Binoculars

8×32 or 8×42: which is right for travel?

Our verdictChoose 8x42 if you bird in forests or at dawn; choose 8x32 if weight and size matter most.

Both are excellent birding sizes. The difference is mostly light versus weight. A 42 mm objective lens collects noticeably more light, which shows at first light and under a rainforest canopy. A 32 mm pair is smaller and lighter, and many birders find it the more comfortable companion on long days and flights.

If you already own a full-size pair, a compact 8×32 makes a good second pair for travel.