8×42 mm binoculars are the most popular optical configuration for bird watching. A 42 mm objective lens provides sufficient light gathering capabilities in low light conditions, and an 8x magnification allows the user to “steady” the binoculars much more readily than with higher powers, making the task of bird-identification a little easier. Look for 8×42 mm binoculars with high light transmission capabilities like our 3D/ED Series.