Bino question

[Mog]

Currently I am carrying 10x40 Zeiss classics attached to a big horn elastic harness and am feeling like I'm ready to re-tool. I find that I don't use my 10s very often unless I am actively moving on a critter, and am considering downsizing to Swarovski cl companion 8x30s. I would also like to put them in a marsupial or similar chest case.

 Any advice or experience with the swaro 8x30s compared to Zeiss 10x40s? My goal is to downsize a little bit but not sacrifice optic quality. Also hoping to be able to shoot a bow with the marsupial harness on, is that possible?

[Eli]

So not apples to apples but I went from 10s to a set of 8x ultravids and have been thrilled. 
 

i use an AGC harness and am able to shoot my bow with it on 

[QCwtAddict]

Yes you can shoot a bow with the marsupial harness on. I upgraded from a badlands to the marsupial enclosed harness last year and it was a great decision. Their rangefinder pouch is great too. 

[AZJR]

I hunt primarily with a Leica 10x42 bino and prefer it to others I have and have had. I also have the Sawarovski 8x30 and if I plan to be in timber and brush most of the day I carry it as it is very light and virtually unnoticeable in its harness. For more open country glassing the 10’s work better for me.

I switched to the Rick Young Outdoors suspension harnesses and bino covers on all my binoculars. They weigh nothing, keep optics snug to chest and don’t tempt you to start carrying a bunch of items in them, thus becoming just another pack to carry. It works for me but I am aware lots of hunters go for the bino pack setups because they do like carrying extra gear in them.

 

[oz31p]

Befarfull with the marsupial bino harness , or any harness with a. Magnet closure 

 

smart phone gps and nav apps( google maps, onx ) compass will be affected 

[Mog]

1 hour ago, oz31p said:

Befarfull with the marsupial bino harness , or any harness with a. Magnet closure 

 

smart phone gps and nav apps( google maps, onx ) compass will be affected 

Dangit this messed me up, was pretty set on marsupial but this is a deal breaker, lots of people complaining about this online. Thanks for the warning!

[joe hunter]

The magnets on the Marsupial gear are the strongest little magnets I’ve ever seen. I went with a Kuiu Pro bino pack.👍👍

[jdown]

Love my 8.5X42ELs for a chest pair and love the Marsupial. Didn't think about the magnet but phone in my pocket and GPS on the pack belt so I guess didn't think about it but great to know!  Great rangefinder pouch.  

[1uofacat]

Personally never found my 10x40s were ever in the way when archery hunting.  I appreciate the extra magnification, & unsurpassed clarity to the edge of the glass, especially in low light conditions.

 

Then again, I also have been known to carry my 15x60s around my neck, but supported by my backpack.  Of course all my optics have quick disconnects for my Manfrotto tripod.

[bigorange]

I’ve been very happy with the marsupial harness and no problems shooting my bow while wearing it. Never heard of issues with the magnets, but it makes sense. I never have my phone or gps very close to the harness. 

I use 10s as my usual carry binos. A friend I hunted with a bit had switched to 8s and was very pleased with the weight difference plus increased steadiness in hand. He only ever used them on stalks or for a quick look and any still glassing he used 15s on a tripod.