Can you havr too much magnification on binoculars?

[Steve C]

Yes you can get too much magnification in a binocular.  In fact it is a pretty common mistake that people make in thinking more is better.  There is a reason why the vast majority of binoculars for general purpose viewing are typically 8-10x.  The image will be brighter at those levels, the glass will be smaller, the field of view larger, and the lower power is much easier to hold steady.

You enter a whole new world when you hit 12-15x.  That is usually way too much for most people to even remotely hold steady by hand.  Put it on a tripod, where it belongs at that level of magnification, and you will start to see things that will remind why high magnification has its place.

Comparing lower 8-10x glass with 15x or so and the comparison really becomes more apples to oranges.  15x optics are different tools than 8-10x optics and will have different uses.

I would say 15x is way too much for the woods distances.

[bearpaw]

I like my 15x but most people who look through them do not like how hard it is to hold them steady. I also do not pack them too far from the vehicle, I take 10x when I am hiking very far due to the much lighter weight factor. Hope that helps.

[pope]

I took my 8x42 Monarch binos in the woods in Winthrop last year and didn't see the need for greater magnification. In the early and late hours you'll want glass that will operate in low light, especially in dense trees. Higher magnification operates better over longer distances with plenty light, provided you can hold the optics still.

[boneaddict]

10 power has always served me well in Winthrop.  You lose field of view and they get shaky

[carpsniperg2]

10x is all I have ever need in bino's. I have bought with higher magnification only to sell them and down size. If I want or need more then 10x I will go to a spotter and tripod.

[jjhunter]

15's on a good tripod are magical.  I've been on hunts where you would be severely handicapped without a pair.   10's around the neck and 15"s in the pack for me.

[Bean Counter]

I mostly hunt open areas and when I moved from 8x to 10x I was very happy. I don't ever find myself wishing I have 12x though. Above 10x I like my spotter