Binocular POWER question

[Trophy]

I'm considering getting a Pentax DCF WP binos, but not sure which model to buy. The model comes in 10x50, 10x42, 8x42 among others which are not under my consideration. I will be using them for hunting, deer mostly, and value brightness and lightweight. The weights are roughly 33, 27 and 27 oz. each, respectively.

My primary questions are whether 8x power is adequate and whether the 33 oz. over 27 oz. weight makes much difference when hunting all day in the field. And lastly, would there be a significant brightness loss by going with the 42 objective size against the 50mm?

Thanks in advance.

[Washington Hunter]

I have the 8x42 pentax DCF's. I think they are great. A little on the heavy side but worth it. I don't think you need the 50mm objective. It adds too much weight and the 42mm objective is plenty bright. If I was using them strictly for open country hunting, I might consider the 10x42's. But for general all-around use I think that 8 power is better.

[Fish Hunter]

Good choices. After comparing Leica, Swarovski, and other high end glass outdoors at dusk I went with the Pentax 8X42 WP’s. I think the DCF WP’s are an awesome value. I already owned some good Leupold 10X50’s so I wanted to try the 8 power since I felt too shaky using the 10X glass. My wife and I both needed our own bino’s . She doesn’t hunt as often as me so I get to choose between 2 great binos. Even in open country I prefer the 8X42’s their brighter and sharper than the Leopold’s. Better field of view too. Easy to carry. Bet you’ll like the 8X.

[ 01-08-2003, 06:40 AM: Message edited by: Fish Hunter ]

[BlindSquirrel]

Decisions, Decisions. I had looked at the same models too. The choice of the 8x or 10x, and 42 mm or 50 mm all come down to tradeoffs. Given all the same optics design/coatings, the bigger objective (50 mm) will give you the best low light brightness -- but weighs almost 20% more. For equivalent objectives (42 mm), the 8x will be brighter and offer a wider field of view than the 10x. However the 10x will give just a smidge more detail -- like trying to see if that buck is a forked horn or spike, or if that bull is a spike or forked horn at 200 yards.

These decisions are all quite personal, and some might say they are "religious" issues -- meaning others may have very strong opinions on the subject -- but it may not be right for you. I like the 10x42's, but the 8x42's are not that much different. Using the 10x42's just takes a little steadier hand. Most of the time when I use binoculars I make sure I have a rest of some kind anyway.

If you really like the 10x50's, you can minimize the effect of their weight with a good wide neoprene camera type strap, or the more expensive bino-systems. I don't really like the idea of the bino-systems much because I'm always adding/subtracting clothing layers during the day - but again, a personal preference.

Anyway -- good luck with your decision, I don't think you can go too wrong in any case.

Cheers,
Blind Squirrel

[biederboat]

I vote for 8 x 42. My 10x is just to "shaky" around mountainous areas.
I guess I would ask, am I looking to find animals in a lot of detail (use 8 x 42's) or am I wanting to check out that mule deer that's a mile away to see if he's a trophy (use 10x50's)?

My $.02
Biederboat

[Robert]

Make sure to get the special straps for them if they dont come with them. Those things are awesome. I just cant rember the name of them write now.

[Trophy]

Thanks, all, in helping me decide. What I've deduced so far is that they're all good binoculars and the difference in performance is quite minimal.

Now, my next follow-up question is, where did you buy the binoculars? Most of the online retailers seems to be located on the East coast and I was wondering if there is one here in Portland? Camera World online seems to be out of the DCF models.

[BlindSquirrel]

Hey Trophy,

Take a look at ebay, and also at NW Armory (local), and Jansen's Adventure Outdoors (sp?). A few other people have mentioned HotBuyElectronics (??) too. You also might consider waiting for the Outdoor show at the Expo center the week of Feb 5th -- there are quite a few people showing optics -- and you might get near online price, but with easier local service. From time to time I've seen $100 rebates on these things too. As always -- be careful that you get a real US warranty, and not a gray market product.


Blind Squirrel

[Washington Hunter]

I got my Pentax 8x42's 3 months ago for $325 with a $100 rebate from Pentax, so they were only $225. Great price. I checked the web site and they have gone up to $350. Still a great price with the $100 rebate. Take a look at this:

http://www.17photo.com/mivastore/mer...ory_Code=BINOC