Your Hunting Bino Size

[Five Seasons]

For a long time I've only hunted with a nikon 10x25 pair of binos. they're entry level and don't weigh much but they fog easy and I've never felt they were powerful enough. Almost all but 2 deer stands dont require binos at all and my eyes are good. I mostly use them when I hunt fields for turkey in the spring, but they are always in my pack.

so anyhow, i buy this pair of vortex 12x50 binos on sale for $130 unsight unseen. I get them in the mail yesterday and wow the weight difference. They are undoubtedly a nice optic, but I can't imagine carrying them in the pack. At $130 I'm not sure I have to return them as I'm sure they'll have a use, but on the otherhand they're $130 haha.

so question is this. What size optics do you bring in the deer and turkey woods with you?

https://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-realtree-road-trips-wide-angle-10x25-binoculars-8204.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-crossfire-12x50-binocular.html 

Edited November 3, 2017 by Belo

[chas0218]

These are mine. Great binos for the price. mine are 8x42 ,10x42 would be about as strong as I would go for hunting in NY I'm glassing maybe 200 yards at a time and that is the furthest.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/alpen-pro-waterproof-8x42-roof-binoculars-380.html

[brownclown]

i use vortex  diamond backs 10x28. i love them. i only hunt hard woods and have never found the need for higher. if i had longer ranges i believe 10X42 for be better.

[Marion]

I love my Vortex Razor HDs. They cost little over 1100 when I got them went with the 10x42. They were awesome on my trip out west last year and I continue to use them hunting here. My next scope will very likely be a Vortex over a Swaro. The glass is as good if not better plus can save a couple sheckles. Sounds like you got a great pair for a great price. Plus their warranty no fault is awesome. You could literally shoot them with a gun and they will send you a replacement pair. Vortex is most excellent in my eyes.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BizCT]

years ago I only used 8x32's in NY (shotgun county) for deer hunting. After using 10x42's on several hunts out west, I actually still just use them here now. It's overkill, but I do like being able to specific details.

[airedale]

Like firearms for different types of hunting I have acquired different weight, styles and power binoculars for the same reasons. Open open country big game and varmint hunting I will use a good pair of 10X for glassing long distances. If I am doing a lot of walking I like compacts. For the woods it is all about field of view for me, the distances are relatively short so  a good quality 6X or 7X is plenty with as wide an angle as possible. As far as brand I have been using the high end Bushnells for many years with zero complaints.

Al

[Pygmy]

Leica Trinivoid 8 x 42....They're a bit on the heavy side, but they are high quality, and after using quality binocs it's tough to go back to the cheaper stuff...I bought them back when I was doing a lot of out of state spot and stalk hunts, but they work just as well stillhunting deer in the woods...

[moog5050]

8x42

[JRod 8G8H]

bushnell trophy 10x42... Pro= waterproof, durable, good price...Con= touchy focus, heavy

[Fletch]

8x32 I got real sick of hauling around bigger ones. Now if I'm headed west or hunting a certain rifle spot I'll bring bigger but not for daily local work. In usually trying to pick shit out brush at 50 yards.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[moog5050]

I picked up the 8x42 leupold bx3 pro guide for under $300 shipped on eBay.  Testing them side by side with the zeiss conquest, I thought they were very comparable.  Great in low light.  Don't fog.  And size wise, they aren't much bigger than some cheap Nikon 10x25 I have.  If in the market, keep an eye on eBay.   Very nice overall hunting binos.  Easy focus too.  They still sell for close to $600 at the box stores. 

[ny hunter]

Same here Leopold 8x42 .....

[stubborn1VT]

8x32 Luepolds.  I can't justify any more weight than that.  I owned a pair of 10x32, and those were great too, but some jackwagon broke into my truck and stole them.  

Anything in the 8-10 power should do you.  I personally wouldn't carry a pair of 42s, but I would love a pair for the truck/windowsill.  

[Trial153]

I am running all Swarovski ....SLC 10x42, 8x32 Els and 12x50 ELs....all depends on what or where I am hunting.

[Five Seasons]

Thanks guys, I think you all confirmed what I already knew. 12x50 is too big lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Elmo]

For long sits, I have a 10X42.  I like look around when I'm sitting.  But I find it heavy.  For long hikes and stalks, I have a 8x36 monocular.