An 8X or 10X magnification is best for hiking because it provides image stability along with an impressive level of magnification. Anything more than 10 increases the chance of image instability, commonly known as “shakiness” and you would benefit from using a tripod. Magnification is also inversely proportional to the field of view. Higher magnification narrows your field of view, which makes it more difficult to locate and track moving subjects. Lastly, higher level magnification binoculars tend to be larger and heavier which adds to pack weight and can be tiring when using on a trail. For this reason, if you are primarily using your hiking binoculars to observe wildlife or birdwatch, a lower magnification is the way to go.