Cossack17

Did I make a mistake buying 10x32? I need your opinion
Hi, I got a good deal on NIB Zeiss Victory FL in 10x32. Seller did not have 8x32 (which was my original choice). I still can exchange 10x32 for 8x42 Victory FL + $300 .
Should I stick to 10x32 or buy 8x42. Money is not such a problem, but I already have enough gear to carry, plus I like the size of 32’s.
I would really appreciate your input and I have to make up my mind within next four days. Thank you in advance

Cossack17

I spent some time in the fields/woods to test it and I think that I just love the compact size of it and the 19.5oz of weight is just an icing on the cake.
Because I still hunt most of my time I do not want to carry more than 20oz on my neck, the 8x42 is off the list and I got 8x32 on order. I’ll try both of the binos this Saturday. 8x32 supposed to be brighter and I want to see if the wider FOV makes such difference. But I also like the details of x10 magnification. It is going to be a tough choice…

stalkingbear

The main problem you'll have is under low light conditions. And as we all know,that'swhen 40% of our big buck shots present themselves. The exit pupil is 3.2mm and under low light the average human pupil size opens up to around 5mm.

PABowhntr

I tend to agree with stalkingbear in terms of the lowlight performance. The exit pupil size also factors in to the comfort level of the binoculars. A larger exit pupil allows your eyes to move around the image much more easily.

If you have to go with a semi-compact binocular then the 8x32 FL is probably the best out there in my opinion. I own one, along with its cousin the 8x30 Conquest. The 8x32 FL really does do almost everything the 8x42 will do but in a more compact package. In addition, the amount of the field of view in focus is also a bit better with the 32 mm design. However, the 42 mm will provide a slightly brighter image and easier eye placement. Both of which may not matter to you if size is the utmost concern.

Let us know how things turn out.

Power

I have the 10x30 Conquest and love them. If you hunt thick woods a lot where you don't look past 200 yards a 8x bino is good. Out west where I am I do a lot of glassing at 1000 yards or farther and we only are allowed to shoot either 3pt or better bucks or spike-only elk so I have to see what I'm looking at in very fine detail, thus the 10x for me.

Can't go wrong with Zeiss in my opinion.

bucksnortinted

I also would go with the larger objective myself,the 42mm will allow you to see a better and clearerimage at first and last light.And I also took my biggest buck 5 minutes before dark........Ted

Cossack17

Somebody said that binoculars are like shoes-you cannot make a correct decision without trying one.
I have both 8x32 and 10x32 and the difference in low light is astounding. So 10x32 will be going back. Also, but it could me only me, it is more pleasant to use 8x32. Also the depth of viewing is better too.

Cossack17

forgot to mention that in my state we can not use rifles and binos will be used for the muzzleloader season, in dense woods up to 300 yards max

Cossack17

I do not shoot at 300 yards, but I can not see anything beyond 300 yards in my woods anyways