As a need, no more than 7..., For a want, maybe more.. it's nice to plonk out to 70/80 yards with 10-12 mag. So yes., I think unless range finding even 12mag is a bit much. I had a 2-8 vortex, side focus scope for a while.. such a crying sad shame the fov was narrow as this scope was absolutely perfect for an airgun., But it was too narrow to use in the field.