Time for me to buy a new pair of binos. I've worn out the eye cups on the pair of Cabela's 8x42 that I've used for years. They were just ok but were a gift, so the price was right. I mostly hunt deer from box blinds, but also do some still hunting. Additionally, I might have the chance to go on a diy elk hunt in CO this year. I'm not getting any younger, and my eyes were never that good. I've worn glasses since Jr high.

So, with that info, what would y'all recommend I look at for binos? I think I'd like to step up to 10x, but I've done ok with these 8x for years. I'm conscious of the weight with the possibility of this elk hunt ( the old Cabela's weigh about 29oz) and I'm not going to carry a spotting scope.

Do y'all think 8x binos are enough for elk hunting?

Would a pair of 10x32 be a bad idea to save weight, or will the smaller Obj lens be a handicap in lower light?

Or should I go with 10x42, which seems to be a very popular choice even with the weight?

Other ideas or factors to consider?

Do you hunt in a county with Antler Restrictions? If so, I would start at 10x42 or even 10x50, and I would not consider 12x50 too much.

If you do the elk hunt, take 10 power binoculars and a spotting scope. You will probably be glassing a lot.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

Most new binos weigh less these days. My 10x42s weigh ~22-24oz. I wouldn't really worry about weight in an item like that because it's not a question of pounds, just ounces. I don't know what your glassing plan is but 8 is a good start. I used my 10s in New Mexico and honestly, even at 700-800 yards, they're almost too stout.

Lovey my 10X42's

11x45 Maven

Bigger the objective the better light/exit pupil you will have(glass being equal). 10x32 isnt very low light friendly even with exceptional glass.

As a rule, 8x42 is usually brighter then 10x42 and 10x42 will be brighter then 12x42 etc.

But not everyone wants to carry 50 mm weight/size so 42/44/45 is best trade off, IMO

Good point about the antler restrictions. That is a concern for me.

If you are glassing from a blind mostly with an occasional western hunt where you aren't going to carry a spotter then you should accept the weight penalty that comes from a larger objective lens, more magnification and higher quality optics. I'll caveat my statements below- I've owned Bushnells, Leupold, Kowa, Vortex and Swaro (binos and spotters both). I've spent time behind- and directly compared to Leica, Zeiss, NF.

You did not state a budget and that is the next most important piece.

The Alpha at the top of the food chain is the Swaro EL12x50-- plenty small enough to be chest mounted and carry around in the elk woods and AWESOME in a blind where you really want to pick apart animals. The good news is this; with the new Swaro NL release you can find used EL12s for under $2k which is insanely good pricing. I can't speak to the NLs b/c I haven't looked through them.

Below that-- to be honest, I would not spend the money on anything in between until you get to the Vortex Viper HD 10x50s. This set is probably the best all around value for the price, especially used. The Vortex Razors aren't good enough for the price they command and the lower tier Diamondback and Crossfire are good for quick glance, short range in the 8-10x range but the quality of glass makes for a poor experience at 10x and above, ESPECIALLY, for long periods of time.

I will say that I checked out Maven at DSC this past year and wished I could've taken em outside. Potentially a good option, especially if they are coming with an endorsement from Bobo.

Whereabouts, if you don't mind sharing a link or two? Thanks.

Yep +1

Call epic outdoors

For used Id try a couple of the backcountry and long range forums-- rokslide, LRH, etc

New-- try calling Outdoorsmans, Doug @ cameraland

Before ya'll went into the stratosphere in price, I was going to suggest the SIG rangefinding Binos in and Alaskan Wilderness Harness. This will be the second year I've used them I really enjoyed them

I'll comment on my new leupolds when I get them.
I had some old Mojave 10x50 that were great. Well, they got dropped and messed an eye cup up. Since they were so old, they can't be fixed. Leupold is warranting them with the bx4 HD pro in 10x50. Those are actually $200 more than the old Mojaves.
Gotta love good customer service.

My in-laws got me a pair of Zeiss 10x42 binos for Christmas two years ago. I have no idea how much they cost, but they are the best binos that I have ever owned.

I mostly use 8x32. I have a pair of Meopta MeoPro HDs I take with me hunting and a pair of 8x32 Weaver Grand Slams that are always in the center console of my truck.

If you want to know everything there is to know about binos, check out the birdwatching groups. Seriously. Im not joking. I learned a lot about binos from them. And I bought mine based on their advice.

Well if you are only using em for a 100 yard shot from the blind I'm sure they are great... But we all know that buy once/cry once isn't your motto.

I didn't have a chance to jump straight into Swaros- so I worked my way up, eventually I sold every piece of Vortex/Leupold glass that I had and got one single pair of binos (Swaros) and a tripod. Absolutely changed the way I hunt, especially out west. I was fortunate enough to go to the Outdoorsman store in AZ-- we put every bino he had up on tripod and glassed a hillside with hiking trails that was over a mile away-- Zeiss, Leica, Vortex, Swaro SLC and EL. The difference is absolutely noticeable side by side and especially after long periods behind them.

Which is also why I said- don't both with the mid price range $600-1200 because the value isn't there. The exception might be Maven but I can't attest to that.

Don't leave us hanging!! What did you go with?? Great advice by the way-- the bird forums really nerd out about the finer aspects of glass.

tasco

Been using my Vortex Diamondback HD camo last few days scouting and could not be happier...good binos

Centerpoint /thread

Well, my wife surprised me with a pair of Leopold BX4 10x42. I've only had a chance to play with them in the front yard, but I like 'em!

Barska

Texas box blind hunter here. Get a pair of light weight 8X roof prism's in the $150 range. Put your money in the rifle scope instead. I use my Weaver or Leupold 8x bino's to quickly spot & look at deer. I switch to my rifle & high-magnification scope when things get serious. As for a one-off out of state hunt, borrow someone's "10x-look-at-a-nat's-whiskers" bino's if it makes you more comfortable.