NL pure 10x32 for everything?

[BBob]

I was going to add how svelte the 42s are in my reply…I’d not go down to 32 either.

I'm the opposite. I've been on the 32's since the 32 EL's were introduced. I do use the 12's as my main around the neck glass for some things but still use 10x32's and prefer to use them more. BTW IMO for an all around binocular and hunting out west, 10x is the way to go over 8x. Always has been, always will be

 

[roosiebull]

Started hunting a few years ago. Archery exclusively. I live in New Mexico. I put in for deer and elk. Have drawn one of elk tag and harvested one. I have drawn deer twice and harvested once. I also get a OTC whitetail tag for Oklahoma. I have been using a pair of Nikon 10x30 p7 for last couple years. I want to try for Barbary sheep and javelina etc also. I am thinking about taking the plunge on some alpha glass. I usually don't sit and glass at dawn or dusk preferring to be at an ambush spot or still hunting at those times or in a tree if whitetail hunting. Would 10x32 NL Pure let me still hunt, tree stand hunt, glass across a canyon or two etc? My reading so far is that NL pure 12x42 might be a bit much for holding one hand while still hunting to pick a part the woods for elk, and would be over kill for tree stand and ambush hunting. And so I was thinking 10x42. Then looking at the options I found the 10x32 and outside of a few minutes at dawn and dusk I think they would be pretty similar and smaller and lighter. Plus if I got those I could also maybe eventually get 12x42 for open glassing if I start doing that.
Thoughts? I think the nl 10x32 will be an amazing upgrade to my Nikon p7 10x30. I don't think I will ever get a tripod... I have aziak trekking pole adapter (just got it)

If you aren’t going to get a tripod, I think the 8’s would be better

 

[jfreem2]

I have 8x32 NL and 12x42 NL's. I find myself grabbing the 8's more often than not due to the slightly smaller size, a bit less weight and great field of view. Your best bet would be to find a shop that has the 8, 10 and 12's available and look through and handle all 3 to see what you prefer imo.

I think this would be best all around two pair setup. Wondering if you had to buy one first would you get the 8s or 12s? I could use my Nikon compacts if in close and buy 12s first. That way I have the higher mag bigger pair then a year or two get the compacts

 

[wyosteve]

For what you described as your primary use, I'd get the 8's first and the 12's (or 14's) later on. 12's excel for further distances.

 

[JoeK]

Since you’ve already got the compact 8’s makes sense to me to get the 12’s for tripod work and then your still covered for handheld use on the go with the cheaper 8’s. Might find yourself trying to use the 12’s for everything though…

 

[Beendare]

I think this would be best all around two pair setup. Wondering if you had to buy one first would you get the 8s or 12s? I could use my Nikon compacts if in close and buy 12s first. That way I have the higher mag bigger pair then a year or two get the compacts

Yeah but $6,500 in optics for what you are doing?

Going back to your initial post on the hunting you do I would just get the 10x42 NL's and call it a day. Its the most versatile.

Keep in mind the guys commenting; Some are hunting the NW Rain forest...and some are hunting wide open AZ Desert- totally different country. NM has a variety of terrain, choose versatile.

 

[jfreem2]

Actually I got a good deal on a set of 10x42 NLs so gonna rock those soon as they get here. Looking forward to them! I will post a review when I get them and put them through the paces!

 

[Steve O]

Actually I got a good deal on a set of 10x42 NLs so gonna rock those soon as they get here. Looking forward to them! I will post a review when I get them and put them through the paces!

Good move. Those will do everything well

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

@B_Reynolds_AK is your guy, he's ran them both because I've asked for his input on the very same question.

Most will be best served by 42mm NL's. I went from the 32 to the 42 and now back to the 10x32's for everything. The weight difference is significant. Half a pound on your chest every day for 10 days straight makes a difference. I also hunt open mountain areas the majority of the time. The times I am deer hunting in closer proximity and in wooded areas, the 32's do give up some brightness, but the FOV is great and I do just fine with them.