8×32 vs 8×42 Binoculars. Which is Best?

 

After writing my comparative articles about different configurations, such as 8×42 vs 10×42, 10×42 vs 10×50, I decided to write a new comparison about 8×32 and 8×42 binoculars.

These two configurations are also very popular and selling binoculars.

This time I will be comparing two binoculars, such as Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 and Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42.

I will do my research in a way so you can decide which one is more suitable for you depending on how and where you plan to use it.

Let’s start the research so you can see how these two binoculars perform and which one is better.

• Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32
• Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42

 

 

Common for 8×32 and 8×42 Binoculars

Though these two Levenhuk binoculars have differences, they also have some things in common.

They have the same magnification power and have roof prism and multi-coated optics.

 

 

 

8×32 and 8×42 Binoculars

These two Levenhuk binoculars are relatively powerful binoculars. Binoculars with magnification 8 and 10 are the most selling optical devices.

I personally prefer magnification 10 for two reasons: it’s pretty powerful and has a wide field of view. Most experts in the field of optics are of the same opinion.

Those who want wider field of view prefer magnification 8 because this configuration has a wider field of view comparing to magnification 10.

The difference is not huge but for some it may be important. Both Levenhuk Karma Pro binoculars, 8×32 and 8×42 are multi-purpose optical devices.

These two devices can be used almost everywhere in almost all outdoor activities. They can be used when traveling, for hunting, bird watching, safaris, sporting events, terrestrial observations or for moon observation.

Though these two binoculars look almost the same, they have one difference which is the diameter of the objective lens.

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42 has a little heavier objective lens. This means 8×42 is a little heavier than Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32.

It’s a pretty common fact that weight of an optical device affects image stability.

Though both binoculars are lightweight and suitable for various purposes, if you need compact and yet powerful optical device you should choose 8×32 optical device.

 

 

Magnification

Magnification 8 binocular is not the best one but one of the most selling optical devices available on the market.

It’s not much different from magnification 10, but has wider field of view which is why some people prefer it over magnification 10.

When it comes to price tag, there is no big difference between 8 and 10 magnification binoculars.

 

 

Image quality

As we know, magnification is the most important aspect in binoculars. The less the magnification the better is the image quality in binoculars.

Issues with image quality start only with magnification 15 and above. Magnification 8 and 10 deliver the bets image quality you can imagine.

Image clarity, brightness is perfect in 8x binoculars. Both binoculars, Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 and 8×42 produce almost the same image quality.

If you use binoculars in during the day in good light conditions, both binoculars perform very well and produce excellent image quality, bright, crystal clear and sharp image.

If you plan to use in evening time in low light conditions, then 8×42 produce better image quality.

I can’t say difference is big, but 8×42 outperforms 8×32 in giving a little brighter image.  As you can see image brightness is different in these two optical devices.

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 has image brightness 16 while Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42 has image brightness 27.

This proves that in low light conditions 8×42 performs better. If you want to use an optical device in low-light conditions then 8×42 should be your choice.

But does that mean Levenhuk 8×32 is not suitable for low-light conditions? Not at all. It still performs very well.

If you have any problems with your eyesight you better choose 8×42 to decrease the eye strain and enjoy your optical device.

 

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32

• Image Brightness – 16

 

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42

• Image Brightness – 27

 

 

Field of view

It’s a pretty well-known fact that wide field of view in binoculars gives you a more natural view of objects you observe.

An optical device with magnification 8 is a good combination of magnification power and wide field of view.

Such binoculars produce an excellent image quality and are multi-purpose devices.

They can be used for traveling, at stadiums, for bird watching, hunting, safaris or any outdoor activity.

Both binoculars, Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 and 8×42 have the same field of view which is 7.4°.

It’s pretty wide and gives you an excellent view of objects you observe. Both binoculars have eye relief 17.5 mm which means they both are suitable for eyeglass wearers.

The only difference is in the diameter of exit pupil. Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42 has bigger extil pupil 5.2mm vs 4mm in Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32.

This means 8×42 is more natural for human eyes and more comfortable to view objects.

 

• Field of view of Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 – 4° (390 feet/1000 yds) – 4mm exit pupil – Eye relief: 17.5mm

 

• Field of view of Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42 – 7.4° (390 feet / 1000 yds) – 2mm exit pupil – Eye relief: 17.5mm

 

 

Weight

Like I said in all my previous articles, weight of an optical instrument plays a significant part in the image stabilization.

It impacts image stability and accordingly your experience as a user of optical devices.

Binoculars with magnification 8 and 10 are pretty lightweight and give good image stability. You don’t need a tripod to use these optical instruments.

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 is only 0.96kg which is 140gr less compared to 1.1kg of Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42. The difference in weight is not so critical but there is some.

If you need a powerful device and super lightweight then 8×32 is an ideal choice. It will give you a better image stability.

 

• Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 – 0.96kg
• Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42 – 1.1kg

 

 

Size

When it comes to the size of these two binoculars, it’s also the same. But there is some difference due to bigger lens diameter in Karma Pro 8×42 vs 8×32.

So, binoculars barrels are a little bigger in 8×42. It’s not so critical, (extra 10mm) but for some people it may be critical.

In that case you should choose Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32.

 

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32

• Dimensions – 130x127x48

 

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42

• Dimensions – 135x127x50

 

 

Who is a winner?

Let’s discuss now which binocular is a winner and why, 8×32 or 8×42.

First of all, both binoculars have the same magnification power, perform well and are suitable for almost all types of outdoor activities.

There is some not so significant difference in the size and weight between two binoculars and there is some difference in image brightness.

If your priority is weight and size then should choose Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32.

If your priority is the image brightness and bigger exit pupil that gives you more comfort due to being more natural to a human eye size then choose Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42.

8×42 performs very well in both, good and low light conditions. 8×32 performs almost as well as 8×42 does but 8×42 outperforms due to bigger objectives

 

It’s really hard to say which binoculars is a winner. It depends on the purpose of your buy and how and where you plan to use your optical instrument. Price difference is insignificant.

 

• Winner in image brightness: Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42
• Winner in field of view: Both
• Winner in weight: Levenhuk 8×32
• Winner in size: Levenhuk 8×32
• Winner for exit pupil: Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42

 

Winner: Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 thanks to being more compact and lightweight

Winner: Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42 thanks to a brighter image and bigger exit pupil

 

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×32 area of use: hunting, safari, travel, general use, stadiums

Levenhuk Karma Pro 8×42 area of use: hunting, bird watching, safari, general use