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Message: <blockquote data-quote="bcl05" data-source="post: 1826706" data-attributes="member: 67995">Between 7x and 8x, I think either would serve you well.  I think they have different strengths, and it depends on which is more important to you. The 7x has a definitely larger FOV and greater depth of focus.   I think it makes finding/tracking moving birds significantly easier.  I think the edge-to-edge performance of the 8x is somewhat better, but its offset (for me) with the greater FOV of the 7x.  I suspect that the breadth of the "sweet-spot" image is pretty comparable between the two, with maybe a slight edge to the 7x.  For some people, the lower-quality image at the the edge of the 7x FOV may be distracting.  It bugs my wife.  For me, I like that its visible, even if its out of focus.  If there is movement there, I see it and re-center the FOV.   If you think that would be a constant annoyance, I'd recommend the 8x.  If not, go with the 7x.  Ergonomically, they are extremely similar, but I prefer the 7x.  The space between the barrels on the 8x was just barely wide enough for my fingers (I have fairly thick, stubby, short digits).  With the 7x, they fit better.  I have a greater degree of "wrap-around" with my hand on the 7x, and it feels like a more stable hold.  The difference is slight but there.  If I had long, thin fingers,  the 8x might be preferable ...I have a hard time seeing the difference between 7x and 8x regarding magnification, even directly comparing them back-to-back.  I would decide more based on the other factors, personally.</blockquote>

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