 

[Honyock]

10x42 for me.

 

[KineKilla]

10x42 on a tripod is the cat's meow.

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk

 

[eod.tek]

8x42 or at least 8x if some sort, as long as it has a large field of view. I enjoy a larger field of view

 

[ohoopee]

I would select a good 8x for your stated purpose for several reasons. I have alpha glass 8.5's and 10's.
My new Pure's are much better ergonomically but unless you just want the best you can have some
great glass much cheaper.

Btw, I gave up some FOV with my new 10's but have just as much last light and they
are lighter and more compact than my 8.5's.

 

[Fedster]

8x42. I'm in Finland, it's not that we have wide open spaces where I am -- it's coniferous forest all the way.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I just switched to some Leupy 15x’s after hunting exclusively with 12x50’s for the last 12 years. They are a little shaky free hand, but it is easy to use a trekking pole for a rest and I use a tripod for most of my glassing. They have eliminated the need for a spotter since I am not counting inches, just looking for mature animals.