10X or 8X binos, what is your choice?

[hardscrabble]

I will break the trend... 10x and angled.

I would say it really depends on the kind of hunting you do as far as wich spotter to get. I very rarely use a window mount and I like to use a short, light tripod so the angled works for me.

 

[Moosie]

I'll break it further : 8x and Angled

 

[elk_hunter]

I'm in the majority...10x and straight

 

[Danvet]

8x and 10x and straight

I don't use the spotter that much, mostly the 10x on a tripod. A comment on the eye fatigue with 15x: with me it's not so much fatigue as it is getting just about cross-eyed from moving my field of view from one place to the next and watching the landscape fly by. Probably, shouldn't keep looking as I move from place to place but sometimes you are able to pick out something as you're scanning over to a new area. I guess I should just slow down but I'm trying to maximize my time and the amount of ground covered.

 

[rosco]

10x. straight

 

[Grady]

8X...cause that's all I have.

Can't imagine the 10X's are THAT much better. Are they?

Straight spotter. Easier to use- unless you're shooting paper at the range.

And I think someone needs to remind Schmalts" what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"

: )

 

[Dinkshooter]

Grady
A friend came on a elk hunt with me once. He had 8x SLCs. He was just tagging along for the fun of it. Heading down a ridge he glassed up some elk a ways out. There were 4 of them. He waved me back and said "there are 4 elk on that hill, can't tell how big they are but I know they are bulls".

I pulled up my 10's and said. "4pt, 5pt, broken 5pt and decent 6pt". He looked at me like I was crazy. We ran down there and killed the 6pt 10 minutes before dark.

He now has 10's and laughs about that day.

 

[AZ402]

I use 10X's and 15's. I don't use my spotter that much, eye piece is angled, will buy a straight eye piece next time around.

 

[shoots-straight]

10X, which are usually 9X, and straight.

 

[deerhunterMO]

10x and Straight. All Bushnell.

 

[mtmiller]

10x and straight.

Swaro EL and a cheap Nikon spotter.

 

[noharleyyet]

..somewhat related

...wondered when they do this after the EL Swarovisions came out,.

New Swarovski SLC HD 42mm
Crystal clear, ergonomic and robust: The new SLC 42 HD binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK
Versatility and robustness are the outstanding characteristics of the popular SLC binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK. SWAROVSKI OPTIK is building on the success of this product line by creating a new, robust, ergonomic SLC model with crystal clear HD optics and a new focusing mechanism.
SWAROVSKI OPTIK has enhanced its successful series of SLC binoculars by adding new, fluoride-containing HD lenses to both the 8x42 and 10x42 models. This special lens system reduces colour fringing and provides high-contrast images in true-to-life colour. The high-performance HD optics guarantee high-quality, crystal clear images with razor-sharp outlines, allowing users to spot the most intricate and fascinating details of the plant and animal world.
In addition to the HD optics, the SLC 42 HD models feature special optimised coatings such as SWARODUR, SWAROTOP and SWAROBRIGHT on lenses and prisms, which support the effect of the HD lenses and allow users to observe nature at its finest, even in low light conditions and twilight. In addition, the SWAROCLEAN coating on the eye piece and objective lenses creates a non-stick effect, making it much easier to clean off stubborn dirt such as water marks and tree resin.
From near to far in an instant with a new focusing mechanism
With its unique combination of hard and soft components, the new focusing wheel offers excellent grip and stability in any weather conditions. Thanks to its focusing mechanism, which is particularly smooth and free from backlash, the SLC 42 HD SWAROVISION can be operated accurately even when wearing gloves. Just a turn and a half takes you from infinity to a close range focus of less than two metres.
The new SLC 42 HD binoculars also have a range of vision correction options. The new focusing mechanism provides correction for impaired vision of at least 6 dpt, while the built-in dioptre adjustment of +/- 4 can compensate for different visual acuity in each eye.
The new SLC 42 HD also enables spectacle-wearers to enjoy an exceptional wide-angle field of view and benefit from the crystal clear images produced by these binoculars. The SLC 8x42 HD, for instance, gives a 136 metre field of view, providing the best overview in its class. The stable, removable twist-in eyecups are individually adjustable in three stages.
Lightweight magnesium housing and optimised ergonomics
The new, hard-wearing magnesium housing makes the new SLC 42 HD models lighter than their predecessors. This feature is particularly valuable during long periods of observation or on demanding expeditions. Despite the light weight of around just 800 grams, the magnesium housing makes the binoculars particularly robust without affecting their optical quality. Thanks to its slim, compact design and the high-grip rubber armouring with distinctive thumb rests, the binoculars are comfortable to use in any situation.
#58205 SLC HD 8x42 $1999.00
#58210 SLC HD 10x42 $2129.00
Field Bag – the versatile new functional bag
In addition to the new SLC 42 HD, SWAROVSKI OPTIK is to introduce its new Field Bag. This new functional bag has robust, water repellent outer material and a modern, classic design. A wide opening allows the user to remove the binoculars from the bag and replace them easily. The field bag contains a separate inner pocket for storing batteries, keys or lens cleaners securely. The new functional bag from SWAROVSKI OPTIK closes with a simple zip fastening, protecting the binoculars inside it from dust and dirt. The removable carrying strap allows the bag to be carried on the shoulder, on the hip or around the neck. Because it has its own carrying strap, the bag can also be used without the binoculars.

 

[Breaks Runner]

10X42 Ultravids and Zeiss 65T* straight..

 

[Layin_It_Down]

8X42 Leupold binos for clarity & extra light, 12-40x60 Leupold HD spotter for clarity @ long range.

 

[1_pointer]

10X42 Ultravids and Zeiss 65T* straight..

Does the Vectronix binos hold a candle to the Ultravids? Also, where can one get the Vectronix? I've looked a bit online and found lots of sites talking about them, but none listing a price.

 

[Breaks Runner]

The Vectronix "VectorIV" is the one I have. They only come in a 7X42. The optics are the best I've ever looked through, including my Leica Ultravids...but they are way too heavy to take along in the mountains. It has the fastest and most precise range finding capabilities I've ever seen as well. The problem is what they cost.

Check out: vectronix.com

 

[Grady]

Cool binocs.... couldn't find a price on the website, though. I would guess upwards of two grand.

But like with most things, Pointer; if you have to ask how much it is, you can't afford it.

: )

 

[Breaks Runner]

I lucked out and picked up my Vector on ebay....would have hated to had to pay full retail...$12,700.

If I was'nt being paid to hunt I damn sure would'nt have them...

It's the same system our armed forces are using to range the enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan to make those 1500+ meter shots.

 

[1_pointer]

WOW!! $12K+ is a bit steep for binos. Thanks for the info. They look like a great unit, but I'm not thinking I can slip that one past the wife. Looks like I'll just keep saving my money for a pair of the Zeiss RF binos, the Ultravids, or whatever Leupold comes up with.

 

[krshunter]

10x and straight although I'm considering 8x in my next pair. I will be stepping up in glass quality hopefully and some of the "hardcore" hunters and guides say the 8x are brighter and the magnification is not significant enough for them to jump to 10x and lose the brightness......any thoughts?

As an aside I have spent quite a bit of time looking through higher end glass lately and I came across a pleasant surprise.....at least from a cost standpoint. Meopta Meostar.......Again, any thoughts, comments? I have been looking at the 32mm variety and chose to look at Leica Ultravid, Swaro EL's, Zeiss Conquest/Victory and recently Meopta. Right off the bat I noticed that neither Zeiss pair were in the same class as the rest and it wasn't even close. The nearly $2000 Victories were no better than Bushnell Elites and some others half the price. I was having trouble telling any real difference between the Swaro's and the Leica's (maybe there is some difference in lower light). Then this last go around I had the opportunity to look throughMeopta and I have to say that for my eyes they were noticably crisper edge to edge and had better contrast than any of the others and I do mean it was a noticable difference. Does anyone else use these? They are priced at $799 compared to $1699 and $1999 I think for Swaro and Leica.