How far is 8x42 zoom in binoculars?

Question

how far will i be able to see with them max?

Answer 1

zoom is used to describe a variable focal length, these sound like fixed binos.

These are a fixed 8x magnification.  The 42 bit refers to the diameter of the front elements, the bigger the number the more light gets in and so the clearer the image and the easier it is focus.

They will focus from infinity back, so the furthest you can see is infinity.

Not very helpful I know, but you could have said something like "I want to use these on safari, will they get in close enough"?  but you didn't.

In short you are best to try them out.  I find 8x is the most you want to hand hold. 10x & above are very hard to keep steady without a clamp or inbuilt Image stabilisation.

Answer 2

It is not how far you can see with these binoculars, but rather how far is it possible to identify a small bird with them.  A small sparrow--about 25 feet.  A larger duck--maybe 300 feet depending on the markings. I have seen some really expert birders identify hawks at incredible distances with 8x42 binoculars, maybe a mile.   8x42 binoculars are considered about the best overall size for most purposes.