8 vs 10 power binos

[Hikinghunter]

Looked around and was surprised I didn't see another thread on this topic.

What power binos are people using freehand for longer-range (out to a mile) glassing? 8 to 10 power seems to be the norm. Supposedly you can't hold a binoculars steady enough to get any advantage past 8x, but 10x sure seems to be popular!

I've tried both and agree that 8x is less shaky, however my 8x are full size and my 10x are compact. Also, they are both low-end glass, so I feel I'm not learning much from that.

what do you guys think, does 10x give you any advantage over 8x freehand, or do you need to brace on something to make it worth it?

 

[Turpentine21]

I use 8X. I've tried 10 but they seem a bit shakey and I get eye strain. That said the main thing I use mine for are spotting gulls over schooling stripers at various distances. The 10x are even more uncomfortable in a rocking boat. Probably not what you are looking for but I figured I'd weigh in.

 

[birddog 68]

For western style hunting I use 10X but I wouldn't be very steady without a binocular harness. For tree stand hunting in my home state I prefer 8X without a harness.

 

[dmj]

I'm strictly a Western state hunter, mainly elk and mule deer. I like the 10 power binoculars and with age I've noticed that I'm not as steady as I used to be. My solution has been, I pack trekking poles and use one of them when glassing. Can be quite steady using them. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Hikinghunter]

Good advice here. I'm leaning toward the 8x. Seems like a hunting style preference. I'd be pretty handicapped by a pair of binos I need to stabilize in some way. Eye strain is a concern too, I have very good eyesight, but I've definitely given myself a headache a few times trying to stare things down through shaky optics.

 

[Recon$$]

10x to find / locate. I have my spotting scope to judge.