Sniper151

I would suggest 7 to 8 x for dense foliage and 12 x for unobstructed view. Check out the Zeiss before you purchase. The weight is half that of both the Swarovski and Cabela's models with exceptional clarity and reasonable price.

PABowhntr

I, too, agree with the others a high quality 8x42 is usually the best all around combination for any given type of hunting. Some configurations work better for one type of hunting or another but the 8x42 usually covers all of them at least adequately.

I do like Sniper's suggestion of the 7x42 as well. I have found that there is little, if any, loss in observable details between it and the typical 8x42 however you get much better depth of field, a brighter image and a much more comfortable view overall.

You mentioned the Cabelas Euros. They are rebadged Meopta Meostars and you can find those Meostars at Cabelas as well as a few other optics retailers for approximately the same price range as the Euros but in the 8x42 and 7x42 configurations. The Meostars are very close, if not at, the quality level of the big names while only being about half the price. I would recommend them highly.

huntinbucks

I'd have to agree that 8x42 or 10x42 is your best bet. I personally like a 10x zoom. It works for open country or thick brush. I've always had 10x42's and have never had any problems with holding them steady. I have had eye strain which could be due to poor optics. I am also upgrading this year to either Zeiss or Swarovski binos.

Lubricious

7-8 with an objective thats as close to your scope as possible. Also, if you hunt with a high end scope, get high end binos....and vice versa.It really sucks to look through a great set of binos and then have a difficult time trying to find your target when you bring your scope up. If they are of the same quality, aquisition is much quicker, easier on the eyes and could save your hunt.

hnt24.7

I would not send the $$ on those i would go with Nikons both of the ones the you sed are not as good as Nikon. But they are more money. And i like 10x42 or 8x40s

Painted Horse

Depends what you are hunting! Yes the 7x and 8x binos are more comfortable to look through. But if you are scouting animals at longer distances and not wanting to carry Spoting scope and Binos, Then go to the 10x. If all your hunting is less than 200-300 yards and you just want to peer into the shadows. Then the 7x is a great choice. If you are sitting on a Western Ridge line looking at elk 4 ridges over and trying to decide if the bull in the group is big enough to stalk, you want all the power you can get.

Cossack17

I just got Zeiss 8x32 T* FL. I still hunt most of the time and I realy appretiate the weight and compact size of the binos. I compared it with 10x32 and the 8x32 were definetly brighter.Zeiss just came up with a new lotu-tek coanting on the lenses, but I can live without it. More important was a discount for not a Lotu-Tek model. I got a NIB for only 1K delivered.