For compact and still useful, I'd be looking at something like a 8x32.
.....the perfect combination of power and size in a compact bino.
Compact means just that.....compact. Compact bino's never leave you wishing that you'd gone smaller. The opposite can be true at times, but that's the choice we make that day or well before we go afield. As many can't or don't want to afford bino's for all ranges and/or circumstances, a mid-sized bino can be the best choice.
If disabled or merely unwilling or unable to pack around a bino weighing only a few ounces more is a deal breaker, then gettin' an animal down and out may pose it's own problems.
My thinking..........if I can't see them or see them clearly enough to determine if it fits my standards to harvest, I certainly can't shoot him.
I get that mere ounces on a true high hunt, one that entails much more physical stamina and preparation in the 'what do I absolutely need to pack' department, these folks truly need to consider overall weight in terms of ounces. If this is your concern, go as light and as 'compact' as possible. But I'd guess it's not and isn't for some 99% of all hunters.
That said.......a few less beer's and Big Mac's prior to the season would allow many of us to easily pack the Hubble Scope around if we so desired.......
Choices......nice to have so many. Good luck!
