I'm trying to decide between 8x20, 8x32 and 8x42 binoculars for my PG Safari next year in the Eastern Cape. How much of your glassing for PG did you do during low light? If most glassing is done during daylight then I'll probably go for a more compact pair.

Thanks

mtf, IMO most of your binocular use in Africa will be to evaluate or observe game you or the trackers have already spotted. The glassing that is done in NA to find mountain sheep or mule deer isn't usually necessary for PG in most of Africa. Good luck on your hunt.

On my trips to Namibia, we always left the lodge at daylight so there was no problem seeing. During the day, we walked and stalked long distances at times for eland and zebra so lighter would have been alright, but with Bino Buddies-type straps, the load was pretty well distributed. Each afternoon, we were hunting from blinds or vehicles right up until dark before heading back to camp. The extra glassing ability helped then, especially on zebra in the bush. I used my 8x30 SLC Swarovski's and they were perfect, and my wifes Leupolds were good for her.

Welcome to the Forum.

You'll use the binoculars for a lot more than just examining critters to shoot. I use Leica 10x42 Trinovid that I just had the factory clean and recoat lenses. I carry them under my off shoulder so they are out of the way until I need them.

Believe that if you are looking for 8x, you should get the 8x32, saving the weight and size of 8x42. The 8x32 should have an exit pupil as big as, and maybe a tad bigger than, your eye can enlarge to benefit from if you are 35+ years old.

Whatever you get, buy the absolute best you can afford and do not skimp!
Regards

I carry either a pair of 10x42 Swarovski's or 10x50 Swarovski's.I can't count the number of times the PH (who carries 8x32 Leicas) asked to check thru my glasses. I use them actually more than my rifle. There are so many other things to watch in Africa than the game that I'm afraid I would be sorely deprived of too many pleasures if I carried less than what I do. I prefer the 10x50's but they are rather heavy. The first year I carried 8x32 Swarovski's but that was the last time I carried less than 10x. If the EL's had been out when I bought mine I would probably have them.

I carry Leica 10x25 in my pocket and have found them to do all I ask.

The smaller compact binocs like the 10x20, dont' work as well as I like in the dawn and dusk..

After trying about every know binocular over the last 105 years. My last Dallas birthday party ... I finally settled on a pair of Leica 8x32 as the best hunting binocular I have ever used..

I like them because they have excelent difination, I can see spikes on a deer at most ranges, they are great in bad light, they are easy to hold steady off hand, they are clear as a bell, and more than enough magnification. they are light and compact enough to carry across my chest and under my armpit all day long without fatigue or discomfort.

I traded my Leica 8x40s for them, and it was a good trade IMO..These will be the last pair of binocs I will every own unless I loose them, in which case I will order another pair..

I used a pair of Swarovski 8.5x42, full size binos on my plainsgame hunt in Namibia this year. As has already been noted, my binocular use was mostly to keep track of game already spotted by the PH and the tracker. We did very little spotting at dawn and dusk.

The full size Swaros are a bit heavy, but I used a Bino-Buddy harness, and the extra weight was not a problem. However, for my usage the compact binos would have also worked well.

I carry Ziess 8X20. When on safari I only use binoculars to identify animals the PH is evaluating or sometimes to scan for game in open country. The low light at dawn or dusk has never been an issue.

Try to find an older pair of the green Zeiss IF 8x30s. Hell for stout and perfect for Africa. I use Swarovski 8x30s and they are almost as good. Leave the big heavy glasses at home!

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
I carry Leica 10x25 in my pocket and have found them to do all I ask.

I do exactly the same; but with a pair of 15X56 Geovids in the hunting vehicle..........best of both worlds.

My PH in Namibia uses 10x42 Geovids on a harness.

As far as dawn and dusk glassing is concerned I suppose it depends on where you hunt.

In Tanzania and Botswana if it was even close to dark we headed for camp - unless leopard hunting - and for that I did not take binoculars.

Thankfully there are still places in the bush that being out in the dark carries more than a little risk.

I use Nikon 10x42 Monarch they are affordable and excellent for the price. For African conditions with no fog etc. They are perfect and work great in low light.

You may or may not do most of your glassing at dawn or dusk, and you may use them mostly during bright daylight, but what difference does all that make, you should BE PREPARED to glass in any kind of light.

African game usually waits until later in the morning to start feeding as compared to American animals. This is because the African animals have less hair thus more effected by the early morning chill and wait for the sunshine to come out and get them warm.

Be prepared for anything, get a set of quality 8x30s, they are easy to carry, hold offhand if you must, and are ideal under about any circumstance. Wear them slung under your armpit, African style and you will never know you have them on.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm still on the younger side of thirty so I'm going to have my optometrist measure my pupil size. If my eyes can take the full exit pupil of an 8x42 then I'll get a pair of those, otherwise an 8x30.

quote:

African game usually waits until later in the morning to start feeding as compared to American animals. This is because the African animals have less hair thus more effected by the early morning chill and wait for the sunshine to come out and get them warm.

Amen to that

10 X 42, the only way to go. Get as much as you can for your money. Bino's can be a lifetime piece of equipment. IMHO

quote:

Originally posted by Cunningham:
10 X 42, the only way to go. Get as much as you can for your money. Bino's can be a lifetime piece of equipment. IMHO

I budget for a few big toys around christmas time. Last year was a Sig556, a FN FS2000 and a Hoyt bow. This year it will be binocs. It's good not having a spousal veto to contend with