Looking at the zen ray ed3. Should I go with the 8x or 10x? The money difference is only $10. Mainly use them antelope hunting and deer hunting here at home. Maybe an elk trip if I can ever get one tied up. Lol. Also does anyone use the zen rays?
8x or 10x? Binocs
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libidilatimmy
Veteran member
Although I've never used the Zen Ray's, I prefer 10x binos for all around use. The 8x always seemed like they had me reaching for the spotting scope where the 10x serve my glassing needs 80% of the time. It may make a difference between the two based on the distances you will typically be glassing where field of view at closer ranges might out weigh the extra magnification.
jims
Member
I have 7x Leica's and I would prefer to have 10x for antelope hunting out west. I also carry a spotting scope, so the 7x Bino's are okay. I also use my Leica's for deer hunting in Missouri, so the 7x are a good compromise for both species. I would not want to use 10x for deer hunting in Missouri. A lot of my deer are spotted coming out into fields very late in the day with minimal light.
woodtick
Veteran member
Out west they say nothing smaller than 10x but I've found that looking free hand 8's are far easier for me to stabilize without a tripod. I'd go with 8's period, wished I could sale my 10x Geovid HD-b's and get some 8's!
OregonJim
Very Active Member
Comes down to personal preference and to a certain degree the quality of the glass.
Some 8X glass is better than some 10X glass.
I only use my 8X for bow and tree stand hunting (when I was WT hunting back east).
For just about all the hunting out west (except maybe the tangled thick stuff here on the OR/WA coast) 10X would be the better choice IMO.
Some 8X glass is better than some 10X glass.
I only use my 8X for bow and tree stand hunting (when I was WT hunting back east).
For just about all the hunting out west (except maybe the tangled thick stuff here on the OR/WA coast) 10X would be the better choice IMO.
Sawfish
Very Active Member
In comparable quality glass, I would go with 10X, but no higher in a binocular, as they are too hard to hold steady without a tripod, etc.. I have a pair of Swarovski 8X, and a pair of Kahles 10X. I have not used the Swarovski in a few years.
hoshour
Veteran member
10X without a doubt. Then again, Jack O'Connor did pretty well and he always used 8X but he didn't have the modern glass coatings.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
PointsHunter
Member
xtreme
Very Active Member
Careful with the Zens. I have the 10 x 43 and they were good until I dropped them. Not sure they can be repaired, warranty I hope
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
In all seriousness we use 10x42s for 95% of our glassing. Check out the Vortex due to their crazy good warranty. There are places you can get great prices on them.
8 power is nice if you are doing a lot of glossing in confined spaces, like in open timber.
8 power is nice if you are doing a lot of glossing in confined spaces, like in open timber.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
I have heard Zens and good glass, but I so love a good warranty. I have had trashed Swaros rebuilt like new more than once on the company's dime. Vortex so far has been super to deal with as well.
dihardhunter
Active Member
I'm currently running the razor hd 12's. There a bit much to get used to the first couple trips. But once you figure em out there handy. Only downside is once you throw a bit of adrenalin in the mix. You resort to butt on the ground elbows on knees to get a sturdy view. I've built a habit of dropping my pack every time I see an animal now. I think 10's are a great choice for an all around glass. Leave you not "wanting" more. I chose 12's this season because I'm running a 65mm spotter. I always had this idea that 12's plus a compact spotter would be a great package. I like it so far. But would also be content with 10's.