I've used both 8X30's and 10X42's on plains game hunts in South Africa. It really depends on the type of terrain and whether the country is open or bushy. For example, in the Northern Cape where it is wide open for the most part, the 10X42's seemed best. However, in the Limpopo area as well as near Thabazimbi, I preferred the 8X30's because of the thicker terrain. Where in South Africa are you going?

I'll be in the Limpopo Province, near Gravelotte

I'll be using the best bino's I have, a set opf Pentax SP's in 10x43. I will bring a small set of 6.5x32 Minox IF's as well.

I like a 8 or 7 x 40ish myself.

Considering the type of terrain/vegetation you'll find there, I would go for 8x30. Also don't forget those Cabela's shoulder straps "Pro Binocular Harness" as they keep the binos close to your chest and out of the way.

8x should be all the magnification you'll need. Bring something that works well in deep shade. I enjoy the '20 yards to infinity' focus feature on my Steiner 8x40 Predators.

I'd prefer the Leica 8 X 32's, but the 8 X 30's will also do nicely.

I just hunted the wide open spaces of the Kalahari. Had the only binoculars I own with me - Leica 8x32 BA.

I have many items on my "would be nice to have" list, but new binoculars aren't one of them. Since buying the Leicas I've never felt handicapped in any hunting situation.

- stu

I find the 8x30 (or 8x32 as they often come these days) to be just about the perfect compromise for all-around use. Small enough not to be a burden in tough country, yet big enough to allow long term glassing without eyestrain. With 1st quality optics, you'd be surprised how much an 8x30 glass will help you in low light. Bring along a pouch to keep the binocs on your belt, when having them round your neck becomes a nuisance (e.g. on a belly stalk...).

- mike

I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment but I carry either my 10x42 or 10x50 Swarovskis. I actually prefer the 10x50's. They are heavy but you can really SEE what you are looking at and the lowlight advantage is really there. At 72 with nearsightedness and trifocals I need all the help I can get. I can't number the times the PH has asked to check something with them and he carries 8x32 Leicas which aren't too shabby. Carry what you feel comfortable using. Only you can determine that.

Given the choice the Swaro 8.5x42 EL is the best set of bino's I've looked at for this type of thing.

I used 8x50's last year and my mate used 7x42. His won on the weight saving.

FB

I've carried a pair of Swarovski 10X42 SLC bino for years. They are great.

I recently bought a pair of Lieca 8X32 BN bino on close out. For the minimal difference in power they are so much nicer to carry being smaller and lighter that they are all I carry today.

They are every bit as clear and are so good in low light as to be almost the same. Given the ergonomics of these bino they win out by a wide margin.

I've found that if you need more than 8 power glass it's time to get out a spotting scope anyway.

8 power glass is also much easier to hold steady and for long glassing sessions they do not cause near the eye strain as more powerful glass.

I am a convert!

Another vote for the Leica 8x32's.

Another vote for Leicas or Nikons in 8x32 or thereabouts...

I'm in exactly the same situation as Surestrike. I've enjoyed using my Swarovski 10x42 SLC's for years in the US West, Alaska, and have even used them for a couple of trips to Africa. I will continue to use them, but only on trips where I plan on glassing the 'wide open spaces'. I was looking around for something lighter and smaller for this year's trip to the SE Alaska salmon streams and after a ton of research ended up with Zeiss 8x32 FL's. These will be great up there and also in Africa. I'll reserve my 10x42's and 15x58's for the wide open country.

If you're headed in the direction of the top end glass (remember, you use the glasses a LOT more than you use your rifle scope), the Swaro, Leica and Zeiss are all pretty much a toss-up. Your choice will depend on your own assessment of the ergonomics of each. DO go to a place that has all three if you can and compare side-by-side.

Once you decide on a pair (or two) check with Doug at Cameraland in NYC. He posts on here as gr8fuldoug. His personal service (ask for him specifically when you call) can't be beat and neither can his prices!

I bought a pair of Swarovski 8x30s back when I really "couldn't afford" them. I'm glad I did. They've given me much pleasure, lasted a lot longer than my partners' different glass, and seem to be "borrowed" more. Oh, that last one is their only bad point.

10x32 Ultravids. Or if you don't mind the weight 10x42 Geovids........the integral range finder is a sweet thing.

Another vote for the Leica 8x30s.
I use to use my older Zeiss 10x40s but I found the 8X30s are clearer even at night plus lighter and can be used one handed.
The new Ultravids are very tempting.
ozhunter

I voted for the 8X30s and would prefere Swaros, as they are light, and I find no need for a more powerful glass. If I do need more power I have a pair of 10x50s by Zeiss, but they are as heavy as cast iron!

Believe it or not, I have a small pair of bynocs that are 8X25s, rubber covered, water proof, nitrogen filled that I bought as gifts for the trackers, that turned out to be a very handy glass, that is suprisingly clear, and small. I use them a lot, and they only cost $105 from Cabela's. I bought three pairs so, at different times during the Safari, I could take them from around my neck, and give them to someone,but after useing them for a few days, I only gave two of them away. The PH wanted one, and I gave the other to the head tracker! I don't know who makes them but they are very well worth the price as back up, or as gifts in Africa.

I have tried out three types - 7x30, 8x30 and 10x42 - all Swaro's. No issues with glass or light gathering.

I take the 7x30's as I can see better and a wider range with them. The others stay in the truck.

The 7x30's also weigh next to nothing as the 10x are very heavy.

I used my 10x40 Zeiss with the harness style stap on my hunt in the Limpopo area and found them to be very comfortable. Our longest stalk was on the order of a couple of hours so weight was not much of an issue. I did not need the 10 power magnification, but it certainly did not hurt.

Seems to me that the 7's 8's or 10's in your poll are all resonable choices where you are headed.

Doug

I brought my military Hensold 8x30 and it was more than enough. it is a fixed scope, very fast to use.

10x42 Steiner Predators are what I took. I will use them next time. Get the best you can afford.

Pentax 8x32 DCF SP Binoculars are half the cost or less of comparable Zeiss Victory's and are as highly rated.

I land in Namibia August 13th and will have my Swarovski 10 x 50's.Even though I am bow hunting and most game will be close, I am still sticking with my 10 x 50's They are heavy but worth their weight in low light situations. They will be in my carry-on backpack and with in reach the entire trip. I do use the shoulder harness type straps that are available from several different suppliers.

Leica 10X50 with Crooked Horn Bino Harness. With a larger bino you never have to sacrifice. You will be able to glass much later with full size binos.

I think the best solution is something like the Swarovski 8x30 monoculars with the integral rangefinder. Two pieces of gear combined into one. Avoids to constant putting the binoculars down, picking up the rangefinder, finding the animal, over and over. The Leicas with the integral rangefinder are nice but very pricey. I had an opportunity to use both the Leicas and the Swarovski's in Namibia last month. The Swaros are a very close second for a lot less dinero and are a little less bulky.

I agree with Fallow Buck.

My Swarovski 8.5x42 ELs are the best I have ever tried, and I have tried them all. That is why they are mine.

The best binoculars are the ones around your PH's neck. Let him do the looking while you concentrate on shooting.

DC300,
I must disagree with you there as I feel there is more to hunting that include the use of Binos. There are so many things you would mis out on without them. JMO
A long time ago I vowed not to go bush with out a good pair of Binos.
Cheers,
ozhunter

If you're looking for some very small binoculars, I'm pretty well impressed w. some 8x...25s Brunton Epochs -- relatively inexpensive for the quality of the glass -- I REALLY like Ultravids, but they're big and heavy.