5 Best 8×42 Vortex Binoculars Review

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Best 8×42 Vortex Binoculars.

8×42 Vortex Binoculars are the best choice for hunters and nature enthusiasts.

8×42 Vortex Binoculars are known for their incredible optical, construction, and convenience features. They feature Fully Multi-Coated lenses and an HD Optical System for exceptional resolution and clarity. These Binoculars are also Waterproof, Shockproof, Fogproof, and Tripod Adaptable.

With that said let’s look at the best 8×42 Vortex Binoculars.

 

Best 8×42 Vortex Binoculars-Our Top Picks

 

Vortex Crossfire HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

Vortex Crossfire HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

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Crossfire HD Binoculars are powerful with appealing external and internal features. The resolution is excellent regardless of the lighting conditions and the ergonomic design makes it snug to hold and carry around.

The fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views even in low light conditions. These binoculars feature durability and intelligent mechanics which are sturdy enough to withstand harsh situations.

The overall structure is well balanced and lightweight making it easy to carry around. Furthermore, this product features adjustable eyecups which twist up and down for a snug and comfortable viewing with/without eyeglasses.

The roof prism design is valued for better durability and a more compact size suitable for all outdoor activities. For all-weather reliability, the optic is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.

Key Features

  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.
  • Lightweight and compact size.
  • Durable and easy to use.
  • Roof prism design.
  • Adjustable eyecups provide customizable eye relief.
  • Rugged construction withstands impacts
  • Tripod adaptable.
  • Roof prism design.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 8 x
  • Objective Lens: 42 mm
  • Eye Relief: 17 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 5.25 mm
  • Interpupillary Distance: 57 – 74 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 393 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 7.5 degrees
  • Center Focus
  • Close Focus: 6 ft
  • Twilight Factor: 18.3

 

Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

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If you are looking for a pair of HD binoculars, suitable for beginners and professionals alike, vortex diamondback should be your ideal option.

Made from aluminum alloy, this optic is lightweight and very portable. It comes equipped with fully multi-coated lenses which enhance light transmission even during low light conditions.

An Armortek lens coating protects exterior lenses from scratch while shedding off dirt and oil. Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip that’s comfortable to hold even for long hours.

With adjustable eyecups included, you get to customize the eye relief to the length that’s comfortable for your eyes. The binoculars are tripod adaptable as well. To ensure reliability in all weather conditions, the optic is argon purged and O-ring sealed.

Key Features

  • Customizable eye relief.
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof.
  • Lightweight and compact.
  • Secure, non-slip grip.
  • Tripod adaptable.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses.
  • Roof prism design.
  • Armortek lens coating.
  • Rugged construction withstands heavy recoil and impact.
  • Glass park harness included.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 8 x
  • Objective Lens: 42 mm
  • Interpupillary Distance: 55 – 73 mm
  • Center Focus
  • Eye Relief: 17 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 5.2 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 393 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 7.5 degrees
  • Twilight Factor: 18.3
  • Close Focus: 5 ft

See Also: Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 Binoculars Comprehensive Review

 

Vortex Viper HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

Vortex Viper HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

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Made to withstand the harshest impacts and recoils, Vortex Viper HD is your ideal model if you love to tackle the harshest outdoor environments.

As is the case with the vast majority of full-size vortex binoculars, this unit is fully waterproof and fog proof. You are therefore assured of worry-free all-weather reliability especially if you need hunting binocular.

This pair of binoculars comes with a quality chest harness that allows you to comfortably and securely carry while in the field. With adjustable eyecups included, you get to enjoy a comfortable viewing even with your eyeglasses on.

The smooth center focus wheel provides fine focus control and quick sharp views while the twist eye-cups rest snugly against the face and provide customized eye relief.

The high-density optical system delivers exceptional resolution, an essential feature for most hunters, and the XR anti-reflective lens coating gives bright and vivid target views even in low-light situations.

The optic also offers a wider field of view further solidifying the Viper HD Roof Prism binoculars as the to-go for 8×42 Vortex binoculars.

Key Features

  • Adjustable eyecups.
  • Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.
  • Armortek lens coating protects the exterior lens from oil and dirt.
  • XR lens coating.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Chest harness included.
  • Secure and snug non-slip rubber grip.
  • HD optical system delivers exceptional edge-to-edge clarity.
  • Tripod adaptable.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 8 x
  • Objective Lens: 42 mm
  • Eye Relief: 18 mm
  • Twilight Factor: 18.3
  • Close Focus: 6.5 ft
  • Exit Pupil: 5.25 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 409 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 7.8 degrees
  • Center Focus
  • Interpupillary Distance: 56 – 75 mm

 

Vortex Razor HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

Vortex Razor HD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

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This pair of binoculars comes with an extensive list of features and is worth the hype. With adjustable eyecups, you get to customize the eye relief to a distance that’s snug for you whether you put on eyeglasses or not.

Moreover, the strategically placed indents plus the rugged armor provide a secure, non-slip grip while the state-of-the-art anti-reflective coatings guarantee the brightest and clearest target views regardless of the light conditions.

This pair is waterproof and fog proof, however, that comes as no surprise since all Vortex optics are nitrogen-filled and sealed to ensure worry-free all-weather reliability.

Furthermore, the exterior lenses are Armortek coated to shed off oil, dirt, and oil while ergonomic design makes them suitable for long-term observation.

Key Features

  • Durable and ergonomic design.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Adjustable eyecups.
  • Easy to grip, rubber-armored chassis.
  • Scratch-proof Armortek lens coating.
  • State-of-the-art anti-reflective lens coating.
  • Premium HD lenses.
  • Locking right diopter.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 8 x
  • Objective Lens: 42 mm
  • Close Focus: 6 ft
  • Eye Relief: 17.5 mm
  • Twilight Factor: 18.3
  • Exit Pupil: 5.3 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 388 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 7.4 degrees
  • Center Focus
  • Interpupillary Distance: 55 – 75 mm
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -3 – 3 DPT

 

Vortex Razor UHD 8x42mm Abbe Koenig Binoculars

Vortex Razor UHD 8x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

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When you want to have the best of the best birdwatching or game hunting experience, Vortex Optics Razor UHD is your ideal binocular. With this pair of binoculars, you get to enjoy a comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.

With this pair, you enjoy superior edge-to-edge image clarity and sharpness as well as exceptional color fidelity. The rubberized armor with a complete textured coating enables you to have a secure and snug grip that doesn’t slip even when it’s raining.

For easy adjustments, this model comes with a large center knob as well as twist eye-cups which provide a snug viewing. For all-weather reliability, this product is fully waterproof and fog proof.

All its air-to-glass surfaces feature multiple coatings which maximize light transmission to provide bright and clear target views. The water-repellent lens coating considerably extends the lifespan of this product.

The magnesium chassis is not only lightweight but also very durable.

Key Features

  • Waterproof and fog proof.
  • Tripod adapter compatible.
  • Soft textured grip.
  • Adjustable eyecups.
  • Ultra-hard Armortek lens coating.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Long-lasting, rugged construction.
  • Magnesium chassis enhances strength while reducing weight.
  • Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 8 x
  • Objective Lens: 42 mm
  • Eye Relief: 16.7 mm
  • Close Focus: 3.3 ft
  • Exit Pupil: 5.25 mm
  • Twilight Factor: 18.3
  • Field of View, Linear: 420 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 6.6 degrees
  • Center Focus
  • Interpupillary Distance: 56 – 76 mm
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 2 DPT

 

What are 8×42 Binoculars Good for?

8×42 Binoculars are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications such as birding,hunting,hiking, travel, nature observation, events and other outdoor activities.

What’s the Difference between 8×42 and 10×42 Binoculars?

8×42

  • Lower magnification
  • Larger Field of View
  • Larger Exit Pupil
  • Twilight Factor less than 10×42

10×42

  • Large magnification
  • Larger Twilight Factor
  • Smaller Exit Pupil
  • Smaller field of view

Are 8×42 Binoculars Good for Hunting?

Yes, thanks to the larger field of view and larger exit pupil which means more light gathering capabilities for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.Most of the binoculars are also waterproof and fogproof for the harsh hunting environments.

What does 8×42 Mean on Binoculars?

8-is the Magnification(8x)

42-Objective Lens Diameter

8×42 Vortex Binoculars Advantages

  • 8×42 binoculars are considered to be universal configuration because they are practical and adequate for all situations
  • Easy to use. This makes them suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
  • A higher magnification allows you to have a clear view of the targets at both close to medium ranges.
  • Clear and detailed images even under low light conditions.
  • Durable and rugged construction.

Criteria for Choosing the Best 8×42 Vortex Binoculars

Now that you already have a specific binocular style you are looking for, here are some of the other important features to look out for in vortex binoculars.

  1. Durability

If you need a binocular for outdoor application, the most important feature to consider is its durability. With outdoor applications being not limited to a specific type of terrain you’ll need to select a pair that’s not only durable but also capable of withstanding harsh impacts.

One good whack on a rock or tree can knock a binocular off the alignment. Go for binoculars with multiple protection features. This way, you are assured of reliable performance for many years.

Vortex binoculars which are O-ring sealed nitrogen purged enhance all-weather reliability. Some Vortex binoculars will float if accidentally dropped in the water while others use polycarbonate chassis which enhances their corrosion resistance reliability.

  1. Chassis Material

Chassis refers to the frame of the binocular around which the whole optic is built. The most popular material on the market is aluminum alloy. The good thing about aluminum is that is it lightweight, sturdy, affordable, and corrosion-resistant.

Another metal alloy used is magnesium.  The good thing about binoculars with magnesium chassis is that they weigh several ounces less than those made with aluminum. Magnesium is also strong and corrosion-resistant.

  1. Waterproof

For you to have clear target views, make sure that the pair of binocular that you choose is both waterproof and fog proof. Waterproof binoculars are especially important for those who use the binoculars outdoors.

Binoculars are sealed to prevent moisture from entering and causing internal fogging. Another advantage of waterproof binoculars is that you don’t worry about the change in weather while out in the field. The waterproof and fog sealing also protects against sand, dust, and dirt.

  1. Size and Weight

Binoculars are normally categorized into three groups; compact, mid-size, and full-size. Regardless of how powerful they might be, full-sized binoculars can sometimes weigh up to less than a pound.

The type and amount of glass used in the construction process directly affect the final weight of the unit. Since 8×42 Vortex binoculars are suited for outdoor application, it is recommended to choose a lightweight binocular which is also small enough to be easily slipped inside the pocket.

  1. Lens Coating and Armoring

Quality lens coating enhances image brightness and clarity by reducing light reflection off the glass surface. The coating on both lenses and prisms enhances light transmission and also maximizes color contrast.

This is an important feature especially if you are looking for a pair of binoculars to hunt in open fields. In such conditions, you’ll need the sharpest and clearest image possible.  Besides, look for binoculars that feature hydrophobic coatings to help bead and remove water spray on the optics.

Armoring is done to protect the binoculars from getting damaged in case they fall on hard surfaces. Rubber armoring also provides a secure and non-slip grip for comfortable long-term observation.

  1. Eye Relief

Eye relief refers to the optimal distance from your eye to the focal point of the eyepiece. Vortex binoculars have dioptric adjustments on the eyepieces that users can secure the focusing system as per their eyepiece prescriptions.

Eyecups should be adjustable to accommodate binocular sharing and users who put on eyeglasses.

8×42 Vortex Binoculars FAQs

Q: What are 8×42 Binoculars?

A: 8×42 is simply a configuration of a pair of binoculars. 8x refers to the magnification while 42 refers to objective lens diameter. In most cases, 8×42 binoculars are considered to be universal configurations because they are practical and adequate for all situations.

Q: Which is better, 8×42 or 10×42 Binoculars?

A: Deciding between 8x and 10x binoculars is more of personal taste and preference. In most Vortex binocular models, the eye relief is greater in the 8×42 version than in the 10×42 version. 10x binoculars are better for distance viewing but they have a slightly narrower field of view and a more noticeable hand-shake.

Q: Which is the best Prism type to choose when buying Binoculars?

A: Roof prism and Porro prism are the two main binoculars used in binoculars. The main advantage of roof prism binoculars is that they offer better light transmission. On the downside, they are relatively more expensive. For those on a tight budget, binoculars with a Porro prism are a better option.

Q: How do I keep my pair of binoculars clean?

A: Binoculars lenses need careful handling as the coating might get damaged by any rough edges. The best way to clean the lenses is to wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth. In some cases, you might need to use a special cleaning fluid recommended by the manufacturer. The casing can be cleaned by a piece of cloth.

Conclusion

A quality pair of vortex binocular is not only going to open up a whole new world of nature exploration but also give you an experience that you will never forget. With the best 8×42 Vortex binoculars, you get to look at the world in greater detail.

Add perspective to your adventures by incorporating these powerful binoculars into your outdoor gear.

We have reviewed the best 8×42 Vortex binoculars and we hope that you get to love them too.

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