What's Better, 8x42 or 10x42?

So you’re in the market for new binoculars. You’ve narrowed it down to 8x42 or 10x42, then you hit a wall. What’s the actual difference between these numbers, and which one is better for hunting?

Binoculars are one of the most important tools a hunter can carry. They help you spot game, scan terrain, track movement, and make informed decisions before you raise your rifle. Whether you’re glassing a distant ridgeline for elk or scanning tree lines for whitetails, picking the right magnification makes a noticeable difference.

This is usually where a lot of hunters pause and ask themselves if they prefer a higher magnification or a wider field of view. Mathematically, one can’t have both when using fixed magnification binoculars, but the 8x42 and 10x42 try to offer the best of both worlds nonetheless.

To help explain, we’ll use the new Sightmark Solitude XD binoculars as our reference. They come in both 8x42 and 10x42, and they’re built with features hunters actually care about. But first, let’s tackle the basics.

What Do 8x42 and 10x42 Actually Mean?

• First number: magnification. 8x binoculars make things appear eight times closer, while 10x binoculars make them look ten times closer.
• Second number: diameter of the front lens (in millimeters). Both 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars have 42mm objective lenses, which gather light and affect brightness.

8x42 vs. 10x42: Quick Comparison

When it comes to magnification, higher isn’t always better. High magnification, like 10x, lets you see more detail at greater distances, which is great for identifying antlers, watching animal behavior, or scanning ridgelines. But that added zoom comes with tradeoffs. As magnification increases, your field of view narrows, making it harder to scan large areas quickly. It also amplifies hand shake, meaning the image may appear less stable unless you’re using a tripod or have a rock-steady hold. Low magnification, like 8x, gives you a wider view of the landscape, allowing you to pick up movement more easily and follow game without constantly repositioning your optics. It’s also easier to use handheld, especially for extended glassing sessions or mobile hunts. The best magnification depends on your terrain, hunting style, and how steady you are when glassing in the field.

When to Choose 8x42 Binoculars

If you spend most of your time hunting in thick forests, dense brush, or other close-quarters terrain, 8x42 binoculars are likely your best bet. The lower magnification gives you a wider field of view, making it easier to spot movement and track game as it weaves through cover. This is especially valuable when stalking whitetail in the timber or calling in turkeys, where fast target acquisition is more important than long-distance clarity. Because 8x magnification doesn’t exaggerate hand movement as much, it’s also more stable for handheld use, and therefore ideal for hunters who don’t carry a tripod or prefer a run-and-gun setup. Another major advantage is low-light performance: with the same 42mm objective lens as the 10x42s but a slightly larger exit pupil, the 8x42s allow more light to reach your eyes. The Sightmark Solitude XD 8x42 delivers all this in a rugged, lightweight package that fits easily into a chest harness.

When to Choose 10x42 Binoculars

If you’re hunting in wide-open spaces like the prairies, deserts, or the mountains out West, then 10x42 binoculars offer the edge you need. The increased magnification helps you spot animals that are hundreds of yards away and lets you judge details like body size or antler points from a distance. This makes them especially useful for spot-and-stalk hunters targeting mule deer, elk, or antelope. That said, the extra zoom comes at a cost: the narrower field of view means it takes longer to sweep an area, and the higher magnification amplifies hand shake. For best results, use them on a stable platform like a tripod, window mount, or backpack rest. The Sightmark Solitude XD 10x42 is built for these conditions, offering crisp, contrast-rich images even at long distances.

Solitude 10x42 XD Binoculars

High-resolution 10x42 binoculars with extra-low dispersion glass for superior clarity and color accuracy.

Solitude 10x42 Binoculars

Durable 10x42 binoculars offering sharp viewing and robust weather resistance for outdoor use.

Solitude 8x42 XD Binoculars

Premium 8x42 binoculars designed with XD glass for exceptional brightness and color fidelity.

Solitude 8x32 Binoculars

Compact and lightweight 8x32 binoculars perfect for quick field observation and portability.

But Magnification Isn’t Everything

Whether you go 8x or 10x, optical quality matters even more. This is where the Sightmark Solitude XD series pulls ahead of the pack.

Here’s what both models include:

• Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass: Reduces color fringing, gives you a razor-sharp image.
• Dielectric prism coatings: Boosts brightness and contrast, especially in low light.
• Phase correction: Makes images clearer and more color-accurate.
• Resettable diopter zero: Customizes focus for your eyes and lets you lock it in.
• >85% light transmission: Helps you see when the woods are still dark but the deer are moving.

So Which One Is Better?

Short answer: it depends.

• If you’re hunting thick woods, brushy draws, or do most of your glassing under 300 yards, go with the 8x42.
• If you’re hunting open terrain, ridges, or need to evaluate animals at long distances, pick the 10x42.

Either way, you’re getting rugged, reliable optics with the Solitude XD line. Both models are built to handle tough hunts and long days in the field without weighing you down or breaking your bank.

Don’t overthink it. Pick what fits your hunting terrain. Both 8x42 and 10x42 get the job done, especially when the glass is this good. The Sightmark Solitude XD binoculars give you the quality you need, no matter the magnification.