The Best 8×32 Binoculars (Reviews) in 2023 | Autance

Whether you’re a hunter, bird watcher, or just someone with a healthy sense of curiosity, a good set of 8×32 binoculars can help you get as close to the action as you need to be. The 8×32 references the fact that these goggles can magnify an image up to eight times, and they have a 32mm lens. That’s not enough to reveal every single feather on a robin, but it should give you an excellent view of your surroundings. The best 8×32 binoculars tend to be smaller and less expensive than some of their more powerful counterparts, so you should be able to carry a pair with you as you stumble along through the wilderness. If you accidentally break them, you won’t have to refinance your home just to replace them. Here are some of the best 8×32 binoculars to consider.

The Best 8×32 Binoculars

Best 8×32 Binoculars Buying Guide & FAQ

While you undoubtedly understand the need for a good pair of binoculars, deciding which pair you should buy isn’t quite as simple. There are so many specs to learn and understand, and buying the wrong pair can be quite an expensive mistake. We’ll cover all the basics, so you can be confident that you’re getting the best binoculars for your needs. 

Below, we’ve covered everything you need to know to find the perfect pair for you. Regardless of whether you’re shopping for a pair to use occasionally around the backyard or you need a top-of-the-line pair to help you identify every bird in your state, you’ll find the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

Why Do You Need 8×32 Binoculars?

A good pair of 8×32 binoculars gets you closer to nature—without having to get too close. This lets you spy on that rare bird you saw flitting around your backyard, or survey the woods for deer without having to trudge through them.

Just what does “8×32” mean, though? The “8” refers to the magnification, so they can magnify images up to 8x their size. The “32” is the lens diameter—32 mm, in this case. Combined, these measurements allow you to have a powerful set of binoculars without making them too bulky, so they’re easy to slip in your pocket or wear around your  neck.

They also do well in low light, so you can see clearly at dawn or dusk. Regardless of the time of day, a quality pair of 8×32 binoculars will provide you with a bright, clear image to enjoy.

Benefits

• They’re fantastic for bird-watching, hunting, or just checking out the world around you
• They’re compact and easy to pack, so you can take them with you on camping trips or vacations without sacrificing a ton of room in your bag
• If you enjoy watching creatures in their natural habitat without disturbing them, a pair of 8×32 binoculars will make you feel like you’re right next to the animal, without putting it or you in any danger

Types of 8×32 Binoculars

Generally speaking, there aren’t very many “types” of 8×32 binoculars on the market, as “8×32” is a type in and of itself. That said, there are a few distinguishing features you may come across while shopping for your next pair, so here are a few things to be on the lookout for.

• Waterproof and Weather-Resistant

Not all binoculars are equally suited for use in the rain or other inclement weather. Some are specially designed to be waterproof; these usually have sealed O-rings that keep moisture from penetrating them and fouling up the sensitive equipment inside.

That said, just because a pair claims that they’re waterproof binoculars doesn’t mean you should put those claims to the test. Water is still harmful to them, so try not to drop them in a stream, and leave them safely tucked inside your bag while it’s raining (unless you need them, of course). If they do get wet, wipe them off as soon as you can.

• Rubber-Coated

Similar to water- and weatherproofing, some binoculars are better able to withstand rough treatment than others. The difference is usually a thick coating of rubber armor that some models have. This lets them survive occasionally being dropped or whacked into tree branches with little damage.

Again, though, don’t take this as a challenge. A pair with an incredibly thick rubber coating is still a piece of sensitive equipment, and should be treated as such. Also, the rubber won’t protect the glass lenses, so be especially careful with them.

If you’re buying a pair for your child, rubber coating is essential, as they’ll no doubt have few mishaps along the way. A side benefit of the coating is that it makes the binoculars easier to hold, especially for smaller hands.

• Fog-Proof

Have you ever looked inside a pair of binoculars and not seen anything at all? There are only a couple reasons why this could happen, like having the lens caps on or your eyes closed. The most common culprit, however, is fogging.

Sometimes, moisture suspends itself to the lenses, which can reduce visibility. This happens most often when you go from one extreme temperature or humidity level to another. If the fogging is on the outside of the lens, you can just wipe the water away; if it’s on the inside, however, you’re going to have to do some repair work.

You should be aware that just because a pair is waterproof does not mean that they’re also fog-proof. Look for both designations before making a purchase.

What to Look for When Buying 8×32 Binoculars

So, what makes one pair of 8×32 binoculars better than another? Are there any features or distinctions you should look for? As it turns out, yes, there are a few things to check for that determine the best binoculars for a given purpose. The features below can drastically affect your experience with your binoculars (and therefore your enjoyment), so it’s smart to understand them before you start shopping.

• Lens Coating

The lenses of your binoculars will be coated in one or more substances. This coating can have a dramatic effect on the image quality, as it affects the quantity and angle of light transmission.

You’ll likely see different terms used when describing coating. If all it says is “coated,” that means the lens probably has only a single layer of anti-reflective coating on it. “Fully coated” means that all sides of all lenses have been covered. Meanwhile, “multi-coated” means that the lenses have been covered in multiple layers of coating. You may also see “fully multi-coated” or “prism coated,” but those are less common with 8×32 models.

So which is best? Multi-coated will likely give you a brighter image, but lenses with a single full coat are usually the most durable. It’s a question of which is more important to you.

• Water Resistance

As mentioned above, water is the mortal enemy of any pair of high-quality optics. While we know you won’t subject your binoculars to too much moisture, it can be unavoidable at times—which is why you want to know that your pair won’t break if it takes a little dip.

As an added bonus, water resistance often translates into resistance from dust and debris as well. After all, if the binoculars are sealed tight enough to keep water out, dust doesn’t stand a chance. This allows you to be more carefree with your binoculars, rather than constantly fretting about keeping them spotless.

• Image Stabilization

If you’ve used a cheap pair of binoculars before, you may have noticed how much the image bounced around. That’s not helpful if you’re trying to pinpoint every detail of the bird in that tree over there—and it’s really not helpful if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Some binoculars are made with image stabilization technology, which helps reduce the vibrations from shaking hands or stiff winds. This keeps the image as still as possible, letting you soak up every last detail.

You may have to pay a bit more for a pair of quality binoculars with image stabilization technology, but it’s usually well worth it.

Tips for Buying and Using 8×32 Binoculars

Using binoculars may seem painfully simple—just hold them up to your eyes, right? However, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to be sure to get the best viewing experience possible.

The way you hold them will go a long way towards determining how stable the image is. You can place both hands around the barrels to give you a firm grip, then either keep your elbows tucked close to your body or rest them on a stationary object.

Be sure to adjust the barrels properly as well. Ideally, their distance will perfectly match the distance between your eyes. You’ll know if you’ve reached that point because the image will be a perfect circle, without any dark edges or overlap.

You shouldn’t need to strain your eyes, either—after all, that’s why you bought the binoculars, right? If your eyes are getting tired or you’re suffering from headaches, there may be a problem with your pair. Check with the manufacturer to see if you need a replacement.

• Don’t buy a pair that’s too big or too small for your hands. The easier they are to grip, the easier they’ll be to use.
• If your eyes don’t have the same prescription, get a pair with a diopter so you can adjust each lens individually.
• The strap is your friend. Always have it around your neck, even if you don’t think you need it.
• When trying to find a bird or other specific detail with your binoculars, first find an easily recognizable landmark near the animal with your naked eyes. This will give you a clear focus point when you switch to the binoculars.

Best 8×32 Binoculars FAQ:

Once you finally take your binoculars out into the field, you may find that you have a lot of questions as to how to best use them. While we unfortunately can’t go out with you (although we do appreciate the invite), we have listed some of the most common questions users have below.

Our Top Pick

The Wingspan Optics FieldView PS-83201 8×32 Binoculars are our favorites, largely because of their high-quality lenses. Their premium optical performance gives you some of the sharpest images you’ll find anywhere, even in low-light situations. Even so, you don’t have to be too precious with how you use them, as the non-slip grips makes it unlikely you’ll drop them, and they’re backed by a lifetime warranty if you do. They’re also fog-proof and tripod-mountable, which makes them versatile enough to use in almost any condition.