8X or 10X

jfelkins · December 17, 2010, 10:25:00 AM

I'm getting some Binos and wondered what is better. 8 power or 10 power? I want to use them for Elk Hunting via the "coyote" (back country bivouac) style. Thanks for your input.

kadbow · December 17, 2010, 10:31:00 AM

For elk hunting, I use my 8s more than my 10s. Actually for about everything besides scouting, I use my 8s more than my 10s.

December 17, 2010, 10:36:00 AM

i prefer 10X42 good sized without being to big, but i havent been in elk country, ....yet!

Bill Turner · December 17, 2010, 10:38:00 AM

8X is a little more all around, but I would not part with my 10X Zeiss. Course I have a choice. 3 pair, 7x,8x, and 10x. The 8X zeiss is the only pair I would consider parting with and that is not because they are not good.You cannot go wrong with good glass.

greg fields · December 17, 2010, 10:41:00 AM

I prefer 10x myself.

lpcjon2 · December 17, 2010, 10:45:00 AM

Go big or go home.

elknut1 · December 17, 2010, 10:50:00 AM

10X every time, even on turkey hunts!

ElkNut1

**DONOTDELETE** · December 17, 2010, 10:51:00 AM

8X when in the woods Open fields 10X is better. Just MAO

BTW · December 17, 2010, 10:53:00 AM

I have some older 10x25 Lieca binocs I love. I hunt mostly woods, but they work everywhere. Crystal clear and fit right in a chest pocket.

Orion · December 17, 2010, 10:56:00 AM

Depends on how you're going to use them. If you'll be using them strapped around your neck while still hunting, 8X is the way to go. If you'll be spending most of your time glassing for elk, 10X is probably better. Keep in mind that most folks can't hold 10X steady enough without a rest to get a clear, unshaky picture. All around, and particularly if you plan to also use them for whitetail hunting in the east, midwest, etc., 8X would be more versatile, IMO.

jason1040 · December 17, 2010, 10:57:00 AM

I use 10X42.

Fischman · December 17, 2010, 11:02:00 AM

I prefer my 8 x 30's you got to remember if your on a bivy style hunt every ounce means alot and not just going with the biggest. My 8x30 ziess are not overweight and pretty compact but you will first need to decide how much weight you want to pack around.Then pick a bino based on quality, size and cost. Drop me a note if you know your price range and I can make a recomendation, it was one of my specialties when i worked for cabelas. Jerry

jfelkins · December 17, 2010, 11:21:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Orion:
Depends on how you're going to use them. If you'll be using them strapped around your neck while still hunting, 8X is the way to go. If you'll be spending most of your time glassing for elk, 10X is probably better. Keep in mind that most folks can't hold 10X steady enough without a rest to get a clear, unshaky picture. All around, and particularly if you plan to also use them for whitetail hunting in the east, midwest, etc., 8X would be more versatile, IMO.

Great input, thanks!

Walt Francis · December 17, 2010, 11:30:00 AM

I do most my hunting here in Montana, so I use my 10x Zeiss 98% of the time. Anybody interested in trading quality 10x glass for my 8x30 SLC Swarovski's send me a PM, they rarely get used anymore.

JEFF B · December 17, 2010, 12:32:00 PM

8x25 h2o bushnell good glass for the price.

Wile E. Coyote · December 17, 2010, 12:44:00 PM

If you are still looking, check out the Zen Ray Optics. There Summit or ED line outperform binoculars that sell for 3x the price. Best optics around for the price IMHO. Lifetime warranty.

I agree with the 8x for woodlots and when hunting while moving and the 10x if glassing alot an you have a steady rest.

Day Dreamer · December 17, 2010, 01:55:00 PM

From my experience I purchased some 10's a few years ago for some Elk hunting goals in the west. Well a few years later I havent yet been to the west. In the meantime I hardly used them just to powerful and shaky for me. With that said I sold my 10's and purchased some 7x42's. I see your posting from TN, 8's will work great in your state and in the west.

Wannabe1 · December 17, 2010, 01:59:00 PM

I'd say go by the terrain your hunting the most. I use an 8X here in Oregon as most of the areas I hunt, don't require me to see real long distances. I have a pair of 8X42 Leupolds that are just amazing.

joe ashton · December 17, 2010, 03:57:00 PM

8x. I think are more useful because they have deeper depth of field therefore more stuff is in focus at a time.

Jeff Strubberg · December 17, 2010, 03:59:00 PM

I have a hard time holding still enough to use anything more than an 8x without some kind of support.