Binocular Strength

[jhirsh5280]

I new to hunting and trying to acquire the proper equipment. I headed for second season rifle Elk in unit 12 Oct 24th and want to get some information/opinion on what strength binos to get. It seems 10x42 and 8x42 are the most popular but is the 2x really that much more effective/important?

Thanks for the $0.02

[henpecked]

It is if your glassing for bedded animals with only there antlers showing

[Hummer]

I new to hunting and trying to acquire the proper equipment. I headed for second season rifle Elk in unit 12 Oct 24th and want to get some information/opinion on what strength binos to get. It seems 10x42 and 8x42 are the most popular but is the 2x really that much more effective/important?

Thanks for the $0.02

First, the second rifle season begins on Oct. 17th and ends on the 25th. Are you only hunting for the last two days of season? If so, what a shame, the time spent in the field directly correlates to success. GMU 12 is fine elk country with a combination of dark timber, aspen groves and open grassland parks.

As for binoculars, I recommend a good 10X42 for that area, and most of elk country. Unless, a person is much older and/or has a problem holding steady, then the lower power might be better. Also, if you only hunt thick timber then an 8 power would be fine. The antler point restrictions require that you see and count points before you shoot, and the extra 2x magnification will give you an advantage at most ranges. If you spot animals at a greater distance, the higher magnification will help you decide whether a hike and stalk will be worthwhile.

Buy the best you can afford. IMO, you can get into decent binoculars beginning around $400 and up. You get what you pay for in usefulness and durability. Oh, and don't be tempted to buy compact binoculars for hunting. The little teeny lenses are lousy for most any use, especially where fast acquisition is important. Big ocular lenses will give a better view faster.

Good luck!

[MarkCO]

Pretty much agree with Hummer.

You can see better with quality 8x than cheap 10x, don't skimp. I use Burris and Vortex, but Burris stopped making Binos, so there are not a lot around anymore. The Vortex Diamondback 10x42 are about $230 or so and is the least I would go with. If that is too much for you, check out the Vortex Solo 10x36 Monocular. I guarantee you can see better with that that any compact of cheap 8x or 10x Binos. I use mine often when weight and rain are factors.

But if you can afford more, it is worth it. I would honestly hunt with a cheap rifle and good binos than a really nice rifle and cheap binos.

[hatidua]

-unless you are willing to pull out your wallet and go the distance, NEVER look through a pair of Leica Duovid binoculars....just don't do it.

[TRnCO]

I find 8x plenty to spot elk and unless you're wanting to see them from miles away then 8x is plenty. In elk country, weight is important, as in the weight you carry all day long up and down the steep slopes. For the most part 8x binocs will weigh less than equal quality 10x. I do like 10x for open prairie hunting and for smaller game locating.
In other words, what one man prefers in this category, another man has a differing opinion.

[jhirsh5280]

First, the second rifle season begins on Oct. 17th and ends on the 25th. Are you only hunting for the last two days of season? If so, what a shame, the time spent in the field directly correlates to success. GMU 12 is fine elk country with a combination of dark timber, aspen groves and open grassland parks.

I wish I could go out for more days, I am only available Friday,Saturday,Sunday. My buddy that is going with me is very familiar with Unit 12 so Im hoping that pays off.

The Vortex Diamondback 10x42 are about $230 or so and is the least I would go with. If that is too much for you, check out the Vortex Solo 10x36 Monocular. I guarantee you can see better with that that any compact of cheap 8x or 10x Binos. I use mine often when weight and rain are factors.

Those are the exact binos I was looking at. I was just trying to decide on 8 or 10x.

Thanks for the input.

[ACE2GOOD]

I personally am a Leupold fan. Quality optics and they have been one of the few optics that I haven't had fog/waterproof issues with. I put them through the works tossed around in the truck, dropping them here and there, etc. I go for the 10x50's as it helps gather light for early morning spotting before light. I spot and stalk so prefer more long distance binos going after Mulies and elk. Have had side by side comparisons in the field with Burris and Nikons and we end up passing my Leupolds back and forth to everyone in the group.

[husky390]

-unless you are willing to pull out your wallet and go the distance, NEVER look through a pair of Leica Duovid binoculars....just don't do it.

LOL, or Swaro EL's.

I usually keep a pair of Leupold Yosemite 8x32's around my neck for quick glassing. I don't know how they do it, but for $100 glass they're pretty dang good. If I'm going to sit on a ridge, the Swaro's and tripod comes out. With glass, you get what you pay for. If you go to a Big Box store, go outside and look through them, not just in the store. Buy what looks best to your eye and what you can afford. I've been hearing good things about Maven's but they're not sold in stores. Good luck.

[Spdu4ia]

I've used a couple pairs of Leica's and my life is a hollow shell now without them... Save yourself ... Don't ever gaze in their direction.