8x32 vs 8x42 Binoculars - Which is Best?

[@AussieMaleTuber]

Thanks very much for all your video's mate, I really appreciate them. I have a Svbony SV-202 10x42ED Phase Coated which I find to be really sharp and easy for my farm, and everywhere, and great for the night sky. The weight makes them a big deal for travel. I also now have the Svbony SV-202 8x32ED Phase Coated and can lug them a lot more places and am always pleased with them. 8x32 depth of field in tighter bushier settings is noticably better and as you discuss in comparisons. I have Olumpus 10x25 Phase Coated for when weight is my enemy but am always delighted to have them. I ordered a 12x56ED Phase Coated monocular to use with my phone adapter and want particularly to look at Saturn... and everything. My attitude to these optics is that I will be well served and delighted in their general properties forever and may not wish for or bother with anything else. Am pleased to finally make a comment here. Cheers from NSW.

[@skepticalmechanic]

I had the 8x32 and a year later I got the 10x42 HD X… both fantastic values… your videos are excellent!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi again - many thanks for the comments and kind words - I am glad to have been a little help. All the best

[@ElderHiker]

That was the best and most informative explanation of binocular specifications that I have ever heard; especially the explanation about exit pupil. Just brilliant.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Many thanks for the feedback and kind words - it is very much appreciated 👍

[@lynnleduc2641]

I thoroughly enjoyed your videos and it helped me to decide which binoculars for birding to choose. Very educational, factual and informative.

[@МаркоСтојановић-м2д]

Glad that you mentioned differences in price in different parts of the world. Very often EU prices can be up to 30% higher then in USA.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Yes, I am afraid that is often the case..

[@nargizeg]

I am a novice buying my first binoculars and your channel was of great use, thanks!

[@skepticalmechanic]

I had both 8x32 and 8x42. I grabbed the 8x32 every time…

[@GM-bq6zo]

Some of the top 32mms are amazing u don't really need the 42mms in most situations.

[@stevewhiteley9249]

Helpful as always. For me, I decided to go for 8x32 and in fact the Hawke Frontier ED X as illustrated here. I have saved a bit of weight versus my old larger binoculars and I’m very happy with the handling and optical quality of these bins. I’m like going out and about walking and figure that if they are a bit lighter and more compact, I’m more likely to take them and use them.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Steve, thanks very much - glad to be of help and you are right: Whilst far from the best binoculars I have (in terms of optical performance) I find that I often take out my compacts, just for the convince of them

[@rachelg7371]

Thank you so much for the easy-to-understand explanation of the differences.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the comment

[@Wastelander13]

Thank you for this very informative video. It helps me a lot in choosing the right glas. 👍

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You are most welcome and glad to be of help - Also sorry for the late reply, but I have been away

[@ahriman935]

I believe you missed the perfect opportunity to point out that jump from 32 to 42 diameter is actually much more mathematically significant than it seems at first glance. Jump from 42 to 32 means roughly ~33% increase in diameter, which may not seem like much. But since the lenses are circles, it actually means about 73% increase in a working surface area of the lens, which is much more significant (closer to twice as much) and would probably strike the point home.

[@EllySpace]

Great comparison!! Thanks for sharing!! Big like from Elly

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Elly, thanks for the kind words and the like - much appreciated - I've never had a superstar singer and songwriter like any of my videos before, so it is a real honor, thanks :-)

[@juliuswu5392]

Thank you. This was very helpful，and it is much eaiser to get the points than to read your article.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Julius, Glad it was helpful and thanks for the feedback - much appreciated

[@bringbackmd7579]

Quality 32 lens more than adequate..light weight a bonus

[@ryanfox8565]

Great videos.. I always learn something new with you.. great job

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Ryan, many thanks fir the kind words - much appreciated.

[@Ekster77]

Very helpful video! Good explanation 👍.

[@RonTruocchio]

hunted for many years in the norteast and have too many pairs of binoculars. I have found that the 8's are quicker to focus and easier to keep your target in focus because of the greater depth of field . save the 10's and above for the bird watchers

[@combatoverride398]

Superior video. Clear and concise. Well laid out format.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You're very welcome and thanks for the comment, much appreciated 👍

[@ensignj3242]

Thank you. This was very helpful.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad to be of help. Thanks very much for the feedback and kind words. Much appreciated 👍 😊

[@1maticsportsandGames]

I have 16x32 and use them for astronomy and the magnification at 16x is what I care about. I also have 10x50 and despite the bigger objective, I see the planet's much better with 16x rather 10x. Quality is fine at 32 objective is enough light for me see everything, if I wanted sharper or more contrast of the image, I just go to light room and 5mins beautiful. I believe in especially astronomy, magnification is every thing cause planets and stars nubulas. And comets are very far away. I need to see further into the sky and 32 objective let's in plenty for what I'm using them for. Great video I subscribed👊👍

[@kh2140]

It would be nice if you would have a view through both for comparison.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi KH - yes, it is something I am thinking about / working on - the problem is that cameras (even the best ones) are nowhere near as good as our eyes and the view you see through a camera lens and then through binoculars does not represent what I see through my eyes when looking through the binoculars directly.

[@MrCmdCool]

You make really great videos! Like them very much! I have a compact 8x25 Levenhuk Karma Pro binocular (0.4kg) for every day use and an Olympus 10x50 DPS I (about 0.9kg) for amateur astrononomy (only moon and some stars, nothing fancy). Both binoculars weren't expensive, but as for now they fit my use. I'm wondering if an additional higher quality 8x42 or 10x42 binocular would be an improvement for my day and night purposes, and could replace my other binoculars so that I only need one of them on my travels? Thanks in advance for Your input! Best regards Mr.CmdCool PS: I wear glasses, so I think greater exit pupils would be better? So it should be an 8x42?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hello "Commander" thanks for the compliment, much appreciated. As for the question. Firstly, with glasses, yes a large exit pupil will help make viewing a little easier, but what you need to look for is binoculars with a long eye relief. More on this and how to use binoculars with glasses here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/eye-relief-eyeglasses-binoculars-11/ Also yes, 8x42's generally come with more eye-relief as well as have a larger exit pupil than 10x42 binoculars. As for replacing the 8x25 and 10x50 that you already have, once again I think a good 42mm binocular will compliment them and whilst there will be some overlap, they are different and so maybe wont completely replace them. For example, You could still use the 10x50 at longer ranges or for a little deeper, more detailed views into space, whilst the 8x42 will give you a wider view of the night sky as well as here on earth. Hope this makes sense and helps a little - hard to get into detail in the comments section! If you would like more info let me know - also consider 'hiring' the BinoWizard more info here: www.patreon.com/bestbinocularsreviews

[@MrCmdCool]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thanks for Your advice! I just ordered a Carson 3D 8x42 for just 145€ on Amazon. It's the TD-842 without the ED glass. They should have a great eye relief of 19.5mm and also the roof prisms should have a dielectric coating and the lenses phase correction coating. Read your review of the RD-842 and TD-042ED and hope the TD-842 is also a good choice. Many thanks and best regards, CmdCool

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Most welcome - love to know how they perform for you - once you have had a chance to use them

[@gelavski]

Дуже дякую! Корисно та пізнавально!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Вас ласкаво просимо та дякуємо за відгуки та добрі слова. :-)

[@curiouscanuck]

Thank you. I learned more from your video than days of searching the web for good information. I'm a senior lady. Would the 8x42 size be too shaky for my shaky hands?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi CuriousCanuck, please accept my apology for the delayed response. To answer your question a lightweight 8x42 may be ok, but depending on what you will mostly be using them for, I would suggest an 7x or even 6x magnification, especially for uses like back garden or forest birding. I enjoy the wider views they give and despite the lower magnification, you can instantly notice how much more you see because of the more stable image. The binoculars also tend to be smaller and thus more lightweight and easier to hold. A few recommendations include the Opticron Savanna WP 6x30 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Opticron-Savanna-WP-6x30-Binoculars-Review-266.htm Hawke Endurance ED Marine 7x32 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Hawke-Endurance-ED-Marine-7x32-Binoculars-Review-293.htm - hope this helps.

[@curiouscanuck]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you for getting back to me. I'm going to have a look at your recommendations tomorrow. I'll have something just in time for spring bird watching. Cheers from Canada

[@andersonboy620]

Great video man, than you so much!! Very useful and clear information.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Welcome! :-)

[@isparoz]

Perfectly informative video. Thanks a million!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You are welcome and thanks for the kind words 👍

[@pierodallepezze3253]

Thanks for the great video. Side question. The coatings between those two models seem different (purple vs green), although this difference does not seem described anywhere in the Hawke's website. Is one of the two models older than the other? If not, do you know why they are different? Thanks

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Piero, many thanks for the kind words and to answer your question, yes I noticed that as well - I can only assume that the exact makeup of the coatings is different between the two different sizes. It is almost impossible to get any more info on what they use and because of the different lens sizes, making direct image quality/brightness comparisons makes it very hard to draw an sort of meaningful conclusions. But seeing your question has reminded me of this and I will reach out to Hawke and see if they can help. I will reply to this question if I do find out more.

[@mr.arcticson4076]

Good video! What differene between the two for someone with glasses?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Sometimes , but not always the 8x42 will have more eye-relief, giving you more flexibility, which is good if you wear glasses. For more information : www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/eye-relief-eyeglasses-binoculars-11/

[@virajgunarathne9284]

This is a very helpful video to decide between these two famous sizes of binoculars. Also, your BBR website is very useful especially to find out the perfect binocular for a certain purpose or within the budget. There I found out that you have elected GPO Passion ED 8x42 as one of the bests for birding. However, when considering the size, I wondered about the optical performance (i.e., edge sharpness etc. except the fact that discussed about the lowlight performance) of GPO Passion ED 8x32 when comparing with x42 one. Did you get any chance to compare them? I much appreciate it if you give me any idea about that.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Viraj. Glad it was helpful and thanks for the feedback. As for your question, No I did not directly compare the GPO Passion ED 8x42 with another size as I did not have it with me. However I will say that apart form the light considerations, I usually find the overall image quality of instruments within the same series from a brand to be pretty close as the build quality, level of glass and coatings is all pretty similar or the same. However just keep in mind that in terms of binoculars, light is information, and so I guess in theory a larger instrument with exactly the same optics may give a better quality view as well as a potentially brighter image, but the difference between an 8x42 and 8x32 is very small in this context.

[@virajgunarathne9284]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you very much for your kind answer. It was tricky for me to decide between them as my budget is not sufficient to buy both :) However, now I am thinking to go for 8x42 which has a little bit larger FOV and better low light performance. I watched almost all of your videos because I like the way you explain with a nice flow. Also, the reviews on the BBR website are very useful for a person like me who want to find the best binocular within the available budget. Thank you again for your wonderful work and looking forward to seeing much more useful reviews in the future.

[@aaronjacquelinesandford3518]

exit pupil explanation was really helpful.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Great to hear and glad to be of help - if you need more info, here is my complete guide to the exit pupil on binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/exit-pupil-06/

[@aaronjacquelinesandford3518]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Id already gone over to the website and read it, ha

[@spamcan9208]

Nice thorough and to-the-point video. I'm thinking of getting a pair for going to the race track this summer. Light weight is the biggest factor for me since it's usually disgustingly hot, there's plenty of light because it's wide open and the targets are cars, much bigger (and easier to see) than birds. The 8x32 still might be too much though, both in weight and magnification. It's hard to keep anything steady when you're hot and tired.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi "Spam" - Check out my recent review of the Pentax VD 4x20 WP Binocular & Monoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Pentax-VD-4x20-WP-Binoculars-Monoculars-Review-278.htm - these could be perfect for you - very lightweight, small easy to carry - low magnification, wide view and if happen to be with someone who does not have any optics, you can always split it in half and share - I have to say I was really impressed with them and for watching most outdoor/indoor sports they are ideal.

[@spamcan9208]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thanks, I think it's something that has the potential to fit me perfectly. I just found your video on them and I'm going to watch it now.

[@amansinghbisht6337]

Which have wider fow 8x32 or 8x42 ?... I need a portable binocular for wide field

[@dannyjennings9656]

Which one of these for concerts and live shows? Thanks.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Your videos are fantastic! I felt good buying the 10x42 ED x and smiling because they were made in the UK rather China!

[@bıçaklar_Aletler]

*Hi Jason,My Vortex Diamondback HD 8X32 Binocular Wide Angle Field Of View 8.1 Degree,Very Compact,Very LightWeight And Very Esthetic Body Design Awesome.*

[@kayasper6081]

I´ll tell you which is best: the Zeis Victory Pocket 8x25. It is smaller tan any of those in this video, yet the image is as bright, sharp and full of contrast. In other words, the best of both worlds.

[@s.d.r1062]

I agree. I love this one. I bought one few weeks ago. Nice for hiking, birding, traveling, and keep around my neck or in pocket (jacket), or small backback.

[@thecellm8tube]

Brilliant video sir, helped me and sure this will guide many, subscribed, liked and thanked!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks v.much for the kind words and for the subscribing, glad to have helped. All the best. J

[@jefffarnham5040]

Hi, I really appreciate your knowledge and enthusiasm on bins. What I am simply wondering is - you have 200 dollars, bang for the buck, 8x42, all around performance- what do you do??? What would YOU get? Thank you Sir. Great info on the vids.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks for the comment and kind words - For me there is no single winner which is good news because that is price level if you look hard enough there are a number of really good value for money bins out there. For my favorites and ones that I have come across whilst testing check out these two pages: Best Value Binoculars in different price rangesL www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binoculars-best-value.php and Best Binoculars for under $200 / £200 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/best-binoculars-for-under-200/ - I hope this helps to get you started. If you need any further help, please feel free to drop me a line.

[@nicolasmasset]

Thanks for the informative video! Looking for a first pair of bino’s for my girlfriend. Would you say women generally favor the size and weight of a 8x32? I tried out a Zeiss conquest HD 8x42 in the store and am worried it might be too heavy for her.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Nicolas, without being too generalistic, I would agree that if you are just considering comfort, ergonomics, and ease of use, anyone with smaller hands would probably opt for a mid-sized binocular over a larger one as they more naturally fit into smaller hands. Zeiss Conquest binoculars are pretty heavy instruments and you can get much more lightweight 8x42 binoculars if you wish or go for an 8x32 and also get the benefit of a smaller size.

[@Antares1982]

I testing actually the Endurance 8x32 ED. Is the Frontier ED much better and sharper?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Don - I would not say "much" better, perhaps "fractionally" better - If you go through some of the Hawke reviews I have of these two models on the BBR website, I think you may get a better feeling of the differences between the two lines: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-brand-Hawke-Binoculars.html

[@GiBMan70]

8x32 are a perfect middle ground imo. Your average user will not require anything more so long as you avoid really cheap models.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

I mostly agree with you, so long as you don't need a very good low light performance and as you say: avoid really cheap models.

[@aqualungs77]

I need a good pair of binos to watch birds in my backyard. I am mostly indoors but would like to hike outdoors too and use them. Im of smaller staure so I like the size. Would the 8x28s be too small since the room i am in will be dim. I'm guessing that will affect the lighting? I have my eyes on the Vortex diamondback series. Thanks, great vid!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, an 8x28 is a nice configuration for a compact and will be fine in good, normal and average light conditions. You will still be able to use them in fairly low light, but they just wont look as bright as say something like an 8x42 of equal quality.

[@aqualungs77]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews 8x42 it is lol. Mostly be breaking away from my work in the house and peering out the back yard

[@BeareTube]

Good video. Thanks. You use the words 'binoculars' and 'binocular' interchangeably. Which is correct? What is the plural?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, thanks for the kind words and I use binoculars as the plural.

[@Thota721]

Very well explained. Covered almost everything except FOV Field of View comparision.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, yes I did not mention it as the FOV's are usual quite similar and whilst it is true that different size binoculars with the same power can sometimes have different fields of views, it is down to the eyepiece design and amount of eye-relief and can go either way.

[@forofen]

Hello, I write from Argentina. I am using a translator. I want to buy a binocular that will serve me for all uses, both to go to the park with my daughters and to see the planets and galaxies. in my country these 2 models are sold (8x42 10x42 10x50): bushnell engage x and celestron nature dx. Could you please tell me which model between the two should I buy and to what extent? thank you!

[@queenannesrevenge8137]

Hunting Standard in Germany is 8x56

[@sadikant6975]

💫👍

[@WR3ND]

Is the "body" the meat and the "chassis" the bones? 🤔

[@jeoffer]

Great video.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the feedback 👍

[@ctdvargas]

Why do 8x32 always have larger field of view than 8x42? Seems illogical...

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, Yes, you are right that they often have a wider view and yes it does seem illogical - I assume it is because they use a slightly different eyepiece makeup, but to be honest I am not 100% why or if this is indeed the case.

[@ronniejacobsen3000]

It is because they are shorter overall and the lenses closer together. Take a paper towel tube and look through it, then take the tube and cut it in half and look through it. The fov will be wider with the shorter tube.

[@jeremykeller211]

Better

[@davidl.4147]

Your thoughts on Swarovski for these sizes ?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi David, The concepts of the two configurations will be the same no matter the quality or brand of binocular so as long as you are comparing like-for-like. Having said this though, at the very high-end, the brightness differences in low light maybe a fraction less noticeable between the two as the quality of the glass and coatings could make up for some of the difference.

[@jckdnls9292]

So many videos are against the 10x saying you see less but let's be honest..if what ur trying to see its 20% further, then the 10x will see the same amount... that's the whole point of binoculars to see what's far from us

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi. I am definitely not against using a 10x or even higher - check out my guide and video on 8x42 vs 10x42 Binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/8x42-vs-10x42-binoculars-10/ - as I say, it just depends on what you main intended use is and as you say what will be your usual viewing distance. For many people, looking at wildlife and birds in their back garden or woodlands, an 8x is perfectly fine and the added benefit of a wider view, less image shake and a brighter image (better low light performance) for the same size often makes more sense than a 10x. However, in wide open spaces like fields, roiling hills, at the coast or lakefront where there tends to be more light and viewing distances are often greater, then a 10x will often make the better option.

[@aslanbosnakoglu8240]

crappy review. why didnt you mention fow or did i miss it?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

I think you missed it :-)