8×42 vs 8.5×45 Binoculars
Are you in the market for a new pair of binoculars and trying to decide between an 8×42 or an 8.5×42 model?
In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these two types of binoculars, and help you determine which one might be the best fit for your needs.
So let’s move onto the topic quickly and dive deep into the research.
Why 8×42 Binoculars Are So Popular?
Ah, the 8×42 binoculars – the bird watcher’s best friend and the hunter’s ultimate weapon! These binoculars have become immensely popular over the years and for all the right reasons.
First of all, let’s talk about the field of view. Have you ever been on a bird-watching expedition and wished you could see more of the sky?
Well, that’s where the 8×42 binoculars come into play. With their wider field of view, you can scan the skies and spot those feathered friends in no time. You can even focus on a single image for an extended period, making it easier to identify and appreciate the beauty of each bird.
But it’s not just about the view – it’s also about the stability. You know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to focus on a fast-moving target and your binoculars keep shaking?
Well, the 8×42 binoculars offer a stable and clear image, making sure you don’t miss a single detail.
And when it’s time to hit the trails, these binoculars won’t weigh you down. They’re more usually lightweight and compact than 10x42s, making them easy to pack and carry with you on any adventure.
In a Nutshell
8×42 binoculars are popular because they offer a good balance between magnification and field of view.
With an 8x magnification, they provide enough detail for most outdoor activities, while the 42mm objective lens allows for a wider field of view, making them ideal for tracking moving objects such as birds or animals.
Additionally, they are relatively compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around for extended periods.
Overall, 8×42 binoculars are a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of outdoor activities, from bird watching to hunting and hiking.
8.5X42 Vs 8×42 Binoculars
We will compare the below important aspects:
- Magnification
- Field of View
- Exit Pupil & Image Brightness
- Twilight Factor
- Size & Weight
Magnification
Magnification refers to how much closer the object appears when viewed through binoculars.
In this case, the 8×42 binoculars will make the object appear 8 times closer, while the 8.5×45 binoculars will make the object appear 8.5 times closer.
However, the difference in magnification is small, and may not be noticeable in practical use.
Field of View:
The field of view (FOV) of a binocular refers to the width of the area that can be seen when looking through them.
A wider FOV means that more of the surrounding area can be seen, making it easier to track moving objects or follow action.
On the other hand, a narrower FOV allows for more detailed observation of a specific object or area.
In this case, the 8×42 binoculars are likely to have a wider FOV compared to the 8.5×45 binoculars due to their lower magnification and smaller objective lens size. This wider FOV can be useful in situations such as birdwatching or hunting, where spotting and tracking fast-moving objects is important.
However, the 8.5×45 binoculars may still provide good detail at longer distances due to their higher magnification and larger objective lens size, making them better suited for tasks such as wildlife observation or long-distance viewing.
The trade-off, however, is that their narrower FOV may make it more difficult to track fast-moving objects.
Let me Tabulate Some Popular Models of 8.5×42, 8×42 and 8.5×45 & 8.5×44 Binoculars for Your Easy Reference
| Binoculars Model | Magnification | Objective Lens Size | Field of View@1000Yds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Endeavor ED II | 8.5x | 45mm | 340ft |
| Leica Ultravid HD-Plus | 8x | 42mm | 389ft |
| Nikon Monarch HG | 8x | 42mm | 435ft |
| Vortex Razor HD | 8x | 42mm | 388ft |
| Meopta MeoStar B1 | 8x | 42mm | 413ft |
| Kowa Genesis Prominar XD | 8.5x | 44mm | 400ft |
| Athlon Cronus | 8.5x | 42mm | 399ft |
| Athlon Ares | 8X | 42mm | 426ft |
| Steiner Predator AF | 8x | 42mm | 375ft |
| Swarovski Optik EL | 8.5x | 42mm | 399ft |
| Nikon Monarch | 8.5x | 45mm | 330ft |
| Bushnell Legend Ultra HD | 8x | 42mm | 330ft |
| Zeiss Conquest HD | 8x | 42mm | 384ft |
| Bresser Montana ED | 8.5x | 45mm | 345ft |
| Vixen Artes DCF | 8.5x | 45mm | 369ft |
| Eschenbach Farlux Selector D | 8.5x | 45mm | 352ft |
Exit Pupil & Image Brightness:
The exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light that leaves the eyepiece of the binoculars and enters the pupil of the eye.
It is calculated by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification power of the binoculars.
In this case, the 8×42 binoculars have an exit pupil of 5.25mm (42/8), while the 8.5×45 binoculars have an exit pupil of 5.29mm (45/8.5).
While the difference in exit pupil between the two models is relatively small, the 8.5×45 binoculars may produce a slightly brighter image in low-light conditions.
This is because the larger exit pupil allows more light to enter the eye, making the image appear brighter and more detailed.
However, the difference in brightness may not be noticeable in bright daylight conditions.
Also In practical terms, a larger exit pupil means that the binoculars are easier to use, as your eye doesn’t have to be precisely aligned with the eyepiece to see the full image.
This is particularly useful when scanning for wildlife or birds in low light conditions, where quick movements are required, and you don’t have time to carefully align your eyes with the eyepieces.
It’s important to note that the brightness of the image also depends on the quality of the optics and lens coatings, as well as the size of the objective lens.
A larger objective lens can gather more light, resulting in a brighter image even with a smaller exit pupil.
Twilight Factor
The twilight factor is a measure of a binocular’s ability to gather light in low-light conditions. It is calculated by multiplying the magnification by the objective lens diameter and then taking the square root of that number.
Therefore, the 8.5×45 binoculars will have a higher twilight factor than the 8×42 binoculars, given that they have a larger objective lens diameter.
A higher twilight factor means that the binoculars will provide better detail resolution and image clarity in low-light situations such as dawn, dusk or shady areas.
This makes the 8.5×45 binoculars ideal for activities such as birdwatching, hunting or wildlife observation that often require observation during low-light conditions.
However, it is important to note that the twilight factor is just one of several factors to consider when evaluating binoculars’ low-light performance, and it does not necessarily guarantee superior performance in all low-light situations.
Size & Weight:
Generally speaking, the 8.5×45 binoculars may be larger and heavier than the 8×42 binoculars. The larger objective lens size in the 8.5×45 binoculars will require a larger housing to accommodate it, which could result in a bulkier and heavier design.
However, the actual size and weight difference will depend on the specific models being compared and the materials used in their construction.
It’s worth noting that a larger size and weight may not necessarily be a disadvantage, as it could provide a more stable and comfortable grip, especially during prolonged use.
Ultimately, the best choice between the two binoculars will depend on the user’s specific needs and purpose.
It would be interesting to see and compare the weight and sizes of different 8.5×42, 8×42 and 8.5×45 & 8.5×44 models of popular binoculars.
| Model | Weight(oz) | Size Inches/Cms |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8.5×45 | 27.2oz | 15.9cm x 13cm |
| Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8×42 | 27.9oz | 12.1 x 14.2 x 6.7cm |
| Nikon Monarch HG 8×42 | 23.5oz | 14.5 x 13.2cm |
| Vortex Razor HD 8×42 | 24.2oz | 15 x 13cm |
| Meopta MeoStar B1 8×42 HD | 31.92oz | 15 x 13.3 x 5.9cm |
| Kowa Genesis 8.5×44 Prominar XD | 33.4oz | 13.7 x 6.3 x 16.5cm |
| Steiner Predator AF 8×42 | 26.1oz | 6.9in x 4.9in x 2.5in |
| Swarovski Optik EL 8.5×42 | 29.5oz | 16 x 13.2 x 6.1cm |
| Nikon 8.5×45 Monarch | 25.4oz | 15.5 x 13.9cm |
| Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 8×42 | 24.7oz | 22.23 x 10.8cm |
| Bresser Montana 8.5×45 ED | 26.28oz | 20.3 x 20.3cm |
| Vixen Artes 8.5×45 DCF | 31oz | 15.6 x 13.4 x 5.9cm |
| Eschenbach Farlux Selector D 8.5×45 | 28.6oz | 15.6 x 12.5cm |
Conclusion
Choosing between the 8×42 and 8.5×42 binoculars ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
While both types of binoculars have almost the same magnification power and objective lens diameter, the 8.5×42 binoculars may offer a slightly brighter image in low-light conditions due to a larger exit pupil.
Also Compared to an 8×42 binocular, an 8.5x45mm model offers a slightly closer view of the subject. The only con with the 8.5×42 model would be a slight reduction in the field of view.
Regardless of your choice, investing in a good pair of binoculars can greatly enhance your outdoor experiences, whether it be bird-watching, hiking, or attending sporting events.
