Hello Members,
New to the Forum, I Stalk Sambar, NE Victoria.
I have 8x Bino’s and wanting to upgrade, what’s the consensus on 10 or 12 power? I’m thinking of stepping up to Swarovski binos. Typical bush, but also some gross gully country, max. up to 300 yards.
Thanks for any feedback.
Jay

Not familiar with your country, I hunt Mule deer in the Texas panhandle and spend hours everyday glassing. Everything from thick mesquite/cedar brush to open plains, 30yds to as far as you can see, lots of deer spotted at 1000+yds and deer picked apart at under 50. Swarovski EL 10x42 are a staple around here, there is no equal, money well spent.

When I was young 7x35 and 8x binos were recommended but 10x42 roof prisms are all the go now, now.

I had some 10x42 Nikons and found them sharp, light and easy to hold against shake - but they have disappeared and I'm reduced to Bushnells.

I have Swarovski 10x42 range finding model, worth every cent, I wouldn’t go to 12x

Depends on the distance and reason, e.g. identifying size etc. of antlers and horns, that you are ranging game but often the 7x and 8x binoculars give a clearer picture because hand movements are not magnified to the same extent as 10 or greater power binoculars do.
My son prefers his 8x42 Leupold binoculars to the 10x42 pair he has of the same model. The 8x42 appears clearer and easier to hold steady when glassing animals.

I use Steiner 10x42 Sky Hawks, quite a heavy binocular but nice to hold steady and with a very clear and bright picture. This model is aimed at the birdwatching fraternity so has a fast focus to enable a focused picture to be maintained when tracking flying birds.
I also like the Steiner signature rubber eye cups which keep out stray light coming in from the side of the eyes helping with the quality of the viewing picture.