Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: Bmcox86 on April 22, 2013, 07:07:38 PM

Title: What magnification?
Post by: Bmcox86 on April 22, 2013, 07:07:38 PM: I'm new to the whole glassing game as I always stand hunted back on the east coast. I've decided on getting vortex diamondback from elknut and don't know which would be better the 8x42 or 10x42? Or maybe another magnification. Also is the chest strap comfortable to wear with a pack on?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: washelkhunter on April 22, 2013, 07:11:24 PM: Lots of timber and close brush hunting here in Wa. I'd go for the 8x42 for starters then later get 12x42/50 for more open country longer distance glassing.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: fishngamereaper on April 23, 2013, 06:53:52 AM: Depends on what/where your hunting. I stopped carrying full size binos years ago for several reasons including neck strain and weight. Now carry 10x28 swaro's for elk and deer. If I need to put horns on something I use the 16 power in my rifle scope.

Both binos you mentioned will serve you well, but there are times when 8 power might not be enough. And with full size binos the chest strap is the only way to go.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: Rick on April 23, 2013, 07:44:26 AM: I hunt on the east side and use 8x42s. Its rare that I wish I had more.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: Bofire on April 23, 2013, 08:09:52 AM: :) I like 10-12 X and hate chest straps. I made a very LONG strap I love
Carl
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: CAM38 on April 23, 2013, 08:20:54 AM: I started reading Blacktail Trophy Tactics II by Boyd Iverson the other day and he recommends a 7x50 for brush and 10x50 for open country. I've been contemplating the same thing as I'm in the market for some new bino's too.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: thinkingman on April 25, 2013, 07:59:14 AM: Brian
I have a nice set of 8X32s on a harness you're welcome to try.
Let me know.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on April 25, 2013, 08:06:20 AM: I use 8 x 42. Better low light abilities. And I dont hunt open country.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: stickflngr on April 25, 2013, 09:13:40 AM: I just upgraded to the 10x42 diamondbacks. Ive hunted with 8x42 nikons for years but where I chase mulies ive always wanted a little more power to make sure the buck I was going to stalk was legal before I crossed a canyon :tup: Which ever you choose you cant go wrong with Vortex....
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: bullcanyon on April 25, 2013, 09:34:27 AM: 8x for the West side. I love my 8x32 els.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: Taco280AI on April 25, 2013, 10:17:41 AM: I like 8x42s
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: Bmcox86 on April 27, 2013, 10:33:55 AM: Thanks for all the advice, I'm going to check them out, thinkingman I might get in touch to check them out.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: jess on April 27, 2013, 11:46:16 AM: I use 12x50 leupolds and love them.. After hunting for a few weeks with big binos you will give away those small binos.. Also a spotting scope is a needed piece of gear.. IMO!
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: Alan K on April 27, 2013, 12:23:43 PM: I regularly glass anywhere from 200-500+ yards, and get by well with the 10x42's. I'd actually like to get a set of 12x50's for a set of binos in the rig, but I carry the ones I've got now outside the rig with the chest straps.

Bottom line, get what will fit your hunting style and areas best.
Title: Re: What magnification?
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on April 27, 2013, 01:39:58 PM: I use 8x42s for scanning large areas, and my spotter for judging antlers, and such. If you are hunting open terrain I believe you need both, but if you are on the westside you can get away with some decent binos alone.