If you can only have one binocular magnification for hunting.

[Alexjay]

I always carry 10x42 but in your situation I would lean toward the 8x


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[brsnow]

high quality 8x32 like my Zeiss Conquest 8x32's are all I need. Magnification is a poor substitute for resolving power.

I just recently got a set, added the longer eyecups and really like these. Have the outdoor mans stud on them. Great set up

 

[Newtosavage]

I just recently got a set, added the longer eyecups and really like these. Have the outdoor mans stud on them. Great set up

Couldn't agree more. I had to go through 20+ pairs to fully appreciate what these little gems deliver.

 

[sektr]

Coming from someone who just bought 10x42s and is planning to sell them to get the same model in 8x42 less than a month later, 8s all day.

I thought I’d appreciate the 10s added magnification, but I really didn’t see much benefit even up to 1000 yards. The additional shake, lower FOV, and greater eye fatigue were far bigger cons than the added mag was a pro.

Granted I’m an eastern guy, so 1000 yards is really the absolute max I’ll ever be looking and even that is rare. But out west based on my experience I would 100% opt for an 8x with either a spotter or a pair of 12s or 15s on a tripod.

Only time I’d think I’d want the 10s would be birdwatching over open ocean or in the mountains, and again I’d rather 12s or 15s on a tripod there if the setting permits.

 

[elkguide]

10X42 Alpha glass. Having worked with lesser glass and having used 8's, 10's and 12's, the 10's work best for me. Even in hunting in the thick stuff that we have back East, I have found that with quality glass, the 10's work great.

And just for clarification,,,,,,, I am a Swarovski fanboy.

 

[Xlr8n]

Coming from someone who just bought 10x42s and is planning to sell them to get the same model in 8x42 less than a month later, 8s all day.

I thought I’d appreciate the 10s added magnification, but I really didn’t see much benefit even up to 1000 yards. The additional shake, lower FOV, and greater eye fatigue were far bigger cons than the added mag was a pro.

Granted I’m an eastern guy, so 1000 yards is really the absolute max I’ll ever be looking and even that is rare. But out west based on my experience I would 100% opt for an 8x with either a spotter or a pair of 12s or 15s on a tripod.

Only time I’d think I’d want the 10s would be birdwatching over open ocean or in the mountains, and again I’d rather 12s or 15s on a tripod there if the setting permits.

Same situation for me although I primarily hunt Midwest timber and crop fields. Last summer I finally sprang for some new 10x42 SLC's. They were optically awesome no doubt, but they just weren't providing the view I was hoping for and they were a bit tiring to hold steady while hunting on the move. I returned them and recently picked up some nearly new 8x42 SLC's from a great dude here and now I'm totally happy. The wide FOV and immersive depth of field are what I was wanting when glassing, especially when picking apart timber and wooded draws.

To be honest the added 2x magnification of a 10 power is hardly noticeable to me over an 8 until you get out to really long range glassing and I agree with you completely at that point I'd rather go to a 12 or 15 on a tripod. I still own multiple optics in both 8x and 10x and can use either if needed but I prefer 8x.

That being said, everyone's eyes are different so I guess I'd suggest to the OP to get a pair of each in your hand and give them a shakedown in real world environments and then let your eyes pick the power for you. Spending premium money on a premium optic, you want it to be as good as it can be for you.

 

[TREE ‘EM]

I keep circling back to my ancient Swarovski 7x30 SLC.

What I prefer in order of importance:
1 Optical resolution
2 Field of view
3 Durability/Reliability
4 Weight
5 Magnification

I’ve used my 7x30’s alongside my friends higher magnification Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss glass and found no disadvantage in practical field conditions when glassing at a distance (200 yards to 4 miles). I did find advantage to my glass up close (under 100 yards) due to a better field of view.
Between 100 and 200 yards there was a slight advantage with some of the 10x glass but that fades quick in the form of eye fatigue.

I’ll stick with 7x or 8x for all around use.

 

[sektr]

Same situation for me although I primarily hunt Midwest timber and crop fields. Last summer I finally sprang for some new 10x42 SLC's. They were optically awesome no doubt, but they just weren't providing the view I was hoping for and they were a bit tiring to hold steady while hunting on the move. I returned them and recently picked up some nearly new 8x42 SLC's from a great dude here and now I'm totally happy. The wide FOV and immersive depth of field are what I was wanting when glassing, especially when picking apart timber and wooded draws.

To be honest the added 2x magnification of a 10 power is hardly noticeable to me over an 8 until you get out to really long range glassing and I agree with you completely at that point I'd rather go to a 12 or 15 on a tripod. I still own multiple optics in both 8x and 10x and can use either if needed but I prefer 8x.

That being said, everyone's eyes are different so I guess I'd suggest to the OP to get a pair of each in your hand and give them a shakedown in real world environments and then let your eyes pick the power for you. Spending premium money on a premium optic, you want it to be as good as it can be for you.

100% agreed OP should really try to field test both and see what’s the best fit. There’s a reason this is such a hotly debated topic.

The depth of field, FOV and added eye relief of 8x were the deciding factors for me. I agree, I was totally taken aback at how little difference I could tell between 8 and 10 when I first got some side by side time with them.

For others, the extra 2x may feel more noticeable, or maybe they’ll enjoy that you can pick out slightly more intricate details without a spotter (in most cases).

 

[Sandstrom]

Hands down 10x42 if I only could have one pair. For me they hit the sweet spot of size, magnification, and fov.

Ryan

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I love my 8x42s.

I know you didnt ask about brand but I have some zeiss conquests I got here for a great price. I'm looking to buy some SLCs before next season and without a doubt I'll get 8x42s.

 

[Capizzo]

Couldn't agree more. I had to go through 20+ pairs to fully appreciate what these little gems deliver.

Sorry to bring up an old thread.. but im thinking about grabbing a pair of these, but i cant figure out why the B.3s are cheaper than the 25mm b.7s?