8×56 Binoculars

Not all binoculars are designed with the same purpose in mind. While some focus on being lightweight and easy to carry, others are built to gather as much light as possible.

This is where 8×56 binoculars stand out. With their large objective lenses and moderate magnification, they are often chosen by people who spend time outdoors during the early morning, late evening or in other low light conditions.

What Does 8×56 Mean?

The numbers describe two important parts of the binocular.

The first number, 8, refers to magnification. When looking through the binocular, a subject appears eight times closer than it would with the naked eye.

The second number, 56, refers to the diameter of the objective lenses in millimetres. These are the large lenses at the front of the binocular that collect light.

In simple terms, an 8×56 binocular provides 8x magnification and uses 56mm objective lenses.

Why Are The Lenses So Large?

The large objective lenses are one of the defining features of an 8×56 binocular.

Larger lenses can gather more light, helping to produce a brighter image when conditions are less than ideal. This can be particularly noticeable around sunrise, sunset and on heavily overcast days.

For people who regularly observe wildlife during these times, the difference can be easier to appreciate than it is in bright midday sunlight.

Are 8×56 Binoculars Good For Birdwatching?

They can be, especially if much of your birdwatching takes place during the first or last few hours of daylight.

The 8x magnification provides a steady image and a wide field of view, while the larger lenses help maintain brightness as light levels begin to drop.

The downside is that 8×56 binoculars are usually larger and heavier than popular 8×42 models.

When Are 8×56 Binoculars Most Useful?

These binoculars are often at their best when light is limited. If your wildlife observation regularly starts before sunrise or continues into the evening, an 8×56 binocular may be worth considering. The larger size is not for everyone, but many users feel the brighter image makes the extra weight worthwhile.