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.

 

[MBNAZ]

I currently spend most of my time hunting coues in Az. I recently switched from a Swarovski 80 to 65. Little more compact as I am getting older and hunt solo.
I wear 10s for glassing off hand when moving or stalking and 15x off the tripod.
10x work off my tripod when I am going lighter but I have never used 8s.

 

[dreamingWest]

If money was no object I'd go Swarovski 8x32 EL TA, 14x52 NL, and 65 AT Balance for my ultimate hunting optics set.

Although I'm not convinced the Swaro EL TA beats out my Leica Geovid Pro 8x32s. I haven't been able to test the ergos. They've been hard top find.

 

[robby denning]

Hey OP. Thanks for the mention but one update.

I swapped out the 8x42 for their 8x32 the last two seasons.

Im trading a few minutes of light transmission for weight/volume and have not regretted it (yet).

I also run the STC 56mm for the majority of my off-road stuff but if I had to choose one spotter, it would prolly be the 80mm