I will also go over which types of environments and conditions where 10x42 binoculars will be more suitable for birding than an 8x42 and then lastly, I will recommend a few articles from campingfunzone.com and the best binoculars that I have tested and reviewed over the years. 8x42 vs 10x42 Binoculars What is also important to note that some 10x binoculars with really wide FOV’s may actually have a view that is wider than an average 8x binocular. It is clear that the Viking Badger range provides fantastic image results with a sturdy build design. However, it is important to consider how well this performs when out in the field. Can these binoculars deliver high-quality results on a consistent basis? The answer is yes. In addition to this, the Viking Badger contains nitrogen in the lenses. The nitrogen helps to reduce any potential fogging. This ensures that you are able to achieve the highest possible results regardless of the weather. The nitrogen also helps to eliminate any dust or dirt from building up within the lenses. This helps to maintain the overall condition of the lenses. As I have already written an in-depth, but somewhat generalist article (with an included video) on the main advantages the 8x42 vs 10x42 configurations have over each other (see link above), I won’t go over it all again here, rather I will focus on my attention on how they compare against each specifically where bird watching is concerned.

A wide FOV is also less important when you are observing larger, slower, or predictable moving birds – many water birds and raptors falling into this category.

Specification

Finally, the compact build design feels great to hold. The size of the binoculars makes them extremely portable which is perfect for long days out. The additional accessories that arrive with the binoculars only add to this further. Despite the compact size, the Viking Badger binoculars are incredibly durable and this holds up throughout testing. The rubber-armour finish protects these binoculars from any potential damage and ensures that they are waterproof. Whilst working as a safari guide in South Africa, I used my 10x42 binoculars more than any other, and whilst it is true that I was mostly looking at (and for) much larger and sometimes much scarier animals than birds, I found that in my particular circumstances they also made excellent birding binoculars. So much so, that even if I went out specifically for birding, I would still very often take them with me. The Viking Badger 10x42 binoculars have a 6.44-degree-field-of-view, equivalent to 102mm at 1k distance. With an 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, these binoculars are easy to handle and offer a wide, close view when spotting from a good distance. For both glasses wearers and non-glasses wearers, these Viking binoculars are comfortable to use. Offering an 13.3mm eye relief and twist down eyecups to ensure long viewing is comfortable and strain-free. Built for the outdoors For those that don’t know, the exit pupil is the diameter of the column of light coming out of the eyepieces, a wider column means more light gets to your eyes and therefore in theory and in certain conditions (see below) may seem to generate a brighter image.

A wide field of view helps when you need to scan over a large area looking for something, so for instance if you were looking for a deer or stag on the side of a hill across the valley. Like all Viking binoculars, the Viking Badger 10x42 have high-clarity lenses that have been engineered to the highest standard. Featuring BAK 4 Prisms and multi-coated lenses that provide clear, sharp images. The lenses are nitrogen filled to ensure extra protection against moisture and prevent fogging – making them ideal for all types of weather. I’ve had my Celestron 12x60 for almost a month now so here is my analysis. They are significantly bigger and heavier than 8x24s (at 3.3.lbs) but we already knew that would be the case.The level of quality available with the Viking Badger binoculars is incredible. From the superb image quality to the compact build design, it offers you everything that you need. These binoculars are perfect for all occasions and certainly provide excellent value for money. These are a truly impressive pair of binoculars. One of the main features of the Viking Badger 10×42 Binoculars is their lightweight, compact and portable nature. They are perfect to have in your car as a spare travel binocular, or to have as your main binocular to take with you on your nature-watching adventures. The Badger’s excellent optical quality compared to their low cost make them ideal to give as a gift to someone wanting to get into nature and bird watching. However for me personally the amount of difference in image stability between 8x and 10x binoculars is almost indiscernible. Once you start using 12x or higher magnifications then image stability really becomes an issue and so I would suggest that unless you have particularly unsteady or shaky hands this is not something to be too worried about when deciding between 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars.

Viking are known for the high quality of their lenses, and the Badger range is no exception. Crafted to the highest standard, their multicoated optics keep light loss to a minimum, ensuring a clearer image. This particular model offers a 5.5-degree field-of-view, which is equivalent to 96m at a 1km distance. 13mm eye relief makes the Badger comfortable to use for long periods of time, so it's a great choice if you're planning on spending the day birdwatching. The binoculars are also nitrogen-filled to prevent the lenses from fogging, making them ideal for use in all weathers. The Twilight factor is not a measure of brightness, but a rough guide to the amount of detail that can be resolved in low light. A larger twilight factor indicates that you may be able to see more detail in low light, or to put it another way, a larger twilight factor indicates a better resolution when viewing in the twilight or dim light. The Viking Badger binoculars perform exceptional in every aspect. Considering the price that these binoculars are available for, you will certainly find excellent value here. These are a suitable option for both beginners and intermediate users thanks to how accessible these binoculars feel. They are able to achieve this without compromising on any of the quality. VerdictIf however most of your birding is done during the day in reasonable light, a 10x42 may seem just as bright as an 8x42. Twilight Factor