This is not a question about what scope/binoculars are the best but rather a question about what an individual likes to use and why.
Since I started it I�d better give my view on the subject.
As for scopes I have two different favorites for two different hunting situations.
When I�m hunting with a dog I use my 1.5-5 Leupold which is light and compact with a large field of view. The hunting method sometimes forces one to take fast shots at close range and this scope is my all time favorite for this kind of hunting!!
When still hunting / stalking or stand hunting I use a 3-12x56 Zeiss V. It�s big and somewhat heavy and I love it! I�ve been in more than one situation over the years when the scope I was using didn�t stand up to the required light gathering capabilities or the clarity I needed, but this scope is the best I�ve tried so far for roedeer at dusk or dawn!
Binoculars are a sad story for me� I never seem to get around to buy those 7x42 Swarowski�s that I�m dreaming of (seems to be the perfect compromise between magnification and lens size). I use a couple of compact 8x21 when hunting with dogs and an old Zenith 8x30 the rest of the time. It works as long as it�s not too dark or too strong sun glare.

Cheers
K9

For binoculars I use a pair of Leica's in 12x50. I dont't cover large distances while stalking roe deer, so weight is not really an issue.
My scope is a Leupold, a 3.5-10x with a duplex reticle.
montero

Currently I use a 3-12x50 Swarovski PH on my Sako .308 which I find is great for low light conditions and has been utterly reliable. Previous to that I used a Swarovski Nova 6x42mm another very good scope. Both scopes were bought second-hand.
For binos I stated out with some $180 Minolta 7x50mm which turned out to be a pile of crap...for the last several years I have used a pair of Swarovski 7x42mm slc and they have been brilliant. The have stood up to a lot of hunting abuse and really foul weather conditions...

I think you are on target with your riflescopes, although personally I prefer a 1.5 - 6 or even 3 - 9 for running shots. Just dont like the 5 power. I am comtemplating a pair of binos at the moment. I like, love the Leica 8 x 50.

For stand and stalk hunting: Leupold 3,5-10x50 HD on a Brno 601 in 308 win.
Binos: Leica 8x42.

My son uses a Rem.700 in 25-06 topped with Leupold 6x42 Duplex, and have binos from Leupold/Wind River 10x42.

Both rigs work just fine.

Arild

I just put my first 8x56 on a rifle. The difference at 100 m to a 6x is unbelievable! For still hunting and quickly taxing bucks it is a definite advantage!

For driven hunts a scope should have a field of view of ~ 15 m at 100 m or larger. This is not science, this is judged from different positions at different hunts.

For stalking or for one scope for all, my choice would be 1.5-6x42, although I have none up to now. A variable scope will give you less light at night. I most of the time use 6x42, except at night in the future I will try 8x56.

The binocular which works best for me is 10x50 for day, for night 8x56 or 9x63, if you can get one.

I use Optolyth, and am quite happy with it. I bought several Swarovski 8x56 SL and SLC�s for presents, and the quality is EXCELLENT!

For alpine hunting I still like my extremely light Optolyth.

Does somebody have a homepage adress of them? They also make a 9x63, which I would like to try.

Hermann

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6x42 Swarovski Nova in a 4a or 4 reticle. If the target looks too small it's too far away, if it's moving I wasn't quiet enough! I do have a 1.5-6x42 on my 9.3 for moving shots which is left on 3 all the time abroad and 6 all the time in the UK.

7x42 Zeiss BGATs - light and bright.

Drive hunting : Swarovski 1,25-4x24, set on 2x.
Stalking & highseat : Swarovski 1,5-6x42, Swarovski 2,5-10x42 or Leupold Vari X-III 3,5-10x50, depending on the weather. BTW, the latter does not influence my scope selection but the rifle choice (the first one sits on a Sauer 202 with lovely wood that I don't care to expose to rain, while the 2 other rifles are synthetic stocked.
Binos : Swarovski EL 10x42.

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Andr�

The last year i use a Helia 3-9x42 (30mm tube) for my roedeer hunting.

Compact size, enough magnification and light transmission. I see no need for heavier/bigger scopes.

Thats my choise!

Jonas

Hello K9.
I too use a 1,5-5 Leupold for my hunting with my wirehaired dachs. I use it on a combi 12GA/7x57R.
On stalking I use a 3-9x45 Jagermeister.
And yes, I dream about some Swarowskis myself.

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Shoot well, and hit hard.

Arild.
(And YES, I'm a NRA member!)

For roe stalking Zeiss 3-9 x 42 with one inch tube , glass Zeiss 8 x 30 want to change to Zeiss 10 x 40 , and I like the classic model but a friend told me the new 10 x 40 have AB K�nig prismas and are nitrogen filled , any other advice ? the new series are really better or it's cosmetic ?

Daniel

I use a Schmidt&Bender 3-12X50,reticle nr4, on my custom BRNO 601 in 260Rem.I have just ordered new binos:Optolyth Royal 9X63,but have used a Bresser 7X50 so far.I am really looking forward to getting that Optolyth.

Just bought a 2,5-10x50 Zeiss. Will try it out for the first time this spring. Earlier I used a 4x32 Swarovski, It worked but I wanted higher magnification and more light-gathering ability in a compact package.

HELLO

Scope on longrange rifle 6-24X50 SWAROVSKI on the dusk/dawn rifle 3-12X50. Swarovski with illuminated reticle.

binoculars:
Swarowski 8X56 and 10X42.

/ JOHAN

I use a weaver 3-9x50 for my roehunting. It's mostly longer shot(200meter is a long shoot for me) with bad light out on the fields. But it does the trick in the woods to.

Johan