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
Nikon Monarch 7 8X42 binoculars
Lightweight binoculars from the all-star Nikon Monarch range, combining excellent image clarity with a wide field of view ideally suited to birding.
Best overall
CELESTRON NATURE DX 8X42 BINOCULARS
Perfect for beginning birding, these boast an impressive range of features within a competitive lower price range.
Best value
CARL ZEISS VICTORY SF 8×42 BINOCULARS
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.
Best if money is no object
VORTEX VIPER HD 8×42 BINOCULARS
High-end performance in a relatively small size and weight, without the premium price tag.
Best for close-focus bird watching
VANGUARD ENDEAVOR ED 8X42MM BINOCULARS
One of the best options with long eye relief for glasses wearers. A good view of the entire range.
Best for glasses wearers
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
Main Features of the Nikon Monarch 7 8X42 binoculars
The Nikon Monarch 7 8X42 binoculars offer impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- ED glass and multilayer lens and prism coatings
- High-quality design and comfortable build
- Repellent exterior lens coatings
- Waterproof and fogproof rubber armor
Specifications
Magnification power 8x
Objective lens diameter 42 mm
Field of view 435 ft at 1,000yd
Close focus 8.2 ft
Eye relief 17.1 mm
Weight 23.6 oz
Dimensions 5.6 x 5.1 x 2.2″ (14.2 x 13 x 5.6 cm)
Pros
- Excellent light transmission, giving sharp bright views
- Comfortable and solid to use
- Rugged, durable design
- Eye relief is long, adjustable with turn-and-slide eyecups
Cons
- Solid build and high quality optics creates a weight compromise
- Eye cups a little loose
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
Main Features of the Celestron Nature DX 8X42 binoculars
The Celestron Nature DX 8X42 binoculars offer impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- Waterproof/fogproof nitrogen-filled polycarbonate housing
- Phase-corrected BAK-4 roof prisms and fully multi-coated optics
- Center focus wheel with ridged grip
- Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass
Specifications
Magnification power 8x
Objective lens diameter 42 mm
Field of view 388 ft at 1,000yd
Close focus 6.5 ft (2m)
Eye relief 17.5 mm
Weight 22.2 oz (626g)
Dimensions 5.3″ x 4.9″ x 2″ (135mm x 126mm x 52mm)
Pros
- Bright images in low light due to phase coatings and lens coatings
- Comfortable and durable minimal design
- Competitive in the lower price range – great for beginning birding
- Durable, twistable eye cups allow you to adjust the eye relief easily
Cons
- Strong light may prompt some glare
- Appearance may appear basic to some
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
Main Features of the Carl Zeiss Victory SF 8×42 binoculars
The Carl Zeiss Victory SF 8×42 binoculars offer impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- Lightweight, durable magnesium alloy double-hinged body
- 92% rate of light transmission via SCHOTT fluoride glasses
- Ergonomically balanced design
- All-weather LotuTec coating
Specifications
Magnification power 8x
Objective lens diameter 42 mm
Field of view 444 ft at 1,000yd
Close focus 4.9 ft
Eye relief 18 mm
Weight 27.8oz (790g)
Dimensions 6.8″ x 4.9″
Pros
- Superior image clarity and color vibrancy
- Wide field of view and very close focus distance
- Easy and smooth to focus via Smart Focus system
- Rugged but easy-to-hold build
Cons
- A little on the heavy side, but well balanced
- Difficult to find any real flaws!
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
Main Features of the Vortex Viper HD 8×42 binoculars
The Vortex Viper HD 8×42 binoculars offer impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- O-ring sealed and argon filled for waterproofing and fogproofing
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate chassis
- Includes a GlassPak binoculars harness case
- High-density extra-low dispersion glass and phase-corrected, dielectric coating components
Specifications
Magnification power 8x
Objective lens diameter 42 mm
Field of view 409 ft at 1,000yd
Close focus 6 ft
Eye relief 18 mm
Weight 24.5 oz
Dimensions 5.6″ x 4.9″
Pros
- Extra-long eye relief is a bonus for glasses and sunglasses wearers
- Fidelity and crispness in the color and resolution, due to ED glass
- Rubberized armoring is secure to grip with damp hands
- Great close focus distance
Cons
- Can start to feel heavy if you’re carrying them a long way
- Carry case might not work with a binocular harness set-up
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
Main Features of the Vanguard Endeavor ED 8x42mm binoculars
The Vanguard Endeavor ED 8x42mm binoculars offer impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- Focusing wheel and locking diopter are both centrally located for easy adjustment
- Lightweight and tough magnesium housing in an ergonomic open-bridge design
- SK-15 prisms and premium HOYA ED glass
- Nitrogen purged & O-ring sealed against water or internal fogging
Specifications
Magnification power 8x
Objective lens diameter 42 mm
Field of view 367 ft at 1,000yd
Close focus 7.5 ft
Eye relief 19 mm
Weight 25.75 oz (730g)
Dimensions 6.1” x 5.1”
Pros
- Sharp and crisp all the way across the image
- Simple and quick to change focus
- Pleasant leather-type texture on the body
- Tripod adaptable
Cons
- The fast focus might lack the ability to fine tune for some birders
- Take care with the eye cups when altering
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?
Contents
- 1 Quick comparison: Best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching
- 2 How to choose which 8×42 binoculars are best for your birding?
- 3 Reviews: the best 8×42 binoculars for birding?
- 4 Best overall 8×42 binoculars for bird watching
- 5 Best value 8×42 binoculars for bird watching
- 6 Best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching if money is no object
- 7 Best 8×42 binoculars for close-focus bird watching
- 8 Best 8×42 bird-watching binoculars for glasses wearers
- 9 Summary: Which 8×42 binoculars are best for your birding requirements?