Binoculars are an optical gear for you to capture stunning views while observing and focusing on distant objects to bring them as close to you as possible. They are made of two small telescopes attached side by side to provide you with a close-up of things far away.
They overcome the limitation of a telescope to view or focus on things through one eye because they let you do that using both your eyes simultaneously. The small size of binoculars makes them portable for you to carry around while traveling or taking part in outdoor activities. Binoculars are ideal for bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature observation, hiking, hunting, stargazing, and even sports viewing.
What are 8×42 Binoculars?
8×42 is simply a configuration of a pair of binoculars. The two numbers represent two separate performance measures. The first number refers to the magnification power and the second refers to the objective lens diameter.
This means that in an 8×42 binocular, 8 refers to 8 times magnification power i.e. the binoculars can make the image appear 8 times larger than its actual size.
The second number 42 refers to the diameter of an objective lens which is an essential parameter in determining the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the lens and enter your eyes.
The 8×42 configuration of a binocular is sometimes considered to be the universal configuration because it is practical and adequate for all types of situations. Sometimes, 10×42 is also considered a standard configuration because it provides a wider field of view.
Here is our guide to the best 8×42 Binoculars on the market.
Our Top Picks
8×42 Binoculars Reviews
Leica Camera Co. 8×42 Trinovid HD Binoculars
Leica Trinovid HD Binoculars are a powerful pair which possesses appealing external and internal features. The ergonomic design and excellent appearance are paired with world-class optics. The resolution is excellent even in low light conditions and other challenging situations making them suitable for your outdoor excursions like bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature observation, etc. The overall structure is well balanced and is not overly heavy. The model supports durability and intelligent mechanics. These binoculars produce sharp and clear images with an excellent level of brightness.
Leica Trinovid HD Binoculars are a compact pair of binoculars with the 8x magnification power and 42 mm objective lens diameter. High optical quality and mechanics are guaranteed along with a compact and unique design which makes them all the more appealing. They are easy to handle and along with being compact and lightweight, they are extremely robust. They are definitely a pair of binoculars that will remain your long-term companions.
Leica Trinovid HD Binoculars are impressive in terms of their ergonomic design as well as the comfort of use due to the presence of long eye relief. They also come with rubber ratchet shells and possess exceptional close focus capabilities. This makes them an ideal choice for insect observation as well. The field of view stands at 372 feet at 1000 yards which is very impressive given the compact and ergonomic design.
Pros
- Wonderful ergonomics
- Sharp image quality and resolution
- Generous field of view
- Compact design
- Durable and easy to use
Cons
- Stiff focus knobs
- Diopter doesn’t lock
- Premium leica optics for high-contrast, pin sharp images
- Close focus under six feet
- Innovative carrying System for quick and comfortable Use
- Compact construction
- Balanced and lightweight magnesium alloy chassis
Eschenbach Arena D+ 8×42 High Powered Compact Binoculars
Eschenbach has been in the binocular industry for more than 100 years and has made a name for themselves by focusing on high-quality optics and products. Eschenbach Arena D+ 8×42 Binoculars are one of many of their creations which have been designed to keep the weight at a bare minimum. The chassis is made of a material called PPS, a thermoplastic polymer, which helps in maintaining the lightweight property of this model.
The 8x magnification along with a 42 mm objective lens diameter makes them a powerful optical piece along with a compact and lightweight body. The rubber armor is sleek and smooth but slightly slippery. They are ideal for leisure and travel along with more extensive activities like bird watching, nature observation, wildlife viewing, sports viewing, etc.
Eschenbach Arena D+ 8×42 binoculars are high powered yet compact. But they lose out on comfort due to a rather short eye relief. The optical quality is high with the lenses fully multicoated and prisms silver coated which reduces reflection. This helps in producing high quality, sharp images with reduced chromatic aberration. The images maintain adequate levels of contrast and sharpness. The field of view for this pair of binoculars is 107 m at 1000 m which is slightly disappointing given its high-end optics. The lenses have exceptional additional features such as nitrogen filling for water resistance and a shortened near-point.
Pros
- Super lightweight at 690 grams
- BAK-4 prisms
- Waterproof
- Multicoated lenses and silver coated prisms
Cons
- Slippery armor design
- CRYSTAL CLEAR SHARP COLORED IMAGES thanks to top BAK-4 prisms. The arena binoculars are nitrogen purged, watertight, and the lenses are fully multi-coated
- COMPACT BINOCULARS FOR BIRD WATCHING and outdoor. Lightweight, easy to handle and carry, they come with a case, a strap and protective dust caps
- ENJOY A WIDE FIELD OF VIEW with these powerful binoculars 8x42: foldable and adjustable with the twist-up eyecups and the central focus knob
- EYE-FRIENDLY: the additional silvering of the prisms reduces harmful UV radiation. You can even keep your (sun)glasses thanks to the eyecups
- TECHNICAL FEATURES: Magnification: 8x - Lens diameter: 42mm - Close focus: 9,8ft - Field of view: 351ft at 1000yds - Dimensions: 6x5,4x2,1 in
Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 8×42 All Terrain Binoculars
Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 8×42 Binoculars are an ideal choice for those who wish to own good quality binoculars from a reputed brand at an affordable price. They are an excellent pair of binoculars with a stylish design and are one of the most popular binoculars among the masses.
Their high quality and innovative components make for a highly desirable pair of binoculars. They fall into the lightweight category because of their total weight of just 650 grams. The ergonomic design features an exterior armor that is rubberized and non-slippery for optimal grip. The rubber coating provides shock resistance and makes them a durable pair of binoculars.
Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 8×42 binoculars come loaded with lots of optical and technological features including phase corrective coated roof prisms, multicoated eco-glass lenses, adjustable eye relief and are waterproof as well as fog proof.The fully multi-coated lenses produce bright and clear images by maximizing the transmission of light through the binoculars and reducing reflection and glare. Phase corrective coating on roof prisms reduces chromatic aberration significantly.
They boast of an all-terrain applicability because of their resistance to water and fog. The O-Ring seal and nitrogen filling makes it possible to prevent moisture from entering the unit and causing problems. This further helps in protecting the binoculars from dust and impurities, making them dustproof as well.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Environment-friendly
- Long eye relief
- Waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
Cons
- No zoom
- Lens caps don’t attach easily
- Whether you're looking at wildlife or scenery, 2 things are important: color and clarity The PROSTAFF 7S brings you both, thanks to Fully Multilayer Coated lenses and Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms
- Even eyeglass wearers will enjoy looking through the PROSTAFF 7S The turn and slide rubber eyecups allow anyone to adjust the space between their eye and the binocular's eyepiece, ensuring a full field of view
- The PROSTAFF 7S is comfortable to hold, even in wet conditions, thanks to its rubber armored body The rubber armor also protects the binocular in case it is dropped or handled roughly
Steiner 8032 Skyhawk 3.0 Binoculars
Steiner Skyhawk 3.0 binoculars are an extremely high-quality pair of binoculars that you can own at an affordable price. They come with an extensive list of features and are worth the hype. They make use of high contrast optics which provide bright, sharp and clear images for exceptional performance in outdoor activities. They also have a fast close-focus mechanism with a central focusing wheel which requires minimal rotation.
Steiner Skyhawk 3.0 Binoculars are built for rugged use and are pretty durable and sturdy because of their polycarbonate Makrolon housing along with an NBR-Long life rubber coating. The rubber coating is resistant to substances such as oil or acid and provides a non-slippery grip.
These pair of binoculars offer water, fog, and dust resistance as well because of the nitrogen filling. The binoculars are ergonomically designed which makes them suitable for long-term observations. The eyecups protect the eyes from light, dust, and wind. The field of view for this pair of binoculars is 125m at a 1000 m.
Another feature includes a distance control system which allows you to predefine the distance you want to observe from. This pair of binoculars weighs about 740 grams which makes them slightly bulky as compared to other binoculars in the 8×42 category. Yet, Steiner Skyhawk 3.0 Binoculars are one of the best in the category of 8×42 binoculars and have no significant or critical weaknesses.
Pros
- Fast Close Focus system
- Distance Control system
- High contrast optics
- Durable and ergonomic design
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- COLOR ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION (CAT) amplifies contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range, to spot game in any environment.
- FAST-CLOSE-FOCUS central focusing wheel requires minimal rotation for quick, absolute sharpness from close up to infinity.
- N2 INJECTION SYSTEM seals 14-psi pressurized dry nitrogen inside the optic, for fogproof clarity in any condition - from artic cold to desert heat.
- CLICLOC SYSTEM attaches and releases neck strap or harness with instant, push-button ease, and keeps binoculars hanging straight and action-ready.
- HERITAGE WARRANTY - We stand behind our products. Period! We will repair/replace defective products at no charge for the lifetime of the product. Warranty does not cover damage, loss or theft.
Olympus Pathfinder EXPS-1 8×42 Porro Prism Binoculars
Olympus Pathfinder EXPS-1 binoculars provide high-quality optics and user-friendly design at an affordable price. They are equipped with high-quality Porro prisms which provide bright and clear images. The optics are spectacular with not a single flaw. These binoculars come with a solid rubber casing. The lenses and prisms are multicoated for increased brightness and visual clarity and decreased distortion and reflection. Additionally, UV coatings are used to prevent the transmission of harmful rays. These binoculars possess excellent light transmission capabilities.
Olympus Pathfinder EXPS-1 8×42 binoculars are considered to be slightly bulky due to a weight of 780 grams which is a bit higher than the other 8×42 binoculars. They also have a very narrow field of view of about 114 m at a 1000 m. The binoculars are ergonomically designed to provide easy handling and come in a stylish and compact casing. The BAK-4 high index prisms ensure crisp, edge to edge images with very low distortion.
Olympus Pathfinder EXPS-1 8×42 binoculars also have a built-in dioptric correction which gives them the ability to adjust to individual eyesight. These pair of binoculars are ideal for sports observation, bird watching, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- A stylish and compact casing
- Excellent light transmission
- Very low distortion
- Multicoated lenses and prism
Cons
- A narrow field of view
- Slight brightness loss at the edges
- 8x Magnification
- Waterproof, anti-fog construction with oil repellant coating allows water spotting and dirt to be wiped off easily.
- Roof prism design with dielectric reflective multilayer coating for improved light transmittance.
- 42mm diameter objective lenses provide clear, bright vision and wide, 7.5 Degree field of view.
- Ed lenses reduce aberrations, glare and distortion for sharp high resolution images.
Swarovski EL Swarovision 8.5×42 Binoculars
Swarovski EL Swarovision binoculars are a revolutionary pair of binoculars with the addition of latest optical and technological innovations. They provide razor-sharp clarity and uniform brightness in their images. They are the perfect binoculars for outdoor excursions and low light conditions. They not only offer superior quality images but are laden with luxury. If you are a person that doesn’t mind shelling out big bucks for luxurious yet high-end items, then these binoculars are for you.
This pair of binoculars employs an improved coating technology which remains unmatched by its competitors and has set a new standard for optical brilliance. These binoculars offer optimum contrast even in low light conditions. The 8.5x magnification and 42 mm objective lens are enough to provide high-quality images, but these binoculars have something more to offer. The lenses and prisms are made of European glass which makes the much-needed difference and the innovative multi-coatings enhance the light to produce the brightest image possible.
The high-density (HD) glass provides high-quality color, contrast, and image resolution. The fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and the anti-reflective coatings reduce reflection and glare. Swarovski’s Swaroclean lens coating repels dust and oils on the outer glass surface and keeps them clean.
The chassis is made of a magnesium alloy which makes them resistant to corrosion, sturdy and durable. The field of view for this pair of binoculars stands at 399 feet/1000 yards.
Although they are expensive, they can be referred to as the best all-around binoculars in the low light binocular industry.
Pros
- Improved lens and prism coating technology
- HD European glass
- Unmatched light transmission and optics
- Magnesium alloy chassis
Cons
- A bit expensive
- This Item Includes: Swarovski Optik EL 8.5x42 Binocular - Field Bag - Eyepiece Cover - Objective Lens Cover - Lift Carrying Strap - Swarovski Optik Lifetime Limited Warranty for Optics - Swarovski Optik 10 Year Warranty for Other Parts
- Magnification: 8.5x
- Effective objective lens diameter: 42mm
- Exit pupil diameter: 4.9mm
- Exit pupil distance (eye relief): 20mm
Leica Ultravid HD 8×42 Binoculars
Leica Ultravid HD 8×42 binoculars are a state-of-the-art pair of binoculars. They are considered to be as close to optical perfection as any binocular can get. These binoculars employ fluoride containing lenses which tend to optimize the color fidelity and resolution. The anti-reflective coated lenses enhance the color resolution and light transmission abilities of these binoculars.
The resulting images are absolutely stunning and have a sparkle to them which cannot be ignored. The color of the resulting images tends to move towards warmer and more natural hues.
Leica Ultravid HD 8×42 binoculars are a compact and sturdy pair of binoculars with an aluminum body for increased durability. The AquaDura hydrophobic lens coating helps in repelling water and dust on the outer glass surface and makes cleaning easy. The dielectric prism coating is known to optimize the light transmission further.
This pair of binoculars also makes it easy to have a fast and close focus due to an easy to use central doublewide focus knob. The field of view for the Ultravid HD binoculars is about 389 feet at 1000 yards but it feels like a lot wider when used. This pair of binoculars provides high saturation of colors along with micro contrast for beautiful images. They manage to keep the image-center free from veiling glare.
Pros
- Sharp and high contrast images
- Ease of view
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Good mechanics and optical quality
Cons
- Peripheral crescent flares
- A narrow field of view
- Reduced close focus
- The prisms of the new binoculars are made from specially formulated SCHOTT glasses with exceptional transmission characteristics (SCHOTT HT glasses).
- The Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 42 binoculars therefore also offer increased contrast performance in all viewing situations, and particularly in unfavorable light
- The Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 42 models are available with 7×, 8× and 10× magnification and are identified by an engraved ‘HD’ in red on the strap lugs of the binoculars
- The binoculars feature exceptionally high-quality lenses that reduce flare to an absolute minimum
- The shock-absorbent armoring protects the binoculars against damage while also providing excellent grip for safe and steady handling
Swarovski SLC 8×42 W B Binoculars
Swarovski SLC 8×42 W B binoculars are considered to be the real multipurpose binoculars. They are quite dependable for any kind of weather and are ideal for your outdoor excursions such as hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, etc. They have pretty high-resolution powers with exemplary image clarity. The image contrast is equally great which results in larger than life images. Color saturation is almost perfect and gives an inherent glow to the image. Along with high optical and image quality, these binoculars possess excellent panning and tilting behavior.
This pair of binoculars is slightly bulky, yet compact. The appearance is not that stylish but beauty is not a feature most people look for in a pair of binoculars. They provide great flare and shadow suppression which leads to better image quality.
The high-definition glass enhances color, resolution, and contrast. The optical components such as lenses and prisms are fully multi-coated to provide better light transmission.
Phase corrective coatings enhance the resolution and contrast while the anti-reflective coatings reduce reflection and glare. Swarovski’s Swaroclean coating does the best job in making the outer glass surface resistant towards water, dust and other impurities.
The chassis is made of magnesium which makes Swarovski SLC robust and sturdy. These binoculars have a rugged and ergonomic design with an ease of view. Swarovski SLC 8×42 W B binoculars also stand out because of their large field of view of 408 feet at 1000 yards.
Pros
- Great image resolution
- Resistance to flare and ghosting
- Saturated colors and high contrast
- Exceptional panning
- Wide field of view
Cons
- A reduced close focus of 3.2 m
- 42mm objective lens
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Angle compensation
- 19. 2mm eye relief
- Range finding binoculars
Zeiss Conquest HD 8×42 Binoculars
Zeiss Conquest HD binoculars offer superior optical performance at affordable prices. They use all the latest technology that makes them achieve high levels of resolution and image quality. The high definition lenses allow these binoculars to present spectacular and breathtaking views that set the standards for true color representation.
Zeiss Conquest 8×42 HD binoculars are considered to be super compact for a pair of binoculars with 8x magnification power and 42 mm objective lens. The construction of this pair of binoculars is robust which makes them ideal for rugged use.
These binoculars use Zeiss’ LotuTec lens coating that makes the lens water repellant thereby making this pair of binoculars waterproof and fog proof. This type of coating also provides dust resistance which reduces the risk of smudging and scratching the lens. The phase corrective coating enhances the resolution and contrast through the roof prisms used in this pair of binoculars.
Along with the HD lens, the Zeiss Conquest binoculars make use of premium extra-low dispersion (ED) glass which provides high light transmission, resolution and color distinction along with low dispersion, distortion, and reflection leading to beautiful, bright and crystal clear images.
The aluminum body makes this pair of binoculars compact and lightweight which is an essential feature for a portable travel gear. The ergonomic design includes handles that are reinforced with rubber to make them non-slippery thereby increasing your grip. This pair of binoculars is ideal for outdoor expeditions such as bird watching, hunting, hiking, etc. Zeiss Conquest HD binoculars are the perfect pair of binoculars for your next outdoor adventure.
Pros
- Waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
- High resolution and focusing capabilities
- Lightweight and compact build
- Non-slippery
Cons
- The highly sensitive focus knob
- 88% LIGHT TRANSMISSION - SCHOTT ED glass with a hydrophobic multi-coating provides optical clarity and precision in all situations
- COMFORTABLE, FAST FOCUSING - The large, smooth and easy-to-grip focus wheel makes focusing particularly easy and, most of all, quick on a ZEISS Terra ED
- ZEISS T* COATING - a guarantee of the brilliant, high-contrast images which you will experience above all in adverse light conditions and in the twilight
- COMPACT, LIGHT AND ROBUST - With its waterproof casing reinforced with glass fibers, Terra ED bino satisfies the high standards of nature lovers. Lightweight, easy to fit into any bag and nearly indestructible, ZEISS Terra ED is the perfect companion
- A CLEAR VIEW, WHATEVER THE WEATHER – Features a LotuTec lens coating that enables a clear and unhindered view in all weather conditions
Pentax DCF ED 8×43 Binoculars
The Pentax DCF ED 8×43 Binoculars is one of the top binoculars produced by Pentax. They offer superior levels of brightness and edge to edge sharpness of the image. This pair of binoculars stands out because of the use of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass technology. ED glass is used to construct the objective lens, roof prisms and other optic elements which are phase-corrected and silver coated as well. This leads to an exceptional level of light transmission through this pair of binoculars, better color resolution and sharp imagery along with a reduced level of distortion and chromatic aberration. The antireflective coating reduces reflection off the air-to-glass surface.
The chassis of Pentax DCF ED 8×43 binoculars is made of a magnesium alloy which makes them strong, lightweight and compact and is considered to be much classier than the usual polycarbonate chassis. The casing for this binocular is padded with high-quality rubber making it shockproof and the fine texture along with well-placed thumb indents provides a good grip. Also, these binoculars are completely waterproof, fog proof and dustproof due to the nitrogen filling.
The features of long eye relief and close focus add to the charm of this pair of binoculars and makes them a valuable tool for use in any kind of situation. The field of view for the Pentax DCF ED binoculars is about 330 feet at 1000 yards.
Pros
- Excellent light transmission
- Significantly reduced chromatic aberration
- Sharp and bright images
- Multicoated optics
Cons
- Slightly narrow field of view
- Slight brightness loss on the edges
- Significantly truncated exit pupils
- Premium multi-layer coatings assure the maximum light transmission through the binocular. The result is bright, crisp, true-to-life images in the widest range of viewing conditions.
- Specialized protective coating repels dust, water and grease to keep your optics clean and your image quality at its peak.
- Magnesium alloy construction balances durability and weight. The lightweight design is built to handle rough and tumble conditions of life’s adventures.
- Aspherical lens elements provide exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness. To assure that items on the edge of your field of view are just as sharp as those in the center. Phase coated roof prisms allow the max light transmission for sharp, high contrast images.
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled (JIS Class 6) to handle the most extreme weather conditions (submersible to 1m).
Meopta Meostar B1 8×42 Binoculars
Meopta is a sports optic brand that has been known to provide high-quality optical products for over 80 years. They provide a variety of products such as rifle scopes, spotting scopes, high-quality binoculars, etc.
Meopta Meostar B1 8×42 binoculars have two features which make them quite the superstar that they are. Firstly, these binoculars provide high-quality optics packed in a very compact design which make them a portable travel gear. Secondly, the field of view for this pair of binoculars is significantly high at about 411 feet at a 1000 yards, which is not expected out of a pair of binoculars with 8x magnification power and a 42 mm objective lens. Most of the binoculars fail to provide both these features simultaneously at the configuration of 8×42.
The optical components are of superior quality with fully multicoated lenses for better light transmission and phase corrective coatings on the BAK-4 prisms for reduced distortion. The lenses are coated with anti-reflective coatings as well to prevent reflection and glare. Meopta has developed two proprietary coating technologies namely MeoBright and MeoShield to provide clear viewing experience and protection from scratches respectively.
The body of Meopta Meostar is made of aircraft grade aluminum which results in the lightweight and compact design and can survive in the toughest of terrains. The casing is protected with hard rubberized armor that makes them shockproof and suitable for rugged use. The exit pupils for this pair of binoculars are perfectly circular. Also, these binoculars provide close focus from a distance of 2 meters. These binoculars are waterproof as well and can be submerged in water without any problem.
Unfortunately, this pair of binoculars lacks in an accurate color rendition and has a slight yellow tinge to its images which is an inherent weakness of all the products manufactured by Meopta.
Pros
- Well corrected chromatic aberration
- Perfectly circular exit pupils
- Sharp edge to edge images
- Multicoated lenses and prisms
Cons
- Premium Price
- MEOBRIGHT ion assisted lens multi-coatings deliver an outstanding 99.7% light transmission per lens surface
- MEOSHIELD coating protects exposed lens surfaces from abrasion
- FLOURIDE (HD) objective lenses eliminate chromatic aberrations (color fringing) and deliver vivid, razor-sharp images with exceptional brightness
- MAGNESIUM lightweight chassis for a comfortable carry in the field
- WATERPROOF & FOGPROOF 100% Sealed
Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 is one of the best 8×42 binoculars available at a pretty decent price which never fails to impress you. These binoculars have much more advantages when compared to other binoculars in the same price range. This pair of binoculars has been designed to be used in any type of climate or terrain and is perfect for your outdoor adventures, be it hunting, hiking, or simply nature observation.
For being useful in such situations, these binoculars are waterproof, dustproof and fog proof. Also, they have a rubberized armor to provide shock resistance and a robust and sturdy exterior. The compact and lightweight body allows them to be even more portable making them a reliable companion.
Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 binoculars make use of innovative lens technologies and roof prisms which significantly enhance the optical performance. They provide 8x magnification power and 42 mm wide objective lens. This pair of binoculars is perfect for those who wear spectacles because of the wide eyepiece. Also, the twister diopter ring is provided to compensate for the difference in the left and right eyesight.
Nikon Monarch 5 also possesses a lot of user-friendly features such as smooth central focus knob, foldable lens caps, etc. This pair of binoculars employs multicoated Eco-glass lenses which are eco-friendly and ensure effective light transmission. The premium Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass provides the reduced levels of distortion and dispersion. The body of Nikon Monarch 5 is made of polycarbonate to provide much-needed shock resistance to withstand any kind of environment.
Pros
- Value for money
- Waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
- Rubberized armor for enhanced durability
- ED lenses for enhanced clarity
- Lightweight and compact design
- Multicoated optics
Cons
- Lens caps aren’t the best fit
- Narrowest field of view
- Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for chromatic aberration compensation and clearer viewing
- Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating ensures superior transmittance uniformity across the visible range, resulting in brighter images and more natural colours
- All lenses and prisms are multilayer-coated for brighter images
- Phase-correction-coated roof prisms for high resolution. Close Focus Distance:7.8 feet
- Long eye relief design provides a clear field of view, even for eyeglass wearers
Opticron Discovery WP PC 8×42 Binoculars
If you are looking for a small pair of binoculars that is lightweight and compact, yet provides the optical quality of any other binocular having the configuration of 8×42, then Opticron Discovery WP PC 8×42 binocular is the right choice for you. Opticron offers some of the smallest and low priced binoculars currently available in the market and Opticron Discovery WP PC 8×42 binoculars are considered to be one of the smallest waterproof roof prism binoculars due to their ultra-compact optical design.
The small and compact design of Opticron Discovery WP PC doesn’t force this pair of binoculars to compromise on the optical quality as these binoculars come with a range of features including fast close focus, lightweight body, roof prism and water resistance.
The roof prisms are one of the main reasons which make the design smaller but also provide these binoculars with the ability to tolerate severe conditions and improve their optical performance significantly.
These binoculars are ideal for those who wear spectacles because of the wide eye lenses with long eye relief. The lenses are multicoated to improve clarity, brightness, and sharpness of the image and reduce dispersion, distortion, glare, and reflection off the air-to-glass surface. The polycarbonate exterior makes them suitable for rugged use and increases their robustness and durability.
Pros
- A solid and compact casing
- Well corrected chromatic aberration
- Very low brightness loss at edges
- Waterproof
- Long eye relief
Cons
- The narrow field of view
- Average blackening
- Slightly low light transmission
- Ultra-compact roof prism optical design finished in natural rubber armor
- Nitrogen waterproof construction
- Wide-angle fully multi-coated optical system + PC phase corrected prisms
- Long eye relief for spectacle wearers, with twist type retractable eyecups
- Close focus to under 1.5m
Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 Binoculars
Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars are the perfect choice for outdoor activities such as wildlife observation, bird watching, hunting, hiking, etc. These binoculars come with roof prism design and multicoated lenses for superior optical quality. Also, they are waterproof, fog proof and dust proof along with an additional feature of being submersion proof as well. These features are a result of weather sealed elements and nitrogen filling which ensure that you can use these binoculars in all kinds of situations.
Zeiss Terra ED employs fully multicoated lenses that significantly increases light transmission through the binoculars thereby increasing brightness and overall quality of the images. The roof prisms are equally responsible for further enhancing the image quality. The use of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass reduces the levels of distortion and dispersion of light off the air-to-glass surface.
This pair of binoculars is lightweight and compact weighing less than 2 lbs. They are made from glass reinforced polyamide which makes them less wobbly. These binoculars are fully functional with high performing optical elements in use, yet they remain inexpensive. They are very effective in low light conditions as well making them suitable for wildlife viewing because it is believed that wildlife is the most active during dusk and dawn which tend to be the dark hours with poor light conditions.
Zeiss Terra HD binoculars also come with fast close-focus mechanism and infinity zoom which is very appealing to hunters, birdwatchers, stargazers and sports enthusiasts.
Pros
- Solid casing
- Excellent distortion correction
- BAK-4 phase corrected prisms
- Multicoated lenses and prisms
Cons
- High coma level
- Average sharpness on the edges
- 88% LIGHT TRANSMISSION - SCHOTT ED - glass with a hydrophobic multi-coating provides optical clarity and precision in all situations.
- COMFORTABLE, FAST FOCUSING - The large, smooth and easy-to-grip focus wheel makes focusing particularly easy and, most of all, quick on a ZEISS Terra ED. You'll notice the advantages of Terra ED binoculars as soon as you pick them up: your index finger automatically lands on the focusing wheel. You'll never again need to think about how you hold the binoculars when something exciting suddenly happens in front of you. In next to no time, you'll have it sharply in focus.
- COMPACT, LIGHT & ROBUST - With its its waterproof casing reinforced with glass fibers, the ZEISS Terra ED satisfies the high standards of nature lovers. The construction is compact, light and robust. Easy to fit into any bag and nearly indestructible, the ZEISS Terra ED is the perfect companion.
- ZEISS T* COATING - Guaranteed brilliant, high-contrast images, particularly in adverse light conditions and twilight. The coating is tuned to each lens individually for maximum clarity.
- A CLEAR VIEW IN ANY WEATHER - There are always exciting things to be seen in the world of nature, even in wet weather. ZEISS developed LotuTec as a coating for binoculars and scopes that enables a clear and unhindered view in all weather conditions.
Vortex Diamondback 8×42 Binoculars
Vortex Diamondback binoculars are known to be the most durable pair of binoculars. They have been around for quite some time now but were redesigned to a much impressive version in 2016. They are also one of the most popular ranges of binoculars due to their lower cost and a wide choice of configurations they offer and have been the perfect solution for hikers, nature lovers, hunters, etc.
The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars are fitted with roof prisms, are lightweight and well balanced. They provide noticeably clearer images with greater contrast. The field of view is wider at 420 feet/1000 yards, which is more generous than its counterparts but the latest model has compromised slightly on the field of view by reducing it to 393 feet/1000 yards.
This pair of binoculars uses phase corrected roof prisms and multicoated glass lenses which create stunning images. The external rubber armor is quite textured and provides a strong and quality grip. The dielectric coatings of the prism enhance image resolution, color, and contrast. The focus knob is quite precise and easy to use. Further, the O-ring seal makes them waterproof and fog proof as well.
Pros
- Good resolution in low light conditions
- Durability with rugged rubber armor
- Lightweight and compact design
- Wider Field of view
Cons
- Image not as sharp around the outer edges
- 8x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, these Diamondback binoculars are the workhorse of Vortex lineup; known for impressive optical quality and durability.
- Dielectric, fully multi-coated lenses transmit more light and clearer, brighter images. A field of view that is one of the largest in its class helps you efficiently glass your surroundings and identify your target.
- A sleek, short hinge design with rubber armor and thumb indents leaves more room for your hands creating an easier, secure, non-slip grip.
- Multi-position eyecups twist up for adjustable eye relief. A right eye diopter accomodates for focal differences in your eyes.
- Argon purging and rubber armor provide enhanced waterproof and fogproof performance in extreme weather conditions. Field of View: 393 feet/1000 yards|7.5 degrees
Other Best Selling Options
- Perfect binoculars for every adventure: A great match for everyone from beginners to mid-range outdoors and birding enthusiasts. The perfect combination of Premium build, portability, and price
- Top-rated glass optics with impressive specs: Fully multi-coated lenses for brighter images, more contrast and highest resolution with phase-coated BaK-4 prisms, 8x magnification power, and 6.5-foot close focus
- Robust, waterproof mid-sized body: Incredibly precise build and design that offers protection from outdoor elements. Features a waterproof/fogproof, rubber-armored, polycarbonate housing. Comfortable twist-up eyecups with multi-stop function ensure proper positioning of the eyes for eyeglass wearers and non-eyeglass wearers alike
- All you need is included: Take this Binocular with you anywhere. We’ve included a compact carrying case, objective lens caps, an eyepiece rainguard, a neck strap, a lens cloth, and an instruction manual for easy use on the go
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading binocular and telescope brand, based in California since 1960. Your purchase is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts
- MULTI-COATED OPTICS AND BaK-4 PRISMS: Multi-coated optics help obtain high resolution and high contrast views, while the prisms made of BaK-4 glass will give you enhanced color fidelity. Enjoy crisp, detailed views and dependable performance with our Outland X all-around binocular
- WATERPROOF AND FOGPROOF: Designed to withstand all weather conditions, our Outland X compact binoculars have been filled and sealed with dry nitrogen gas for rigorous outdoor use without internal fogging of the lenses
- PROTECTIVE RUBBER COVERING: Our binocular is both durable and well-armored; its rugged exterior ensures protection from all outdoor elements while providing a secure, anti-slip gripping surface. The Outland X is also a great birdwatching binocular
- TWIST-UP EYECUPS FOR QUICK ADJUSTMENT: Large focus knobs make for easy and precise focusing, and twist-up eyecups allow for quick adjustment of eye relief to obtain a full field of view. Eyecups can be easily positioned for use with or without eyeglasses
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand and a leading sport optics manufacturer, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a Limited Lifetime warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
- 8x magnification & 42mm objective lenses, these Diamondback HD binos are optimized with select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration and provide outstanding color fidelity, sharpness and light transmission.
- Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. Dielectric coating provides bright, clear, color-accurate images. Armortek coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt.
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. Center focus wheel adjusts the focus of both binocular barrels at the same time. Diopter (located on right eyepiece) adjusts for differences in a user's eyes.
- Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip, and durable external protection. Binoculars are tripod adaptable allowing use on a tripod or car window mount.
- Argon purging and O-ring seals provide water and Fog proof performance in all environments. Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact. Includes glass Pak harness.
- Quality optics with stunning HD clarity
- 100 percentage quality materials used and tested extensively
- Beautiful blue color design and durability built to last
- 100 percent waterproof, O ring sealed and nitrogen purged for reliable, fog free performance
- BaK 4 prisms and multi coated optics offer crisp clear images with improved light transmission
- Multilayer-coated kenses for brighter images
- High-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coatings for a bright and clear view
- Turn-and-slide rubber multi-click eyecups
- Water Proof and Fogproof
8×42 Binoculars Buyer’s Guide
Binoculars are very carefully calibrated pieces of equipment. A lot of money is involved in purchasing one of these optical devices. Thus, before you make a purchase, it is important to know all that you can about the device. There are certain factors that you can look into and learn about before purchasing a binocular.
In the following segment, we will be looking into some technical terms and contributing factors.
Magnification
This is a simple term and needs no real explanation. Magnification refers to the capability of the device to enlarge the size of the projected image. The magnification is given in numbers. For example, 10x magnification means the projected image will be 10 times the size of the original object. 8x magnification is also a fairly good magnification power.
However, large magnification is known to have bad performance in low lighting and also tends to blur the image.
Objective lens
When the reflected light from an object enters our eyes, we are able to visualize things. The more light that enters, the better you can see. The objective lens is the first lens which lets the light enter the scope and its size decides the amount of light allowed to enter. Since more light means a better image, a large objective lens is preferred by people. A large sense does affect the weight of the binocular.
Exit Pupil
Exit pupil is on the user end of the binocular. It is the part of the binocular which acts as a gateway from which the image enters the eye of the user. It is ideal for all the light exiting the binocular to enter our eye. This is only made possible if the aperture of the exit pupil is small enough to focus all of the light into our eyes. When looking for a binocular, go for a small exit pupil.
Field of View
The more you can see from the binocular the better. Field of view is the amount of area that is visible when you look out of a binocular. The field of view is generally given in the terms of degrees is displayed on either side of the viewer. A large field of view is always a good thing as you can view a large area with just one position setting. A small field of view will cause you to move around and adjust your position continuously.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the user’s eyes and the exit pupil. This distance is generally calibrated based on where will the exit pupil display will project the final image. It is advisable to go for a movable eye relief rather than a fixed eye relief. This way, you have a range of adjustments that you can make. Also, go for a silicone covering over the relief for ease of use and longer viewing time.
Lens Coating
Lenses are made of glass which, by its property, reflects back some of the entering light. This reflected light tends to cancel out the entering light, disrupting the picture quality. In order to avoid such distortions, the lenses are coated to reduce reflection. The coatings are also made of substances which help reduce optical disruptions.
Weight and Durability
A binocular is a bulky instrument, especially if it’s very powerful. The large size of the objective lens and the material used to build it add to the weight. Since a binocular is mostly an outdoor device, it is important to make it durable. It is integral that durable material is used to create your binocular. This factor will make sure that you get to use the binocular for a long period of time. In order to compensate for the weight, a tripod is advisable.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of all the factors that you need to look for in an 8×42 binocular and have read about some of the most popular 8×42 binoculars as well, you are well equipped to pick the best pair of 8×42 binoculars which are suitable for your purpose. What are you waiting for?
Choose among the best 8×42 binoculars and use it for your next outdoor adventure.
