Chest binocular power

[TomJoad]

8x42 for glassing off-hand for me. 10x or bigger for tripod work.

 

[AkMtnRunner]

8x42 is the greatest tool for me. I am a destination style backpack hunter and am constantly glassing as I hike along the route so extra stability is important. I also notice the 5.25 exit pupil of a 8x on 42 objective makes a huge difference. I’ve owned and compared 8x and 10x 42mm Nikon HG’s and the brightness and stability more than makes up for the 20% less magnification. I simply catch more detail with the 8x handheld. On top of that is the wider FOV, and, unless you have perfect glass, higher magnification will show greater aberration.

 

[WCB]

I used to use 10x for everything...went to 12x and I can't even stand to look through anything less. I used them for everything from sitting and glassing, still/stalking, and stand hunting in thick timber. For me I see zero advantage of anything less than 12x.

Of course my dad shakes really bad and the only think usable for him unless on a tripod is a 8x.