Binos for Africa

[Moody808]

Will be going on Safari in 2026, would like to invest in some quality binoculars. Am thinking of something like 10x30 to keep them light and compact and able to be used 1 handed when needed but also would consider 10x42. Soliciting opinions on pros and cons of those options or anything else the more experienced members have found to work really well out there. Thanks!

 

[375er]

Light is fine for quick glassing but if you are going to spend anytime at it you definitely want a heavier pair or you will get eye fatigue from lense motion.

 

[JimP]

A lot will depend on what you use at home. If you have a nice pair no matter what the brand and you like using them then take them.

On my two trips I used a pair of Leopold 10x42's. My first trip I had a pair of Cascades but I sent them to Leopold to get tightened up in the pivot and they send me a brand new pair of BX2's and those were what I took the second trip.

I have a pair of Swaro's 10x42's EL's that I decided to leave at home on my second trip. But if you are looking for a first pair of binoculars I would look at the Swaro's or Leica's.

While you will use your binoculars to look for game your PH and tracker will also be packing binoculars to find your animals and to size them up.

 

[Moody808]

Thanks, was considering the zeiss sfl's as they are still pretty compact even in 10x40 they seem nice a light. The other option in a similar price point are the swaro EL in 10x42. Am going to a store today that hopefully has both so I can get a feel in the hand.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Check out the leica trinovids also. They have some smaller obj options. A good value for premium optics in my opinion.

 

[ActionBob]

If you want high quality glass simple binos (no ranging) in a lightweight package but still want 10x42's. Check out Stealth Vision.

 

[baxterb]

Lots of things to consider. 10s are harder to hold still than 8s, lighter are harder to hold still than heavier(generally), heavier more fatiguing than lighter to carry, etc. I have a heavier set of 10 x 42s (old Japanese vortex that are much better than the newer Chinese) that I carried in Kenya and that I carry here (Idaho), and also Maven 8 x 30s i use here a lot. My grail binos are Leica 8x32 Ultravid HDs.

I would also stick with 4+ mm exit pupil no matter what you get if you are looking for a one and done type thing.

 

[Beck]

Thanks, was considering the zeiss sfl's as they are still pretty compact even in 10x40 they seem nice a light. The other option in a similar price point are the swaro EL in 10x42. Am going to a store today that hopefully has both so I can get a feel in the hand.

Take a look at Meopta's - similar quality glass for a fraction of the price

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

On most of my African hunts I’ve been accompanied by a set of Swaro 10x42’s.If you could only own 1 pair of binoculars this would be my suggestion.

I did however feel they were a little large and over magnified while DG hunting in Zim and Namibia. I wanted something with a little less magnification and weight. I looked at several options to include the 7x21 as 8x25 Swaro CL’s but decided I still wanted the full size fit in my hands. None of the stores by me had the 8x30 CL’s and I’d tried someone else’s 8x30 SLC’s. This led to me searching for a used set of Swaro 8x30 SLC’s since they’re discontinued and snagging them for something like $600. I’m nitpicking when I say I wish they were 7x30’s for the thick thick stuff, but otherwise I think they’re the perfect binocular for an African Safari. If I could try the 8x30 CL’s posted below, I suspect I’d have the same opinion.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK CL Companion 8x30 Wild Nature Green Binoculars

The new CL Companion 8x30 has a 144 yd field of view to give you the perfect overview. Its impressive optics with 8x magnification ensure yo

www.scheels.com

 

[coreydb]

Vortex offers very good binos for the budget minded. Their glass is very good.

 

[Ku-winda]

On most of my African hunts I’ve been accompanied by a set of Swaro 10x42’s.If you could only own 1 pair of binoculars this would be my suggestion.

I did however feel they were a little large and over magnified while DG hunting in Zim and Namibia. I wanted something with a little less magnification and weight. I looked at several options to include the 7x21 as 8x25 Swaro CL’s but decided I still wanted the full size fit in my hands. None of the stores by me had the 8x30 CL’s and I’d tried someone else’s 8x30 SLC’s. This led to me searching for a used set of Swaro 8x30 SLC’s since they’re discontinued and snagging them for something like $600. I’m nitpicking when I say I wish they were 7x30’s for the thick thick stuff, but otherwise I think they’re the perfect binocular for an African Safari. If I could try the 8x30 CL’s posted below, I suspect I’d have the same opinion.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK CL Companion 8x30 Wild Nature Green Binoculars

The new CL Companion 8x30 has a 144 yd field of view to give you the perfect overview. Its impressive optics with 8x magnification ensure yo

www.scheels.com

Plus One on the Swarovski 8x30 SLC's. In my mind, they are the perfect bino when you are out stalking, whether it be Africa, Australia or wherever - field of view and spotting game is the most important thing to me and they excel in both those categories. I'm always going to be counting on my PH to make all the calls on age and trophy quality, so not as important to have any higher magnification. That said, if you're sitting on a rock kopje somewhere glassing extensively, there are better options and would definitely step up 10X.

 

[jpr9954]

In my limited experience, it depends a bit on where you will be going.

In the Eastern Cape, I felt a little underpowered with my Maven B.3’s in 8x30. Because of that, I bought a pair of 10x42 Leica Trinovids for my next hunt. Found them a little too much for the bushveldt of Limpopo. My PH in the Eastern Cape used Swaro 10x42s while my PH in Limpopo used 8x30 or 8x42s.

My brother in law had a set of Sig Kilo6 rangefinder binos in 10x42.

 

[Doug3006]

I use a pair of Swarovski Companion 8x30’s. Very clear and enough power for the kind of hunting I do.

 

[Moody808]

In my limited experience, it depends a bit on where you will be going.

In the Eastern Cape, I felt a little underpowered with my Maven B.3’s in 8x30. Because of that, I bought a pair of 10x42 Leica Trinovids for my next hunt. Found them a little too much for the bushveldt of Limpopo. My PH in the Eastern Cape used Swaro 10x42s while my PH in Limpopo used 8x30 or 8x42s.

My brother in law had a set of Sig Kilo6 rangefinder binos in 10x42.

I will be in the Timbavati and Klaserie areas in South Africa, My understanding is that it's a huge area.

 

[CamoManJ]

8x30 or 8x32 are more than enough for most African safari applications. I love my Swaro EL’s…they are super light, clear & I like to hold them one handed in between the bridge for quick glassing. Every ounce adds up on long stalks, lighter is better.

 

[Moody808]

In my limited experience, it depends a bit on where you will be going.

In the Eastern Cape, I felt a little underpowered with my Maven B.3’s in 8x30. Because of that, I bought a pair of 10x42 Leica Trinovids for my next hunt. Found them a little too much for the bushveldt of Limpopo. My PH in the Eastern Cape used Swaro 10x42s while my PH in Limpopo used 8x30 or 8x42s.

My brother in law had a set of Sig Kilo6 rangefinder binos in 10x42.

I will be in the Timbavati and Klaserie areas in South Africa, My understanding is that it's a huge area

On most of my African hunts I’ve been accompanied by a set of Swaro 10x42’s.If you could only own 1 pair of binoculars this would be my suggestion.

I did however feel they were a little large and over magnified while DG hunting in Zim and Namibia. I wanted something with a little less magnification and weight. I looked at several options to include the 7x21 as 8x25 Swaro CL’s but decided I still wanted the full size fit in my hands. None of the stores by me had the 8x30 CL’s and I’d tried someone else’s 8x30 SLC’s. This led to me searching for a used set of Swaro 8x30 SLC’s since they’re discontinued and snagging them for something like $600. I’m nitpicking when I say I wish they were 7x30’s for the thick thick stuff, but otherwise I think they’re the perfect binocular for an African Safari. If I could try the 8x30 CL’s posted below, I suspect I’d have the same opinion.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK CL Companion 8x30 Wild Nature Green Binoculars

The new CL Companion 8x30 has a 144 yd field of view to give you the perfect overview. Its impressive optics with 8x magnification ensure yo

www.scheels.com

Thanks, will give these a strong look. I don't own any binos presently so maybe a 8x30 and 10x42 in combination will meet all my needs

 

[Moody808]

Take a look at Meopta's - similar quality glass for a fraction of the price

I've heard great things about their glass, just tough to find them in person anywhere.

 

[Stormy Kromer]

I hunted Limpopo a couple times. Thick stuff.

I brought a pair of Swarovski 7x30 SLC that I hunt with in the timber in the US. My main purpose for glassing is finding the animal. I rely on my guide to determine trophy size. Most guides I have had in the US and Africa tend to use 10x42 or 10x50 name brand European binoculars. Spotting scopes too.

Get a good harness.

 

[samson7x]

I’m not familiar with the area you will be hunting but, in the bush, 8x30 were more than enough for me. I’ve got maven b3 and they are great at their price point with Japan glass. Very light and compact.

Hunting western US where I spend hours glassing vast country, I use swaro 10x42.

 

[ftrovato]

I always felt one should go to a big box store (Cabelas).
- Pick each pair up and look through them and focus them.
- Put them down.
- Pick them up once again and look. If you don't feel your eyes strain to focus you are off to a good start.
- If your eyes strain when the binos are focused, they're not for you/me.
- From there Size, Weight, Features and Price are a personal decision.