8 or 10 power binos

[harrygrey382]

I’m struggling to make a decision here. I know 8 vs 10 has been discussed before but here goes:

The desire for a good set of binos has been building inside me for a few years, with some tax money I’m now looking for a second hand set of Zeiss/Swaro/Leica. I thought I was all set on 10x42 as I have a pair of Hensoldt 8x32 that I had serviced by a reputable technician a couple of years ago. They’re ok, comfortably better than a mate’s bushnells. But I used my boss’s Ultravids recently which “opened my eyes”… and with most sensible opinions suggesting 8x is better for most situations I’m wondering if I should get another pair of them. Preferably 8x32 but much more choice in 8x42 (I don’t believe I need more than a 4mm or sit pupil).

My hunting is mostly fallow around home (central NSW, Australia) so cleared rolling hills with light timber - glassing up to 1k away mostly closer, also reading cattle tags. But want to try for samba in Vic (high country/alpine/bush) sometime soon. The Hensoldts still do a respectable job but how much will I benefit from a better/newer 8x? TYB(s) can use the Hensoldts so they won’t go to waste. My biggest worry with the 10x is holding them steady - I can sit down, found a tree/rock/ use the ute but I can’t face the idea of a tripod. The idea of a closer image is appealing but not increased wobble…

Lastly the models I’m looking for are SLC HDs, old(er) ELs (still HD, which pushes the budget), Victory HTs and older Ultravids. I can probably scratch together $1400 (GBL700) at a push, less would be better. Have seen a few good options but I’ve been too slow or they’re too far away (don’t want to drop this much on a sight unseen pair on FB marketplace). I’m in the UK for another week and a half and the used market here has better options than Australia. I know things like Meostars, HD Conquests and Trinivids are good but I feel if I drop down to them I’ll always have a nagging regret even if it’s only in my head. Thoughts?

 

[maximus otter]

I’m struggling to make a decision here. I know 8 vs 10 has been discussed before but here goes:

The desire for a good set of binos has been building inside me for a few years, with some tax money I’m now looking for a second hand set of Zeiss/Swaro/Leica. I thought I was all set on 10x42 as I have a pair of Hensoldt 8x32 that I had serviced by a reputable technician a couple of years ago. They’re ok, comfortably better than a mate’s bushnells. But I used my boss’s Ultravids recently which “opened my eyes”… and with most sensible opinions suggesting 8x is better for most situations I’m wondering if I should get another pair of them. Preferably 8x32 but much more choice in 8x42 (I don’t believe I need more than a 4mm or sit pupil).

My hunting is mostly fallow around home (central NSW, Australia) so cleared rolling hills with light timber - glassing up to 1k away mostly closer, also reading cattle tags. But want to try for samba in Vic (high country/alpine/bush) sometime soon. The Hensoldts still do a respectable job but how much will I benefit from a better/newer 8x? TYB(s) can use the Hensoldts so they won’t go to waste. My biggest worry with the 10x is holding them steady - I can sit down, found a tree/rock/ use the ute but I can’t face the idea of a tripod. The idea of a closer image is appealing but not increased wobble…

Lastly the models I’m looking for are SLC HDs, old(er) ELs (still HD, which pushes the budget), Victory HTs and older Ultravids. I can probably scratch together $1400 (GBL700) at a push, less would be better. Have seen a few good options but I’ve been too slow or they’re too far away (don’t want to drop this much on a sight unseen pair on FB marketplace). I’m in the UK for another week and a half and the used market here has better options than Australia. I know things like Meostars, HD Conquests and Trinivids are good but I feel if I drop down to them I’ll always have a nagging regret even if it’s only in my head. Thoughts?

8

Years ago, Zeiss (IIRC) did a study and found that most viewers extracted most information from an 8X pair.

maximus otter

 

[deerstalker.308]

Can’t comment on mag as that’s personal preference all I will say is I do t find my 10 x Leica wobbly at all so you may be overthinking things.
If buying while in the uk have a look at what mcleods of Tain have, their service (and quality ex-display and used section) are worth checking. Also don’t rule out Vortex for quality glass at a good price and backed with a great warranty. Their glass compares very well to the high end stuff and I’d challenge most to tell the difference!

 

[Wmjas]

I grew up on 8x in UK and found no reason to change but in NZ mountains 8x just don’t cut the mustard so I moved to 10x. I think if you have experience in using binos (which it sounds like you do) then 10x are perfect usable freehand. That being said, one thing that really changed glassing for me was using my binos on a tripod, as the movement is accentuated in 10x binos it’s even more noticeable and really lets you get the best from the extra magnification. I use a spartan tripod so can shoot off it and put the larger spotter on as well. I know you say you don’t want to use one but I can’t recommend it highly enough.

As you’ve mentioned however quality is the most important factor and if given the choice I would buy decent 8x over cheaper 10x. I’ve recently picked up a s/h set of swaro el range 10x and am kicking myself that I didnt get some sooner.

Hope this helps.

 

[bluesako]

x8 s

 

[Mungo]

8.

10 restricts the field of view too much for hunting and magnifies the wobble.

I believe the Navy way back in the early 20th Century worked out that the optimal magnification for lookouts was x7 or x8 for these reasons.

 

[lovelyloopystuff]

I have a set of 8X and a set of 10X, the 10X just gathers sits on the shelf and I use the 8x for everything

 

[bbell]

I have an older pair of 10x42 SLC HD and they are brilliant. All my hunting has been in the NW of the US. I haven’t found 10x being an issue and I’ve used them for archery up close and glassing high desert at a mile. Having said that now that I’m in the UK I can see the benefits of having a set of 8x.

Also regarding the tripod, don’t be afraid to put an adapter on and try it out. It makes extended glassing SO much more comfortable. It is amazing the detail and deer movement you can pick out. That can also be done with 8x as well though. I didn’t use the tripod a lot but it was nice having that option for certain hunts.

 

[Klenchblaize]

7-Power

K

 

[Cyres]

I use 10x42 Geovids. No issues with wobble if you have a decent set of sticks.

D

 

[Cris]

In bright light your pupil will be between 2 - 4mm.
In dim light it will be between 4 - 8mm.
The 8x42 gives a wider diameter exit and hence more light. Thats why 8 x42 are so popular for low light applications.
Arguably 10 x42 will give a reasonable performance at low light but higher magnification.
Really a personal thing.

 

[Thoburns]

All good valid points re the 8s I have a pair of 8x el and a pair of the new swaro12x, one advantage of the higher mag is that you can put the foreground out of focus and in effect look through the bushes etc. To a relative clear area on the other side. Personally if just one pair I would go for 10s

 

[harrygrey382]

Thanks for weighing in guys. There is a slight bias towards 8x I see - even considering I have a reasonable pair of 8x32s?

I know a tripod would really make a big difference to stability, but I’m not prepared to carry one. Nor do I use sticks - I like being very mobile and unencumbered.

I use 10x42 Geovids. No issues with wobble if you have a decent set of sticks.

D

Actually Geovids have crossed my mind - seem to be the pick of the RF binos. What I don’t like is the idea they’ll be outdated pretty soon, unlike high end glass.

If buying while in the uk have a look at what mcleods of Tain have, their service (and quality ex-display and used section) are worth checking. Also don’t rule out Vortex for quality glass at a good price and backed with a great warranty. Their glass compares very well to the high end stuff and I’d challenge most to tell the difference!

I keep a constant eye on Tains, they haven’t had anything for a while (not interested in SFL). Vortex may be ok but I know I’ll always be wondering what I’m missing if I don’t get one of models I mentioned

In bright light your pupil will be between 2 - 4mm.
In dim light it will be between 4 - 8mm.
The 8x42 gives a wider diameter exit and hence more light. Thats why 8 x42 are so popular for low light applications.
Arguably 10 x42 will give a reasonable performance at low light but higher magnification.
Really a personal thing.

I’ve been working on a pupil not much over 4mm considering I probably won’t be interested in looking past hunting light and the fact I’m 40 so my pupils don’t dilate as much. I may be wrong as I’m not an eye specialist but most bino reviews say you can’t make use of much over 4?

 

[Navarone]

Couple of swaro’s in classifieds at the moment, some at 900 and some at 650…so where you want to be ish.

 

[Navarone]

Sold: - Swarovski SLC 8 x 42

For sale, Swarovski SLC 8x42 in excellent condition. Comes boxed with manufacturer's carry case, neck strap, ocular and objective lens covers and a Swarovski Field Cleaning Kit. Reason for sale, I am no longer stalking. 650.00 RMSD ono.

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Sold: - Swarovski 8.5x42

For Sale set of Swarovski 8.5x42el’s with a Swarovski x2 doubler and Alaska guide bino harness with extra pouch all genuine uk imports in very good condition boxed lenses perfect few slight marks around bridge Swarovski cleaning kit Looking for £900 to include insured postage

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

 

[Malxwal]

Why would you think Geovids would be outdated soon ?

 

[Cyres]

Geovids are as about the highest top end glass you can get. !
Mine cost £2500 10yrs ago
They will be better than any scope you can buy. Limit is how good your eyes are!
I don't use mine stalking just thermal and if need rangefinder use Leica monocular.
D

 

[harrygrey382]

Sold: - Swarovski SLC 8 x 42

For sale, Swarovski SLC 8x42 in excellent condition. Comes boxed with manufacturer's carry case, neck strap, ocular and objective lens covers and a Swarovski Field Cleaning Kit. Reason for sale, I am no longer stalking. 650.00 RMSD ono.

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

These are exactly what I’m after - 2016 build so HD versions. What’s stopping me is I’m still tending slightly more to 10x, although admittedly wavering a bit now… I hadn’t seen that ad, I’d better make my mind up

Why would you think Geovids would be outdated soon ?

Because electronics develop very fast, much faster than optical improvements. I reckon updating a range finder makes more sense than high end binos. If the electronics failed/became very outdated - wouldn’t say Ultravids/Victory/SLC/EL be better?

Geovids are as about the highest top end glass you can get. !
Mine cost £2500 10yrs ago
They will be better than any scope you can buy. Limit is how good your eyes are!
I don't use mine stalking just thermal and if need rangefinder use Leica monocular.
D

Have you compared the geovid glass to the best non RF glass? Have you had to deal with Leica re warranty? Have heard many bad stories compared to swaro

 

[.25-06]

X10 swaro. For me.
If its too wobbly at x10. Its too wobbly for anything else, ensure the posture is correct first, if the binos don't stay on target there will be little point looking through the scope

 

[Cris]

These are exactly what I’m after - 2016 build so HD versions. What’s stopping me is I’m still tending slightly more to 10x, although admittedly wavering a bit now… I hadn’t seen that ad, I’d better make my mind up


Because electronics develop very fast, much faster than optical improvements. I reckon updating a range finder makes more sense than high end binos. If the electronics failed/became very outdated - wouldn’t say Ultravids/Victory/SLC/EL be better?

Have you compared the geovid glass to the best non RF glass? Have you had to deal with Leica re warranty? Have heard many bad stories compared to swaro

Had my Leica BA 8x42's for over 20 years and still are my go to stalking bino's. They developed a probelem with the focus. Sent them in for repair under warranty and they claimed they had been dropped. They never have been!! Cost me £250 for the repair. Have to say the glass is as good today as the day I got them. You really dont want to look through anything less.