12x or 10x bino power

[BeardownAZ]

Like the title says. I have heard this and it seems somewhat true, that the higher magnification shows more movement thus it can be harder to see objects. Is having lower magnification with more field view or more power better? So if you are using these mostly for carrying and not so much on a tripod or not at all, what do you like?

 

Added- I decided I will get some 10's. Has anyone tried or looked through the Nikon Monarch X' or the Nikon Premier's?? Cant pony up enough for the Swaro's or Leica's but thought the higher end Nikons might be good and more affordable.

[Chef]

8 or 10 power.

Especially for hand held use.

[firstcoueswas80]

If I could have any pair to wear around my neck it would be 8.5x42 Swaro EL's

 

I am NOT deserting my Leicas, those 8.5 EL's are AWESOME glass. Perfect size, awesome clarity and just over all awesome. (plus, I watched a 103" buck get killed through a pair with Jim a few years ago)

[azslim]

8's around my neck and 15's on a tripod

 

 

[BeardownAZ]

ok. So why 8's over 10's?? Other than maybe cheaper than the 10's.

[Chef]

Wider field of view.

Stability.

 

With 8 power its quick to point, and stay on a subject.

10power can get shaky when hand held. They do however come alive when on a tri-pod.

 

I've been contemplating the exact binoculars that Casey pointed out.

[COOSEFAN]

I'm never in the outdoors without my 8.5x42 El's hangin' off my neck!

 

My thinking is there isn't a big enough difference between the 10x and 15x to justify carrying the weight of both. There is however a big difference between the 8.5x and 15x to justify wearing the smaller, easier to use 8's and carrying the 15's in the pack.

 

When I first sit down to glass I start with my 8.5's, regardless of how far I'm glassing, because I can see more country faster and better in low light conditions. I then use the 15's to pick it apart. On days where I'm feeling ambitious or if I have a buddy willing to carry it, I'll back up the 15's with the 80mm spotter to really pick it apart....especially on early season coues hunts.

 

Like Chef said, the smaller 8's better for neck wear because they are quicker to use, easier to stay on the subject and will have the least amount of visible movement.

 

If you don't carry 2 pairs of binos, then either the 10x or the 12x is fine, but definitely have a tripod system for them to use when you are sitting.

 

 

[azslim]

Same here, I try to scan the country under my feet first with 8's before setting up the 15's. I tend to look at long distance with the 15's and end up overlooking close stuff, made me cuss a couple of times. And if I am stalking in on something the 8's are handier as the distance closes and you are trying to see through trees and bushes.

[Heat]

A pair of 8's on the neck and 15's in the pack for the tripod is a great combo. I also have a set of 10's which I use when I only want to take 1 pair. Works fine on the tripod and handholding. I think 10x is a lot easier to handhold than 12's and they probably won't weigh as much if you get a 42mm lens instead of 50's. My all around go to binos are my 10x50's but if I feel the need to cover it all I use my 7's on the neck and 15's for the tripod.

 

Nick

[BeardownAZ]

Gonna go for 10's. Now which ones that wont force a 2nd mortgage to be able to afford !

[AzHunt]

Take a look at the Swarovski 7x42 SLC. I carry them always when in the field. Good magnification, perfect clarity, extremely bright because of the huge exit pupil diameter.

[knock 'em dead]

Take a look at the Vortex Vipers. Cameraland has the 12x42 on clearance and they look great atop a tripod. Very clear glass!

[sjvcon]

I kinda liked the Nikon EDG that I looked through at Sportsman's Warehouse. Seemed very bright and very clear when comparing them to several others. Maybe that is just me ... I liked 'em.

[BeardownAZ]

The Nikon EDG sound great but the price is more or less the same as a pair of Swarovski EL's from what I have seen. I really am leaning toward the Vortex Razors maybe even in 8's now. Since the 10's are sold out everywhere it seems. Probably not enough difference between 8 to 10 to worry about it. I really need to make a trip out of town where I can actually look through some optics and compare.

[My Rights As An American]

I have a pair of Nikon Monarch ATB 12x56 that I will let go for a great price if you are interested. Very good glass and really good light gathering. I just bought a few other pairs of binos and now have too many again!