5 Best 8x42 Binoculars 2022 【For Birding & Hunting】

I hope you will agree with me when I say:

“Distant views can become easier to grasp with the help of the right Binoculars!”

Binoculars and Telescopes are the key tools to view faraway objects and materials. Although telescopes tend to be much more powerful, binoculars can be portable, as well as, compatible. Depending upon the preference of use, the right tool can provide you with ecstatic Since you will have to make an extremely cautious decision at the time of buying, we have formulated this comprehensive guide. For the scope of this article, our focus is based on the perfect 8×42 Binoculars. With the help of the Buying Guide provided, you will be able to make the right decision in no time!

Things to consider before buying 8×42 binoculars:

Eye relief features: Not only the barrels of a binocular are adjustable, but you can also twist the eyecups to maintain a feasible distance between your eyes and the eyepieces. This distance, when accurately adjusted, helps you view the full image.

The close focus for a better focus: Just like any of the other products you buy, buying binoculars also greatly depends on the need. Therefore, if you are in need of a binocular that not only views faraway objects but closer ones too, you need to take into account its close focus.

Stiffness: While trying out various binoculars, focus on the stiffness of the barrels. Barrels should not be too stiff for them to be difficult to slide. On the other hand, they should be stiff enough to hold their position well.

Best 8×42 Binoculars 2022:

The table below lists the top-rated 8×42 binoculars in 2022 that are surely going to provide you with promising views and imagery.

8X42 Binoculars	RATING
Nikon Monarch 5	10/10 (Editor's Choice)
Vortex Optics Diamondback	8/10
Athlon Optics Midas G2	9/10
Celestron Nature DX	7/10
Vanguard Spirit XF	8/10

You can also go through the article on the 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescope for a detailed review of telescopes under budget.

1. Nikon MONARCH 5

Why We Love It:

Crystal-clear Image Quality due to ED Glass

Comfortable due to its build material
Easy to Operate
Waterproof material allows it to be used under wet conditions

Dielectric Prism Coatings improve image quality

Pros	Cons
✅ED (extra-low dispersion) glass ensuring maximum input light	❌ Bit Expensive
✅ Durable due to strong, waterproof build	❌ Field of View can be improved more
✅ Lightweight build material making it easy to hold for long
✅Muulti-coated lens by Dielectric coatings for improved light intake

With the highest rating, Monarch 5 has some of the top reviews under the category of binoculars on Amazon.

If you are at the point where you are making the most amazing Binoculars comparison, you will most likely find the Nikon Monarch 5 in the top 3. Being true to its name, the company has provided a commendable product that never misses a good binoculars review.

ED Glass with Multi-coated Lens

The key feature of this Nikon Monarch Binoculars 8×42 is the Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass. This type of glass material ensures the maximum amount of input light, thereby providing a bright, crisp, and clear image. Moreover, the glass is multi-coated using dielectric prism coatings, which further enhances the clarity of the image. With such a praiseworthy glass combination, the Monarch has one of the most promising resolutions out of all the others.

However, it provides a 330-foot field of view which is not very wide. Lastly, Nikon being one of the finest 8×42 binoculars under $300, might also be comparatively expensive than the rest of the options.

Weight

If lightweight 8×42 binoculars are your top priority then you must not let the Nikon Monarch 5 slip away. At just 20.8 ounces, it is one of the most lightweight binoculars on this list. This 8×42 compact binocular is an optimal choice for people on the go, who are always out on adventures. Not only is the build material light, but it also features an extremely pleasant texture. The texture makes it very comfortable to hold in hands. As with your hands, it also promises to provide comfort to your eyes by providing rubberized eyepieces.

Ease of Use

Furthermore, the Nikon Monarch Binoculars 8×42 is user-friendly and quite easy to operate. Hence, it is one of the top professional binoculars for beginners. The focus knobs are precise and smooth so that they are easy to adjust for focus and magnification. This Nikon product also accommodates people with glasses very well since the eyecups precisely provide the four positions for you to choose.

Other than that, indentations on the diopter adjustment are visible even in poor light conditions. This makes it easy to adjust the view whenever the center seems to be off.

However, with all of these outstanding qualities, there are a few, less important downsides to the Nikon 8 x 42 Binoculars. Even though the diopter adjustment ring is quite visible, it is a bit stiff.

If you can easily compromise these small issues then there can be no better option than the Nikon Monarch Binoculars 8×42.

You can get Nikon MONARCH 5 on nikonusa.com

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2. Vortex Optics Diamondback

Why We Love It:

Finest Budget Option as it is not very costly

Aluminum Shell providing better Build Quality
Offers High Close Focus for close viewing
Compatible with close-set eyes due to small IPD

Lightweight with just 21.8 ounces

Pros	Cons
✅Great Value for Money due to high-end features with low cost	❌ No Zoom Settings
✅ Reduces Chromatic Aberration	❌ Slightly on the heavier side
✅Sharp Image Quality due dielectric coatings
✅Great Close Focus Range

There are many options for the finest binoculars that Vortex provides. Most binocular reviews frequently compare vortex viper HD 8×42 vs Nikon monarch 7. For the lower-budget binocular options, the Vortex Diamondback is a great offer. It is considered as a standard for all the other low-medium budget products. For a good, reliable choice, you can not go wrong with it.

Field of View

With admirable resolution, it also provides a considerable field of view, 393 feet at 1,000 yards. This might be lesser than the old version’s 420 feet at 1,000 yards but it is still good enough than what many others have to offer. Furthermore, with great price value, the Diamondback offers improved resolution, contrast, and color fidelity of the image due to the presence of dielectric coatings on the internal prisms.

With an interpupillary distance of 55 mm, the Vortex Diamondback is compatible with people with close-set eyes as well. Moreover, this feature also makes it possible for children to use this binocular.

Weight

The Vortex completely redesigned the Diamondback in 2016 with changes that made this product an even better choice. Now it is considered one of the finest 8×42 birding binoculars.

A streamlined body, shortened bridge, with larger spaces on the barrels to wrap your hands around, the Diamondback aimed at being comfortable to use. Moreover, the overall weight has also been reduced to 21.8 ounces, thereby making this 8×42 compact binocular one of the greatest lightweight binoculars.

The Diamondback is not only a feel-good-in-hands product, but it also promises precision and ease of use. The textured armoring makes it grippy so that it does not slide and gives a more stable hold on the binocular. On the other hand, knobs are a pleasure to set with easy and precise slides.

Similarly, the diopter adjustment ring moves smoothly, as well as, holds on to its position stiffly. The center is marked in white and a scale is also provided, though the scale might be difficult to read in poor light.

This product surely fits the finest 8×42 binoculars for the money category very well. Moreover, the praiseworthy build makes it an ideal choice for the category of the most outstanding lightweight binoculars for bird-watching in binoculars reviews.

You can get Vortex Optics Diamondback on cabelas.com

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3. Athlon Optics Midas G2

Why We Love It:

Easily Adjustable so everyone can use
Compatible with People with Eyeglasses
Features ED Glass Lens for better image quality

High-end Features with just only under $300
UHD Lens System increases the amount of light bouncing on the prism system

Pros	Cons
✅ED Glass for better image qualtiy	❌ Uncomfortable Eyepiece
✅ Highly Adjustable for anyone to use	❌ Focus knobs are a little fussy to operate
✅Highly Compatible for People with Glasses
✅Under budget option that is not heavy on the pocket

This binocular seems to have a lot in common with the Nikon Monarch binoculars 8×42. For instance, the multi-coated lens, the lightweight build quality, as well as, the ability of ease of adjustability. Therefore, it also comes under the category of the finest 8×42 binoculars under $300.

Multi-Coated ED Glass with UHD Technology

On the brighter side, the exact price is somewhat less than that of the Nikon Monarch. Hence, if you are looking to invest a little with almost the same specifications, then Athlon Optics Midas can be a considerable option.

Furthermore, similar to some of the other products in this guide, the Athlon Optics Midas features the well-known Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass to provide high quality, clear images.

The Athlon uses a UHD lens system to provide high-definition viewing experiences. Not only that, the lens system is further enhanced by adding an ESP dielectric coating on the lenses along with a mirror reflective coating at the front of the binocular’s lenses. This combination aids in providing up to 99% of the light that bounces on the prism system.

Compatibility with Eyeglasses

However, setting the similarities aside, one of the distinguishing factors of the Athlon Midas is its compatibility with eyeglasses wearers. The eyepieces offer special dimensions which make the Athlon Midas suitable for eyeglasses.

Moreover, it is built to allow wearing the binocular for long durations of time. Another praiseworthy key feature of this product is the UHD technology used to build the lens.

Water Resistance

Besides offering high image quality, the Athlon is one of the finest 8×42 waterproof binoculars. The waterproof build is further enhanced by the argon purging design.

This design helps by not allowing any water to leak through the binoculars. Also, the argon purging design helps to provide thermal stability. Hence, it is one of the topmost 8×42 binoculars for hunting. The highly advanced viewing technology along with a resistant build makes Athlon Midas G2 one of the topmost binoculars for the money.

You can get Athlon Optics Midas G2 on outdoorgearlab.com

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4. Celestron Nature DX

Why We Love It:

Multi-Coated Lenses for Better Image Quality
Rugged Build Material makes it appropriate for hunting

Highly Compatible for Outdoor Use
Provides High-Quality Close-up views for nearby objects
Waterproof material allows them to be used under rain

Pros	Cons
✅Great Close View Mode for nearby objects	❌ Uncomfortable
✅ Inexpensive	❌ Low Distant Image Quality
✅Rugged, Waterproof Exterior for outdoor use
✅High resolution provides great clarity

With an awesome set of features and an affordable price, it is definitely one of the finest 8×42 binoculars for the money. Also, it is one of the top trending 8×42 binoculars Amazon’s choice.

Celestron Nature DX 8×42 is the most appropriate choice if you are looking for the top 8×42 birding binoculars. It is one of Amazon’s top-selling products for the finest 8×42 binoculars under $200.

Specialty Lens Coating

For better image quality by maximizing the input of light, the glass is equipped with specialty coatings. However, of all the others, the most defining feature of the Celestron Nature DX is its close-up view. Unlike many others, it provides high-quality close-up views from approximately 6 feet. This makes it an ideal choice for bird watching.

Even though the Nature DX provides a commendable close-up view, the further away you go, the quality decreases more and more. Hence, it might not be an ideal choice for those of you who are looking for a high-resolution image. However, this is normally the case with many other binoculars, as well. This still does not affect the image quality of the closer objects and is quite popular among bird-watching binocular reviews.

Water Resistance

This great value-for-money option has a rugged and tough rubber exterior that makes it durable and compatible with outdoor use. Other than that, it is one of the 8×42 waterproof binoculars, so that it can last long even in tough weather conditions.

Included Kit

Although the Celestron DX is quite durable, longer sessions may render it uncomfortable to use. This, somehow, is compensated by the fact that this product arrives with a full kit. The kit includes a set of eyecups which helps you to keep the lenses safe when not being used. Moreover, the included carry bag provides soft support to pack and move the binocular for travel. You can never go wrong with the Celestron Nature DX if you are in search of the finest lightweight binoculars for bird watching.

However, if you are looking to buy the top finest binoculars for astronomy, then the Celestron TrailSeeker binocular will be a better choice than one of the finest 8×42 birding binoculars Nature DX.

You can get Celestron Nature DX on bhphotovideo.com

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5. Vanguard Spirit XF

Why We Love It:

Immersive Field of View providing an amazing viewing experience
High-Grip Build Material makes it easy to hold

Comfortable to hold for a long duration
Easy to Use so beginners can use it, too
Great Diopter Adjustment so off-center can be easily resolved

Pros	Cons
✅ED Glass for better image quality	❌ Slightly Narrow Field of View
✅ Not very heavy on the pocket	❌ Edge shading hampers field of view
✅Easy to carry around because of lightweigt
✅Can be close to the object due to short close focus

If you are looking for something that makes you immerse into the view, then you surely must consider the Vanguard Spirit XF. For lower budget options, it is one of the highly praised 8×42 binoculars for astronomy.

In order to inquire about other different types of Binoculars, do give a read on our article 8 Best 20×50 Binoculars Review in 2022 【Guide Included】.

Moreover, for the topmost 8×42 binoculars for hunting, this binocular can provide you with an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you are a part of the view.

Field of View

This immersive quality is thanks to the exceptional field of view that the Vanguard Spirit has to offer. The Spirit XF has a field of view of 409 feet at 1,000 yards which is much larger than any of the others listed in this guide. You feel completely submerged in the view.

With such a great field of view, the Vanguard has an interpupillary distance of 58 mm. Although this distance is good enough, it might be a little trouble for the people with close-set eyes. Such individuals might have to look upon other options such as the Vortex Optics Diamondback, which offers a 55 mm interpupillary distance.

Ease of Use

The Vanguard Spirit is built in a way so as to provide maximum comfort and ease to the user. The focus of this product is fast, as well as, easy to set. The eyecups offer four positions to the user.

Furthermore, the smoothly contoured shape of the strap lugs makes them comfortably fit into your hands, without poking.

Firm Hold

Besides being comfortable in the hands, the XF also feels secure in the hands. It has the most texture armored on its rubberized exterior than any other binocular, providing friction to resist slipping away from hold.

Moreover, the diopter adjustment is also phenomenal of this product. With just the appropriate amount of resistance, the raised marks serve as a scale, although poor light conditions may render their visibility.

You can get Vanguard Spirit XF on vanguardworld.com

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Conclusion

This sums up our comprehensive guide on the finest 8×42 binoculars that you can lay your hands on. Even if you are new to the market, the buying guide is there to sort the matter out for you. All you need to know is what do you expect from the product and then the rest is a smooth process to follow. With the help of this article, you will be able to find all the types of binoculars, be it compact binoculars or mid-priced 8×42 binoculars. Some of the most trusted brands Celestron binoculars in the 8×42 category or Nikon Monarch 8×42 6.3 waterproof have been reviewed for you.

The best part is that all of these are the finest 8×42 binoculars under $500! At the time of buying, there may be some frequent confusion between 8×32 vs 8×42. Both of them provide the same magnification but the 8×42 will produce better image quality.

Buying Guide

At the time of buying a binocular, you must know all about the key features to ponder over in order to make an appropriate judgment. However, listing the right features can become a little tricky. Not to worry, because we have gathered, in this section, all the necessary features of a binocular. Besides all of them being 8×42, there are some other factors that stand equally important at the time of buying. All of these necessary features are described below, in detail. This should be on the top of your mind that “in order to buy a binocular, you should try it on first.“

Interpupillary Distance

One of the most distinguishing factors about a binocular is its adjustability. The adjustable quality allows customization with respect to each user. One such aspect of its adjustability is the Interpupillary Distance (IPD).

IPD is the distance between the centers of the pupils of your eyes.

The barrels of a binocular can slide from side to side, within a specific range. By holding the binoculars, while looking through them, try to mode the barrels so that the two viewing circles merge into one. Usually, most people do not face any difficulty in this regard. However, discrepancies always stand a chance.

Therefore, before beginning to look for a binocular, measure and note down your own IPD. Binoculars have IPD ranges provided in their specifications. Hence, you can easily match your IPD with the exact range. Moreover, for closer objects, you sometimes have to move the barrels even closer. This is so because your eyes converge on closer objects by moving towards each other. Hence, you must be able to acquire a flexible range according to your needs. While trying out various binoculars, focus on the stiffness of the barrels. Barrels should not be too stiff for them to be difficult to slide. On the other hand, they should be stiff enough to hold their position well.

Diopter Adjustment

The diopter adjustment is another aspect of the adjustability factor of a binocular. It helps to provide you with an ideal image. The diopter adjustment permits you to move one of the two eyepieces, in order to make up for any of the differences between both eyes.

You might notice at some point that one side of the binocular is out of focus. Most of the time, the diopter adjustment is just set off-center. By moving it to the center, the result is instantly better. However, you might need to find its ideal position by testing it out. Moreover, most binoculars do have a scale to measure the setting of the diopter adjustment. The diopter adjustment should also be able to move easily. However, along with that, it should also be stiff. These conditions hold importance since they not only make it easy to use but also make it capable of retaining its specified position.

Eye Relief

Not only the barrels of a binocular are adjustable, but you can also twist the eyecups to maintain a feasible distance between your eyes and the eyepieces. This distance, when accurately adjusted, helps you view the full image. By twisting the eyecups all the way in at their shortest distance, hold the binocular away from your eyes. In the case of glasses, remove them beforehand. Now aim the binoculars at a bright spot outdoors or at a window. You will be able to see tiny circles of light in the center of the eyepieces.

By gradually bringing the binocular closer to your eyes, measure the distance at which the image fills the eyepieces. By moving the binocular any closer than this distance, you should be able to see black circles closing in from the edges. This distance is measured between your eyes and the binocular.

Eye relief is the ideal distance between the lens of the eyepiece and your eyes in order to display a full image.

Therefore, with or without glasses, you will have to set this distance between your eyes and the eyepiece’s lens. This distance can be set by twisting the eyecups, in or out. Like many other factors, eye relief tends to differ among various types of binoculars. For instance, binoculars with short eye relief are usually not suitable for people with glasses. This occurs because the glasses push the lens away from the eyes. Longer eye reliefs cover up that extra distance. Mostly, 16-mm eye relief is suitable for people with glasses.

Furthermore, face shapes and structures also affect the selection of eye relief. Sice, binoculars are to be adjusted around the eyes to provide a stable image, the bone structure matters a lot!

Close Focus

Just like any of the other products you buy, buying binoculars also greatly depend on the need. Therefore, if you are in need of a binocular that not only views faraway objects but closer ones too, you need to take into account its close focus. Close focus refers to how close you can clearly view an object. By using the same target, from the same distance, try out different options. You can, then, easily determine which one of your options has the greatest close focus.

Resolution

If you are extremely keen on the features of your binocular then it would be beneficial not to rely on the stated specifications. Although binoculars come with specified magnification ranges, they still, however, may vary in resolution. The resolution of a binocular refers to how well a binocular can view details.

Therefore, if you are the type of person with a need for details, at all times, then the resolution is a must check. However, it must be remembered that the resolution of a binocular needs to be checked under controlled conditions. For each binocular, the external, as well as internal, settings must not be changed.

These conditions may include the interpupillary distance, eye relief, target, distance from the target, amount of light, and temperature. Also, you should use a stable position, such as a tripod stand, for setting up the binoculars.

The following video can be a great source of help as well to understand the nature of buying binoculars.

Other Preliminary Factors

Besides these performance-based factors, there can be other determining factors, too. For instance, you need to be able to know how much you are willing to spend on the binoculars. Once the price is decided, the number of options becomes limited and the process becomes easier. Moreover, the size of the binoculars is also an important factor. Since each individual has his/her own body type and size, every binocular would fit differently. Hence, it is necessary to choose the one that suits you and fits in your hands accurately.

Last, but not least, technical tools must always be backed with an admirable warranty. This is necessary to believe that the product is made to last long and any technical error would highly be unlikely. All these factors are, in one way or another, dependant on one another. However, a product may not be able to offer all of these qualities in one. Hence, it remains on to you to decide the hierarchy of the importance of these determining factors.

Looking for related articles? Here’s one we think you’d like: 11 Best Monoculars for Bird Watching UK in 2022

However, you can check out a different category by going through our article on the Best 20X50 Binoculars Review

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A Buyer’s and User’s Guide to Astronomical Telescopes and Binoculars

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Maria Chan

Author at Dope Guides

I am a Space enthusiast and have been into deep space research for over 8 years. Inspired by the likes of Mary Robinette Kowal and others to write great content.