Anybody use 8x32 binocs

[Toby]

Ridgernr responded to my other thread stating that he prefers 8x32's. Does anyone else use these, what are the ups and downs?
Toby

[Swede]

I had a pair of 8x32 zeiss binos. I gave them to my son when his were stolen. They were fairly compact, very clear and bright. The only downside that I can think of was they are fairly expensive. I have a pair of 8x42 binoculars today. They are about the same in clarity as the smaller Zeiss binoculars, but Vortex Vipers cost a lot less. The biggest difference is in the size and price. They both put out a great glass.

[Still Hunter]

I used some 8x32 for the timber a few years ago. I found the extra movement of using them was doing me more harm than the better sight they were giving me.

For spot and stalk they'd be ok if you didn't try them at long distance.

[Indian Summer]

Spot & stalk IS long distance.

Every job has a proper tool. Binos definitely fit that statement.

Any 8 power bino can be the best tool for two situations: If you know you'll be in timber all the time. And for treestand hunting.

You can use a 10 power in those situations but I wouldn't consider that ideal. BUT... Id rather do that than try to use 8 powers in any open country or glassing across from ridge to ridge so I consider the 10 power models to be more versatile. Elk country is BIG. I'd need to know for sure that I was going to spend 100% of my time in tight spots if I was going to consider the 8 powers.

Best bet would be to try someone else binos or go to a store and ask if you can take a peek outside with them.

[Still Hunter]

We all have our definition of what long distance is. You can guess what mine is since i've never killed an elk past 90 yds..

[Indian Summer]

What do you call 90 yard spot and stalk? Still hunting!

Actually... I might call it meat on the table depending on the cover. Did you grunt when you read my post?

[Still Hunter]

With all your posts. I grunt first, and then read.

[Swede]

For many years I understood the 7x35 binocular was the best, most versatile binocular available for the average hunter. It is still a great size, but has fallen off in popularity. Now the 8x and 10x are more in favor. The cost of 8X is very little less than 10X. The advantage of the 10X is a little greater magnification. If you are in open country then it makes sense to go with them. When in mixed open country and timber I lean toward the eight power with its ease of focus and wider field of view. Really in the tree stand where you are in a fixed position and just keeping quiet, I have gone many times with just my range finder.
The advantage of a good pair of binoculars comes in finding and identifying game. Is that an elk's leg I see or just where a couple small trees are close together? I thought I heard something. Is that a deer slipping through the timber? Is there anything in that patch of trees over there? In that situation a good quality pair of 8X binoculars is very valuable. We could argue 8X or 10X all day. I believe get the best tool for largest part of the job. Since I hunt mostly timber country, I believe 8X is the best choice.
I suspect that a lot of folks who do not use binoculars, have either, never had a good pair or never learned how to take advantage of what they have to offer.

[Ridgernr]

One thing that I consider is that 10x Magnifies my movement more and tends to make it blurry when I glass during archery season you can't always get a go rest although I use my bow to stabilize sometimes. I use my binos in the timber and also across open draws, All I am doing is looking to see is that an elk or a good looking log. Is that a cow or spike.
I can see every thing I need to with 8x . So for my use it was an easy to choice. Best advice I can give is to try to borrow both 10x and 8x to see what might work best. Or maybe look thru 10x free hand at the store and see how much you shake.
Best ok luck with your choice.

Randy

[Toby]

I usually start out carrying my 8x40's the first day or so, but then usually leave them in camp just to shed extra weight. My current binocs aren't very good, are fairly large, and I don't like carrying the extra weight since I don't use them much. What I am thinking is that, if I get a better pair I would probably use them more. I hunt in mixed country, but since I bowhunt only I am usually in the timber. I only glass in the open once in a while and not for long sessions.

I also usually put them in my pack, for reasons stated above. How do you guys carry yours?

[Swede]

Around my neck with a harness. They ain't much good in your pack unless you are in a tree stand and can just reach over and pick them up quickly. If they are in your pack you will have a tendency not to stop and take off your pack to repeatedly check. Save or look around and find a high end pair of Binoculars. Maybe Elknut has what you are looking for.

[Ridgernr]

Toby here is how I plan on wearing the new Diamondback binos. Crossdraw under one arm. Rick Young's bino harness.

[danarnold]

I have a pair of Steiner 8X32's that aren't great, I borrowed my brother in-laws Zeiss 8X32's last year for a 15 day Wyoming archery hunt, wore them every day using Cabelles Bino Hide, killed a 6X6 on the 4th day. I loved them enough to find a used pair online & bought them. I plan on getting a s4 gear lockdown harness, if they're in my pack I'm not using them

[Toby]

I know, carrying them in my pack is pretty useless. I need to commit to getting a good pair and a comfortable harness. Some good suggestions here, thanks.

[Elkduds]

I have an elastic strap that goes around both shoulders and crosses between shoulderblades like a figure 8. Binocs can slide up the straps to glass, down the straps to travel against chest, inside vest. Very comfortable rig, however I have to take it off every time I change clothing layers.

[Indian Summer]

I hunt in mixed country, but since I bowhunt only I am usually in the timber. I also usually put them in my pack, for reasons stated above. How do you guys carry yours?

Then 8 power is definitely the way to go. Or like Swede said a 7 power.

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[Washington Wapiti]

Good information. Thanks for asking Toby. I was given a set of 8x32s for Christmas and wasn't sure the difference, or how they'd perform compared to the 10x42 Vanguards I had previously. I had a harness for the Vanguard's, and they are quite nice in distributing the load and relieving tension around the neck. Like the other's I'd recommend one.

[AmericanBwana]

I have an old set of Vortex Fury 8x32. Small and light, mainly used when I'm in timbered areas. Not the best for long range, but they'll do in a pinch.

Oh, and I always scan the woods around me with the bino's before getting up after a calling session. It is amazing what you can see with the bino's even in heavy timber.

[ChukarNUT]

i have a pair of new redfield 8x32 and 10x42....for archery i use the 8x32 90% of the time. clear-crisp-small but powerful. perfect for bow hunts

[Swede]

Posting just to bring it back to the top.

[pointysticks]

some great points in this thread.

i rarely hunt from a stand..but when i do it is Texas hill country. i take my 10x. mainly, cuz..that is all i have. first evening, everyone ribbed me for taking such huge binos..but we were given explicit directions on which bucks we could or couldnt shoot. i was only hunting hogs..but when the light came down, and the deer started moving..you couldnt make out ANY horn detail without binos. i mentally "hunted" all the bucks..i was clear which animal i could shoot or not shoot.

my entire group dug into their packs for binos the next day. not a single guy made a shot that first day because none of them was confident enough to make out horn detail on a buck in the timber. they didnt want to risk a fine or something. i ended up loaning mine to a guy..

what a fun hunt.

[jswbga]

thanks Swede.

[Washington Wapiti]

Well, I just cracked open the binos again last week and what I got for Christmas was actually 8x25 not the 8x32 I thought they were. Thoughts?

[Toby]

My son in law has 8x25's, very clear and quick to find something. I am thinking of 8x32's but would consider 8x25's since we hunt pretty thick stuff and I don't sit and glass for long periods like some guys do. We only bowhunt.

[kevin_t]

I use 8x Minox, small easy to access. 10x seem a lot larger. If I need more i use a small Minox spotter that weighs what most 10x binocs do

[husky390]

I'm using Leupold Yosemite 8x30 with the Cabelas Pro binocular harness. The binos aren't bad for the money and do a pretty good job but I know their limitations. Eventually I'll pick up some Vortex Razor HD's, Swaros or Zeiss in a 10-15 power range for long distance glassing. The harness isn't bad except the elastic smells if kept in a pack or bag. It's lightweight and comfortable.