Optimal Optics Package

[gunz_4l1f3]

I am thinking about putting together a similar optics package as @robby denning with 8x42 el range TA as my chest bino, 14x52 NLs, and an ATX 80mm as a spotter. The first part of my hunting season is in California still hunting for blacktail while my later season adventures take me across the west depending on what I draw for the year. Majority of the time in California I’m moving constantly and glassing mostly short distances which is where I think the 8x42 would excel, however on rare occasions I do sit down to glass and I still think they would do ok. On my desert hunts in Nevada and Arizona I think those NLs would crush the open country glassing and the spotter would allow me to judge and determine what I would like to go after. My question is: Is anyone else running a similar optics package and do you see the benefits of an 8x over a 10x when free hand glassing? Are 8x also a viable tripod bino out to 1000yards? Lastly, is there anything you would change in that optics package that would provide more benefit that what I am thinking of? Any opinion is welcome!

 

[hereinaz]

Seems there is nothing to change given what you said. The differences you mention are of little consequence and largely personal choice.

As far as AZ goes, 14 NL are optimal for glassing with clarity and magnification. The FOV is large enough that dropping to a 12x brings very little.