The best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching

8×42 is the standard recommendation of magnification for bird watching. Because it is such a popular size, there is a really good range of models to weigh up and choose from.

With the help of this article, you will find out which 8×42 binoculars are best for your bird watching needs, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bird watcher.

Here is an overview comparing the different features of some of the most high-quality optics available in this category.

Quick comparison: Best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching

How to choose which 8×42 binoculars are best for your birding?

Binoculars of this power are a good choice for most people who are only going to buy one pair of binoculars. 8×42 binoculars have sufficient magnification power for all birding use cases, yet will be easy to hold steady.

They maintain the brightness of the image even in low light conditions. At this size, binoculars will have a good field of view. The wider the field of view, the easier it is to find and track birds.

Our in-depth article here will help you explain the different terminology of binoculars, and how each component contributes to a good pair. The aim of the article is to help you to hone in on the most important features for you to look out for. How to choose the best binoculars for bird watching

Reviews: the best 8×42 binoculars for birding?

We’ll explore some of the top 8×42 binoculars designed with bird watchers in mind, as well as what makes them different from one another.

Best overall 8×42 binoculars for bird watching

Nikon Monarch 7 8X42 binoculars Overview

Incorporating a high-quality build with durability, comfort and attention to detail, these lightweight binoculars from the all-star Nikon Monarch range combine excellent image clarity with a wide field of view ideally suited to birding.

Image quality

Given that you may be doing lots of birding at the two points in the day when the birds are most active but natural light is at its dimmest – sunrise and sunset – you will be happy with the brightness of the images offered by Nikon Monarch 7. Conversely, it also is able to minimize glare when used in very strong light.

This benefit is enhanced by Nikon’s use of premium extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. ED glass is a significant upgrade as it boosts the sharpness and vibrancy of the colors, lessening any chromatic aberration.

In practice, this means birders are able to appreciate the full spectrum of color without rainbow-type halos around the subject.

Eye relief

Eye relief is relatively long, at a fraction over 17mm, which is worth noting for glasses wearers. As you would expect, the eye cups are adjustable to suit your own comfort.

Durability and ease of use

Needless to say, the rubber-armored Nikon Monarch 7 has an exceptional build quality and durability. The lenses are fully multi coated, fog proof and waterproof – pretty standard for a roof prism binocular in this price range.

We are impressed with the comfort factor offered by the body of these bird watching binoculars. Considering it has a 42mm objective lens, the binoculars weigh in surprisingly light.

They feel well balanced in the hand and comfortable to grip, which will also help to keep your images stable, as will the smooth-moving focus wheel.

It requires one and a half turns of the wheel to get from close focus to infinity. Being able to achieve this whole range within one single revolution, however, is easier and more speedy.

But while the Monarch 7 focus adjustment is at the maximum of what we recommend for bird watching binoculars, it does mean you can really pinpoint the appropriate focus to a fine degree.

Size

In comparison to the Monarch 5 in the same configuration, the Monarch 7 is slightly more compact and lighter. We would say overall it has the edge on the Monarch 5 for bird watching.

Not only does the non-slip grip on the Monarch 7 feel natural and easy to maintain for longer periods, but the wide, adjustable strap that comes with it is also comfortable, saving you the cost of changing this for another.

Extras

The included carry case feels suitably soft and well padded on the inside. The flip-down objective lens covers are made from a flexible rubber and designed to mesh neatly within the inside of the barrel. The fit is not all that snug, though, with the result that they have a habit of slipping off so beware of this.

Best value 8×42 binoculars for bird watching

Celestron Nature DX 8X42 binoculars Overview

Our pick for the best value binoculars boast an impressive range of features within a competitive lower price range. They are perfect for beginning birding.

Field of view

Field of view is 388 ft @ 1000 yds, making it easy to locate your subject at a distance. The close focus feature gives clear images as near as 6.5 feet. It is easy to adjust the focus wheel with just one hand, allowing the other to hold the binoculars steady.

Eye relief

If you wear eyeglasses when using binoculars for bird watching this pair is ideal. At 17.5mm the eye relief distance is fairly long. Durable, twistable eye cups allow you to adjust the eye relief easily.

You can also change the width of the instrument using the central hinge to suit the width of your face and how far apart your eyes are.

Image quality

The quality of glass is high. The prisms are phase coated BaK-4, which also increases contrast, and the optics are fully multi-coated. This translates to bright images even in lower light.

Ease of use

Though the design seems simple, the rubberized grip is comfortable and durable. Celestron’s listed weight seems impressively light for all the included features, it’s best to take this with a pinch of salt – they weighed in a little heavier than 22.2oz when actually tested.

Despite this, the overall feel of the binocular is reassuringly higher than its actual price point. If there is one drawback, it is that you may experience a small amount of glare in strong light – looking into the sun, for instance – but overall it is not a problem.

Extras

As well as the binoculars themselves, you get a neck strap, lens cloth, eyepiece rain cover and objective lens caps. The included carry case doesn’t appear all that well padded, so you might want to upgrade this. Similarly, it’s worth paying out for a more comfortable neck strap than the flimsy one that is provided.

Their appearance may be basic rather than outstanding, but Celestron have created one of the best binoculars for entry-level birding that surpass competitors for their quality and price.

Best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching if money is no object

Carl Zeiss Victory SF 8×42 binoculars Overview

As well as the impressive field of view, superior image clarity and color vibrancy even in dim light that you’d expect from such a premium quality instrument, you have peace of mind with a lifetime warranty, scratch-resistant lenses and a rugged but easy-to-hold build.

Image quality

Exceptional optics should always give you the best possible viewing experience. If you really want to feel you’re getting up close and personal with the bird life, these Zeiss bird watching binoculars offer views of an spectacular immediacy.

The razor sharp image you get with this pair of binoculars pops with vibrant, true-to-life color, from the center right up to the outer edge. A 92% rate of light transmission boosts the image quality and contrast in low light.

Field of view

The field of view covers a wide but natural-feeling area, while the close focus distance is less than five feet.

Ease of use

Attention to detail extends from the comfortable alignment and fit of the eye cups to the optimized shape and balance of the instrument in the hand. Speed and ease of focus is equally impressive, always with a smooth and intuitive feel.

All of these seemingly small advantages add up to a fatigue-free lengthy viewing session, taking you to twilight and beyond.

Best 8×42 binoculars for close-focus bird watching

Vortex Viper HD 8×42 binoculars Overview

These easily-adjustable roof prism birding binoculars with great eye relief are difficult to beat for their quality Vortex optics, which ensure high-end performance in a relatively small size and weight – and without the premium price tag.

Field of view

They have an excellent close-focus at 5 feet. The total range of focus is covered with a turn and a half of the satisfyingly grippy focus wheel. Field of view is a sound 409 feet at 1000 yards.

Eye relief

A real bonus is the extra-long eye relief. This contributes to the outstanding view that these binoculars offer, especially to people who wear glasses while bird watching.

Image quality

There’s great clarity in low-light conditions, capturing detail even in the shadows. ED glass reproduces real-life colors well, with good resolution and minimal chromatic aberration. The end result is a really clean, crisp image.

The BaK-4 prisms, with phase-correction coatings, are another high-quality component. These, too, add to the accuracy of the color and maximize brightness.

Durability

The scratch-resistant lenses are sealed with a waterproof o-ring to protect against the elements and purged with argon gas, which guards against internal misting and prolongs the life of your instrument.

The durable rubber casing, common to most roof prism binoculars, feels secure to grip with damp hands. This rubberized finish extends to the adjustable and extendable eye cups, which fit comfortably and snugly against the face.

Extra comfort

The nylon case provided has soft but sufficient internal padding. The way that they have designed the padded neck strap, with a curve, is a great idea and boosts the comfort factor.

The soft nylon carry case is made really well and looks to be of very good quality, it is well padded on the inside to protect the binoculars and has a netted pocket that can be zipped closed to store a few small items and would be a good place to keep a lens cleaning cloth for example. It has two loops on the back enabling you to attach it to a belt.

Vortex Optics cover their products with an unlimited and unconditional warranty to give you peace of mind in the end that your binoculars get damaged. The company promises to repair or replace them.

Best 8×42 bird-watching binoculars for glasses wearers

Vanguard Endeavor ED 8x42mm binoculars Overview

The Vanguard binoculars offer one of the best options with long eye relief for glasses wearers to make sure you get a good view of the entire range possible.

Size

A compact body with the roof prism design and extendable eye cups for people who do not wear glasses.

Field of view

Field of view is 367ft at 1000 yards. Close focus distance is 7.5ft.

Ease of use

Focussing is simple with the central operating dial, so can be adjusted with either hand. The diopter on the right side can be locked. This helps because it is less likely to get changed accidentally and need to be tweaked.

Durability

Weatherproofed construction with O-ring sealed lenses filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging and maintain waterproofing. The ergonomics lend them a good feel in the hand.

Image quality

The extra low dispersion glass (ED glass) and fully multi-coated optics reduce glare and internal reflection, contributing to the overall quality of the image. Color contrast is good.

Summary: Which 8×42 binoculars are best for your birding requirements?

Choosing the right pair of binoculars for bird watching is a daunting task when there are so many high-quality brands and models on offer. We’ve done all the hard work for you by comparing and contrasting the best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching to help you find your perfect match.

For our round-up of the overall best models of birding binoculars, click here >>> What are the best binoculars for birding?

There are so many factors that go into making a decision, but we hope our in-depth analysis will make it much easier. Which 8×42 binoculars will you invest in for your next adventure to watch birds? 8x vs 10x binoculars: which magnification is better for bird watching?