Good Binos for hunting?

[huntingdog16]

What is a good pair of binos for hunting? By that I mean as to the magnification. Ie 10x42, 12x50? I have a pair of redfield rebel 10x42 and was wondering if that would be a good magnification power?

[rtspring]

Yes. 10x42 is plenty.   The thing to remember is buy the best brand you can afford.  When glassing alot the higher priced glass is way easier on your eyes.  Ive hunted 29 years and never had anything but 10x42

[D-Rock425]

I run a pair of 10x42 Zeiss terra's.

[D-Rock425]

I guess it does depend on what type of hunting you're doing and terrain you're hunting.

[X-Force]

Lots of stuff written on it but 10x42 is standard. Bigger magnification for open country, lesser for thicker country. If your comfortable with youre binos you're good to go. Like RT said more money gives you better glass and less/no headaches but if you only use them to count points and don't sit behind them for hours at a time your money would be better spent elsewhere.

[huntingdog16]

Thanks guys

[Maverick]

I use 12x50s. 10x42 just aren't enough for me. I'm a big fan of the vortex products and their warranty is the best.

[Bean Counter]

It depends upon budget as well as what type of hunting you're doing. When I'm chasing elk in my honey holes in Northern Arizona, I just carry my rangefinder. When I hunt deer in Southern Arizona, I'm using my spotting scope the most. Are you just carrying binos and nothing else? how open is the terrain in which you hunt? What is your budget? You will get what you pay for up to about $800 at the very least.

I got a steal on some Nikon EDG 10x32 so I've learned to like them. Its a bit like looking through a straw with 10 power @32mm but I've compared them to the high end euros in all conditions and they're on par if not better.

Zen Ray and Nikon are probably the best in the midmarket. I've owned and looked through many models of both in the field. I don't like Vortex. 

[mburrows]

The nikon monarchs are a great mid range option.  You can find some steals on different websites every now and then if you shop around.

[Magnum_Willys]

I like the 12 power over the 10. Huge difference in perceived clarity at a distance.  If you carry a spotter, or a 18+ power scope on your rifle then 10x binos could be your ticket.  If you are hunting in western wa where views are generally less than a mile 10x may be all you need.   If you look thru a 12x compared to a 10x at game at a distance its a Wow difference. 

That said I carry a 10x vortex because its much lighter !

[JDHasty]

We have a 9x25 Leica, 6x32 Vortex Viper, 8x42 Nikon EDG, 8x56 Docter Nobilem, 10x42 Leupold Gold Ring I.F. Porro, 10.5x45 Nikon Monarch X, 15x56 Swarovski SLC Neu and the kids each have Leupold 6x30 Yosemite.  I use the 8x42 more than any other for big game hunting.   Sometimes I grab the 10x40 or 10.5x45 though, if I am going to be in central or eastern WA or Montana and will be using them mostly at longer ranges.

You actually get a lot of binocular for your money these days.  So long as you stay away from the very bottom of the barrel you are probably going to be well served.  The best quality/dollar ratio is in the upper mid range price wise.  With a top of the line binocular (~$1,500 and up) you most definitely are going to get what you pay for, but you will pay a lot for that very small increase in quality over the upper mid-range binocular.     

[Caretaker]

Can't shoot what you don't see, get good glass that is easy on your eyes.  What works for someone else may not work for you so get what your eyes like.  I had a buddy that loved the Leica's but for some reason they didn't work for me.  I used a pair of Bausch and Lombe 7x42 for years but they just weren't good enough to spot game that others with me were seeing, so I upgraded to Swaro 10x42 and wouldn't trade them for anything.  Love em.  I've spotted game with them that others haven't seen.