Just wondering what everyone buys in regards to magnification and obj lenses for their glassing optics? I'm uncertain which to pick between an 8x4? or 10x4?. I've decided on getting the Pentax DCF's or Minox BL's but not certain which power to get. What does everyone else prefer?

The quick answer is the highest power, with the largest objectives, that you can comfortably hold steady and view through for long periods of time, and that aren’t too heavy for you to comfortably carry around all day.

Each individual will normally have a different answer for that.

Personally, I use nothing but 8x30’s and for my uses have never found myself wanting more power or more brightness than they provide...others milage may vary!

I prefer 8x30's. Light, compact, as clear of a view as my hands can hold steady.

There are times 10x40 are better, but in bright daylight on a warm day, 8x will see as much as 10x.

I prefer 10x40's as ranges tend to be a little longer out west.

I use 8 and 10 power Swarovski's, and have used 15. But the 15 darn near requires a tripod to hold them steady, and the 10s benefit from one as well.

I use Leica 10x42' and do not want any thing less.I recently purchased a pair of Swarovski 15X56 for Antelope hunting so as to not need a spotting scope to judge trophy size at extended ranges.The more optics the better as I have never heard anyone say "I could see too good"

I like to use the 12x50's. They can be had in a handy roof prism at +/- 30 ozs. I been considering

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/62618/pentax_12.5x50_dcf_sp_binocular.htm

or

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/268/steiner_12x50_predator_binocular.htm

I think I would try a pair of 12x50's instead of a spotting scope. Wider field of view and most have tripod adapters.

Try a pair of good image stabilized binocs from 10 to 15X...you'll never look back...no pun intended.

Well my choice in the matter for hunting in the west has been 8x40's and 10x40's and in my opinion if you need more magnification then you need a spotting scope. I've always used my bino's to locate animals or things that look as if they could be an animal then if need be switch to a spotting scope to asess an animals horn or in some cases to positively ID. Too much glass ( too high of magnification ) and you will get tired of glassing cuz you aren't stable enough and it becomes tiresome.