A reliable pair of binoculars is essential to truly appreciate birds’ intricate details. Since birding is the 15th most popular hobby and binoculars are comme il faut for birdwatching, manufacturers have developed many ideas incorporating different configurations and technologies. 8×42 binoculars are among the various options available.
To be precise, 8×42 is probably a binocular that will deliver the most bang for your buck. It is near-perfect for birdwatching with a wide field of view, an objective lens that can handle low-light conditions like a pro, decent depth of field, and good magnification, among other reasons. In fact, I’d recommend it to anyone, especially beginners.
The only disadvantage would be if you want a binocular with a crazy high magnification (if you agree to reduce your image brightness). This is not necessarily a disadvantage per se but more of an individual need. If you are thinking of buying a pair yourself or contemplating the efficiency of your existing binoculars for birding, this read is for you!
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What does it mean by 8×42 Binoculars?
If you are a newbie and have found this apparently weird multiplication written on your binoculars, I’m here to explain. The first number, “8,” refers to the binoculars’ magnification power, while the 42 in 8×42 stands for the objective lens diameter in millimeters.
What Does the Magnification of 8×42 Binoculars Has to Say About Them?
8x magnification means that the image you see through the binoculars will appear eight times closer than it would with the naked eye. An object placed maybe 100 meters away from you should virtually seem only 12.5 meters away with these.
This level of magnification is ideal for birdwatching as it allows you to observe birds in detail without compromising the field of view. Expert birders, too, believe that 8x is a solid compromise, great for every birding situation.
The Objective Lens of 8×42 Binoculars
The objective lens is the one farthest from your eyes and gathers light. A larger objective lens diameter, such as 42mm, allows more light to enter the binoculars, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
Now, you might think: how does 42mm measure up against other objective lens diameters? A 30-35mm diameter will be adequate for general birding. Even a lesser diameter would be good to go in an open field in broad daylight. But these would do good even when light is restricted.
Then comes the even more prized 40-50mm range, where our objective lens diameter lies. Binoculars in this range can give you a stark, clear view, so if you’re birding at dusk or dawn, an 8×42 will always have your back. No tripod is needed for this range either, which becomes necessary when you go any higher than this (hence why I said near-perfect!).
A general question that comes into the minds of a lot of young birders is: how far can you see with an 8×42 binocular?
Well, the answer is a tad complicated. You see stars in the night sky. You can tell they are there as shiny dots in the sky. Throw in some good magnification, and you can see them in detail. Did it click?
It’s not about how far you can see but how far you can resolve the details. This is where the field of view and angle of view comes in (and maybe a bit of depth of field, too).
Field of View of 8×42 Binoculars
It refers to the width of the area that can be seen when looking through the binoculars at a specific distance. A wider FOV allows you to observe birds in their natural habitats without constantly readjusting the binoculars.
8×42 binoculars typically offer a generous FOV, providing a broader perspective and making it easier to track birds in flight or observe them as they move from one branch to another. When I say generous, I mean it.
Compared to 10x, it is obviously better. But the real difference shows up when you put it up against a 7x (with all other aspects equal). Many would say that the 7x has to have a wider FOV, but on the field, it actually doesn’t!
The 8×42 will have around 7° of angular FOV. In other words, it will have a range of about 390 feet at 1000 feet or 130 meters at 1000 meters. Compared with a similar 7x, the field is much less (almost 110 meters at 1000m).
Exit Pupil and Low Light Performance of 8×42 Binoculars
The exit pupil is the small, circular beam of light visible when you hold the binoculars at arm’s length and look through the eyepieces. The size of the exit pupil is determined by dividing the diameter of the objective lens by the magnification power. In the case of 8×42 binoculars, the exit pupil is approximately 5.25mm.
Now, what does it have for you? Actually, it matches the pupils of your eyes. When dimly lit, your pupils dilate to about 6-7mm. This value varies with the age of a person. For older people, it is significantly less.
As light rays travel through the binos and reach your eyes, the quality of the image ultimately depends upon the light that enters your eyes. The smaller the exit pupil, the fewer the number of light rays that enter your eyes. Consequently, the lesser the image quality is.
The 8×42 has a medium-sized exit pupil. It is adequate for all types of birding in all kinds of environments. As we discussed earlier, the objective lens is quite big. You can get excellent low-light performance out of these.
Focus Distance of 8×42 Binoculars
Do you watch birds at a close distance? Do you also happen to focus your binos on a butterfly if it ever comes near? A short close focus distance is crucial, allowing you to do all this and more without losing image clarity.
8×42 binoculars commonly have a close focus distance of around 6-9 feet, making them powerful instruments for studying details such as plumage, smaller bird species, or their nesting habits.
Image Stability and Shake of 8×42 Binoculars
8×42 can be easily handheld by the majority of people. Most people do not need any additional support, such as a tripod.
Higher magnification binoculars tend to be more challenging to keep steady, resulting in shaky images. However, 8×42 binoculars strike a balance between magnification and stability. Go any higher than this, however; the population that can hold the binos down without swaying will experience a severe reduction.
If you are an aged person with particularly fragile hands, you should give the binoculars a once-over before buying them. I recommend not relying on a general consensus. Also, it is worth noting that image stability can also be influenced by factors such as the weight and design of the binoculars, which we will discuss next.
Weight and Portability of 8×42 Binoculars
They are generally lightweight and compact, making 8×42 an ideal binocular for birdwatching. Their manageable size allows for extended periods of use without causing strain or fatigue on the neck or hands.
Generally, 8×42 binoculars weigh between 700-800 grams. If you bird for extended periods, don’t get any higher than this magnification. Otherwise, you are likely to tire yourself out sooner rather than later.
Eye Relief and IPD of 8×42 Binoculars
Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when you have a full field of view. It is especially important to consider if you wear glasses.
8×42 binoculars typically offer a comfortable eye relief of around 15-20mm, allowing users to observe birds without the need to remove their glasses (on the contrary, you will thank that extra inch).
Additionally, IPD (Interpupillary Distance) adjustment is available on most 8×42 binoculars, allowing you to customize the distance between the eyepieces to match the width of your eyes. This helps eliminate any eye strain during prolonged birdwatching sessions.
How good are 8×42 Binoculars for Birdwatching Compared to Some Other Popular Configurations?
I said they were near-perfect. And this is the general opinion among veterans. But for a quick roundup, I’ll put them up against other popular configurations in this range for birdwatching-
1. 8×42 vs. 10×42:
The main difference lies in the magnification power, or that’s what you’d think right off the bat. While 8×42 binoculars provide a wider field of view and better image stability, 10×42 binoculars offer a closer view of birds. But can you hold the 10x steady enough to get a comfortable view? The vast majority can not. They are especially undesirable if you hike. But for over-the-water birding, you can consider them.
2. 8×42 vs. 8×32:
The 8×42 configuration provides a larger objective lens diameter compared to 8×32 binoculars. This results in better low-light performance and brighter images. However, 8×32 binoculars are more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry during long birdwatching trips. The decision between the two depends on the trade-off between image quality and portability, so ultimately, it’s on you.
3. 8×42 vs. 8×56:
8×56 binoculars have a larger objective lens diameter, allowing even more light to enter the binoculars. This makes them ideal for birdwatching in low-light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk. However, they tend to be heavier and bulkier than 8×42 binoculars, which can impact portability and ease of use. If you have a mount in mind, you can upgrade to the latter (consider additional costs!).
Here’s a general overview of the pros and cons associated with these binoculars.
Pros and Cons of Using 8×42 Binoculars for Birdwatching
Here’s a general overview of the pros and cons associated with these binoculars.
Pros of Using 8×42 binoculars for birdwatching:
- Versatile magnification for a wide range of birdwatching scenarios.
- Excellent details and image stability.
- Adequate low-light performance for most birdwatching conditions.
- Portable and lightweight.
- Overall, all-purpose binoculars to support all your birding needs!
Cons of Using 8×42 binoculars for birdwatching:
- If you want sky-high magnification and are prepared to sacrifice some brightness and portability for it, then 8x might not be for you.
- Can seem heavy for some people, especially aged folks (7x with 30-35mm objective lens will be better in this regard).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are 8×42 binoculars suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! 8×42 binoculars are a great choice for beginners. They are easy to use and provide a satisfying bird-watching experience. Additionally, their portability and versatility make them suitable for beginners who are just starting out and can use the wider FOV to track quick-moving birds.
2. Can I use 8×42 binoculars with glasses?
As I mentioned in the article, most 8×42 binoculars offer comfortable eye relief and IPD adjustment, allowing users to wear glasses. You won’t need to adjust their distance from your eye with glasses, so it only gets easier.
3. How much should I expect to spend on 8×42 binoculars?
The price range for 8×42 binoculars can vary depending on the brand, quality, and additional features. Generally, you can find reliable 8×42 binoculars for birdwatching starting from around $200 and going up to $3000.
4. Are 8×42 binoculars good for hunting?
8×42 binoculars are also ideal for hunting. They offer a balanced combination of magnification and field of view, allowing hunters to spot and track game with ease. The 42mm objective lens diameter allows ample light transmission for clear images, and the crisp focusing makes moving objects easier to spot.
5. What size binoculars are best for general use?
Either 8×42 or 8×35 will do the work. You can toggle with the objective lens, depending on your birding habitat. But be it hunting, birding, traveling, hiking, or even marine use, these binoculars are good to go.
Conclusion
8×42 binoculars are an excellent choice for birdwatching enthusiasts, beginners, and experts alike. The magnification, comfortable field of view, excellent low-light performance, and depth perception are all crème de la crème in the world of binoculars. All these make them versatile enough for many different uses and an ace in a general field.
Moreover, they aren’t heavy either, so you carry them in your hands or around your neck.
