BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[spooke]

I'm looking at buying a pair of compact bino's to go hunting with. Thought that 8x21 might be the go. Any comments.
Spooke

[redrider]

Welcome to BGH Spooke!

Here is a link to a site that will answer a lot of questions.
http://www.swift-optics.com/support/faq/binocular

You might want to find a pair that has a larger 2nd #(Aperture). This will help gather more light. They don't come to much larger in a compact though.
Things to consider when buying. Will you need them to pick up more light at dawn and dusk(for when that big buck steps out just before dark), how light do you want them to be(for when you have to carry them during stalking or for compactness), and how much magnigication do you want(how close a look you want at that monster)
Hope this helps some. :thumbsup1:

[Hammer1]

Ya, ! Welcome aboard.

Redrider is absolutely correct, good advice.
Although heavier,bulkier, I use a pair of 7 x 50 for the low light advantage. :D

[ChesterGolf]

I have a pair of Leupold Wind River binos in 10x32 and I love them. They are bright enough for me and are still compact enough to carry around without being in the way.

[denverd0n]

It really depends on what you expect from the binoculars, what you'll be hunting, and how you'll be using them.

8x21 binoculars are going to be okay as long as you have plenty of light, but they aren't going to work very well in low-light situations. There are plenty of 8x32 or 8x42 binoculars available and these will be much better in low-light situations, although they will weigh and cost a little more.

You have to decide what you really need, but the one thing I'll say is that over the years I have never regretted biting the bullet and spending the money for truly quality binoculars.

[redrider]

I agreee. Spend that $$$$$$ :thumbsup1:

[fuzzybear]

I have a pair of 8x21's and a pair of 10x32's amongst others. The 8x21's are okay for when I'm out for the afternoon but, I find myself reaching for the 10x32's when I'm out for the extended period and beyond a couple of hundred yards, or so, I get better visibility and clarity.
The 10x32's are about twice the weight and twice the size but, we're only talking ounces and a couple of three inches. I think the 10x32's were one of the better purchases I've made over the years.

[gr8fuldoug]

In a smaller, quality binocular you would be best served with a quality 8x32 rather than an 8x21. The x21 will be a dark and narrow FOV. Maybe compromise with something like the Pentax 8x28 DCF MP which has a 17mm eye-relief and is waterproof and remains fairly small.

[spooke]

Thanks for your advice. I'm just starting out on big game after years of small stuff. Hopefully a new rifle is coming shortly (depends on our government, thank your lucky stars you have the N.R.A). If this comes off I will talk again to you and get any advice you blokes can give. I know we are in differant countries but any advice helps.
Spooke.
Ridgies rule.