8 or 10 power binos

[John Gryphon]

Did your SLCs sell fast at that price?

I pulled them from sale, Pom mate and others have used them and when I sent my RF ELs back for a minor warranty issue the SLC`s stepped up to the plate. I`m glad I pulled them as the $1600 would be long gone and I would have had no back up.

 

[harrygrey382]

@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…

Interesting, I wasn’t aware of these. Just been doing some reading - the 7x42s sound like they really still hold their own. If I was considering 7x42 I’d definitely be looking at those BGAP*Ts, not that they’re much cheaper. And those eBay ones do look nice… sounds like the 10x42 aren’t quite as good though? I’d imagine my Hensoldts might not be too far behind. By the sound of it a good pair of modern alphas would have the edge. Did you end up getting a pair?

I pulled them from sale, Pom mate and others have used them and when I sent my RF ELs back for a minor warranty issue the SLC`s stepped up to the plate. I`m glad I pulled them as the $1600 would be long gone and I would have had no back up.

Nice, if you can afford to have them as a backup it’s a no brainer

 

[John Gryphon]

have them as a backup it’s a no brainer

As mentioned above I want my 15x56 back lol. You cant have too many binos.

 

[Navarone]

Interesting, I wasn’t aware of these. Just been doing some reading - the 7x42s sound like they really still hold their own. If I was considering 7x42 I’d definitely be looking at those BGAP*Ts, not that they’re much cheaper. And those eBay ones do look nice… sounds like the 10x42 aren’t quite as good though? I’d imagine my Hensoldts might not be too far behind. By the sound of it a good pair of modern alphas would have the edge. Did you end up getting a pair?

Nice, if you can afford to have them as a backup it’s a no brainer

Yes pretty much exactly this, I’d have said the 7x42 bgatp’s are ‘cult’ stalking binos.

As you say the problem is they are often as much as some newer swaro’s second hand and from what I can see these do have the edge.

The 10x 40s aren’t as good for some reason and this is reflected in the used prices…not too sure how they’d stack up against a cheaper modern offering would have to look through them both side by side.

I’m still keeping an eagle eye out for some 7x42s at a good price but sadly haven’t found any yet…

 

[Flash G 74]

Yes pretty much exactly this, I’d have said the 7x42 bgatp’s are ‘cult’ stalking binos.

As you say the problem is they are often as much as some newer swaro’s second hand and from what I can see these do have the edge.

The 10x 40s aren’t as good for some reason and this is reflected in the used prices…not too sure how they’d stack up against a cheaper modern offering would have to look through them both side by side.

I’m still keeping an eagle eye out for some 7x42s at a good price but sadly haven’t found any yet…

Hello, 7 X 42 Opticron Discovery get good reviews

 

[harrygrey382]

Hello, 7 X 42 Opticron Discovery get good reviews

I reckon he’s specifically after Zeiss BGAT*Ps

 

[baguio]

If you also use a thermal it has to be X10. Just binos I would go for X8.

 

[harrygrey382]

Well found a pair here in Australia for not a bad price. Absolutely mint pair of 2020 build SLC 10x42s. Image is phenomenal, and I’m surprised how small/light they are and how steady I can hold them. Might keep the Hensoldts on motorbike duty for the moment though

 

[GBR66]

I have gone up from 7x to 10x partly because 30 years on my eyesight isn't as good and then since I started using a thermal monocular FOV is less important for spotting with bins. A friend I stalk with carries a spotting scope and loves using it.

 

[jamesey]

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!

I use a 8x Vortex bino for stalking and bird watching (the sort my wife encourages) and they are fantastic. The glass is good - not just good for the money - it’s just good. The price point is obviously a plus point too. The 8x I find is very stable and I went 8x because I can’t always rely on support and I too don’t want to have to tripod when glassing so opted for less mag and I don’t regret it. It’s a really well balanced setup of image and stability. I’ve got two vortex scopes and my binos I’ve used the vortex warrant a few times and can confirm it’s as good as they say it is, great to deal with and never quibble what I’ve needed including when I’ve lost lens caps. Great products at the right price and with the service to back it up what’s not to love.

 

[John.270]

10x have their place. Especially on open hill ground, but it’s the finding your target instantly, and the little bit less stability that just edges them out for me and I prefer a lower mag. Just a personal preference thing really.

I also have a pair of EL 8.5x42 for sale. Looking for £875. Good used condition with some signs of wear and tear and don’t have the box.

 

[bulwinkle]

Swarovski 10x32 EL …… light, small and easy to hold still.

 

[RonL]

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?

Another for 8x I find the light gathering, doc and stability much easier to use. Particularly so as I’ve got older. I used 10’s for several years then 8.5 x went back to 10x then sold them for 8x. I do think 8.5 is a good compromise for handheld spying ! .

 

[TundB]

I’ve used 8 all the time but I have changed the way of my stalking by using thermal to spot deer hence I am thinking of moving to 10 magnification. I don’t have any issue with shaky hands and losing a little fov is not a problem either. But 8 power will give a little bit more brightness in dawn and dusk.

 

[smokey]

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?

I am in the UK and use Zeiss 10 x 52 not very good freehand but perfect when used with a stick, rifle or over a bag

 

[GBR66]

I’ve used 8 all the time but I have changed the way of my stalking by using thermal to spot deer hence I am thinking of moving to 10 magnification. I don’t have any issue with shaky hands and losing a little fov is not a problem either. But 8 power will give a little bit more brightness in dawn and dusk.

Exactly what I have done 10x Deltas, don't find them shaky and can see better once the thermal has shown me where to look.