What magnification

[AJW]

Hi all. I'm in the market for a pair of binos and am trying to get the most appropriate magnification. Do most of you prefer 8x or 10x? Will be used for everything but mostly lowland & woodland work.

 

[pendle]

What power are you using on your scope then go as close to that so when changing from bino's to scope your eye's will not take long to adjust .I use 10 x 42 slc for looking out on large clearfell area's scope nikko sterling diamond set at 8 or 10 power

 

[AJW]

Its a variable power scope but I spend much more time looking through the binos and want to get the right pair. Erring towards 8x....

 

[smullery]

Andrew,

I find too much wobble on x10 so prefer the x8 as I can handle it better holding "free".

​Stan

 

[I. Farticus]

I've got 10x and use my sticks to support the binos when stalking, or something else solid when sat up. Pretty much never "freehand"

Cheers
iain

 

[Uncle Norm]

I have used 7x42 Swaro porro prism, rubber armoured binoculars for general woodland and farmland stalking, for more than ten years. They are more than adequate for almost all situations that I experience and very bright at first and last light. When I am looking at a group of Fallow a couple of large fields away, then 7 magnification is not sufficient to identify whether there are any Prickets amongst the Does.
You can still buy Swaro porro prisms brand new for approx £800 depending upon size. They are excellent value for money, lightweight and tough but 'old fashioned'.

 

[Norrie1956]

Andrew,

I find too much wobble on x10 so prefer the x8 as I can handle it better holding "free".

​Stan

​I'd agree with that....I bought a pair of 10x42's, and found the same...so, my next pair will be 8x42's....

 

[Malxwal]

Opted for 8x42, good enough field of view and not too much wobble to use freehand.

 

[Klenchblaize]

7 or 8X56 but if more make sure you have a long stick/staff for woodland deployment. I have a pair 10 - 15X50's and can assure you a stick makes all the difference.

K

 

[JabaliHunter]

Quite a bit of discussion here too http://www.thestalkingdirectory.co....gnification?highlight=binocular+magnification

 

[rem284]

My thoughts are anything from 7-8.5 for woodland and 10x for open hill

 

[Wingers243]

I choose 7 x but have used 8 & 8.5 x and each are fine for woodland / lowland.

Don't forget to take field of view into account otherwise in woodland all you see is tree-gap-tree-gap-tree-gap, not a picture within which you will identify your deer or catch a movement that gives them away.

 

[Spix]

7 or 8 x 40, 42, 50, lots of choice no need to go mad and overbranded.

Anyone tried the Kowa 8x42s ?

10 x too much wobble for me unless scanning fairly close range !

 

[Spix]

I have a pair 10 - 15X50's and can assure you a stick makes all the difference. K

... and a slow pulse ... !

 

[Cooter]

I bought 10x42's.
No problems with wobble, but they are bit bulky compared to the 8x.

 

[Klenchblaize]

... and a slow pulse ... !

Not according to the impairment I suffer when RISING from my bed each morning!

 

[AJW]

Thanks guys. I will see if I can get down to a place stocking a variety and let my eyes be the judge!