8x42 vs 10x42 Binos for Hunting

[Blueknight99]

Want to get some opinions on which magnification is recommended for hunting (mostly) and some general outdoor viewing.

Before we get started I just want to say that I know that the 8x42 has a larger exit pupil and hence a larger FOV. But how do they stack up against each other? What do you gain vs lose by going for either of the two in a hunting situation?

Of course, all this is assuming you are getting at least some half-way decent glass if not the best. For me personally, I would probably go either the Zeiss Conquests or the Swarovski SLCs.

Also, not to derail the topic front the optics, clarity, and stress free viewing, another factor to consider is the pricing. There are more deals on the 10x42s than on the 8x42s for some reason. Sometimes the 10x42s turn out to be cheaper than the 8x42s with some discounts/demo deals going on.

 

[pmclaine]

A little economic thought.

General wisdom would say 10x42 should cost more than 8x42s because you get "more".

Perhaps that assumption is a mistake.

Maybe 8x42s are subject to the market supply and demand laws, and as a more sought after tool for what you are doing they command a higher price.

8 is a perfect mag for hand holding and the size is "compact".

10s are just on the edge of hand shake and in some cases a bigger package without the gain.

I have 8x32s and all I ever use them for is scanning water and reading the occasional high way marker. I love them for their shake free view and compact size.

Bigger objectives would be nice but most usually Im in bright light and get plenty of clarity.

 

[pmclaine]

.....and there is a recent post on this same topic, scroll around a bit you will get more info.

 

[Blueknight99]

.....and there is a recent post on this same topic, scroll around a bit you will get more info.

Couldn't find that thread, otherwise would not have created this. Will look around to see if I can find more info there.

 

[pmclaine]

Within the last 1-3 weeks....someone asked about binos for active use....

 

[myronman3]

what i found, was 10x, i was too shakey freehand. that is me. i also do not hunt out west, my hunting is in the woods of wisconsin.....300 yards and below. and most of that is under 200. have the occasional field or whatnot, but by and large, it’s not all that far. 8x i can see more detail because i am not wiggling so much....or at least i aint seeing the wiggle as much.

depends on where you hunt....longer distances, maybe a 10 would be better. and if you are using a. tripod, the wiggles wouldnt be a concern. but i dont. or at least have not yet.

so for me, 8x is the answer. your mileage may vary.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

For general use 8x is a better go to and for free hand viewing for longer periods of time more comfortable. For out west and open lands 10x may be more suitable and your use of them would vastly improve by tripod mounting.

We are running our Columbus Day Sale through end of day today so if you have the time to give a call, 516-217-1000, today's a great day.

Alway's our pleasure to discuss optics whether you're ready to buy or not so if you have time to chat we are here till 6

Doug

 

[Alabusa]

I have Kahles 8x42 and love them. Very stable and plenty enough mag for normal hunting distances.

 

[Jackomason]

I just got a pair of 12x50s for elk hunting... kinda suprising but they are the cabelas intensity and I got them for $209. It's all I could afford after this years hunting expenses. But seriously I'm very impressed with these! Clarity is great, the over all build other than the caps is great and all the adjustments have just the right amount of tension. The eye box is a little iffy when in really awkward positions but when they are used properly they are fine. Saturday I was able to identify a bull and its points at 900 yards~ hand held. They did get a little shaky after diving down then climbing the next ridge but still usable. I can see myself using these for quite a while as long as the coatings hold up.

 

[DangerRanger]

I use 8x42 slc hds and Love them, only change I consider is selling them to buy a 2 part kit of 8x30 cl companions for my chest rig and 15x56 slc’s for LR glassing

 

[Rerun7]

What terrain are you hunting in/distance you are viewing?

 

[Diver160651]

I use 8x42 slc hds and Love them, only change I consider is selling them to buy a 2 part kit of 8x30 cl companions for my chest rig and 15x56 slc’s for LR glassing

Love the 15SLC too.. but need a tripod to really appreciate them. I have a tripod when I hunt anyway.

I have a pair of nice 12x and find them not better than my 15s for shake reduction.. 8 slc 30s seem perfect for hand hold. But when I have my 8's on my chest, seem like I pine for my 15s LOL..

 

[Rover31]

As asked above,
Tell us the terrain you are in then to me it becomes simple...

 

[Blueknight99]

The terrain is the western edge of North Carolina’s coastal plains. In short, mix of wooded areas plus stretches of plains/corn fields.

 

[DangerRanger]

I live in central NC.
I use 8s

 

[Rover31]

Given your use location, my opinion is the the 8X42s over 10s. The 8 will get a good field of view and the bigger 42 objective will get you better light in the shadows to see more details.
Good luck

 

[Blueknight99]

Noted. That is my goal atleast to get an 8x42 first then add on a 10x42 later for hunting out west.

 

[KFBR392]

It’s tough to beat Swarovski. I did get to look through some Mavins recently from 2-500 yards and they were every bit the quality/ clarity/ color of the Swarovskis.

I run 10x in the West and don’t think it’s a handicap. You don’t really need glass inside 200 yards anyway but they give you the capability to reach out.

 

[Diver160651]

Noted. That is my goal atleast to get an 8x42 first then add on a 10x42 later for hunting out west.

as mentioned I have both the SLCs in 8 and 15. I also have other brands in 10 and 12.

I am out West, but using the 8s for my bow or when weight is an issue mainly. When I find the 8s lacking, I NEVER think, I wish I had 10x.

8 & 10 are just to damn close especially if you running Swaro 8s.

 

[FN-Whitney]

I am using 10x42 Meopta Meostar I got from Doug at Camera Land. If you are not married to a particular brand I would suggest taking a look at these. I can't tell a difference between these and the SLC's at the same magnification.

 

[Secant]

I live ‘out west’ and prefer 8’s. I did buy a set of Leica Geovid 10’s that we’re on close out at Europtic that I’ll try out this year. I would’ve preferred 8’s, but the price was right. FoV is not as good as my 8’s, but the HD-B’s sure are nice to look through.

 

[Diver160651]

Also out West. I have 8s 10s 12s and 15s

with the 8s and 15s everything is covered. if you have 10s don’t get 8s unless you want ultra compacts. If you have 8s skip the 10s - they are just to close.. 10s? Skip the 12s etc

just my thoughts

 

[Blueknight99]

@Diver160651 - Exactly my thoughts mate. No point getting both 8x42 and 10x42s. They are just too close. Would either have one of the above and later add a spotter or a 15x with tripod.

For now, borrowing a friend’s Vortex Viper HD 8x42 for my hunting trip in about a trip. Once I get back I might buy a Swaro at a good deal from Doug . I don’t think anything compares at that price point. I would either be under $500 or step up to Swaro SLC. Anything in between will only make me feel guilty that I could have gone for the Swarovski for a bit more.