Top 5 Best 8x42 Binoculars For Birdwatching

Top 5 Best 8x42 Binoculars For Birdwatching

Binoculars which offer a 8x42 focal range are becoming increasingly popular in the market. These binoculars provide a blend of high-quality optics with a powerful magnification zoom. The 8x42 binoculars are incredibly versatile and suitable for use with a wide range of activities. For example, activities such as birdwatching and wildlife observation are perfect for these binoculars. They strike a fine balance between the 8x magnification zoom and the close zoom focus.

However, there are many options within this focal range to be aware of. Each pair of binoculars offers different advantages and features in comparison to others. Therefore, it is vital to understand what these binoculars are able to offer and whether this suits your needs. With so many options out there, it can certainly feel overwhelming to make the right choice. Thankfully our team of experts are on hand to help with our guide on the best 8x42 binoculars currently on the market.

These binoculars are extremely versatile and fantastic quality is a guarantee. Brands such as Viking and Celestron provide unrivalled quality at cost-effective prices. We are certain that there is something for everyone here.

Related: Top 10 Best Binoculars for Bird Watching

1. Viking Kestrel ED 8x42 Binoculars (£199.00)

  • Waterproof & Rubber-Armour design for durability
  • Extra Low Dispersion for greater image clarity
  • Nitrogen-Filled to prevent fogging
  • Multi-coated BAK-4 Prisms

The Viking Kestrel ED 8x42 binoculars are currently one of the most popular models that we have. In fact, this model was so popular that we named it our 'Best Buy for 2020'. These binoculars provide a cost-effective approach to achieving incredible HD quality. Features such as the inclusion of ED glass help to create a perfect viewable image at all times. This ensures that these binoculars are fantastic for birdwatching and wildlife observations.

The combination of the powerful zoom with the incredibly detailed optics makes this an excellent choice. The viewable image appears without flaws thanks to the inclusion of the ED glass. The fairly wide lenses help to process as much light as possible to ensure the image always appears bright. This is particularly important when using these binoculars in low-light conditions. For the price that these binoculars are available, you certainly get excellent value.

In addition to this, the inclusion of BAK-4 prisms helps to further increase the transmission of light. The design of these prisms helps to take in more light through the binoculars. This helps to make the viewable image much brighter and certainly more defined. This makes the Viking Kestrel ED a fantastic option regardless of your environment.

The Viking Kestrel ED binoculars offer a durable yet fairly lightweight build design. The use of the rubber-armour coating ensures that these binoculars are safe from any potential damage. Furthermore, this helps provide the binoculars with a waterproof finish for additional protection from the elements. These binoculars also utilise features such as the nitrogen within the lenses. This helps to prevent any fogging and ensures that the lenses remain clean for future use.

2. Viking Peregrine ED 8x42 Binoculars (£319.95)

  • Extra Low Dispersion Glass for high image quality
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Smooth rubber design and fully waterproof
  • Dielectric coated BAK-4 Prisms

The Viking Peregrine ED range is the highest performer from the Viking range. These binoculars deliver incredible HD results thanks to the use of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) on the lenses. This special glass helps to eliminate any colour fringing on the viewable image. Furthermore, the inclusion of multi-coated lenses increases the overall brightness of the image - especially in low-light conditions.

The high standard of optics available here makes them the highest performing binoculars available. The inclusion of phase-corrected BAK-4 prisms helps to create an image which is bright and clearly defined. This then pairs perfectly with the inclusion of the ED glass which helps to remove any colour fringing. This results in a crystal-clear image which is completely flawless. You will always be able to guarantee fantastic results when choosing the Viking Peregrine ED range.

Finally, these binoculars offer many design features which provide excellent protection and accessibility. For example, these binoculars utilise the rubber-armour coating and also include nitrogen within the lenses. These are features which have become staple design features for many binoculars within the Viking range. However, the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars are able to offer this whilst weighing less than the Viking Kestrel range. This provides the binoculars with an identical build design whilst still removing some of the weight.

3. Viking Badger 8x42 Binoculars (£88.95)

  • Multi-Coated Optics for a Clear Image
  • Weatherproof and Rubber-Armour Design
  • 18.2mm Eye-Relief
  • Includes Case, Carry Strap, and Rain Guard

The Viking Badger binoculars provide excellent quality at an affordable price. This is exactly why they have become so popular within the Viking brand. The combination of multi-coated lenses with the durable build design makes them incredibly versatile. If you are looking for the perfect introductory binoculars, then certainly look no further.

The Viking Badger 8x42 binoculars are perfect for both intermediate users and beginners. The powerful 8x zoom is suitable for all activities and the optics always ensure a high-quality performance. These binoculars perform exactly as they should and certainly feel fantastic to use. Features such as the multi-coated lenses are present here to help increase the processing of light. This ensures that these binoculars can also provide images which are bright and defined. Not bad when considering the price that these are able for.

The Viking Badger binoculars utilise the same durable build design as mentioned previously. The same rubber-armour coating is available to offer fantastic protection and prevent any water damage. This ensures that they are ready for anything the weather may throw at them. Furthermore, this bundle comes with some additional accessories. These accessories include a carry case and a rain guard for some further protection.

Finally, these binoculars bring user comfort to the forefront of design. Features such as the eye-relief (18.2mm) ensure long-term protection against eyestrain. This is an essential factor to consider when purchasing binoculars - especially for long-term use. Thankfully the Viking Badger binoculars are excellent for keeping yourself protected during use.

4. Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 Binoculars (£229.99)

  • Magnesium-Alloy Build Design
  • BAK-4 Prism and Dielectric Coatings
  • Metal Multi-Stop Twist Up Eyecups
  • Extremely Wide Field of View

The Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 Binoculars deliver a high-level outdoor performance which is suitable for all occasions. The combination of powerful optics with the BAK-4 prism design provides unrivalled quality at an economical price. In addition to this, these binoculars offer a fantastic close focus zoom of 6.5 feet. This allows for them to be extremely versatile without compromising on the image quality.

The inclusion of the BAK-4 prisms in combination with the multi-coated lenses create a bright and well defined image. This increase in light transmission through the lenses ensures that the viewable image is always of a superior quality. The level of quality available with these binoculars is certainly enough to rival binoculars from a higher price point. Furthermore, the Celestron TrailSeeker offer a wide FOV at 8.1° which pairs well with the close zoom. These features operate smoothly and allow for users to easily switch between each focus.

Designed to be lightweight and portable yet still maintain a high level of durability. The magnesium-alloy will last a lifetime and ensures that the binoculars are waterproof. The addition of the metal multi-stop eyecups make this more durable than standard plastic eyecups. This corrects the positioning of the eyecups for the user. This ensures that they are comfortable especially for use with spectacles.

There are certainly many benefits for opting for a Celestron option. The TrailSeeker binoculars are rightfully one of the most popular models from this range. Considering the immense quality that they offer, it is easy to see why. These binoculars are perfect for all of your birdwatching and wildlife observation needs.

5. Celestron Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars (£104.95)

  • Waterproof and Rubber-Armour Design
  • BAK-4 Prisms for Increased Contrast and Resolution
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • Nitrogen-Filled to Prevent Fogging

The Celestron Nature DX 8x42 binoculars provide a cost-effective approach to achieving high-quality results. Providing a blend of powerful magnification with a close focus ensures that these are extremely versatile. These binoculars offer everything that you could possibly need for a more in-depth examination of subjects. Finally, the inclusion of the rubber-armour build design offers fantastic levels of protection. This is a fantastic all-round option for both beginners and intermediate users.

Similar to the Celestron TrailSeeker, these binoculars incorporate the BAK-4 prism and multi-coated optics into their design. This creates a viewable image which is both bright and highly-defined. The overall image quality is fantastic regardless of how close or far you are viewing this through. The Celestron Nature DX offers a slightly reduced FOV (7.4°) in comparison to the TrailSeeker. However, this is more than enough to make tracking objects as easy as possible.

The close focus zoom is quick and easy to adjust when using these binoculars. The overall functionality feels excellent to use and provides effortless results. No matter what subjects you are observing, you can be sure of fantastic results. The Celestron Nature DX binoculars are certainly a great introduction into the world of binoculars.

Finally, these binoculars provide the rubber-armour build design that we have come to expect. This rubber-armour design not only protects the binoculars from any damage, but ensures that they are waterproof as well. This ensures that the binoculars will be able to stand up to any weather condition during use. The Celestron Nature DX also offers nitrogen within the lenses to prevent fogging and the build up of dust.