at any range for sighting in a rifle, I use max power, that's what its there for, I wan't the best groups possible, 2x at 100yds IMO is tougher to sight in than say 9x at that same range, I can keep the crosshairs deadon vs. lower power, works for me, get great groups. When in field stalking, the scope is cranked down case something jumps up, but if it's far away and I hav etime I crank it up. I've heard that anything over 10x is tough to hold offhand, hence most binoculars are maxed at 10x and even 8x easier to hold, I have 10x, maybe I should get some 8x ive noticed looking through binos all day gives me a headache, maybe 8X will be less eye strain. then when i need to know pts/size ill just put the scope on him.