8x42 vs 10x42 Binoculars - Which is Best?

Size, weight, image quality, brightness, and price. In this video I go over the main differences that you can expect between typical 8x42 vs 10x42 binoculars of similar quality and thus no matter if your interest is general use, birding, wildlife observation or hunting, it will help you to decide which configuration is best for your particular needs and preferences.
➡️Full Article on BBR: 8x42 vs 10x42 Binoculars - Which is Best?
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➡️What Binocular Numbers Mean:
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➡️Exit Pupil - The Complete Guide
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Understanding these core distinctions between that of 8x42 vs 10x42 binoculars will enable you to then understand which option is more ideal for what or how you specifically use your binoculars.
Examples of the sections I cover:
Physical Differences: Size & Weight
Optical Differences
8x or 10x Magnification
The whole purpose of using a binocular that magnifies the image is to provide you with a better view of distant objects. So it stands to reason that most people will assume that the more powerful a binocular is, the better.... but there is more to this!
Light Gathering
As both 10x42 and 8x42 binoculars have 42mm objective lenses and assuming they use the same quality glass and coatings, the light-gathering ability between the two will be the same, however like the magnification, there is more to this story!
Price Differences - Did you know 10x42's are often more expensive than the equivalent 8x42 binocular?
Conclusions - 10x42 or 8x42, Which is the Best? I finish the video going over the main points and deciding which binocular is best in which circumstances.
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📒100% Honest, Real Reviews, Advice & Opinions📒
I would like to make it completely clear that like all the reviews and advice that I give on the BBR video channel and website, this is my honest and completely genuine opinion and I am in no way compensated to describe a binocular in a particular way or with a bias.
In other words, if I think a binocular or a feature on it is great, I will say so. If I think it is rubbish or it is weak in certain areas, I will also point them out.
Before writing and publishing any binocular review, I thoroughly research, test and use the instrument in my office as well as out in the field. I also conduct comprehensive comparisons between the binocular under review with a number of benchmark binoculars in both good and bad light conditions.
Whilst I make every effort not to, I do make the occasional error or am sometimes supplied with the wrong details. If you spot any mistakes, please feel free to contact me either in the comments section, via social media or on my site, so that I can rectify it/them.
As always, I love getting feedback and your opinions. it is these that help me improve and continue to supply you with content, advice, and reviews that you actually want to watch.

[@AndreyRadonezhskiy]

Thanks for your English, easily understandable even for the foreign listeners.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You are welcome - and thanks for the feedback - much appreciated :-)

[@2hands_and_a_brain917]

I knew all of this , but decided to watch your clip anyway. I am in the market and wanted to be sure that I wasn't overlooking anything, but I am now confident that my decision on what to buy will be the best one I can make. Thank you , very well done!

[@Bobbr3]

Thanks for sharing your insight. Your clear explanation of facts wasn't colored by personal opinion. Sharing quantifiable information and inviting the viewer to decide what would be best for them is a fabulous approach! I appreciate your excellent production values that enhanced the presentation. Kudos to you!

[@TS-nq5qd]

This video is by far the most comprehensive and easy to understand explanation on binoculars that I have seen.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi TS - Many thanks for the feedback and nice words - much appreciated!

[@YellowHatSims]

I've been watching a few videos on binoculars and this was the one that helped me finally make my decision! I'm off to order my Barr & Stroud 8x42s.

[@jasonf.4107]

Years ago I bought my first “good” binoculars, a used pair of 8x42 Leicas at a birding store, after the two very nice and very knowledgeable ladies working behind the counter told me I would actually be able to see more with 8x binos than 10x. I’ve become a believer, and I’m still using those Leicas 20+ years later.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Jason - yes this is a good point. With binoculars especially it does pay to buy the best you can afford in the beginning as unlike electronic devices and digital cameras, they do go out of date and become redundant after a year or so...

[@BIG_FETUS]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews so right!

[@CHAD-RYAN]

Im about to go buy some used 10year old zeiss ht for $1300. Im hoping they are still perfect internally

[@CHAD-RYAN]

And hope they last me a lifetime.

[@ValerieFire]

​@@CHAD-RYAN Did you buy them?

[@d10dozerman2]

Excellent content. Learned a few things in my old age.

[@aimeeday9293]

I love how all your videos are so well introduced! 'And we're going to start RIGHT NOW!'. Also the use of 'specific needs are requirements' and 'however'. For some reason this brings me so much joy. Anyway - thanks for your help - very informative across the channel in helping me choose my first premium binocs (vortex vipers 8 x 42).

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hello Aimee. Many thanks for your very kind words and your words of encouragement it really means a lot and it's awesome to know that I'm bringing someone so much joy just with these crazy videos! Anyway you're welcome in regards to me helping you find a pair of binoculars. the vortex viper 8x 42 I like and are a very good choice. I would really like to hear once you've had a chance to use them just how they turn out for you thanks again cheers Jason

[@johncruz7895]

Great review. Covered most, if not all the questions I have on the subject. Thanks.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi John, Many thanks for the feedback and really glad to be of help.

[@joe909]

That was one of the best explanatory videos I've seen on KZbin - clearly explained, well informed, and helpful. You have a new (grateful) subscriber.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Keith, many thanks for the feedback and kind words, it is much appreciated

[@robertcook2572]

There MUST be a reason why 8x40s are still made by every manufacturer. Every fibre of one's being says that 10 has simply got to be better than 8, right? However...

[@135Ops]

@@robertcook2572 I can only assume you made that comment before watching the video?

[@lisajohnson5516]

Thank you for helping me to decide. After almost making a spontaneous in-store purchase from someone who didn't know anything about lenses but let us try half a dozen pairs that really didn't work for us, your video steered me to a different store with the right choice. Thank you for explaining the broader field of view - that's what I want. Also the low light conditions. The moment I tried them I knew they were perfect! My son and I have very different facial (his eyes are wider set, the bridge of his nose broader and flatter than mine) and focal (he's nearsighted and I'm far-sighted) structures, but we were both able to say "wow, these are the ones". Looking forward to wildlife (and maybe even Jupiter! ) with our new Nikon Prostaff 7S 8 x 42s :) Someday I'll buy that $2000 telescope I really want, hahaha. But these come in way under budget and with 2 very happy customers. Thank you.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Lisa, Welcome to the world of binoculars - I am really glad to have been able to help also many thanks for the feedback and kind words it is very much appreciated.

[@daveyseel7533]

I'm thinking of getting into birdwatching and your review was first class thanks. I wasn't sure what the magnification numbers meant for the field of vision. So i was very unsure which magnification would be best for me so your review helped a great deal with the details you went into so it has made my choice far easier I'll opt for the 8×42 binoculars. Thanks 👍

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Dave, you are welcome, glad to help - yes 8x42 is generally considered better for most short to mid range birding and thanks for the kind words.

[@gmoutdoorsandmore7731]

Nice video! You explain things very well. comparisons that I had never considered, Thanks!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, glad to hear it helped and many thanks for the feedback, it is much appreciated.

[@rodfisherino]

Excellent explanation of the differences between 8x42 and 10x42. I was leaning towards purchasing the 10x42 simply because of the greater magnification, but now after watching your video, I think I will go with the 8x42 because they will fit my purposes much better. Thank you!

[@johnregan3591]

Thanks for explaining this very clearly, I've just ordered a secondhand compact pair of leica 8x20 to keep in my pocket when out walking. 👍

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, Glad it was helpful and many thanks for the feedback - it is much appreciated. Please let me know how you go with your new purchase once you have had some time to use them.

[@johnregan3591]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Sadly those Lieca 8x20s never turned up. Thankfully I managed to get my money back as I got them through Amazon. I don't think the company actually ever had them in the first place as they kept putting off sending them out. I have tried/borrowed a pair since and for the size they are excellent

[@federicocarlosstempelshern3135]

Clear and lucid information.

[@terribolan2010]

Just watched your video. Just purchased an 8x42 for hubby for father's day. We like to have a pair for travel. I was worried about my choice. I went with the 8x42 because they seemed more compact than the 10x42. Glad to see many posts here that love their 8x42.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Terri thanks for the comment - an 8x42 will be the same size as the 10x42 from the same series ... 42 is the diameter of the lenses in millimetres and 8x or 10x is the magnification and has nothing to do with size.. I have a video you should watch: What the binocular numbers mean: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/binocular-numbers-mean-12/ There are also a bunch of 101 guides here that I suggest you take a look at: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/guides/

[@Rockoholic8]

Thanks for such a helpful video !!! I've recently started birdwatching and was tempted to buy a pair of Adasion 12x42 as it was on sale. After watching reading guides and seeing this video, I'm relieved I didn't rush and buy it.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, thanks for the feedback and am glad to have helped. Yes, for most birding an 8x42 is a good option. For long-range and out in the open, like fields, at the coast, or other waterfronts a 10x42 can be better. For very long range, you could go for a 12x, but I would then also suggest getting a pair with larger objectives (like 50mm) to make sure you still get a decent low light performance. If you are interested here are some 12x50 binocular reviews on BBR: snip.ly/upg9i5

[@kennethpeel7732]

Hi , I have got 2 pairs, an 8x25 and a 10x42 bushnell waterproof h2o, I use the Minolta 8x25 when out walking, but live using the 10x42 when on the north east coast of Great Britain , as you say, very crisp and clear, had both pairs for years, and still very nice to use, lovely video and very clear and informative, even for a veteran birder, keep it up, Kenny

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Kenneth, Many thanks for the feedback and kind words, much appreciated - a compact 8x25 with a full size 10x42 is a great combination to have and as you say will cover most needs and uses perfectly.

[@danielfrasca9569]

Answered all my questions!

[@mikemacdonald3379]

Excellent review. Cleared up a lot of my questions....

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks very much for the feedback and kind words. Much appreciated 👍 😊

[@gerrymarlowe5541]

Thanks BBR man. I would have leant to 10x had I not done my research. Now I'm definitely going to 8x42. You were very clear with your info so I was happy to hit the like button and comment.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Gerry - Many thanks to you for the kind words and feedback - much appreciated

[@boogerdude]

You are really a good instructor. Thanks so much.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks very much for the kind words.. they are much appreciated

[@markcarroll9943]

Thanks for the high quality videos and reviews . As a glass fetishist of 35 yrs[photographer] I’m loving you’re binocular material. Cheers mark Australia

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Mark, you are most welcome and many thanks for the kind words, they are much appreciated 👍

[@seetheforest]

Great video you covered a lot of my questions and explained everything very well. I got a pair of cheap 70 mm binos with a 12 to 60 zoom. The zoom is a challenge because it changes the focus and I find the need to refocus both eyes each time. So you need to set the zoom and focus and leave it there. You can't zoom in effectively and get focused and you need a concrete or cast iron base to mount the thing on to reduce shake. I'm looking for a machine stand from a drill press maybe..

[@MS-vl3im]

Thanks for explaining! I learnt something new today!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad it was helpful! and thanks for saying thanks! Much appreciated 😜👍

[@zastomislisdaznas2483]

Finaly - a intelligent Man who knows how to show the performanses. Thank you.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You are welcome and many thanks for the kind words

[@SpeedNoodles]

Now I feel like I need more than one pair as I am sometimes watching birds in the woods, and other times watching birds at a distance on large bodies of water! But, at least I now understand the differences. Thank you for your very easy-to-understand explanations!

[@mikecurtis1111]

I have both a 8x42 and 10x42. You're not going to see any appreciable increase in bird detail at a distance with 10x binos than you're seeing with 8x. Yes, the birds will be ever so slightly bigger in the 10x, but it will only be noticeable if you look through the 8x and 10x back to back. If you're frequently looking at shore birds or birds at a distance, you're gonna want to consider a spotting scope to pair with your 8x binos

[@nQuarter]

I stopped to worry about my 8x42 choice, thank you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Pavel, you are most welcome - as I say in the video, for many users, a high magnification is less important than many of the other factors.

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis3649]

Cleared it up for me, thanks Jason.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Rupert, you're welcome! and thanks for letting me know, much appreciated.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I've owned several high-end bins, and some mid-level ones over the years, but never had two of the same type to compare. What I'm wondering, is a larger objective brighter than a smaller one, in normal bright lit situations? Or only when your pupils dilate in Twighlight/darker conditions? I had some 7x50's going for max exit pupil, and they didn't seem any brighter, though it might have just been the light transmission of that particular model. Do you get a brighter image, or just larger exit pupils I guess is what I want to know. Otherwise, if I'm mainly a daytime user, an 8x32 might be the better choice. Also, it seems like the field of view is considerably wider, with the smaller objectives. Thanks.

[@Yenko1992]

I've watched a lot of videos on binoculars and this is got to be the best!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Scott, once again many thanks for the feedback and kind words.

[@QueenofSabe]

Thank you so much, this helped A LOT! Great video!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Most welcome and thanks for the feedback - love to know which binoculars you choose - if you need any assistance, please feel free to ask

[@QueenofSabe]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews thanks a lot! But I bought them right away XD I need something really simple and light to take on my trips, my very first binoculars! I took Nikon Aculon A211 8x42. So, I did some research, saw your video and that's it :)

[@petehealy9819]

Very informative and helpful! Thank you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Pete, You are welcome and many thanks for the kind words and feedback - much appreciated. Also sorry for late reply, but I have been a bit ill lately - all good now though :-)

[@andersonboy620]

Excellent man, congrats!!

[@vinodpurushothaman7311]

That was of great help.. thank u👍

[@johnl7131]

Thank you so much. I was trying to make this exact decision on 8x42 vs 10x42.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi John, glad to help and thanks for saying thanks 👍😊

[@juanarbelaez3531]

What did you do finally???

[@yvechiu-o7517]

great info. thanks!

[@MangoMike316]

I couldn't decide so I bought both! Great video.👍

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Good choice!!!! 😜and thanks for the kind words - much appreciated 👍

[@subdvr]

Thanks Jason. Ive been trawling the net trying to decide what to buy in either 10x42, 10x50, price and quality. Great video, very helpful.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Ho Trev, glad to help and many thanks for the feedback - much appreciated.

[@Kpapa91]

I'm shopping for binoculars for the first time and this was very helpful, thank you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad it was helpful and many thanks for the feedback - much appreciated

[@MattH-wg7ou]

What a dang near flawless summary/intro to bin basics!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks for the feedback and kind words - much appreciated

[@govtfunded]

How do you not have 100k subscribers? Amazing content, thank you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

I wish! Maybe one day > thanks for the kind words, certainly helps in regards to giving me the motivation to keep trying 👍

[@brucekent7442]

thank You so much. I am new to all this and this is the third time I have watched your video and things are very clear to me now.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Bruce, many thanks for the kind words and feed back and I am really glad to have been of help. All the best.

[@NicoMouissie]

Brilliant video, very clear explanations and helped decide on getting 8x42 🙌🏻

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Nico, many thanks for the feedback and kind words, much appreciated - sorry for the late response - I have been a ill recently - Hope your 8x42's worked out for you - what did you end up getting?

[@rapalaron6348]

Very helpfull. Thanks!

[@nanguameimei5396]

Best explanation of binoculars I've ever seen or heard. Thank you.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Wow, thanks for the very kind words - glad to be of help!

[@testos2701]

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks for watching! And thanks for saying thanks 😁👍

[@cutjack242]

Thanks. Made my decision a lot easier.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You are welcome and than you for the kind words & feedback.

[@valdosouto]

Many thanks fr Rio 🇧🇷 Brazil,for your great information.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks very much for the feedback and your kind words, it is really appreciated 👍

[@JeanPaul-Godtier]

Not only your explanations are very informative and synthetic, but as a non-English native speaker I also appreciate your very clear diction.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thank you for the feedback and kind words, it is much appreciated.

[@JeanPaul-Godtier]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews You're welcome. May i ask a question about a binocular choice ? I'm doing a lot of outdoor camping and fishing, hiking, and long distance bicycle trip. I found myself interested in wildife, especially birds, so i wanted to purchase my first binoculars. After reading a lot of information, I have chosen to buy the "Nikkon prostaff 7s" but i'm hesitating a lot between the "8x42" and the compact "8x30" wich is lighter (-230g) and smaller. Do you think there is a big difference between the two in terms of image quality between the two ? Thank you !

[@bunhead8]

extremely informative, thank you very much!

[@johannestone3752]

Excellent presentation. Really helped me in my purchase. Thank you.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

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

[@braddixon3338]

Wow, great review with a lot of the "scientific" details as to why one or the other! Even though I have a background in optics, I learned a lot from this video as I don't have much experience in binoculars.

[@chuckmikey001]

for general purpose my go to is a tasco sierra essentials 10x42, that range is ther best balance i have seen between power and keeping them steady, i have a compact pair of bushnell 8x42s that i use when i do shed or mushroom hunting, very handy! i also love the twist up eyecups since i just got glasses and they are now a must have on any binos i get, i used to have a pair of 12x50 in the that same set but i let a friend borrow it and it was returned broken in half after, apparently being stepped on, haven't been able to find a pair of those anywhere!

[@MuvoTX]

Great video, I agree with most of it. My preference is a leupold bx-4 8x42, but I also have an old Otsuka japan 7x35 porro that I use too. Pros and cons to both. One thing not mentioned is wind. I find for windy conditions image stability can be difficult, so my preference is for 8x and 7x. The other thing is thermal heat waves and smog/hazy conditions over long range landscapes. I have found increased magnification of a hazy or thermal blurry image less desirable. So again 8-7x is my preference.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You make some excellent points and whilst often very minor, you are right, the weather (other than light) can have a bearing on which binoculars would be best under those conditions

[@paulmacintosh8519]

this video has really helped me with my choice of bino thank you

[@A10TOES]

Thanks for explaining to where I could understand, just wanting to watch birds from my backyard.

[@davidruyle1060]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@rexluminus9867]

Very good video. Wow! I never new this. Really helped us. Thank you.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Rex, Really glad it helped and thanks very much for the feedback and kind words - much appreciated.

[@mr.arcticson4076]

Very good - the comment on watching with glasses made me chose 8x42 rather than 10x42.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi there - thanks for the comment and yes, 8x42 binoculars will often have more eye-relief than the 10x42 version, which usually makes them easier and better for eyeglass wearers. I am glad to know I helped you - all the best.

[@s.jaswinder]

So informative. TY for this guide.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for the comment. Much appreciated 👍

[@dreichmuth]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Dania, Most welcome, glad to be of help - have you chosen which configuration is better for your needs and then which binocular to get yet?

[@ladeteg]

Excellent presentation and made a confusing topic to the novice easy to understand.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad it was helpful and many thanks for the feedback - much appreciated

[@ahmedsohail67]

Best video on bynacular ever, love from India

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Many thanks for the kind words, much appreciated👍😀

[@antontomenko3124]

My opinion 10х42 The best! . With love from Ukraine. Thank you.

[@patricj951]

Good video! I agree about that 8x42 is a better allround choice. Wider FOV, brighter image in low light, less shaky image and easier eye placement. 10x42 is more of a special task choice.

[@bicak_knife_messer_tool]

*My Favorite Binoculars:Bushnell Engage EDX,Celestron Regal ED,Celestron TrailSeeker ED,Athlon Midas G2 UHD,Hawke Frontier APO,Kowa BD-II XD,Nikon Monarch M7 ED And Olympus Pro ED*

[@ruthbaker5281]

Very useful information. I’ve actually got a pair of each. I’m a birder with a pair of each. Now I can decide which to use based on the situation. 8x for woods birding, 10x for waterfowl at beaches and marshes. Thanks.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Ruth, thanks for the comment and feedback and really glad to be of help.

[@Ampora]

Super Helpful video, clear explanation. Thank you. I got myself a Admiral 8x42 DCF Pelikan II ED as I like being in the woods. :)

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, Glad it was helpful and many thanks for the kind words - very much appreciated.

[@marksandison3642]

Really useful thanks very much. I am now going to buy the 8 x 42

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Mark - you are welcome and thanks for the feedback, much appreciated - Enjoy your new bins and let me know how it goes.

[@synappticuser5669]

I am not a newbie and it was a delight to follow your clear and concise language and explanation. Been fascinated by optics since childhood and would you credt it? I was Reg'd blind at 45. No matter, Retinitis Pigmentosa or tunnel vision to the layman. I have optics for all seasons, small monoculars for railway station/airports information boards going to 8x30 monocular for weight saving or my 8x30 binos if not. I have 8x42's and 10x50's. I go on the hill or around the coast using the old 3 legged stool and a photographers monopod as a walking pole and at stop times I attach my binos. No longer young this makes a serious difference to hand shake and I can sit, take my ease and look for birds and wildlife. Best Wishes, McIntyre, Scotland.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - many thanks for the feedback and kind words, much appreciated

[@Robert-jt6eo]

While this video has been out since Oct of 2019 I have only recently viewed it. Everything you said is spot on. I have my trusty 8x42 Vortex for yrs and wanted to upgrade. I jumped right out and bought 12x50, WOW, what a mistake. Everything you said about the differences is very accurate. The 12x50 were surprisingly difficult to control the shaking. I got lucky that the dealer I bought the 12x50 from agreed to exchange the 12x50 for 8x42 even after the 30 day exchange window had passed. The new 8x42 will do what I am looking for and they are of better quality and yes more money. I don't have them as of this writing, they are in the mail as they say. I love my first set of 8x42 Vortex so after speaking with the sales person about what I wanted to achieve, I am sure I bought the right binocular, with the improvements I was looking for. Keep making these videos, You do speak the truth!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Robert, Many thanks for the kind words and great feedback. Yes it is true, for most general use, something like an 8x42 is ideal. I personally can hold a 12x50 still for short periods, but everyone is different and even so, there is little doubt that high powered binoculars are best used with a tripod in-order to appreciate the extra detail. All the best and please let us know how you get on with the 8x42 - which series did you choose?

[@josephvalentine7]

Wht your intro is all about (Oct 2019)

[@megastick9324]

I actually have one of each, 8x and 10x. And, depending on what I’m going to be looking at/for, choose between. If I’m hunting and need to see far out, I use a spotting scope. I used to try big, bulky , multi power binos to do it all, it was a big fail.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi yes, I agree with you - having both an 8x and 10x binocular is ideal and as you say, for most uses MUCH better than having most Zoom or variable magnification binoculars that in almost all cases cant match the quality or performance of a fixed focus binocular (see why here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/zoom-binoculars.php ) . However, not everyone can afford or indeed may want to have two binoculars, and thus a choice has to be made.

[@Jimbong]

Thank you Sir for this video. Certainly helped me made up my mind. :)

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You are welcome and thanks for the feedback, much appreciated

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

Great. Ordered my first pair of Binoculars. 10x42.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Zaber, that is Excellent, welcome to the world of Binoculars! Let me know what you got and how you find using them after you have had some time with them

[@m444ss]

Very helpful. Feeling much better about the purchase I just made. I just bought my wife some binos for Christmas, which she'll use to watch birds and other critters behind our house. I was going to get 10x42 but they were out of stock. I got the 8x42 (same brand/model). Now, I think she'll actually be happier with the binos I "settled for."

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, yes for around the house, I would usually go for an 8x over 10x as well. Have a Merry Christmas and do let us know how she likes her gift :-)

[@m444ss]

She got the 8x42 and loves it. 8x42 turned out to be the perfect selection for her purposes. Again, thanks for the insightful review.

[@arifsdoctor9259]

Most useful..helped me decide..many thanks

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Most welcome, glad to been of help and thanks for the comment - much appreciated

[@pepecastaneda4095]

Great video. Thanks!!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You're welcome! Thanks for saying thank! much appreciated 👍😜

[@renaldofanucci9914]

Thanks for the info.. very helpful

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Renaldo, you are welcome, glad to be of help and thanks for the feedback - much appreciated.

[@douglasstemke2444]

As an eyeglass user and one who birds a lot I look for 10x42 that offer a lot of eye relief, typically more than 20mm. I currently own Pentax with a 21mm eye relief and really love these binoculars which are not inexpensive but less than half the cost of truly high end binoculars like Leica

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Yes, 21mm is good. I find 18mm is often enough, but it will depend on the shape of your face and the glasses you wear and how you wear them

[@neilgibbs1973]

Great review which helped me get the best alternative for watching cricket .Many thanks

[@ratherbefishing4225]

Been using 10x42 Zeiss for years but broke them, just got a new pair of Athlon 8x42s. Primary use is hunting and especially important to have good light transmission during dawn and dusk. Haven’t tested them much yet but they seem really good. My dad has used a pair of 7x42s for decades and they are wonderful for hunting.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - thanks for the comment and update, much appreciated. I too love the 7x42 configuration, sadly is quite rare to find these days.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

I still use my Chinon 7x50 binos. Yeah, they're large and heavy, but, they always help me find the objects I'm looking for.

[@jeffwright2471]

very helpful. Thank you

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Jeff, Thanks for the feedback and kind words - very much appreciated - please let me know if you need any further assistance or advice.

[@liang5345]

Thanks for your good explanation 👍🏻

[@ICDedPeplArisen]

I want to get some binoculars for my mother, who wants to view the mountain range visible from her living room. So far, I think a 8×42 might suit her better as she will have a harder time than most keeping the binoculars steady, so a lower magnification would still allow her to maintain focus on an area. She also plans on using them in low light conditions such as sunrise and sunset. Not sure if I will go for 42mm objective lenses, but I appreciate this informative video very much!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, thanks for the comment and kind words, much appreciated. I agree, an 8x would be better for someone with unsteady hands - you could go for a smaller more lightweight binocular, so something like an 8x32 (see ones I have reviewed here tinyurl.com/5ka5tw59 ) which would also be easier to handle, but would then reduce the low light capability.

[@tonykemp4645]

Get your mother a pair of bushnell 8x42 bonculars very good in low light I own a pair just amazing glass in any condition.

[@lmtada]

Running Leica 8x42 for 20 years. Was a good purchase. Good quality, and rugged. Pass them on to a family member when I am gone.

[@marandlen]

Very thorough!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, thanks very much :-)

[@lindsaycleveland2992]

Great advice & explnation thanks

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for the comment and kind words - much appreciated

[@MrVarmont]

Thank you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

you are welcome, and thank you for the comment 👍

[@coolauntiejoyce]

Thanks for this detailed primer on these two popular binocular sizes. I’m looking to purchase my first pair for an Alaska cruise next year and decided that the 10x42 would best for the mid to long range viewing from the ship. Great, informative work!

[@ach777]

Really helpful video.

[@ramboj7924]

i do think 8x is the best all rounder, sometimes i find 10x too narrow and i know there are wider FOV in 10x than the ones i used but there is also the shaky image thats very noticeable when increasing magnification

[@roccodefranco1310]

Great video ! Hey have a question ... looking to pick up a pair of bino's to view a shooting target at 50ft and100 yards. I'm against a spotting scopes do to the versatility of bino's. What magnification would you recommend and size?

[@TheAVJedi]

Great content! You’ve got another sub 😊

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Welcome aboard and thanks very much, your kind words and support is genuinely much appreciated.

[@michaelmelling9333]

Thanks for the excellent info!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Michael, Glad it was helpful and many thanks for the feedback and kind words, it is very much appreciated.

[@michaelmelling9333]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews 🙂👍

[@pitersanok5179]

Thank you, your video really helped me to finally ensure which binocular would fit my needs best. Before watching it, I've been quite a lot confused.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks for the feedback and glad to have been able to help. Love to know which binoculars you have chosen?

[@pitersanok5179]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Decided to buy 8x40, because usually I'm gonna use binocular into the woods and hilly terrain to admire landscapes, also during sunset sometimes. Not often on vast and open spaces. I think I'll probably go for Nikon Action EX. Regards!

[@ft6755]

Great video mate thanks, I'm going to go with the 8x42!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Your welcome, glad to have been a little help. Do you have any ideas as to which 8x42 binocular you are going to go for?

[@ft6755]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews I'm thinking of going with the Nikon Prostaff 3S 8x42 as that has good reviews.

[@AJ-dy8wy]

Thanks for this vdo, this helped me to choose 8*42nikon for birding.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Great 👍 happy to have helped and thanks for the feedback, much appreciated