Need advice, looking for a set of binos for range use

MPower

MPower

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Hey guys, I'm looking for a set of quality binos for range use. What I need is something I can see hits out to 50 meters for pistol use or sighting in red dots for rifles. I was looking at the Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 as I want something high quality, compact, light and affordable. Something I can just throw in my range bag and not worry about. Also interested in the same binos but in 10x25. Although I've read some good reviews on the 8x25, most are saying to go with the 8x over the 10x. Would the extra magnification not help? There was also some technical talk over size of exit pupil which I don't understand. Hopefully you optics experts here can enlighten me. Thank you.
 
Exit pupil is important if you're doing a lot of low-light observation, like a hunter, bird watcher, or astronomer might. Exit pupil = objective lens/magnification. When fully dilated, the human pupil is ~7mm. So, if you do a lot of low-light work, you're losing transmission quality with any exit pupil smaller than 7mm.

People saying take the 8x25 v the 10x25 are doing so because you're gaining very little magnification for less overall utility.

I use 10x50 binos for hunting and 8x25s for sailing. When you're not guaranteed a stable platform, less magnification will be easier to see what's going on.
 
It'll be for the range 99% of the time so low light performance is not really a priority, mostly just looking at bullet holes/targets up to 50m standing or sitting on bench. I guess the extra 2x of mag wouldn't be noticible at 50m anyways. I was just worried if I would be able to the bullets holes clearly with the 8x mag.

Also, forgot to mention I never owned a pair of binos before, also never get the chance to see through one at the range since everyone at the range usually have spotting scopes. I guess I could dial my riflescope down to 8x to see but I assume looking through magnification with both eyes would be clearer/steadier, no?

S1icedBread said:
Exit pupil is important if you're doing a lot of low-light observation, like a hunter, bird watcher, or astronomer might. Exit pupil = objective lens/magnification. When fully dilated, the human pupil is ~7mm. So, if you do a lot of low-light work, you're losing transmission quality with any exit pupil smaller than 7mm.

People saying take the 8x25 v the 10x25 are doing so because you're gaining very little magnification for less overall utility.

I use 10x50 binos for hunting and 8x25s for sailing. When you're not guaranteed a stable platform, less magnification will be easier to see what's going on.
Click to expand...
 
Quality is definitely important if you wanna see bug hole at 50yds. Meopta makes some really nice binos for the price. The 10x42HD are awesome, I have a pair and I love them.

What is your budget?
 
I tried a pair of Bushnell legend 8x42 and wasn't satisfied with what I could see at 50 yards. Ended up going back to my DSLR lens which works for paper at 100 yards and splatter targets at 300 yards. $150 for the lens (500mm w 2x converter), already had the camera and tripod.
 
My budget is around $500. The Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 is priced at $430+taxes which is right on my budget.

Thanks for the replies guys, but keep in mind, I'm only using this for distances of 50 meters or less and trying to keep the binos as small and light as possible, hence the 8x25 pocket.
 
You're not going to be satisfied with binos for spotting scope work. That's not what they're for. Do it right or be satisfied with poor results.
 
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