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Many videos to choose from here to watch for fun and knowledge, this includes the BASIC class’ videos and much more comparing Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski, the best binoculars for birding/hunting/travel, important differences between brands and models, care and tricks for confidently buying and inspecting binoculars, plus ocean reviews and head-to-head comparisons of top tier bins.
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Optica Exotica explores the differences between 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars in this OCEAN review from Northern California.
This is an all-you-need-to-know thorough guide for choosing the right size binoculars. He even touches on other sizes: 15×56, 12×50, 8×32, 8×50 and 8×56 as a comparison.
Which are best, 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars? What binocular is best? When comparing 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars, what are the differences? Are the 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars brighter, sharper, lighter, best color, better? What size binoculars is the best for hunting and birding, plus wildlife viewing?
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Great review! I'm looking at the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 & 10×42 your review has made me make my decision 8×42 it is 👍
Define “lots” of alcohol 🤨😑
Just looked at swaro 8 and 12 NL pures. I own a Steiner 10/50 and 20/80 / not sure which swaro to get I found the 8 much nicer than expected but wonder if the $$$ isn’t better spent on a more powerful optic and a very good 8 can be found much cheaper. I should mention the eyecup of the swaro 12/42 was broken already in the store so I am I doubt of Swarovski build quality (not optical quality) and I have read others reviews that they fall apart
A wind-noise resistant mic would be appreciated on your future videos. great content!
First time birder/stargazer here and I have to tell you that your video is so much helpful & informative. I have just picked up birding/stargazing as a hobby, and the thing is, I could not understand what all those descriptions I read online really meant because I had 0 hands-on experiences with binoculars.
I really appreciate that you are doing Binocular 101 classes with real-view examples—I’ve been learning a lot!! Thanks😍😍
Hey Ethan, my idea for a cool Swaro-comparison: EL x32 vs. X42, real life. I happen to own both of them and can not find any reason not to keep the x32‘s and let the x42‘s go at a point. I just testet them both in low light. Sorry, maybe numbers and physics tell different, but I can not find ANY difference in real life. In fact the x32‘s are lighter (well), sharper, wider FOV and closer near-focussing-distance. Only thing is, that everyone buys the x42‘s by instinct. Is it just the phenomenon of having the larger tube in one‘s hands (men)? 😜
Is there any good reason to decide for a 42 glass over a 32, when low light performance does not differ at all? 🤷🏻♂️
Maybe you as an expert can bring some light for us. You cannot find a real life comparison anywhere written or recorded.
Best wishes from Germany
Stephan
As far as the apparent field of view and depth of field, how much better would you say binoculars at the 1,500 dollar range are then the Nikon Monarch 7 8x42s? I’m looking to get 8x42s but I’m unsure of whether to drop that much more money! Thank you and I love your videos!
I’ve actually noticed often 10x usually have a higher apparent field of view than a 8x. Often only by a degree or two.
Great video. Thanks for these wonderful videos. You have helped me enormously. This could be the best one.
So…. the swaro nl pures 10×42 with the field of view of an 8×42 is perfect? Does the extra field of view on that model give less 'shake' compared to standard 10×42? Isit easier to track moving subjects with the nl pures 10×42 compared to other 10×42's?
Great channel
Wow, just came across this gem of a channel and so glad I did. Easily the best unbiased optics reviewer on YouTube !
To watch surfers and boats what Should Be The best?
As a 74 year old, I think 8 x 42 would be best, even if my instinct is to get more powerful 10s. I can’t afford high-end but maybe ED type roof porro multi-coated, nitrogen filled.
Funny, he spends so much money on binoculars but doesn’t have a wind-resistant microphone.
Wow finally I understand the apparent angle of view a little bit more, thanks a lot!
I'm still sitting n the image in my white Van watching you review the Swaro EL.. Great info helping educate your audience on magnification.
Yes yes the apparent field of view is one of the most important but always overlooked by most. Give me a 60-70deg and I'm very happy man "sitting n the image"
Looks like a beautiful spot. Very informative video. Thank you for posting this.
Started out with a pair of 10×42’s that I used handheld 100% of the time. I initially thought that with the greater magnification that I would be able to see farther, better. After using them for around 4 years I started looking for a new pair. I made a list of everything I wanted in a new pair of bino’s and what I found out wasn’t that I wanted a nicer pair, per se, but that I wanted a lower magnification. Purchased the 8×42’s and the difference was night and day. I can see fine details, read text and overall have a better viewing experience than with the 10×42’s. Everything is clearer, brighter, and easier to use (DOF). The field of view difference felt like I went from looking threw a straw to looking threw an empty toilet paper roll (305’ vs 393’ @ 1000 yards). The 8x pair works better for my daily use, but I can see where 10x can still be beneficial.
Thank you for making this video Optica Exotica. This is one of the better magnification comparison videos I’ve seen.
Agreed on 8×42 being ideal for birding!
i can't afford these binos huhuhuu😭
Thank you,sir! Very useful information.And congratulations for your videos!
Just wondering your opinion on Maven binoculars and if you plan to do any reviews of them. Thank You.
My 2 cents or pence, 7×50 fixed focus for use on moving vehicle and sports also good at night, EL 8.5×42 everything else handheld and with option of tripod then of resolving more than 10x handheld, SLC 15×56 on a tripod for the rest.I have bought the swaros this year and honestly wish i had got them sooner pay once and get on with your life.
Love your videos mate you seem like a good laugh. All the best from South Wales UK. Nearly forgot 8×56 fixed focus for night use as in darkness you will not know when your focused correctly or not.
Nikon edg and meopta meostar HD. My nems is Omid of Iran cuontry
Cool.Nex bilocle STEINER OBSERWE 8X42.Hunt binocle made Germany
My "daily" therapy is back! 🙂
8×42 or 10×42? The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind. 🌬️😂 Thanks for the video Ethan, please keep on keeping on!
Finally the sea background is back!
i miss the ocean and love your binos
that wind 😅
good work. In spite of the noise from the wind, I watched the whole thing and you just cemented my decision to buy 8×42. Thanks!
Thank you for all your videos. I learned a lot from watching, and found out what is important for me. I didn't buy any of the models you reviewed ultimately but I did consider it. Settled for an Opticron 6×30 – less shake, wide FOV, low CAs.
This is the video I’ve been waiting for! Thank you! 😃😃😃