For hunting to be a successful game, along with the right strategy and practice, you need the right equipment. Binoculars, among other instruments, are crucial to carry whenever you are going hunting, whether big or small.
However, which binoculars will benefit you the most remains a constant question for hunters. By now, we have covered what size binoculars are required for hunting different big animal species. To summarize, 8x or 10x binoculars work most of the time.
But which is better for hunting 8×42 or 10×42? Let’s end this debate in the following article.
I’ll cover the detailed overview of 8×42 and 10×42, and then we can compare them to find the one right for you!
8X42 BINOCULARS
As 8×42 shows, the binoculars with 8×42 power will produce an image that would be eight times magnified. The second value after x shows the objective diameter, which will make the sharp, brighter image of the object in focus.
Some hunters keep only one binocular for all types of hunting, including daylight and twilight.
The 8×42 has an edge over other power binoculars because it works better in low light performance. It offers a larger field of view and produces a clearer image.
If you hunt mostly in woodland and bushes, 8×42 is for you!
10×42 BINOCULARS
10×42 binoculars will produce a 10x larger or magnified image than the original object. The objective diameter remains the same in 10×42 and 8×42 binoculars, so both will have equally sharper images.
But if you are hunting in fields or open areas, you may need binoculars with greater magnification to easily observe the movement of animals from a distance and prevent image shake.
10×42 binoculars work best during daylight or when the sun is shining bright.
WHICH IS BETTER FOR HUNTING 8X42 OR 10X42?
Now that you know the features of both 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars, it depends on you which one to choose for your hunting situation.
Both are used for various types of hunting, but it’s important to gather specific information about the hunting area, especially if you’ll be using Vortex Binoculars.
Based on the area and animal species, decide and buy the one that best suits your needs.
WHY DO I NEED BINOCULARS FOR HUNTING?
Before deciding on 8 or 10 power binoculars for hunting, you should know why you need binoculars.
You must know that the human eye cannot see objects that are far away. We cannot see beyond 3 miles in a distance. The best we can do is stand on a flat surface and see 5 feet from above the ground.
There needs to be more to see the prey as a hunter. You must have hunting optics, especially binoculars, to hunt your dream species, whether a big one like elk or deer or a small one.
Binoculars help hunters see objects far away, clearly observe the movement of prey, and identify their species, age, etc.
HOW TO CHOOSE GOOD BINOCULARS FOR HUNTING?
It is hard to define good binoculars, but the basic idea is that they help you see a clear image of the target you’re looking at. They should not be fogged even at more than 1000 yards.
You don’t have to keep your finger on the focal knob every time the animal moves a bit. Also, your eyes should not feel stressed after a day of use. All this would be possible if you bought the binoculars with an investment mindset.
Whenever you read the specifications of binoculars, it is represented by two values with x in the middle.
For example, 8×42 or 10×42. The first number represents the magnification, while the second refers to the objective diameter, usually in millimeters.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HUNTING BINOCULARS?
Binoculars of various sizes and magnifications are available at various price ranges in the market. If you are new to hunting or are looking for a specific type of binoculars for hunting different species, the factors listed below can play a significant role.
MAGNIFICATION
Magnification refers to the binoculars’ ability to enlarge the object’s apparent size. This size is quantified by a size ratio called optical magnification.
In other words, magnification is the power of binoculars, spotting scopes, or rifles.
For example, 10x binoculars means you will see the apparent image of an object ten times larger than its physical size.
The amount of magnification depends on your hunting needs. If you use binoculars without tripod stands, it is recommended to have 8x or 10x binoculars.
Because when you use binoculars in your free hand, your image may shake. So, higher magnification would make the image shaky.
Generally, 8x is used for eastern hunting applications, while 10x is best for stalking animals in wide open areas.
If you’re planning to go hunting for sheep or mountain goats, it’s recommended to use binoculars with 10×42 magnification for better results. Looking for binoculars for a specific animal species? Explore what size of binoculars is required for hunting.
Glass
Many types of glass are used in binoculars, and they are built differently. Better-quality glass is healthy for your eyes and produces a sharp image.
Similarly, good-quality glass is meant to work correctly in low-light conditions. For example, consider glass properties before purchasing 8×42 for low-light hunting. Of course, there is a price limitation, so choose accordingly.
LIGHT
Do you know that good binoculars gather more light than the riflescope? When the buck walks out in the going light, you can see the rack through your binocular glass, helping you decide where it went.
If you live in an area where you must hunt in low lights, you must consider the light-gathering property of your binoculars. For example, 8×42 has a larger exit pupil that works best in such situations.
It is recommended that an optic be chosen to maximize a binocular’s exit pupil. The exit pupil size determines the amount of light entering your eye. The more the entering light, the more precise the image you will see of the object, even during the low light periods of the day.
The optimal light that enters your eye is 5mm, so an exit pupil of the same size will work fine.
OBJECTIVE DIAMETER
As explained above, the specification of the binocular image is represented by two values, with x in the middle. The second value after x represents the objective diameter.
The higher the objective diameter of your binoculars, the sharper the image will be. For example, a binocular with an 8×44 objective diameter will create a sharper and clearer picture than an 8×24. Even the image enlargement ratio will be the same for both.
The binocular diameters commonly include 30, 32, 40, 42, or 50.
Generally, the objective diameter of 40 to 50 works best for all types of hunting. But if you do not want to lift much weight, a 30 to 32 objective diameter also works fine.
You should also look for other factors, including objective lenses, ocular lenses, twisted eyecaps, locking diopters, rubber armor, tripod adapter sockets, and glass.
WEIGHT
If you’re a backpacker or hunter, weight is a primary concern because you’ll have to carry it while roaming the desert and climbing cliffs.
However, heavier binoculars mean more magnified images and higher objective diameter.
Additionally, carrying lightweight binoculars works fine when hunting in a bushy forest. On the other hand, if you plan to hunt a buck in plain wide fields, there’s no other choice than having a high magnification binoculars.
On the other hand, if you hunt on horseback, weight won’t be an issue for you. That means you can carry more than one binoculars with you. Or the one with greater magnification and objective diameter.
HARNESSES
It is common for hunters to use simple straps to carry their binoculars. There is nothing wrong with hanging your binoculars on your chest while walking or roaming around in any area for bow hunting situations. There is a forum community dedicated to discussing different methods of carrying hunting gear, where you can find more tips and advice.
But when crawling around or crossing the fence, something should hold your equipment securely.
Few brands offer chest carriers with binoculars, which help you protect your equipment from damage when crawling in the bushes.
If your hunting practice includes crawling or any similar activity, I prefer to have it in the specification list when buying binoculars.
Tip: No matter how certain you think you can handle your binoculars without shaking with free hands, you always prefer to mount them on a tripod. Heavy breathing can jiggle the binoculars even if they are not too heavy when you hike.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BINOCULARS FOR DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS?
Now, let’s discuss choosing 8 or 10 power binoculars for hunting binoculars in different environments.
Which Is Better For Hunting 8×42 or 10×42 Binoculars For Dense Environments?
If you plan to start your hunting journey from a dense environment, choosing binoculars with low magnification is recommended. But it should be able to produce a wide image of the view. For example, the image should be clear even at 1000 yards from the focus object.
It is a typical false belief that the higher the magnification or heavier the binocular, the more precise the image will be. This might be true, but not in all circumstances. In densely forested areas, the binoculars won’t be able to gather enough light to produce a bright, clear image.
In a nutshell, go for 8×42 if you want to hunt in a dense bushy forest.
Which Is Better For Hunting 8×42 or 10×42 Binoculars For Wide Space?
If you are hunting in a vast open space, such as an open field or desert area, a high-magnification binocular will be more beneficial than one with low magnification. Binoculars with 10×42 or higher power ranges are suitable for this type of hunting.
Because in open fields, you will need a larger image with a smaller field view, so buying 10×42 or 10×50 will be a great option.
Open fields require producing images from a larger distance, so high-magnification binoculars are helpful.
Also, remember to mount your heavy binoculars on a tripod stand instead of trying to hold them with free hands. Desert or field hunting requires hours of waiting, so your grip can loosen if you try to handle binoculars using only your hands.
Conclusion:
This article covers ‘Which is better for hunting 8×42 or 10×42’ binoculars. We concluded that 8×42 binoculars will produce an image that is 8x larger than the original object. So, it will be suitable for hunting in dense forest areas, where seeing far will not be required.
On the other hand, 10×42 binoculars produce an image 10 times larger than the original object. So, they will suit situations where far-seeing is required.
The article also covers what you should look for in binoculars while purchasing. Consider all the factors mentioned above.
If you have more questions about ‘Which is better for hunting, 8×42 or 10×42?’ refer to the frequently asked questions below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is 8×42 Good For Hunting?
Yes, 8×42 works for most hunting situations, especially if you want to hunt in twilight in dense forest areas.
Which is better: 10×42 or 8×42 for bow hunting?
10×42 is a great option if you’re going bow hunting in daylight. But if you plan to hunt in low lighting or when the sun is about to set, you should go with 8×42.
Suggest a few of the best 10×42 binoculars for hunting.
You can buy the Nikon Monarch M7 10×42 or the Zeiss Victory SF 10×42. They both have unique features and produce great-quality images.
What are 10×42 binoculars good for?
10×42 power binoculars are suitable for a wide-field view. They are not too heavy so you can carry them around your neck longer.
