I have been testing the Whitby Gear 8×42 Compact Binoculars, which feature high quality BAK-4 prisms for sharp, clear images. Hubby G and I are fortunate to live in a home where we can frequently spot impressive Highlands wildlife from the comfort of the indoors and also in the garden. We also have easy access to many natural places with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.
When testing the Whitby Gear 8×42 Compact Binoculars, we are also comparing them to two other similar gadgets, a set of Eschenbach Secktor F 10 x 25 Compact Binoculars and a Hawke Vantage 24-72×70 Spotting Scope.
Features of Whitby Gear 8×42 Compact Binoculars
- Magnification: eight times
- 42mm objective diameter lenses
- Centre focus knob
- Independent right dioptre adjustment for maximum focusing flexibility
- Size: 18cm x 13cm x 6.5cm
- Weight: 830g
- Neck strap
- Attached lens covers
- Lens cloth
- Pouch
- Price: £79.95.
- Buy from Whitby Gear.
My thoughts: Whitby Gear 8×42 Compact Binoculars
Although the magnification is not as large as the other two gadgets that we own, both G and I found the Whitby binoculars made it very easy to see things at a distance. You sometimes end up with what feels like a bit of shake when magnification is high. So while magnification is a little lower than our other small binoculars, it is much easier to home in on what you are looking for in the distance.
An extra note on this is that while the Hawke spotting scope has huge magnification, I have never been able to quickly home in on a bird, or whatever, and this has meant I have often missed a wildlife spotting opportunity.
The 42mm objective diameter lenses of the Whitby Gear 8×42 binoculars are excellent and while I often struggle to get comfortable with binos and then pick out wildlife, I could immediately see through these binos.
It is also really easy to find what you are looking for. The focusing mechanisms work well and smoothly.
The colours are also really bright when looking through the Whitby Gear binoculars.
The Whitby Gear binoculars are larger and heavier than the Eschenbach binos we already own, but equally they are much smaller and lighter than the Hawke spotting scope. However, for the size, the Whitby binos offer excellent clarity and vision.
The casing around the binoculars feels durable and robust. it is also easy to grip the binos. I like that the lens covers stay attached to the binos. I always end up losing lens covers if they are not attached! The case is a bit flimsy so I think I would wrap them in something else, such as a dry bag, if I was venturing out with them.
One thing that is impressive is the price. A shade under £80 for a really good quality pair of binoculars.
We have Whitby Gear 8×42 Compact Binoculars sat on the windowsill of my office. I use them most days, especially when I spot a large bird in the sky or something sitting on the sea that interests me.
I am more likely to choose to take a smaller and lighter pair of binos with me when heading to the mountains but for local walks and for wildlife spotting from the house, they are brilliant.