8x32 vs 10x42 Binocular for Safari

[RStien321]

Good afternoon!

Quickly approaching the final packing for an upcoming Safari in the Limpopo region of SA. In the spirit of trying to keep my packing down I'm trying to narrow into which binocular set to bring. 8x32 Swarovski EL or 10x42 Swarovski EL Range.

I really like my rangefinding functionality on North America rifle hunts, but am thinking it is probably overkill for this hunt. Any experience or advice? Or should I just pack both

 

[Nhoro]

You don't need both. I have 10 × 42 and my wife 8x40. I would go with the 10x42 rangefinders just because you might need range. 8x42 are nicer for birding cos they move quick but animals are slower

 

[samson7x]

I took 10x42 on my first trip, then switched to 8x32. I much prefer the 8x32.

 

[Nevada Wapati]

I always take my Leica 8x32's.

 

[wesheltonj]

Take the 10X.

 

[spike.t]

10x30 or 32 swarovski..can't remember which one mine are....if those are what you have the 8x30 will work fine...have an old model of those as well

 

[Green Chile]

I hunt a lot in Limpopo and we are based out of there. Rangefinding is nice but your shots will all be close here. Shots beyond 120 yards are unusual and you can almost always get closer. Take the binos you like the best but the 8x are perfect for Limpopo. By the way, it's so nice to see someone bringing good glass to the hunt! Don't miss out by wondering what the PH and trackers are looking at.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I have the same 2 pair of binoculars. The concept of range finding is great in the mind but to be honest I've found that my use has been very limited. The smaller pair are so much lighter and less bulky. If I was going for Plains Game, I'd take the range, if for DG I'd take the smaller pair.

 

[Rubberhead]

I'm a birder and still prefer the 8x binoculars. The 10x magnifies hand shake too so I find that I can pick out more detail with a good 8x than I can with an equal quality 10x. Detail on a bird is whether a tree-top warbler has one or two wing bars or if the maxillary is the same color as the mandible. I'm sure I could determine if a Kudu was a shooter or not with 8x binos...

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I hunt a lot in Limpopo and we are based out of there. Rangefinding is nice but your shots will all be close here. Shots beyond 120 yards are unusual and you can almost always get closer. Take the binos you like the best but the 8x are perfect for Limpopo. By the way, it's so nice to see someone bringing good glass to the hunt! Don't miss out by wondering what the PH and trackers are looking at.

"Don't miss out by wondering what the PH and trackers are looking at."

Exactly right. I can't hunt happily anywhere with out a decent bino! Too.many things to see, and you.miss too.much without good glass.

 

[txtrout75218]

For Limpopo, my Outfitter said 8x32. They were perfect.

 

[IvW]

When you get close dont dick around with binos....consentrate on the shot placement....your ph should be able to put you in the ballpark with distance in limpopo...
8x32.....

 

[C.W. Richter]

I did have a 300+ yd shot on a gemsbok in the Limpopo nearly 20 yrs ago, but all the other shots were in closer cover 50-150 tops. 'Also had 10x42s which are good for longer range spotting from hilltops/Kopjes, but the compact 8s will work just fine. It's not just the region, but the property/concession within each region (they're NOT all the same!) Some longer shooting properties in SA, Namib, Zim. What will you be hunting and with what cartridge? If PG, maybe the 10s, if DG the 8s will be fine. Ask the PH about the property layout...

 

[Luvthunt]

Have used both and find it does not matter. Pick one and go with it.

 

[Muskox]

10x42 because you will have more eye relief.

 

[Sika98k]

8x32 Swarovski are my choice for Africa. They will be lighter and more compact than your 42 bins.8x magnification is fine to keep steady. 10x can give you the wobbles. I have also used Leica 10x25’s in the bridge sunshine of Namibia and was satisfied with their performance.

 

[CBH Australia]

8x32, let the PH range if required