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Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hunting, or stargazing, a pair of well-made binoculars is essential to have. In this article, you’re going to learn about the best binoculars on offer right now, and how they can take your favorite activity to a whole new level.
Binoculars are a lot more sophisticated than it might seem at first glance – they use intricate optics and very precise construction to deliver the image quality we’re all expecting. If you want to learn more about everything that goes into making high-quality binoculars, don’t miss out on the buying guide after reading the reviews.
Celestron SkyMaster Giant Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Designed with a large aperture for low-light performance
- Long eye relief for pleasant use even if you wear eyeglasses
- Center knob to easily adjust the diopter while viewing
- Porro prism and huge lenses for maximum image brightness
- Adapter for mounting the binoculars on a tripod
Magnification: 15x
Lens Diameter: 70mm
Prism System: Porro, BaK-4
Close Focus: 43 feet
Field of View: 231 feet (@1000 yards)
Eye Relief: 20mm
Weight: 3.28 pounds
Extras: Tripod Adapter, Carrying Case
Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- InstaFocus system automatically focuses on moving objects
- Fully coated optics provide fantastic light transmission
- Easily focuses even on very close objects (20 feet)
- Rubber grip prevents slipping and improves comfort while holding
- Fold-down eyecups so you don’t scratch your glasses
Magnification: 7x
Lens Diameter: 35mm
Prism System: Porro
Close Focus: 20 feet
Field of View: 420 feet (@1000 yards)
Eye Relief: 12mm
Weight: 21 ounces
Extras: Carrying Case, Neck Strap
Occer Compact Night Vision Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Green film on the lens for using in low-light conditions
- Up to 12 times magnification for seeing every detail
- Large pieces make viewing comfortable and pleasant
- Folds down the middle for easier packing and carrying
- Excellent price relative to the construction quality
Magnification: 12x
Lens Diameter: 25mm
Prism System: Porro, BaK-4
Close Focus: 5 meters
Field of View: 273 feet (@1000 yards)
Eye Relief: 10mm
Weight: 0.65 pounds
Extras: Carrying Case, Neck Strap
Aurosports Folding High Powered Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Compact size that even kids can use with ease
- Green lens coatings for performing in low light conditions
- Large field of view with excellent magnification power (10x)
- Anti-slip grip makes the binocular secure in your hands
- Lightweight and compact when packed (includes a carry case)
Magnification: 10x
Lens Diameter: 25mm
Prism System: Porro, BaK-4
Close Focus: 3 meters
Field of View: 362 feet (@1000 yards)
Eye Relief: 14.8mm
Weight: 12 ounces
Extras: Portable Bag, Dust Cover, Cleaning Cloth, Antislip Strap, Instructions
SkyGenius Compact Lightweight Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Lightest and best compact binoculars on our list
- Easily fits in your pocket or any type of bag
- Impressive range of view for such a small device
- High-quality prism provides very good transmission
- Covered by a worry-free 12-month warranty period
Magnification: 8x
Lens Diameter: 21mm
Prism System: Roof, BK-7
Field of View: 369 feet (@1000 yards)
Eye Relief: 16mm
Weight: 0.3 pounds
Extras: Carrying Case, Cleaning Cloth, Neck Strap
Bushnell Powerview Compact Folding Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Impressive image brightness and detail quality
- Folds very compact for easy packing and carrying
- Excellent sunlight transmission for such small size
- Available with four different lens options
- Covered by a limited lifetime warranty
Magnification: 8x
Lens Diameter: 21mm
Prism System: Roof, BK-7
Close Focus: 21 feet
Field of View: 378 feet (@1000 yards)
Eye Relief: 10mm
Weight: 7 ounces
Extras: Neck Strap, Carrying Case
Wingspan Optics FieldView Compact Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Perfectly adapted for birdwatching activities
- Great detail level even at distances over 1000 yards
- Lens cover caps (front and back) for preventing scratches
- Rubber grip prevents accidental slipping or damage
- 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like it
Magnification: 8x
Lens Diameter: 32mm
Prism System: Roof, BaK-4
Close Focus: 3 meters
Field of View: 362 feet (@ 1,000 yards)
Eye Relief: 14.8mm
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Extras: Neck Strap, Nylon Case, Eyepiece, Lens Protection Cover, Lens Cleaning Cloth
Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Excellent for rainy conditions and changing temperatures
- Large eye relief for easy use with prescription or sunglasses
- Non-slip rubber armor provides strength and a good grip when holding
- Multi-coated optics for great sunlight transmission in all periods of the day
- Easily-adjustable focus with a large centrally-positioned focus wheel
Magnification: 8x
Lens Diameter: 42mm
Prism System: Roof, BaK-4
Close Focusing: 12 feet
Field of View: 325 feet
Eye Relief: 17mm
Weight: 25 ounces
Extras: Carrying Case with Belt Loop, Neck Strap, Rubber Objective Lens Covers
Nikon Prostaff 3S Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Made of Eco-Glass that is completely free from lead and arsenic
- Multi-coated optics for transmission across the entire spectrum
- Ergonomic shape to make holding and handling easier
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups allow you to adjust eye relief
- O-Ring sealed and Nitrogen-filled for exceptional water-resistance
Magnification: 10x
Lens Diameter: 42mm
Prism System: Roof
Close Focusing: 9.8 feet
Field of View: 367 feet (@ 1,000 yards)
Eye Relief: 15.7mm
Weight: 20.3 ounces
Extras: Carrying Case, Strap, Objective Lens Covers
Nikon 7576 Monarch 5 Binoculars
- What Makes This Binocular Stand Out
- Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass delivers impressive sharpness and clarity
- Eco-Glass lenses are completely free from arsenic or lead components
- Sealed with O-Rings for excellent resistance to potential water damage
- Rubberized body armor protects the optics from shocks and bumps
Magnification: 8x
Lens Diameter: 42mm
Prism System: Roof
Close Focusing: 8.2 feet
Field of View: 330 feet
Eye Relief: 19.6mm
Weight: 1 pound 4.8 ounces
Extras: Carrying Case, Strap, Lens Covers (Front and Back), Instructions
How To Choose The Best Binoculars – Buying Guide
Magnification
Magnification is the reason you are buying a binocular – to see farther than you’re able to with just a naked eye. A higher number means that the binocular will be able to see at a greater distance without distorting the image.
For example, the rating of 10 times means you’ll be able to see the object 10 times larger than you would if you were to simply look without using the binocular.
Related Post: How To Choose Binoculars
Objective Lens Diameter
An objective lens is the place where light enters your binoculars. Logically, the more light that can enter, the clearer and brighter your image will be.
For those looking to go stargazing or use their binoculars for other nighttime activities, a lens with a bigger diameter is better because it allows more sunlight in and gives a wide field of view. However, it also makes the binocular bulky, so the best binoculars are those that find a balance between size and functionality.
Exit Pupil
The optics of a set of binoculars will have an exit pupil measurement, also referred to as a diameter. It is essentially the amount of light that reaches your eyes through the lens.
To get this measurement the company divides the lens size by its magnification. A higher exit pupil diameter means objects will appear brighter as more light will travel through the binoculars.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is an especially important consideration for those of you who wear glasses. It refers to the distance in which you can hold the binocular away from your eyes. A larger eye relief allows you to hold the binoculars farther away from the face while still seeing the image, which greatly improves comfort.
Field Of View
This parameter represents the width of an area you can see around the object without moving the binocular, at a distance of 1000 yards.
Both the magnification strength and the lens size play significant roles in determining the field of view (FOV). A higher amount of magnification will mean a smaller FOV, while a larger lens means a larger area of sight.
Lens Coating
The coating on the lens will help distinguish higher-quality binoculars from the cheap competition. Lens coatings are applied for two reasons – to improve the way the binoculars handle daylight, and to improve the durability of the objective lenses (especially scratch resistance). If you can, you should always get a model with multi-coated lenses.
Rubber Coating And Waterproofing
Since you’ll be using the binocular outdoors, a certain degree of ruggedness and durability is to be expected. Having a waterproof pair is very useful, as the water won’t leak into the optics inside if you get caught in the rain. As for the rubber coating, it will help improve your grip and, more importantly, it will protect the binocular from shocks and drops.
Close Focus
Even though binoculars are all about magnifying far away objects, you’ll sometimes also want to look at things that are close to you. Close focus refers to how closely you can observe something while still having it in focus. This parameter varies greatly from one model to the next, and we advise you to pay close attention if this is important to you.
Fog Proofing
The lenses on a pair of binoculars are highly susceptible to fogging between the optic pieces. Companies have spent lots of time and money ensuring their products don’t do this, as it renders binoculars useless. This can be a problem with some cheap models, so pay attention when buying.
Care, Maintenance, Use
Lenses need to be cared for and maintained properly if you want a clear image. Luckily, this is very easy to do. The manufacturers usually provide a cleaning cloth with the product, so you can easily clean the debris and smudges off the lens. Be careful not to use other cloths as it could scratch and permanently damage the lens.
Stargazing
While they won’t give you the detail that a telescope would bring, binoculars can still give you a fantastic image of the stars. The issue with stargazing is the low light environment, as binoculars usually need a high amount of sunshine to work well. A 10×40 binocular (or larger) is generally accepted as a great configuration for gazing at the stars.
Bird Watching And Hunting
Bird watching and hunting are where binoculars excel. A set of 8Ă—30 binoculars will give you enough magnification and a wide field of view, allowing you to easily set your eyes on your subject. In relation to this, we strongly suggest looking for a waterproof pair binoculars, especially for hunters.
FAQs
Q: What’s The Difference Between A Porro Prism And A Roof Prism?
The main difference between the two systems is how the optical path is constructed. In a Porro Prism the pieces are placed in a Z-shape, meaning that the objective and eyepiece are not in line. While the image is good, this results in a larger binocular size.
On the other hand, a Roof Prism has the pieces in a straight line, so the objective and the eyepiece are in line with each other. These models are usually much narrower and can often be folded, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for portability.
Q: What Type Of Binoculars Should I Buy?
To know the type of binoculars that are best suited for you, you should first be able to decode how these are classified. When shopping for a binocular, you’ll often see two numbers presented as 10x42 (for example).
The first number represents the level of magnification that the lenses have, in our example 10x magnification. This means that your picture will be enlarged 8 times its perceived size. The second number shows the objective lens diameter (42mm in our example).
But how does this help you? Well, higher magnification power will be very handy for stargazing, but won’t be needed if you’re looking at closer objects. Similarly, a wider lens will is required for low light conditions, but it isn’t necessary if you’ll only be using the binoculars during the day.
Q: What Is The Best Magnification Level For Bird Watching?
For bird watching, we typically recommend going for a magnification of 8 times. This is because this degree of magnification offers a broad field of view, while still holding a relatively stable picture. Higher magnifications are better suited for stargazing because the shaking of the image won’t be noticeable.
Q: What Are The Benefits Of Buying Binoculars With Bigger Lenses?
The main benefit of getting bigger lenses is improved image quality. Similar to a camera lens, a larger binocular lens allows more light to get inside, resulting in a clearer image that is bright enough to see all the details. For standard binoculars, we recommend a 42mm objective, while somewhere between 25 and 32mm is ideal for compact models.
Q: Should I Care About Features Such As Prism Types Or ED Glass?
While these shouldn’t be the main factors in your decision, it’s certainly good to understand them and how you can benefit from them. Like we’ve said earlier, the prism type represents the way that the optic pieces inside are put together, with direct consequences on the binocular size and shape. As for ED glass, it improves the clarity and sharpness, and it’s a nice feature to have.
Globo Surf Overview
From stargazing and birdwatching to enjoying games and concerts, a good pair of binoculars will make your experience a lot better. Whether you want binoculars with camera or you need a simple pocket model, we hope that our binoculars reviews pointed you in the right direction. With some searching and comparing, you can find a fantastic pair for a great price.
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Have you ever tried using any binocular from our list? Tell us about your experience with them in the comment section below.