Wednesday 13 July 2016

Best 8×42 Binoculars – Reviews Of 2015 – 2016

Top 3 8×42 Binoculars 2016

Product Name Features Price Point Rating Visit


Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 Waterproof – Multilayer coating – Roof prism – Large diameter eyepiece Mid range Learn More


Opticron Discovery WP PC 8x magnification – 42mm objective len – long eye relief – lightweight – multi coated Affordable Learn More


Carl Zeiss Terra ED Fully multicoated optics – Close to focus infinity zoom – Roof prism High End Learn More

The 8×42 binoculars are great for those looking for the next step up from a compact binocular whilst still being relatively light in weight. Whilst measuring a little wider and feeling a little heavier, they are definitely worth the extra price.

 

Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 Review – Our Number 1

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 ReviewThe Nikon 5 is an iconic brand and it never fails to disappoint. The Monarch 5 range comes with an innovative lens and fitted with a roof prism. It has a magnification of 8 and a 42mm objective lens. The Nikon Monarch 5 can be used in a variety of situations and only weighs 590g.  This was designed to enable nature lovers to really enjoy the scenery as they hike.  Whilst smaller binoculars tend not to be great at night, the Monarch 5 is great for stargazing.

The Monarch 5 is made using a roof prism, which have been designed to be more streamlined and capable of withstanding tough conditions.  With a roof prism they generally tend to come with an internal mechanism, which makes them less susceptible to fogging, dust and moisture. This makes them durable for any weather condition. With careful assembly of roof prisms, the optical performance is significantly enhanced.

The Nikon Monarch 5 offers multi layer coating. This means that some of the air to glass surfaces are coated multiple times with anti-reflective chemicals. To get a better optical performance, more light needs to pass through the air to glass surfaces. The anti-reflective coating does this, and depending on how many coatings in will affect how crisp the image is.

These Monarch 5 binoculars are perfect for those who wear glasses, as it comes with a large diameter eyepiece. To compensate for a difference in eyesight between the left and right eye, it comes with a twist diopter ring to gain the sharpest of images.

  • 8 magnification
  • 42mm objective lens
  • Multi layer coating for improved image quality
  • Large diameter eyepiece perfect for glasses wearers
  • Waterproof and fog free construction

The Monarch 5 was built to withstand any environment, the body of the binoculars is covered in polycarbonate for shock resistance.

Summary

Feature: Waterproof – Multilayer coating – Roof prism – Large diameter eyepiece

Price: Mid range

Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars

Price: £225.00

4.8 out of 5 stars (49 customer reviews)

9 used & new available from £225.00

 

Opticron Discovery WP PC Mg 8×42 Review – Number 2

Opticron Discovery WP PC Mg 8x42 BinocularThe Opticron is a fantastic option if you are looking for a small 8×42 binocular. The Opticron brand are some of the smallest and reasonably priced binoculars available on the market today.

They come with a range of features including superb close focus, lightweight body, roof prism design and waterproof features.

They are roof prism designed, meaning they are generally smaller and are able to tolerate rougher conditions. This design can prevent internal fogging making them ideal for all weather conditions. With careful manufacturing, any binocular with roof prism fitting improves optical performance.

The Opticron are great for those who wear glasses as they have a wide eye lense. Every glass surface in a binocular becomes a barrier to light, which means it reduces the crispness of the image. Depending on the level of coating, it will affect the image. This Opticron comes multi-coated; meaning every air to glass surface has received multiple layers of anti reflecting coating. This coating can reduce light loss and give the user a brighter and sharper image.

  • Compact roof prism design
  • 8 magnification
  • 42mm objective lens
  • Long eye relief great for those who wear glasses
  • Lightweight polycarbonate body
  • Fully multi coated

Opticron is excellent value for money coming with similar features as the other brand but at an more affordable price.

Summary

Feature: 8x magnification – 42mm objective len – long eye relief – lightweight – multi coated

Price: Affordable

Opticron Discovery WP PC Mg 8×42 Binocular

Price: £159.99

4.7 out of 5 stars (47 customer reviews)

4 used & new available from £98.93

 

Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 Review – Number 3

Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8X42 BinocularsThe Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 is a great piece of kit for the avid wildlife observer. It comes with fully multicoated optics, fog and water proof with roof prism design.

The Carl Zeiss Terra ED is coated with fully multicoated optics, this means that it increases the light that passes through the air-to-glass surfaces. This improves the quality of the image, and fully multicoated is the best possible coating you can have.

It comes with weather sealed elements, ensuring that you can use the binoculars wherever you go. Water sealing is vital as it prevents internal damage from snow and rain. The Zeiss is Nitrogen filled, which is commonly used in optics. It removes air from inside the binocular, which in the long term helps with alignment.

This product was designed for the wildlife hunters, as its lightweight weighing less than 2lb. It’s made with glass reinforced polyamide, thanks to this, there is limited wobbling when in use, which is very agreeable for the user.

Roof prism design is to be found on the Zeiss ED, which comes with an internal mechanism, making them durable in an weather situation. Image quality is enhanced with a quality roof prism fitting.

These binoculars are a fully functioning yet inexpensive product with a high performance and perfectly affordable for the avid bird watcher. It also performs very well in low light, which is surprising considering the price bracket it falls into. It equally performs very well during dusk, dawn and night viewing.

The Zeiss is fitted with a close to focus to infinity zoom, which means it doesn’t require excess turning of the wheel. Birdwatchers, hunters and sports enthusiasts’ will be very thrilled with this feature.

  • 42mm objective lens
  • 8 magnification
  • Close to focus infinity zoom
  • Lightweight, only 2lb
  • Fully multicoated optics
  • Roof prism design

The Zeiss is a fantastic option for those on a budget but who are looking for a quality piece of kit. It is great for eyeglass wearers as it has an eye relief of 18mm.

Summary

Features: Fully multicoated optics – Close to focus infinity zoom – Roof prism

Price: High end

Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8X42 Binoculars

Price: £363.84

5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)

3 used & new available from £363.84

 

Verdict

The Nikon brand was the stand out brand amongst these three and rightly so. All lenses and prisms are multilayer coated which results in a brighter and clearer image. The Monarch 5 comes with a non-slip grip, which is great for wet conditions. These particular binoculars give a clear image and are not heavy. They not only keep out water but also dust and sand, making them perfect in any weather condition.

Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars

Price: £225.00

4.8 out of 5 stars (49 customer reviews)

9 used & new available from £225.00

Read more about Best 8×42 Binoculars – Reviews Of 2015 – 2016 on Best Binoculars.

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