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Message: <blockquote data-quote="denco@comcast.n" data-source="post: 3558608" data-attributes="member: 25300"><p>This is a really good thread and something that is really important to birders. The 8x32 and 8x42 are probably the two most popular formats for birding and it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. I would say if size and weight are important to you and you carry your binoculars a lighter smaller binocular can make a huge difference in comfort and the 8x32 does not give up much in performance to the 8x42. Of course there a lot of smaller 8x42's and some bigger 8x32's but in general an 8x32 is going to be smaller and if you bird mostly in the day the 8x32 will be just as bright as the 8x42. The 8x42 will have a slight advantage in eye placement but the 8x32 can be quite comfortable if you know how to use it.You have to decide yourself which you prefer. Everybody is going to be a little different but I would bet for a lot of birders the 8x32 might be the preferred choice.</p></blockquote><p></p>