Is 8x Enough?

[buffsmoker]

Specifically for an early season archery, above timberline/alpine mule deer hunt in CO. And specifically Swaro EL 8.5x42 SV binos on a tripod paired with a spotter (Kowa 55 or 77). I also have Meopta 15s, but I've decided I don't like the idea of having them as my only bino. And I also don't like the idea of them replacing a spotter, or packing them and the spotter along with the 8.5s. Trying to keep this as a one bino plus spotter combo as it will be a backpack hunt.

I'm considering picking up a set of 12s (EL or NL) to pair with the spotter. Or should I just roll with the 8.5/spotter combo? Thoughts?

 

[hereinaz]

I know we can tripod glass coues with 12x EL in open desert. Going down below 10x the lack of magnification cuts effective distance dramatically.

Assuming the spotter is for field judging and not locating, the 12x NL would be the perfect scenario for that and better than the 15 Meopta, IMO.

The wider field of view and size makes them usable for handholding closer on a stalk. But 10x and below is usually better.

If you want 12 NL I personally will not buy another 15 and will spend the money for a 12 or 14 NL. They are they much better, IMO.

I sold my 15s anticipating either the 12 or 14 but can’t decide yet…

 

[willfrye027]

I would say yes it’s enough. I use 8s as primary glass for everything now. On a tripod it’s amazing how far you can see with just 8s. High country deer especially if still in summer coats are about the easiest thing to glass up. I would say 12s or 10s are closer to “ideal” for longer distance but the 8s should hang in there fine unless you’re needing to glass very long distances. I don’t think I’d run out there and spend another $2500 unless it’s burning a hole in your pocket.

 

[sndmn11]

8x is fine. Like @willfrye027, I run around with 8x and supplement with a spotter. FOV is king for me when spotting animals.

 

[Sundodger]

I have always been an 8's guy for most of my hunting, including mule deer on their summer range. Recently switched to 10's and really debating going back. Couple things to keep in mind: I have VERY good vison, I can get away with things others cant. I typically prefer to hunt topography that I can stalk in within a few hours not days to kill, so my distance isn't terribly far. I prefer not to spot and stalk hunt in heavy vegetation.

If you were going to hunt transional habitat in October, big guns are useful.

 

[Marbles]

I use 8x for everything. It really depends on how you plan to use it. I frequently hand hold and don't set up in one location much, and in that use 8x beats 10x due to better resolving power as the shake from hand holding is not as noticeable.

 

[CApighunter]

Yep, top tier 8s and a big spotter are my go to. It’s amazing how much you can see with some 8x NLs, SFs, or similar on a tripod. Plus way easier to handhold and a super wide FOV for closer stuff.

 

[TaperPin]

For long distance use from steady sitting or resting on a tripod, no doubt 12x is hard to beat. Standing, not everyone hand holds 12x well due to nerves or poor technique. If you hand hold 10x fine, I’d say go for the 12x. If someone did a survey and found 25% of serious hunters say hand holding 12x to be more of a hassle than it was worth, it wouldn’t surprise me.

 

[g_reems]

Specifically for an early season archery, above timberline/alpine mule deer hunt in CO. And specifically Swaro EL 8.5x42 SV binos on a tripod paired with a spotter (Kowa 55 or 77). I also have Meopta 15s, but I've decided I don't like the idea of having them as my only bino. And I also don't like the idea of them replacing a spotter, or packing them and the spotter along with the 8.5s. Trying to keep this as a one bino plus spotter combo as it will be a backpack hunt.

I'm considering picking up a set of 12s (EL or NL) to pair with the spotter. Or should I just roll with the 8.5/spotter combo? Thoughts?

12x and spotter is perfect for me in high desert. When hunting rocky mtn areas I like 10s if I'll be still hunting beds. I've also ran 10s on chest 15s in the bag and that is pretty sweet alpine setup to. Just cant get good score estimates with that kit.

I would recommend at least 10s. They are flexible in being able to pick out horns a ways out, deer but a long ways out, and still pick apart close stuff. If you're glassing a lot of open stuff 12s really are great, just a few more ounces to haul. And you only sacrifice the still hunting timber aspect IMO

 

[justinspicher]

8 is gr8t…..no need to over think it.

 

[buffsmoker]

Thanks for all the input and the sanity check. I think I'll stick with the 8.5s and pair with a spotter. Now I can focus all my indecisiveness on which spotter. That should keep me busy for the next five months!

 

[nphunter]

Thanks for all the input and the sanity check. I think I'll stick with the 8.5s and pair with a spotter. Now I can focus all my indecisiveness on which spotter. That should keep me busy for the next five months!

The Meostar S2 is a phenomenal spotter and a great size.

I think the 8’s will be good. I just went through similar, I however love my big binos and pack them and my spotter. I just ordered some 8x32 NL’s to go with my 14 NL’s and S2. They will all be on me when hunting big country. I was so close to buying the 8.5’s, ultimately the ability to carry the 32mms along with my 14’s swayed me toward them.

I’ve packed my S2, Meostar 15’s and Razor 10x42’s on a ton of backcountry hunts. Went to a ATC and felt like it was way to small of a spotter for big country and everytime I left the S2 at home o regretted it. Sold the ATC and Meostar 15’s for some NL14’s and they are awesome.

The 14’s are great for glassing on a tripod and quick handholding looking for obvious critters. To me the 10 and 14 were too close so I wanted something 8 and lighter. Sold the Razors and just ordered NL8’s.

I want 8’s for archery elk, shed hunting and just general binos. Being smaller I think I’ll probably still carry all 3 on some hunts, I absolutely love my big binos but they will never replace a spotter for me unless I’m in small country where I’ll never glass a long way. If hunting big country I like to scan it quick with the 8/10’s on a tripod, switch to 15’s and pick it apart with the spotter. If I’m hanging out deer hunting all day I want to pick apart every nook and cranny and you can’t do that without a good spotter without a spotter I feel like your going to be wasting much of the day away waiting for animals to get up and move.

So far for me the Meopta S2 is the perfect spotter, it’s not much bigger than a 65mm but blows any sub 80mm I’ve ever looked through out of the water and is on par with any sub 90 spotter I’ve used. IMO the only spotters that outperform it are the 85+ Swaros and Kowa but at a size and/or weight penalty.

 

[Trumpkin The Dwarf]

Thanks for all the input and the sanity check. I think I'll stick with the 8.5s and pair with a spotter. Now I can focus all my indecisiveness on which spotter. That should keep me busy for the next five months!

I have never regretted having a big spotter with me when I'm hunting alpine. The Kowa 773 is my poison of choice.