8x42 or 10x42 binocs?
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 508

any opinion on one vs. the other in terms of power? I don't hunt open plains but rather brushy florida deer hunting but still have to look several hundred yards at times. Occassionally, I feel 8x may not be enough and wish i had 10x's but have never used a 10 power binocs. I worry it could be too limiting in terms of field of view but not sure.
anyway, somewhat personal and subjective but thought i'd ask for your input
anyway, somewhat personal and subjective but thought i'd ask for your input
#4

I hunt in the Florida pines also and occasionally sit a power or gas line where shots can be 300 - 500 yards. I use 8X binos and never feel like I need more magnification.
I have tried 10X in the past and hated them in this type of terrain.
I have tried 10X in the past and hated them in this type of terrain.
#5

Here is what I have been using for the past four (4) years.................and love them.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-1...ulars.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-1...ulars.html
#6

I also hunt FLorida..I'm mostly in a place to look at thick bayheads up to 300 yds from me..I have 4 different sets of optics { Old AUdubon member}
For hunting ..I try to travel light...I carry a compact..70.00 pair of Bushnelle 7 x 35
BUT for birding..all the old pros use 10 x 42 ..tighter picture but with practice I'm on the bird immediatelt.they are the green ring Leupolds..300.00 They are wonderful..but in the field..7 x 35 are fine..
I also have 2 more pair..
Most novice birders carry 8 x 42
for hunting..using a climber..I want as little movement as possible..the reason I carry compact small optics..the 7 x 35 are plenty good enough,
For hunting ..I try to travel light...I carry a compact..70.00 pair of Bushnelle 7 x 35
BUT for birding..all the old pros use 10 x 42 ..tighter picture but with practice I'm on the bird immediatelt.they are the green ring Leupolds..300.00 They are wonderful..but in the field..7 x 35 are fine..
I also have 2 more pair..
Most novice birders carry 8 x 42
for hunting..using a climber..I want as little movement as possible..the reason I carry compact small optics..the 7 x 35 are plenty good enough,
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186

The 8x's should be enough for well out beyond 200-400 yards. Buy the best bino quality that you can afford. Searching into heavy cover and being able to pick out details are definitely enhanced by high quality optics because of the high level of clarity and contrast. Not to mention that the better the bino, the better will be the very low light performance.