Binoculars

When it comes to binoculars, 8x42mm and 10x42mm are pretty much the standard measurements for the best overall views. There are smaller and larger pairs of binoculars that would be ideal for certain situations, but 8×42’s and 10×42’s are certainly the most popular and widespread among manufacturers.

So what makes these two sets of binos similar and dissimilar? At first glance, you might not notice the difference between the two. Design-wise, they’re very similar to each other unless we factor in wide-angle binos as well. More on those later.

In case measurements are unclear to beginners, let’s clear some things up. In an 8x42mm model, for example, the 8 refers to the level of zoom the binoculars can reach. The 10mm refers to the diameter of the objective lens within the binos. The wider the diameter of the objective lenses are, the more light the binos gather and the brighter the overall image. The larger the zoom, the closer you can focus in on a specific object.

Large vs Small Binos

Given what we know, this doesn’t mean that the binos with the largest measurements out there are going to be the best on the market. The reason we have different measurements is that different measurements are better in different situations.

The difference between the two may seem small at first, but once you get a feel for the detail provided by both, you’ll see what we mean.

Let’s look at both models individually.

8x42mm

The 8x42mm model is a pretty average size for binoculars, making them some of the best all-around binos in the industry. Despite similar measurements, not all 8x42mm models are exactly the same. Some companies use specific manufacturing techniques to allow just the tiniest bit more of light to pass through the lenses.

8×42 models provide ample zoom and field of view (FOV) for their user without trying to add too much flare.

Here are a couple of examples of situations where 8x42mm models would be ideal:

• Opera-for a smaller field of view
• Stadium Events-you may not need to track high-speed objects, but see many things at once
• Hunting-for ideal target acquisition in ideal conditions, normally shorter range
  • 8×42’s also have slightly larger exit pupils, eye reliefs, and field of views, making them more ideal overall for low light conditions

10x42mm

The 10x42mm offers the same or similar level of light transmission as 8x42mm models but offers a small boost in the zoom factor. For a more powerful zoom, you’ll get clearer images so you can identify objects and animals at long range.

Here are a couple of examples of situations where 10x42mm models would be ideal:

• Birding-for fast moving animals
• Hunting-for target acquisition of animals in the distance, usually at maximum range
• Twilight Factor-while the 8×42’s model can acquire targets in low light, its the clarity and resolution of the object/animal that matters. This is where the 10×42’s excel

Wide Angled Binos

Wide angled binos offer an even larger field of view with the same measurements. For activities such as birding which require fast movement and a wide field of view as much as detail acquisition, wide angled binos are the preference. For birding in particular, you may prefer one model over the other depending on what environment you are glassing.

As we mentioned, these optics come in the same 8×42 and 10×42 models, but their design is noticeably different, (see image on the right).

Overall

8×42’s are generally more stable than 10×42’s, meaning you’re not shaking as much at maximum range. Seeing an object in the distance doesn’t mean necessarily mean you’re going to get unreal image quality. On the other hand, 10×42’s are going to pick up more detail each time you glass a certain area.

Both models of binos have their advantages and disadvantages. This means you’ll want to conduct your research carefully and plan out what you want to use a particular pair of binos for before you buy them.

Click here to browse our picks for the best binoculars of 2018. You can also find many individual reviews of specific binos in our binoculars category.

Zeiss Terra 10×42

For the outdoor enthusiast, nothing enhances the experience quite like an amazing pair of binoculars. If you’re looking for the best of the best, look no further than Zeiss. Zeiss has always been at the top of the list as far as quality is concerned. Nobody in the industry thought a quality, but also affordable binocular was possible, but Zeiss was determined to prove them wrong. Thus, the Terra ED was born. The Zeiss Terra ED binoculars are the ideal companion for any outdoor activity in any conditions.

About the Zeiss Terra Series

These binoculars have a waterproof casing and will do its job even under the toughest of conditions. The ED in the Terra ED stands for Extra-low Dispersion: meaning a more high-end glass used in the binoculars that disperse the light wavelengths passing through the glass with more ease and at a better quality. The ED glass gives a sharp distinction between colors and significantly reduces chromatic aberration, which is the inability to bring different wavelengths of light into focus. Using ED glass in their binoculars, Zeiss guarantees a sharper image quality to the outdoor aficionado.

They are compact and light, easily fitting into one’s pockets. To make these binoculars lightweight without sacrificing sturdiness, Zeiss uses a glass-reinforced polyamide, meaning they can be lightweight, but also durable. To paint a better picture, natural polyamides include: silk and wool. Because of the use of this polyamide, owners can enjoy a long-lasting viewing experience without suffering any fatigue in their hands or arms.

Their optical specifications are better than most other binoculars. Because of optical precision and a hydrophobic multi-coating, these binoculars have a very versatile use and are a good instrument for any adventure around the globe. With just an easy flick of your index finger to focus, you’ll never miss a second with a smooth, fast focus. Zeiss guarantees great images with conventional colors. Depending on the model, the minimum object distance is 1.5m or 1.9m, making it able for you to observe objects up close precisely and impressively.

Available Models

There are currently six Zeiss Terra ED models:

Terra ED Pocket 8×25

These binoculars have an operating temperature range of -20 degrees to 63 degrees Celsius. They feature an 8x magnification and are also waterproof. The pocket 8×25 has a low weight of 310g and a wonderful folding design, making it extremely compact and easy to transport. They are available solely in “grey-black” and are best suited for travelling and general outdoor activities.

Terra ED Pocket 10×25

This model is also waterproof, weighs 310g, and has a temperature range of -20 degrees to 63 degrees Celsius. They are also available solely in “grey-black” and are best suited for travelling and general outdoor activities. This model, however, features a 10x magnification.

Terra ED 8×32

These binoculars are available solely in “cool grey” and have a compact size, weighing in at just 510g. They guarantee sharp images even when a subject moves quickly because of the precise focus mechanism. They fit well in your hand and feature an 8x magnification. The temperature range is -15 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius, and is also waterproof. These binoculars are best for nature observing and outdoor activities.

Zeiss Terra 8×32

Terra ED 10×32

You’ll get a 10x magnification, even in the smallest of details with this model. Much like the Terra ED 8×32, these binoculars have a low weight of 510g and a compact design, making it easy to fit in your hands. They are waterproof and have an accurate temperature range of -15 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius. Available solely in “cool grey”, they are best for nature observation and outdoor activities.

Terra ED 8×42

This model and the Terra ED 10×42 are the heaviest of the bunch, weighing in at 695g. Even though it’s the heaviest of all the models, it is an all-around performer and still light and compact enough to travel anywhere with you. These binoculars feature an 8x magnification, are waterproof and have a working temperature range of -15 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius. This pair is virtually indestructible and has an attractive design, available in “deep blue”, “black” and “cool grey”. This model is best used for hunting, nature observation, and any outdoor activity.

Terra ED 10×42

Much like the Terra ED 8×42, these binoculars weigh 695g, are waterproof and have a temperature range of -15 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius. They are available in “deep blue”, “black” and “cool grey”. This pair has an increased magnification of 10x, however. You’ll experience an extremely clear picture quality with its superior observation capability over long distances. These binoculars are best for hunting, nature observation and any outdoor activity.

If you’re looking for great quality binoculars at a price you can afford, look no further than the Zeiss Terra ED models. Sure to please, these binoculars will give you picture-perfect quality with a durability you can’t beat. Zeiss has delivered yet again with this amazing product, making the perfect outdoor device for any interest.

See all the Terra binoculars here!

While Celestron is more known for their telescopes, they sell all sorts of optical equipment including microscopes and binoculars. You don’t normally see Celestron binoculars in the field while you’re hunting and birding. That’s because Celestron manufactures some big binoculars. These 70mm binoculars are apart of the SkyMaster line of optics and isn’t even the largest set of handheld binoculars on the market.

Celestron as a company specializes in viewing objects very far away and objects too small for our naked eyes to see. The SkyMasters feature enormous 70mm lens, capable of getting clear images of the moon in the right settings and conditions.

Here we’ll explore the Skymaster 70mm’s, and where you can use them best.

Optics

Let’s take a look at the overall power of these 70mm optics.

• 15x magnification
• Field of View (FOV)-4.4 degrees
  • FOV at 1000yds-230
• Multi-coated lenses
• Diopter range- -4 to 8
• Close Focus Distance 52.5

70mm lens are some of the biggest lenses you can have on handheld binoculars. As a result, you have some of the greatest light gathering power on the market. The diopter settings range from -4 to +8, meaning you can adjust to low or high light situations.

Uses

Since these binoculars are made by Celestron, you can already guess what they’re good at. The moon is one of the brightest objects in our night sky and with the 70mm’s variable diopter settings, you’ll have no difficulty seeing it up close when the sky is clear.

These diopter settings work the same during daytime and landscape viewing as well. They come with a tripod adapter as they do weigh about 3lbs free handed. Birding and nighttime sky watching are going to be the biggest and most logical uses for the 70mm’s. 70mm means that you’re going to soak up whatever is giving off light, notably objects in the sky and the moon.

Versus Other Sporting Optics

These binoculars are big, hence why more often than naught, you’ll see them hooked up to a tripod. They don’t make the best hunting binoculars because they are designed for extreme range viewing rather than detailed viewing. Remember, just because a pair of optics has big lenses, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the best details of an object.

Swinging these binoculars isn’t going to be easy due to their size and weight. Compared to wide angled binos and other smaller sporting optics, the 70mm’s aren’t the most logical to take on hunts when you’re lugging them around for hours at a time. Unless you plan to stay in given area, you’re better off using a smaller pair.

Overall

It’s astonishing to note that the 15x70mm’s aren’t the biggest or smallest pair of binos in the SkyMaster series. Regardless, the 15x70mm’s sit in the middle of the SkyMaster series and provide astounding images for a cheap price compared to other Celestron products.

The 15x70mm’s don’t have the power to see stars or planets beyond the moon up close and personal but provide a sort of middle ground between mainstream sporting optics and telescopes.

Click here to shop the SkyMaster 70mm’s.

The Bushnell PowerView series is a wide range of wildlife and tactical binoculars that feature high powered optics across the board. Bushnell offers a lot of choices when it comes to binoculars, so why the 20x50mm model?

The PowerView 20x50mm offers a good blend of magnification and light gathering power. The Powerview is another version of the popular wide-angle binos, which are different than your average sporting optics model.

Optics

• Close focus: 45ft/13.7m
• Field of View at 1000yds: 170ft
• Exit Pupil-9mm

The PowerView’s optics aren’t spectacular, but they do have something called Insta Focus, patented by Bushnell. While not exactly working the same way as a camera focus, it keeps objects in focus with a push of a button. It’s extremely useful when viewing things at maximum range.

The field of view (FOV) at 1000 yards is smaller than most top of the line sporting optics. Most of them have FOV’s between 200-400 yards at 1000 yards, but the PowerView does get close. The better the quality, usually higher the price.

While PowerView’s usefulness at maximum range drops off, detail and coloration from 0-1000 yards is still astounding.

Uses

The 20x50mm are perfect for just about every outdoor viewing activity from hunting to concerts and theater. Light transmission within the lenses is also optimal, so you should have no problem seeing objects at long range while indoors.

Extreme range viewing might not be the PowerView’s strong point, but at closer range, it really picks up on detail. Many users have complimented the PowerView’s versatility as an animal watching optic as well hunting.

Compared to Other Sporting Optics

You’ll find that the 20x50mm compares well with other binoculars that are marketed specifically as “sporting optics”. One of the biggest perks about the PowerViews is that they are remarkably cheap compared to other sporting optics.

They feature a tough rubber skin to absorb and protect against dings and scratches. They may sport the biggest lenses in the PowerView line but the overall construction is still relatively compact. They won’t be cumbersome to carry on extended trips.

Overall

The PowerViews are at a slightly wider angle than mainstream hunting binoculars. They combine some of the perks of sporting optics with more compact binos to deliver a good all-around performance.

While there is no limit to where you can use them, you’ll have the best chance of using them for closer range activities regardless if it is indoor or outdoor.

Click here to shop the PowerView 20x50mm model.

The Bushnell Falcons are wide-angle optics, noticeable by their expanded lenses that are “wider” than most sporting optics. Wide-angle binoculars offer a wider field of view (FOV), meaning you can see more objects when looking into the eyecups. A common misconception is that increased DOF is the result of bigger eyecups or lenses.

These binoculars function as multi-role optics but are more commonly seen among birders.

Optics

This particular pair of binoculars is 10x50mm, giving you increased magnification power. Combined with the benefits of a wide angle construction, the Falcon allows you to see more across the lenses while also giving you the power to see up close details. Range, depth, and magnification are usually sacrificed for one another, leaving few binoculars that shine in all categories.

To be precise, at 1000 yards, the field of view is nearly 300 yards without magnification. One of the reasons why the Falcon is popular among birders is that it’s perfect for tracking fast moving birds or other animals. With a wider angle of view, you can spot and keep track of moving objects without having to swing your optics because it’s moving too fast.

Here are the general specs of the Falcon:

• Magnification/Lens Diameter: 10x / 55mm.
• Autofocusing Porro prism.
• 25-foot close focusing distance.
• Weight: 27 oz.
• Eye Relief: 9mm.
• Exit Pupil: 5mm.
• Field of View @ 1,000 yds: 300ft.

Compared to Hunting Binos

You don’t see too many hunting binos with a wide angle style of construction. This is because hunting binos are focused on achieving recognition of an object at various ranges and then acquiring details about that object (color, light transmission, anti-fog, etc.).

The Falcon’s wide field of view and ten times magnification still make it a versatile pair of binos, but it may lack in acquiring intense detail of objects and animals at maximum range.

Overall

This set of binoculars work well for every outdoor activity that needs long-range optics. To the make the most of them, one has to think of them as more than just lenses to look through. Wide-angle binoculars have a broader FOV, even more so than some of the best sporting optics out there. That’s not to say that sporting optics aren’t flashy and provide great detail, but the key difference is that the Falcon is cheap.

As with most binoculars, it comes with a focusing knob in the middle and diopter setting. You can spread the binoculars out and adjust the eyecups to your liking, making them personable optics as well. They would make great gifts for the holiday season because they are great quality and still have uses beyond birding.

Click here to shop the Bushnell Falcon 10x50mm.

Click here to check out the Falcon 7x35mm.

The Nikon Monarch HG is the latest in Nikon’s monarch line of binoculars. It comes in the 10×42 and 8×42 versions. This version of the Monarch series is the quintessential rugged outdoorsman binoculars. It is constructed of magnesium alloy, a stronger substance and coating to protect against damage from drops and other accidents.

Here we’ll explore the HG as it compares to other Monarchs and its improvements.

Compared to Monarch Series

The HG is nearly double the price of the binoculars that preceded it, the Monarch 7. They both have the ED (extra-low dispersion) glass that clears up distortions in imaging and augments the Field flattener lens system. The HG isn’t a vastly different pair of binoculars compared to its predecessors but really ups the ruggedness factor.

Apart from being shielded and coated with anti-fog and moisture material, the HG prides itself on being the best pair of sporting optics out there. Being rugged and during is one thing, but retaining image quality is another.

The focus is still in the center between the eyepieces and takes on a larger shape for increased control and stability.

Field Flattener Lens System

The Monarch HG employs the field flattener lens system (FFLS) like the rest of the Monarch line. With most imaging devices including cameras, a notable problem is a dropoff in image quality and color around the edges of an image.

The HG compensates for this problem with the FFLS, clearing up images on the outside to make a complete and colorful viewing experience. Nikon has increased the level of coating for the HG’s internal prisms and lenses, leading to a nearly 92% light transmittance factor. For low-light and unfavorable conditions, the HG is the pair of binos for the job.

Other Features

The HG employs a 60.3-degree FOV for the 8×42 pair and 62.2 FOV for the 10×42 pair. A two-degree difference doesn’t seem like much but can mean the difference between spotting a rare object or animal at long range. The HG also has a diopter setting that allows you to save your preferred setting in the case that you share these binoculars with another person.

It is rated waterproof above 5m for around ten minutes and fog-proof at altitudes of up to 16,400 feet. These stats showcase just how rugged this pair of binoculars is. That’s not to say that the entire Monarch line is sub-par, but the HG is ideal for harsher conditions where other binoculars might suffer performance issues.

Overall

As the latest edition in the Monarch series, the HG doesn’t make leaps and bounds over its predecessor Monarchs but does improve slightly with its FFLS and image quality. Coupled with increased protection around the lenses and body, the HG makes its case for one of the best pair extreme outdoorsmen binoculars on the market.

Get yours on Amazon today! Click here!

Vortex is a manufacturer of high-quality optics for hunting, bird watching, and other outdoor activities. The Diamondback 10×42 pair of binoculars are dedicated sporting optics with a clear view of nearly one-thousand yards. They’ll fetch you a high-price, but if you’re looking to up your game in the outdoor world, the Diamondbacks are the optics for you.

During a bright day, the sun can play havoc with a binocular’s ability to see objects at a distance. We were blown away by the Diamondback’s anti-reflective lens that gave it above average light filtering. Of course, as you approach a thousand yards above, general vision quality decreases. However, the Diamondback’s optics are dielectric coated and argon purged to deliver above average clarity and keep them water and fog proof.

When you search for a good pair of sporting binoculars, there are a couple of things that you want to consider. The first and foremost however is focusing. The Diamondback gives you some options to properly adjust the binoculars for your comfort.

• The IPD (Interpupillary Distance) is the distance between the primary light gatherers in your eyes. The Diamondback has the ability to rotate its barrels in order to match the distance between your eyes.
• The center focus is located in the middle of the binoculars and should be adjusted after you have played with the barrels and formatted them to your liking.
• The diopter ring (on the right barrel) is a mini-focus that will help you adjust the binoculars to your own vision. Anyone else with different viewing preferences will have to adjust the ring on their own.

The eyecups are also adjustable. If you’re using the binoculars with your naked eye, you can twist the eyecups away from from the body of the binoculars. This feature combined with the focusing features gives the user maximum control over the clarity of the object or area they wish to view.

Due to their weight, it can be difficult for younger users to handle these optics without shaking them. Thus if you plan to use these optics for hunting or bird watching, they would be complemented by a small tripod to eliminate shakiness. Furthermore, two built-in structures on each barrel allow for a neck strap to run through.

Overall, there is little we could find to slander the Diamondback. There are still shadows that most binoculars have trouble with when you move them around sharply, but they aren’t a huge deal if you find some sort stabilizer (like a tripod) for them.