8x32 vs 8x42 Binoculars - Which is Best?

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Күн бұрын

#BinoWars: In this video, I will go over the main differences between typical 8x32 vs 8x42 binoculars of similar quality and thus no matter if your interest is general use, birding, wildlife observation, hunting or any other, by the end, you’ll be able to decide which is best for you & your particular needs and preferences.
Related Links:
➡️8x32 vs 8x42 Binoculars - Which is Best - Full Article:
www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...
➡️Hawke Frontier ED X 8x32 Binoculars Review
www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...
➡️Hawke Frontier 8x42 ED X Binoculars Review
www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...
➡️What the Numbers Mean on a Binocular
www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...
➡️Complete Guide to the Exit Pupil
www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...
Continuing on with BBR’s mini #BinoWars series in which I pit different instruments and different configurations against each other to see which is best, in today’s post I go over the most important differences between 8x32 vs 8x42 binoculars of similar quality. This will take into consideration your particular preferences and needs and therefore no matter if your interests are birding, wildlife observation, travel or just general uses, by the end, you will know which configuration is best for you.
Size: 8x32 versus 8x42
8x42 binoculars use objective lenses that are 42mm in diameter, whilst 8x32 binoculars…. you guessed it, use 32mm lenses! Therefore, it is easy to also understand that in order to accommodate them, an 8x42 is going to naturally be a larger instrument than an 8x32.
Weight 32mm vs 42mm Binoculars
The extra material needed to make the larger lenses and chassis on the 8x42mm binocular add up and thus as well as larger, it also results in them being heavier than the 8x32mm binocular.
Image Brightness 8x32 or 8x42 Binoculars?
The larger surface area of 42mm lenses on an 8x42 means that they have the potential to “capture” more light than the 32mm lens ones on an 8x32.
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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.
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.

Пікірлер: 97

@skepticalmechanic 2 жыл бұрын

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

@GM-bq6zo 11 ай бұрын

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

@lynnleduc2641 2 жыл бұрын

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

@ElderHiker 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@nargizeg Жыл бұрын

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

@AussieMaleTuber Жыл бұрын

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 7 ай бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 7 ай бұрын

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

@rachelg7371 11 ай бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 10 ай бұрын

You're very welcome! Thanks for the comment

@Wastelander13 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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

@user-wi2kp6xo5l 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@ahriman935 Жыл бұрын

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.

@juliuswu5392 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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

@stevewhiteley9249 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@thecellm8tube Жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews Жыл бұрын

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

@ryanfox8565 2 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 2 жыл бұрын

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

@Ekster77 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful video! Good explanation 👍.

@skepticalmechanic 7 ай бұрын

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

@EllySpace 4 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 4 жыл бұрын

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 :-)

@andersonboy620 4 жыл бұрын

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

@1maticsportsandGames Жыл бұрын

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👊👍

@ensignj3242 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. This was very helpful.

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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

@bringbackmd7579 2 жыл бұрын

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

@gelavski 3 жыл бұрын

Дуже дякую! Корисно та пізнавально!

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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

@isparoz 4 жыл бұрын

Perfectly informative video. Thanks a million!

@Bestbinocularsreviews 4 жыл бұрын

You are welcome and thanks for the kind words 👍

@dannyjennings9656 2 жыл бұрын

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

@amansinghbisht6337 2 жыл бұрын

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

@virajgunarathne9284 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@refaiabdeen5943 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Mate!

@Bestbinocularsreviews 4 жыл бұрын

Welcome! :-)

@MrCmdCool 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

@@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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@pierodallepezze3253 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@bıçak_knife_messer_tool 8 ай бұрын

*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.*

@spamcan9208 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@kh2140 Жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews Жыл бұрын

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.

@curiouscanuck Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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

@Thota721 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@nicolasmasset 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@mr.arcticson4076 2 ай бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 2 ай бұрын

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/

@jefffarnham5040 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@Antares1982 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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

@forofen 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@aaronjacquelinesandford3518 4 жыл бұрын

exit pupil explanation was really helpful.

@Bestbinocularsreviews 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@sadikant6975 4 жыл бұрын

💫👍

@aqualungs77 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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 4 жыл бұрын

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

@BeareTube 4 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 4 жыл бұрын

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

@queenannesrevenge8137 2 жыл бұрын

Hunting Standard in Germany is 8x56

@jeoffer 4 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@Bestbinocularsreviews 4 жыл бұрын

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

@jeremykeller211 2 жыл бұрын

Better

@GiBMan70 Жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews Жыл бұрын

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.

@kayasper6081 Жыл бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

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.

@davidl.4147 3 жыл бұрын

Your thoughts on Swarovski for these sizes ?

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@ctdvargas 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Bestbinocularsreviews 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@jckdnls9292 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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.