6x30 provides enough magnification and brightness for just about everything. 8x really isn't that much different than 6x. The yosemite's optics are 97% as good as my "overpriced European binoculars" and it cost less than 100 bucks, is smaller and lighter, too. When armies were smarter, they used 6x30s for exactly these reasons; enough mag, 5.0 exit pupil, compact, light weight. Leopold went back to old school and got smart. They have a real winner here. Twist up eye cups are really neat.
Pros: great optics, light weight, compact, low price
Cons: not quite as good as $1700 European, but real close.
This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.