In this post, we comprehensively cover the best 8×42 Binoculars under $300.
One of the best ways to spend your free time is to engage in outdoor activities. The more you spend your time enjoying nature, the more you’ll want to get closer to it. Whether you are bird watching, hunting, hiking, camping, or viewing wildlife, a good pair of binoculars is a must-have equipment.
Binoculars bring you closer to nature and give you the best views that you could otherwise not see with your naked eyes. With binoculars, you get what you pay for.
If you can afford to purchase a high-end model, go for it and you’ll enjoy the best of the best features. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are tons of quality yet cost-effective binoculars suitable for multiple outdoor applications.
Here is a list of the best 8×42 binoculars under $300 available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
Best 8×42 Binoculars under $300-Our Top Picks
Athlon Optics Midas G2 8×42 UHD Binoculars
These Athlon Midas G2 UHD Binoculars are one of the best 8×42 binoculars under $300. These binoculars are equipped with high-quality features suitable for multiple outdoor applications. You can use it for bird-watching hunting, sporting, and other outdoor events that require a quality optic.
These UHD binoculars are made with families in mind. They are suitable for both adults and kids. Besides being compact, these binoculars are amazingly light. They have a magnesium chassis design which enhances strength and durability while reducing the weight as far as 35%.
These binoculars offer outstanding optical performance. The multi-layer prism coating reflects 99% of light to your eyes to give you bright, clear, and color-accurate images. The lenses are fully multi-coated to provide better light transmission, especially in low light conditions. The result is optimum image brightness and true-to-life image views.
More importantly, the binoculars are fully weatherproof. Thanks to the waterproof design, you can use them in extreme weather conditions. The shock-absorbing rubber armor provides additional weather protection and ensures a snug, non-slip grip in all these conditions. The binoculars feature improved twist-up eyecups which provide customized eye relief.
Features
- Waterproof and fog-free
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Durable magnesium chassis
- Compact and lightweight
- Magnification: 8 x
- 42mm Objective Lens
- Roof Prism system
- BAK4 Prism Material
- 17.2 mm Eye Relief
- Field of View, Linear: 429 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 8.1 degrees
- Center Focus
- Interpupillary Distance: 57 – 74 mm
- Close Focus: 6.5 ft
- Improved twist-up eyecups
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- High-quality BaK-4 prisms
- Tripod adaptable
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Phase-coated prisms
- XPL lens coating
Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 Roof Prism Binoculars
If you are always on the go, the Diamondback HD Binoculars are your ideal option. The binoculars weigh 8 ounces only. The lightweight plus compact design makes them ideal for travel as they are easy to pack.
Though affordable, these binoculars don’t compromise on quality. They are made to provide unparalleled optical performance and long-lasting durability. They are also eyeglass-friendly. All Diamondback HD Binoculars have adjustable eyecups which twist up and down for snug viewing even with your glasses on.
The fully multi-coated lenses work together with the anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to maximize light transmission and give you the brightest and clearest views regardless of the lighting conditions. An Armortek coating on the exterior lenses offers protection from dirt, oil, and scratches.
These binoculars are argon purged and O-ring sealed to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. The rugged housing stands to impacts and harsh handling, while the rubber armor enhances durability and gives you an ergonomic, non-slip grip.
Features
- Durable rubber armor
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed
- Tripod adaptable
- Glass Pak harness
- Field of View, Linear: 393 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 7.5 degrees
- Magnification: 8 x
- 42mm Objective Lens
- Exit Pupil: 5.2 mm
- Twilight Factor: 18.3
- Interpupillary Distance: 55 – 73 mm
- Rugged aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Adjustable eyecups
- The smooth, center focus wheel
- The right eye diopter adjusts for differences in the user’s eyes
- 17mm eye relief
- 5-feet close focus
- Protective Armortek lens coating
Celestron- TrailSeeker 8×42 Binoculars
These TrailSeeker 8×42 Binoculars provide superior optical performance. These binoculars from Celestron feature BaK-4 prisms with phase and dielectric coatings which increase light transmission. The other optical surfaces feature anti-reflective coatings to provide bright, clear, and sharp images.
These binoculars are built to last. They have a sturdy magnesium alloy frame that’s durable, lightweight, and fully waterproof for use even in extreme weather conditions. The unit is also fully armored to stand up to rough conditions and provide a snug, anti-slip grip in wet or dry weather conditions.
Another great feature is the wide field of view. The 8x magnification brings you closer to nature, while the wide field of view lets you follow your subjects smoothly without moving them around. The binoculars also feature metal twist-up eyecups with a multi-stop function for correct positioning of the eyes even with your glasses on.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Phase and dielectric coated BaK-4 prisms
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Protective rubber armor
- 6.5-feet close focus
- Tripod adaptable
- Twist-up eyecups
- 17mm eye relief
- Sturdy and durable magnesium alloy frame
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Twilight Factor: 18.33
- Interpupillary Distance: 73 mm
- Center Focus
- Exit Pupil: 5.25 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 426 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 8.1 degrees
Bushnell H2O 8×42 Roof Prism Binoculars
These binoculars are specially made for use in wet conditions. They are O-ring sealed to repel rain and prevent the entry of dirt and dust. They are also nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging and remove all internal moisture.
Featuring multi-coated lenses and premium BaK-4 prisms, these compact binoculars increase light transmission to deliver bright and vivid images. The long eye relief accommodates users who wear eyeglasses and reduces eye fatigue during long viewing sessions. The binoculars also feature a large and smooth center focus knob which lets you bring the images into sharp focus with a simple turn.
Weighing about 0.71kgs, this product is fairly light and easy to carry around. In addition, the binoculars are made with high-quality materials for harsh outdoor environments. The non-slip rubber armor absorbs shock and impacts, while the soft texture grip gives you a firm grip in any weather condition.
Overall, these binoculars offer great value for money. They also have a limited lifetime warranty.
Features
- 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Multi-coated optics
- Premium-quality BaK-4 prims
- Large center-focus knob for smooth adjustments
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Twist-up eyecups
- Magnification: 8 x
- 42mm Objective Lens
- Exit Pupil: 5 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 409 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 7.8 degrees
- Center Focus
- Twilight Factor: 18
- Interpupillary Distance: 56 – 72 mm
- Non-slip rubber armor
- Stunning HD clarity
- Durable construction
- Sleek blue color design
- 17m eye relief
- 12-feet close focus
Nikon Prostaff 7S 8×42 All-Terrain Binoculars
These Nikon Prostaff 7S give you color and clarity so you can enjoy the best image views regardless of the outdoor activity you are engaged in. This is thanks to the fully multi-layer coated lenses which increase light transmission and the phase correction coated roof prisms that deliver bright, clear, and razor-sharp images.
The Prostaff 7S is made for all-terrain use. If the weather changes abruptly while still on the field, you don’t have to worry about the binoculars getting damaged as they are fully waterproof and fog proof. Besides, the rubber-armored coating withstands wear and tear and gives you a non-slip grip even when your hands are wet.
This all-terrain binocular weighs about 1.4 pounds. It is lightweight, easy to hold and carry during long viewing sessions. It has turn and slide rubber eyecups which make it eyeglass friendly and a long eye relief that provides maximum comfort during long periods of use.
Features
- Multipurpose application
- Phase correction coated roof prisms
- Lightweight and portable
- Central Focus
- Magnification-8x
- 42mm Objective lens
- Field of View -Real(6.8°), Apparent(50.8°)
- FOV at 1000 yds-357 ft.
- Exit Pupil-5.3mm
- Ergonomic, rubber-armored body
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- User-friendly central focus knob
Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 8x42mm Binoculars
When it comes to durability and versatility, it’s hard to beat the Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 8x42mm Binoculars. These binoculars are made with the legendary Leupold ruggedness to provide unbeatable durability. The 8×42 size makes them ideal for bird watching, camping, wildlife, and nature viewing among other outdoor activities.
Like any other binoculars on this list, the BX-2 Alpine binoculars are fully waterproof and fog proof. This means you can use them even when it’s raining or cloudy. The magnesium housing stands up to rugged outdoor environments, while the armored coating gives you a secure and comfortable non-slip grip.
These binoculars feature an advanced optical system with the best-in-class glare reduction. The fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission for bright and clear image views. Besides, the binoculars feature Twilight Max Light Management System which provides the clearest views in low-light conditions.
For added convenience, the binoculars are eyeglass-friendly, lightweight, and easy to carry. They also have an integrated 1/4-20 tripod adapter port that you can mount on a tripod or car window and enjoy hands-free viewing. Above all, the binoculars are guaranteed for life.
Features
- Durable magnesium housing
- Twist-up eyecups
- Armored coating
- Tripod adaptable
- High-definition, calcium fluoride lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch and dirt-proof lens coatings
- Lightweight and compact design
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Magnification: 8 x
- 42mm Objective Lens
- Roof Prism System
- Eye Relief: 18 mm
- Exit Pupil: 5.2 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 394 ft at 1000 yds
- Interpupillary Distance: 57 – 78 mm
- Close Focus: 4.1 m
See Also
- 6 Best 70mm Binoculars
- 7 Best 10×42 Binoculars
- 7 Best Affordable Binoculars for Hunting
- 4 Best Canon Image Stabilized Binoculars
- 6 Best Marine Binoculars with Image Stabilization
- 6 Best Budget Binoculars for Astronomy
- 6 Best Vortex Binoculars for Hunting
Choosing the Best 8×42 Binoculars under $300
- Durability
Go for binoculars that are made with high-quality materials to ensure many years of field use. Look for models whose bodies and frames are made from aluminum or magnesium alloy. The binoculars should also have a rubber armor coating which enhances durability by absorbing shock, impacts, and falls.
- Weatherproof
Binoculars are mainly used outdoors. Finding a unit that’s fully waterproof and fog proof is important for all-weather reliability. Look for binoculars that are O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture. Additionally, the unit should be nitrogen-filled or argon purged to prevent internal fogging and repel internal moisture.
- Image Quality
Image quality is of prime importance in any pair of binoculars. The binoculars will be of no help if they can’t provide clear and good-quality images. Pay attention to the quality of lens coating and the type of prisms. To have the best images even in low-light situations, go for a pair that has fully multi-coated or multi-coated optics. The binoculars should also have high-quality glass for greater durability.
- Eye Relief
The other important factor you should consider is the amount of eye relief the binoculars offer. This is the distance between your eyes and the binocular’s eyepiece. Most binoculars have adjustable eyecups which provide customized eye relief. If you put on eyeglasses or sunglasses while on the field, go for binoculars with durable, multi-adjustable eyecups.
- Size and Weight
Size and weight in binoculars are key factors to consider especially if you are always on the go. Most 8×42 binoculars are compact. They are easy to hold in the hands and save on space during travel.
With weight, try to look for a lightweight and durable pair. Lightweight binoculars are easy on the hands and neck, particularly during long viewing sessions. They are also easy to use so they are ideal for kids too.
Is 8×42 Good for Binoculars?
Yes. If you don’t need so much magnification, you can hardly go wrong with an 8×42 binocular. These binoculars excel in almost all categories. They are easier to hold steady and offer a wide field of view, which helps you spot your targets with ease. They make the best all-around binoculars.
Which are the Best 8×42 Binoculars?
The best 8×42 binoculars are those that meet your needs. The best binoculars should offer pristine images in a snug and durable package. They should also offer decent eye relief and a wide field of view which is essential for easy target identification.
What Strength of Binoculars is the Best?
Typically, binoculars with 7x to 10x magnification power are easier to use and suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications. For bird watching, hiking, nature observation, and tracking mobile objects, 8x to 10x magnification is the most ideal. For sports events and theater use, a pair with a slightly lower magnification will suffice.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this review has been insightful and you are now able to make the right buying decision. Binoculars are indispensable when it comes to outdoor activities and having the right pair can make your expedition better and more enjoyable.
All the binoculars listed above offer the best optical performance. Invest in any pair above and enjoy better images regardless of the outdoor activity you are engaged in.