For general purpose hunting, which would you choose? The 8x32's are 4.5 oz. lighter and more compact, (in fact same dimensions as 6x32 model) but they are pretty close in price to the 8x42's.
Would you trade compactness for 10mm reduction in the objective lens?
Thanks.
I'd go with the 8x42. Better light gathering ability during prime time.
As an elk hunter, it is 8x42 all the way for what I do. Are you looking for a timber binocular? Or something to reach out and spot something a long ways off? Either way, I'd personally go with the 8x42, but a lot of guys like lower magnification in the trees.
Go with the 8X42s. For OPTIMUM light gathering ability you want Objective size/magnification to be 4.5 or above.
For timber and woods, the 6X32 would be compact and all you need.
I just bought a pair of the 8x32.
Those little guys are impressive as hell, and they are smaller and a bit lighter. I can tell you this, unless you are hunting at night, the light gathering capability of these is all you need. (8x32 is the same magnification as 8x42)
You can have the larger ones. I have 10x50 binos as well and they are too big to carry. I use mine about every ten steps (a lot) as well as sittig and glassing ridges etc and I think the smaller ones are a better choice.
Just my opinion, which may differ from yours.
If you can, hold both of them, look thru both of them, and see what suits your tastes. Looking inside a well lit store is not really the best way to test them though.
ChuckC
I'm thinking of picking up some 6X32s in the diamondback for close work in the woods.
Perhaps apples to oranges, but since I am considering an upgrade...
How would the Vortex HD 8x32's compare to Nikon Monarch 8x42's (or similar)? Though the Vortex have smaller objective lenses, but superior optics?
If I were getting Binocs, I would be sure to check these out:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/reviews-sightron-sii-blue-sky-8x32-binoculars-rubber-armored-review-55866.html
Reviews have been consistently high .....
Unfortunately I am not at all familiar with the type of hunting and use you have for the binoculars but I do not like 10X magnification when hunting due to the narrower field of view and added weight. 6X vs. 8X for me would depend on the distance you typically need to see out at. If you are in dimly lit and close-in situations (less than 300 yds.) more often, go with the 6X.
I would go with the 8x42's vortex. I use the 10x42 viper HD and love them.
8x42 all the way.
I have a number of 8x32, 8x42, 10x32, 10x42 and various other binoculars of assorted power and objective lens combinations. If you plan on carrying them around much, I would go with the 8x32. If you are walking a short distance and hunting from a stand, then you may want to go with the 8x42. The only real reason for going with the bigger objective in an 8 power binocular is light gathering, and that is only an issue with an 8x32 at dawn and dusk where there is usually too little light to shoot a bow anyway. If you want to rifle hunt with a scope that has a big objective lens to shoot in dim light, then binoculars with bigger objectives are helpful too. I almost always pick up my 8x32 binoculars for all my hunting because they are lighter, more compact and do just as well for me as an 8x42 in all practical hunting situations. The Vortex Viper HDs are good quality binoculars -- not up to the premium binos like Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss, but much lower in cost with a great warranty.
By the way, when you go to something like a 10x32, you start getting a small enough exit pupil to substantially affect vision during dim shooting light, and the focus must be adjusted more for varying distances because the depth of focus is reduced. For a 10 power binocular, a 42 mm objective lens is a very good idea, although when higher than 8 power is desired, some people are willing to sacrifice the twilight viewing of a 10x42 for the lighter weight and lesser bulk of the 10x32.
Allan
I just went down to 10x32 from my 10x42 because they fit tighter to my chest and are less in the way, don't bounce around as much either. I prefer to use spotters though and use my binos for quick glassing and or stalks so switching to the 32's made sense for me. Either size though will work fine and both are justifiable
I have a pair of binos in 8x32. If I had to do it all over again I'd go 8x42 in a heartbeat, they pull more light.
Get a Crooked Horn bino strap that goes around your shoulders. Add the Bino shield and you'll be set. No bouncing around swinging all over. The weights off your neck and on your shoulders, no big deal.
8X32's well satisfy and serve my needs for hunting whitetail and turkeys.
I dunno, I sure like 10power..... I'd go for 10x42
I have 8x42 Vipers and they're on me whenever I'm hunting. Never an issue with size or weight. Good field of view and low light. Works good for coyotes in the moonlight too. Only thing I'd change is wish I had 10X for western hunting. Might have to get a second pair.
Lots of good information. Thanks guys. :)
QuoteOriginally posted by screamin:
I have a pair of binos in 8x32. If I had to do it all over again I'd go 8x42 in a heartbeat, they pull more light. they pull more light.
Get a Crooked Horn bino strap that goes around your shoulders. Add the Bino shield and you'll be set. No bouncing around swinging all over. The weights off your neck and on your shoulders, no big deal.
At first and last light, the difference is huge......as long as you are comparing equal quality glass. 8x32 may have other benefits that make the difference worth it to you, but one thing they are unable to do is transmit as much light as the human eye can utilize.
BTW, I have several pair of Vortex bino`s. They are not Swarovski EL`s, but they may be the best glass for the dollar you can buy.