8 or 10 power binos

[Navarone]

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 If the electronics failed/became very outdated - wouldn’t say Ultravids/Victory/SLC/EL be better?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

They are a decent price as well imo.

I’d make an offer and buy them if it were me.

One I think 8’s will do you fine and once you have them you’ll love them…two they are a good price and look good condition so you’ll sell them on for at least what you’ve paid/ maybe for more in Aus so even if you do decide you want 10s you haven’t lost.

 

[Cyres]

Geovids are as about the highest top 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

 

[Klenchblaize]

New Kid On The Block:

K

 

[harrygrey382]

sell them on for at least what you’ve paid/ maybe for more in Aus so even if you do decide you want 10s you haven’t lost.

This is a very good point. I’ve messaged the local seller at home with the 8x42 HTs for $1000 (more or less GBP500). He hasn’t replied overnight, they may well have sold. So I’ve messaged trackerman about those SLCs

 

[Dhindes]

Try Geco 8x56. Made by GPO but less €. Really good optics

 

[deeangeo]

Personally, 10x more useful over longer distances on open ground in Scotland - as I get older, I use my stick to steady the bins but hey hopefully age comes to us all

 

[Navarone]

This is a very good point. I’ve messaged the local seller at home with the 8x42 HTs for $1000 (more or less GBP500). He hasn’t replied overnight, they may well have sold. So I’ve messaged trackerman about those SLCs

As I remember it when I lived in Aus, high end goods like this kind of stuff were always dearer over with you and as you said less choice second hand probably purely because there are less around.

 

[harrygrey382]

As I remember it when I lived in Aus, high end goods like this kind of stuff were always dearer over with you and as you said less choice second hand probably purely because there are less around.

Prices are pretty similar on average, but definitely more about in the UK. They’ll be easier to move in Aus. Unfortunately trackerman is being messed about so I may end up missing out…

Personally, 10x more useful over longer distances on open ground in Scotland - as I get older, I use my stick to steady the bins but hey hopefully age comes to us all


That’s good to know

 

[Utectok]

Top tip always set your scope to the magnification your binos are. That makes target acquisition much quicker you can adjust if needed before shot. I have 8x, had 10x in the past not much in it tbh.

 

[VSS]

Definitely 8× for lowland / woodland stalking for the greater depth of field.

 

[tonyshooter]

I was taught by 2 massively experienced stalkers to use binos that are the same power as your scope.

I use Swaro 8 x 56 scopes, and my binos are almost the same magnification ( .5 difference ! ).

 

[bullet chucker]

10X42 SLC for me since 2000, never been an issue a little bit heavy compared to the later models but the glass is first class. Had them from new.

BC.

 

[Bowland blades]

I have used 7x50 swavoski for something over 20 years , never found them wanting while doing woodland , field or Hill . The real thing that matters is the quality of the glass your using ! My daughter uses some Hawke and i really cannot see much tangible difference in the image up until the last of the fading light or when the sun is only just rising over the horizon ( sometimes that matters but its only 15 mins either end of daylight) . Only time is if you really need to asses a head at longer range ( then your way better off with a telescope )

 

[hybridfiat]

Clarity means more than magnification.
A REALLY good pair of 8x will serve you better than a mediocre set of 10x, and be easier to hold steady.
Personally I go for 7x now.

 

[NullMac]

10x.

 

[old keeper]

Another for 8X here. I've always found 10X far too shaky. I usually set the scopes at 8X as well.

 

[John Gryphon]

I will trot out my standard pic of what I use/have used. Real world experience is better than figures in a sales blurb.
I use the EL RF 10x middle and have done so for circa 10 years iirc, the SLC 10 x on right for many years pre the RF model. The 10x is my go to power.
However 10x is lacking for deer antler ID that I am seeing on a back 'wall' at 1400 yards even 1600 yards. When stags have trees sticks, branches behind or around them the antlers meld into the back ground. They don't all stand on a skyline for silhouette ID.
Its the same 10x that I love using in the bush, thick or thin no matter what, it allows the hunter to peer deep into shadows for those extra deep observations I have found. Seeing a fly on a deer muzzle @ 100 yards is proof enough for me lol.
I sold the 15x56 last year and wrote recently asking "do you want to sell them back to me?"
On a steady tripod with the bino mount that extra 5x at long ranges is of great benefit.
The 10x and my 70+ yr`s eye`s at the extended distances just don`t quite get the job done in early and late light thus I`m wanting the 15`s back for the long shots. I would hate to go back to using my 7x Steiner's but then if they were the only bino`s I had they would have to do.
I wouldn't go back to less than the 10X and as to all of the conjecture about being too big for using in woodland/bush I don't agree with. You can sit alongside blokes with lower powered bino`s and often unclip your own for them so they can see wtf you are looking at...true.




She`s hard to see. This below is a case where 10x has it over the lesser powers.
I would not even think about using the small objective lens binos for what I do. EG 10x25 etc.
I will add that my scopes when stalking are set on the lowest X, we can always quick twist the variables up.
HG I had the SLC`s 10 x 42 up for sale last year for $1600 Aussies.

 

[Utectok]

Tbh if I need a real close look I’ll use my scope and dial up to 16x and have a good peer. Wait for horrified SD massive complaints. But I’m mean if your thinking of shooting a deer and just want a good look why not use the scope. Handy when trying to see if it has antlers!

 

[harrygrey382]

Thanks guys, all good points. I also posted this on an Aussie forum, mostly similar comments but a general slight lean to 10x. I’m not considering “cheaper glass” so it’s good 8x vs good 10x. My main hunting scope is a S&B 6x42, although once I’ve finished the build I’ll be using a S&B 2-10x40 a fair bit too. The thing is I hunt a lot with iron sights so scope mag (rarely shoot over 6x) isn’t a big factor - I want it for longer range spotting to make decisions about where I’m going mainly

I will trot out my standard pic of what I use/have used. Real world experience is better than figures in a sales blurb.
I use the EL RF 10x middle and have done so for circa 10 years iirc, the SLC 10 x on right for many years pre the RF model. The 10x is my go to power.
However 10x is lacking for deer antler ID that I am seeing on a back 'wall' at 1400 yards even 1600 yards. When stags have trees sticks, branches behind or around them the antlers meld into the back ground. They don't all stand on a skyline for silhouette ID.
Its the same 10x that I love using in the bush, thick or thin no matter what, it allows the hunter to peer deep into shadows for those extra deep observations I have found. Seeing a fly on a deer muzzle @ 100 yards is proof enough for me lol.
I sold the 15x56 last year and wrote recently asking "do you want to sell them back to me?"
On a steady tripod with the bino mount that extra 5x at long ranges is of great benefit.
The 10x and my 70+ yr`s eye`s at the extended distances just don`t quite get the job done in early and late light thus I`m wanting the 15`s back for the long shots. I would hate to go back to using my 7x Steiner's but then if they were the only bino`s I had they would have to do.
I wouldn't go back to less than the 10X and as to all of the conjecture about being too big for using in woodland/bush I don't agree with. You can sit alongside blokes with lower powered bino`s and often unclip your own for them so they can see wtf you are looking at...true.



She`s hard to see. This below is a case where 10x has it over the lesser powers.
I would not even think about using the small objective lens binos for what I do. EG 10x25 etc.
I will add that my scopes when stalking are set on the lowest X, we can always quick twist the variables up.
HG I had the SLC`s 10 x 42 up for sale last year for $1600 Aussies.

Thanks for the write up. I’m probably less concerned about in depth antler analysis, although your thoughts do confirm my instinct 10x is probably preferable to me. Did your SLCs sell fast at that price? Were they HDs or older? Kahles Helia S have just hit my radar which are I believe SLCs with different coloured armor. Can’t access Aussie google shopping ads now but looks like they can be had for $2k ish? Might be putting a bit more aside until I can plump for them if I don’t find a good used pair in the meantime…

I see the 8x42 SLCs are back up, I’ve probably missed the boat to bring them back on the plane but I’m toying with the idea of getting my parents to send them on and going on Navarone’s idea

 

[Navarone]

@harrygrey382 maybe not your cup of tea but….

Pardon our interruption...

And here’s a thread I did with some good information…

Older binos- Zeiss BGAT P or Swaro El/SLC

Hi All, Looking into new binos at the moment… Having done a fair amount of research I see the same models recommended in the second hand market time and time again…either Zeiss BGAT P’s or old Swaro EL’s/SLC’s Having looked a fair amount used prices for all the models above in good condition...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

I know @Klenchblaize is a big proponent of the bgapt…I think the glass is still absolutely superb tbh…