Best binoculars 2024: Our picks for stargazing, bird watching and observing wildlife

Man using one of the best binoculars whilst hiking in the woods with his friends
(Image credit: fstop123 via Getty Images)

The best binoculars will not only be optically proficient but also suitable for the subject you're observing. Whether you're bird watching, stargazing or nature spotting while hiking, each application requires different specifications and features to get the best results. 

With Prime Day coming on July 16/17, keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks for some tempting Prime Day binocular deals — you might be able to pocket a pair of the best binoculars for a bargain.

Luckily, we've reviewed and tested the very best binoculars for all these areas and have covered a wide range of binocular types — from porro to roof prism — and sizes. Want to observe the dim starlight in the night sky? The binoculars for stargazing have large objective lenses to soak up as many photons as possible. Bird-watching binoculars typically have sharp edge-to-edge performance and give adequate magnification to track flighty subjects. However, more generalist binoculars may need to meet stricter budgets, and the best binoculars for kids need to be suitable for smaller hands in the family.

The quick list

Best binoculars we recommend in 2024

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Best overall

Best overall: Premium build with powerful magnification suitable for just about any observational pursuit

Specifications

Magnification: 15x
Objective lens diameter: 56mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 256 ft / 78m
Eye relief: 21mm
Weight: 2.2 lbs / 1kg

Reasons to buy

+
Durable construction
+
Precision engineered
+
Multiple lens coatings boost clarity

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires steady hands or preferably a tripod
-
Not exactly pocket sized
-
Focus wheel can get slippery if wet
Buy it if

✅ You wear glasses: They have a very generous 21mm eye relief.

✅ You want high magnification: The 15x magnification is great for seeing far-away subjects.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something compact: They weigh over 2 lbs and are quite large.

❌ You're on a budget: They're incredibly expensive — but you get what you pay for.

The bottom line

🔎 Bushnell Forge 15x56: These excellent binoculars offer an above average 15x magnification, and a larger than normal 56mm objective lens for increased light gathering. This results in a larger than average pair of binoculars, although they are not prohibitively unwieldy. ★★★★

Bushnell is a reputable brand known for their outdoor pursuits products like trail cameras, scopes and binoculars. Known for their good value and reliable performance, the Forge 15x56 binoculars are no exception.

A huge 15x magnification means you get up close and personal with your subjects so they're ideal for spotting small songbirds or distant aircraft. However, they also boast large 56mm objective lenses. This big opening on the front of the binoculars allows a lot more light through than a generalist binocular and as such performs well in low light conditions, whether that's skywatching at night or tracking animals deep into twilight.

Rain or shine, these binoculars are great for the outdoors as they’re waterproof, which we appreciated in our Bushnell Forge 15x56 review. In addition to this, its large objective lens lets in as much light as possible and sharpness is boosted via prime ED glass (a generous application of lens coatings to improve light transmission).

Inevitably these aren’t the lightest binos to use, at around 1kg, though a neck strap is provided for added comfort. And it has to be noted that flagship, premium build binos such as these do command a premium price, even from the normally cost-conscious Bushnell. You do get a few extras, however, such as Bushnell’s exclusive ‘EXO’ barrier protection — a lens coating that bonds to the glass at a molecular level which prevents scratches while repelling water, oil, debris and dust.

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AttributesNotes
DesignLarge and heavy.
PerformanceGood 15x magnification.
FunctionalitySuitable for most types of long viewing.

Best value

Best value: An able travel companion, these portable roof prism type binos are for bringing wildlife closer

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 43 ft / 13.1 m
Eye relief: 16mm
Weight: 1.5 lbs / 670g

Reasons to buy

+
Shrugs off any inclement weather
+
Compact and portable
+
Delivers decent magnification…

Reasons to avoid

-
… although an even greater magnification may be beneficial for wildlife watching
-
High-end features mean high-end prices
Buy it if

✅ You don't want anything too heavy: They aren't the lightest option, but they're easy enough to carry around.

✅ You want to use them in all weathers: They're waterproof, and the lens coatings are oil-repellent.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want image stabilization: These binoculars don't have it.

❌ You want more magnification: The 8x is fine for wildlife watching, but for other uses you may want to consider 10x or 12x.

The bottom line

🔎 Olympus 8x42 Pro: They're well-built and protected against the elements, and offer great optics for viewing birds and other wildlife. They're a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. ★★★★

Wildlife watchers who love being out in nature may want to consider the Olympus 8x42 PRO binoculars from a brand that is well-known for their optics and camera production.

Olympus is all about packing a punch, feature-wise, in an affordable product and is much more affordable than the much more expensive Leica or Zeiss. This pair provides a good balance when it comes to size and weight, especially as they offer peace of mind courtesy of a whopping 15-year warranty. We were impressed when we tested them out during our Olympus 8x42 Pro review.

Defined as a ‘Pro’ option, they feature the same nano-coated high-performance ‘Zuiko’ optics, complete with ED lenses, as the Olympus camera range. This results in unprecedented light transmission for their class. With a slender and simple nitrogen-filled construction, we get the ability to focus on subjects as close as 1.5 m, as well as 1,000 m away. Plus, a dioptric adjustment ring and extendable eye relief provide comfort for those who wear glasses.

Those wanting something even more powerful and willing to spend a little bit more are directed to the alternative 10x42 model, also from Olympus. However, you may need to mount these on a tripod with a compatible binocular tripod adapter, especially when observing for long periods, simply due to their high 15x magnification.

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AttributesNotes
DesignWell built and reassuringly weighty.
PerformanceClear and sharp images all across the frame.
FunctionalityWaterproof and fogproof.

Best styling

Best styling: Mid-range multi-purpose binoculars suitable for observing nature in the great outdoors

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 56mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 315 ft / 96m
Eye relief: 16mm
Weight: 2.26 lbs / 1.03kg

Reasons to buy

+
Large objective lens for better quality in low light
+
Rugged polycarbonate construction
+
Multi-coated optics to further optimize light transmission

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy in the hand when used for extended periods
-
Tripod adapter not included
Buy it if

✅ You enjoy stargazing: They are good for stargazing and wildlife watching alike.

✅ You want to mount them to a tripod: They have a mount to attach them to a tripod for longer sessions.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something lightweight: They can become heavy after long periods of handheld use.

❌ You want the sharpest views possible: They're fine for the price, but anyone wanting sharper views will want to spend more.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron Nature DX 12x56: Their focal length and light weight are perfect qualities for stargazing handheld or for casual birding and wildlife use. ★★★★½

As the binocular lenses get bigger, they perform better in low light and the Nature DX's 56 mm objective lenses on this variant of the line make it a great option for those who want to continue observing nature into the twilight hours, as we mentioned in our Celestron Nature DX 12x56 review. They’re also suitable for any wet and wild adventures due to the binoculars’ housing being nitrogen-purged to avoid fogging in damp conditions, as well as being waterproof.

Long, twist-up eyecups provide comfort, which will be a relief to anyone wearing eyeglasses, negating the need to take them off during use but ideally, we'd like to see slightly more than the 16mm provided. 

To further aid visibility the lenses are multi-coated to protect against ghosting and flares. The Celestron Nature DX 12x56 has a durable polycarbonate construction and a closest focusing distance of 3 m.

However, a large lens does result in a heavy device, with these weighing in at just over a kilo, and this means that extended use may result in weary limbs. Yes, it can be attached to a tripod, but you’ll need to buy an additional adapter to be able to do that. Nevertheless, this is a great value option for those seeking a brighter pair of optics, despite the weight.

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AttributesNotes
DesignComfortable to use with good grips.
PerformanceNot the sharpest image.
FunctionalityClose focusing down to 9.8 ft (2.9m).

Best for sharpness

Best for sharpness: Well-constructed flagship binoculars marry a respectable 10x magnification to a large-ish objective lens

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 394 ft / 120.2m
Eye relief: 17mm
Weight: 1.5 lbs / 680g

Reasons to buy

+
Edge to edge image sharpness
+
Easily transportable

Reasons to avoid

-
No on-board image stabilization
-
Occasional color fringing visible around areas of high contrast
Buy it if

✅ You want something portable: They have a narrow, slender design and only weigh 1.5 lbs / 680g.

✅ You want outstanding optics: They have excellent light transmission, edge-to-edge sharpness and practically no chromatic aberration.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: If you want top-of-the-line optics, you'll need deep pockets.

❌ You want image stabilization: These binos don't have image stabilization.

The bottom line

🔎 Nikon Monarch HG 10x42: Able to perform in all weathers they're waterproof and fogproof so whether you're caught outside in a shower or moving between inside and outside these premium binos from Nikon will be able to keep up with you. ★★★★½

There's a reason these binoculars sit at the very top of Nikon's binocular line. A jewel in the crown, the Monarch HG 10x42s are far and away some of the best we've ever tested, as we mentioned in our Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 review. They're built exquisitely, feel great in the hand and have off-the-charts optics that are pin-sharp edge-to-edge.

A roof prism design ensures it’s compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket, or alternatively, there’s a cushioned neck strap for when you're hiking or traveling around. 

They'll work anytime anywhere because they're waterproof and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging inside. That means rain doesn’t stop play when wildlife watching, even if you jump straight out of a warm house or car into a cold winter snap outside.

Their soft all-over rubberized armor meant we could always keep a firm hold, keeping these premium binoculars secure during use.

Light transmission is good too, ensuring we can keep using these even when light levels drop. Simple and elegant with a high level of finish and great performance, this Nikon example is one of the best binoculars on the market.

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AttributesNotes
DesignNarrow and slender design.
PerformanceImage circle is sharp right to the edge.
FunctionalityFully optical, no image stabilization.

Best compact binos

Steiner 10x26 Safari Ultrasharp on a white background

Tiny, lightweight and easy to travel with, these compact binoculars are suitable for sightseeing. (Image credit: Steiner)

Steiner 10x26 Safari Ultrasharp

Compact and ultra-portable binoculars suitable for sightseeing, and that’s just for starters

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 26mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 331 ft / 101m
Eye relief: 11m
Weight: 10.5 oz / 297g

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra-compact and lightweight
+
Good value for money option
+
Decent quality waterproof construction
+
Respectable results

Reasons to avoid

-
Not great in low light
-
No tripod connectivity
-
Low eye relief
Buy it if

✅ You're on a budget: These binos are very affordable.

✅ You want small and lightweight: They're very compact and only weigh 10.5 oz / 297g — ideal for travel.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You wear glasses: The 11mm eye relief isn't enough for users who wear glasses.

❌ You want to use them after dark: For stargazing or wildlife watching at night, there are better options.

The bottom line

🔎 Steiner 10x26 Safari Ultrasharp: These ultra-portable binos are affordable and can turn their hand to a broad range of uses. They deliver great results for the price, but more experienced users will likely want to invest in a better pair. ★★★★

Steiner is another well-respected binocular brand. This ultra-compact offering is perfect for anyone wanting to watch sports or who just requires a small yet powerful option when traveling. In short, the ‘Safari’ in Steiner 10x26 Safari Ultrasharp doesn’t even begin to convey the broad range of uses these binos offer.

The 26 mm objective lens appears modest on paper compared to the alternatives in our buyer’s guide, but these polycarbonate binos make an ideal companion for those seeking an all-in-one device: They’re waterproof, fog-proof and their rubber eyecups are comfortable whether used with or without glasses — although the 11mm eye relief will be disappointing if you do wear glasses. Plus, their rubberized finish, with a ridged and roughened body, feels great to grip.

The UV glass-coated Steiner 10x26 Safari Ultrasharp binoculars maintain sharpness across the field of view and commendably into the corners. Even when conditions aren’t the best, these deliver accurate colors and reasonable brightness.

Due to the lightweight build, it’s tricky to hold the binos completely steady, particularly when viewing objects at greater distances. That said, for operability and an almost pocket-money price, these German-brand binoculars are hard to beat.

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AttributesNotes
DesignCompact and lightweight build.
PerformanceSharp images across the whole frame.
FunctionalityWaterproof and fogproof.

Best for color reproduction

Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD binoculars

(Image credit: Leica)

Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD

Best for color reproduction: Premium build allied to a premium performance that’ll last a lifetime

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 405 ft / 123.5m
Eye relief: 17mm
Weight: 1.61 lbs / 730g

Reasons to buy

+
Razor sharp viewing
+
Accurate color fidelity
+
Broad depth of field
+
Water-resistant construction

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive when compared with other brands boasting similar features
-
Power users may be better off spending a bit more on the 10x42 option
-
Weighty
Buy it if

✅ You wear glasses: The 17mm eye relief is great for users who wear glasses.

✅ You want durability: They're water resistant, fog resistant and will last you for years.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: They are quite expensive, and they're only Leica's 'entry-level' option.

❌ You want high magnification: 8x magnification isn't the highest on this list.

The bottom line

🔎 Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD: These binoculars tick a lot of boxes, from optics and power to size and weight. They aren't cheap, and you may get similar specs from other brands, but they'll last a lifetime.

While they may be pricey when compared with ‘budget’ binoculars, this series is actually Leica’s entry-level option. However, if you’re looking for a well-crafted pair of binoculars that’ll last a lifetime, we believe that the Leica Trinovid 8x42 HD is worth investing in.

German brand Leica’s ‘Trinovid’ comes with an ergonomic construction, true internal focusing, and superior optical performance. These binos are roughly the width of a CD case when unfolded and offer a closest focusing distance of 1.8m. We particularly love that when gripped with both hands, the central focusing wheel falls directly under the forefinger.

For power users, Leica offers a 10x42 version, but as ever it’s a tradeoff between power, physical size and price. With this brand, we get durability too, with the claim being that they’re water resistant to a depth of 4m, along with the fact they’re O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to prevent fogging.

In short, if we really are looking for the best binoculars, then this device has most of the boxes that matter ticked. Years of use will reward those brave enough to put up the cash.

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AttributesNotes
DesignExtremely well crafted.
PerformanceAccurate color fidelity and braod depth of field.
FunctionalityWaterproof to 4m and fogproof.

Best small waterproof model

Best small waterproof model: Affordable entry-level pair of binoculars that are foldable for added portability

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 25mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 354 ft / 108m
Eye relief: 15mm
Weight: 0.63 lbs / 285g

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and portable thanks to folding design
+
Waterproofed plus nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging

Reasons to avoid

-
Central focusing wheel is a bit stiff
-
A larger objective lens would improve view clarity
Buy it if

✅ You want something lightweight: They weigh just 0.63 lbs / 285g — ideal for long sessions.

✅ You're on a budget: They're incredibly affordable at under $100.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You wear glasses: The 15mm of eye relief might be a little short.

❌ You want high magnification: The 8x might not be enough for users who want to see more detail.

The bottom line

🔎 Olympus 8x25 WP II: They offer solid build quality and high-quality optics in a waterproof shell that makes them ideal for taking out and about. ★★★★

Those looking for one of the best budget binoculars should look no further than the Olympus 8x25 WP II. Suitable for a wide range of scenarios, this foldable option from Olympus is waterproofed and is also rubber coated for an improved grip. 

Providing fuss-free operation, we were able to pluck these binos from the box and start using them straight away when we tested them during our Olympus 8x25 WP II review.

A centrally positioned focus knob affords easy adjustment and prevents needing to take a step forward or backward. Similarly, the multi-coated lenses ensure sharpness into the corners, for crisp and clear observation, while the on-board dioptric correction can be adjusted to suit individual eyesight – handy for those who wear glasses.

While these binos are obviously designed to bring the faraway up close and personal, they also have a close focusing distance of 1.5 meters. All this coupled with a whopping 25-year warranty make the Olympus 8x25 WP II one of the best binoculars out there.

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AttributesNotes
DesignCompact but incredibly well-built.
PerformanceBetter than expected image quality, but not ideal for low-light.
FunctionalityFully multi-coated lenses along with top tier BaK-4 porro prims.

Best for shaky hands

Best for shaky hands: Want built-in image stabilization and a compact pair of binoculars to boot? Then look no further.

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 20mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 305 ft / 93m
Eye relief: 13.5mm
Weight: 15 oz / 430g without batteries

Reasons to buy

+
Body integral image stabilization reduces eye strain
+
Relatively compact and lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-
Not water-resistant
-
Paying a premium for the built-in anti-shake technology
Buy it if

✅ You want something compact and lightweight: They're small enough to fit in your coat pocket and weigh 15 oz / 430g without batteries.

✅ You want image stabilization: We were impressed with the IS on these binos.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You wear glasses: The 13.5mm of eye relief is a bit short.

❌ You want to use them in low light: The objectives aren't big enough for low-light use.

The bottom line

🔎 Canon 10x20 IS: They stand out from the crowd by virtue of the battery-powered, gyro sensor incorporating image stabilization feature that transforms a slightly wobbly image at full magnification to a buttery smooth one. ★★★★

Resembling something out of Star Wars, these bulbous lens-shifting, image stabilized, porro prism type binos are some of the best out there in terms of ensuring a steady image when held in the hand during testing for our Canon 10x20 IS review. Once again, if we need an integral anti-shake feature powered by a responsive built-in gyro sensor, we look to Canon. Requiring a single lithium-ion battery lasting up to 12 hours of use to power said anti-shake feature, the weight without is a manageable 430g, making them the world’s lightest of their type.

Attendant features of the Canon 10x20 IS include a closest focusing distance of 2m, while a neck strap and carry case are included. These would be ideal for wildlife and sports, for which clarity and sharpness are especially essential. 

However, be warned if outdoor use is your thing; this particular option makes no claim for being water resistant. Nor does it claim to be fogproof so moving between warm and cold climes quickly will introduce internal fogging which can take a while to reduce. It's quite surprising for a binocular that costs around $500.

You can also check out the slightly larger Canon 10x32 IS if you need something with a little more zoom.

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AttributesNotes
DesignGood build quality, compact and lightweight.
PerformanceBest suited for daytime use.
FunctionalityBody integral image stabilization.

Best for stabilization

Best for stabilization: Powerful binoculars that stand out from the crowd thanks to its built-in image stabilization

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 104m
Eye relief: 16mm
Weight: 1.1kg

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to maintain a firm grip
+
Canon’s first IS binoculars to offer waterproofing
+
Powerful magnification
+
Offers anti-shake observation

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires 2 x AA batteries for image stabilization
-
Lens caps don’t match the quality of the rest of the device
-
Weighty to hold for extended periods
-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ You need them to be waterproof: They are Canon's first image-stabilized binos to offer waterproofing.

✅ You need good magnification: The powerful 10x magnification and 42mm objectives let a ton of light in for detailed images.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: They're very expensive, so consider whether you need image stabilization.

❌ You want something lightweight: They're quite weighty and could be too heavy to hold for long periods.

The bottom line

🔎 Canon 10x42L IS WP: The contemporary design of this model makes it look like a Star Wars prop but, while its bulbous body design won’t be for everyone, the reason for the shape — its battery-powered image stabilization — is effective, and will impress most users. ★★★★

A powerful magnification combined with a relatively large objective lens can often result in bulky, heavy binoculars which can lead to a wobbly handheld view. 

However, Canon avoids this in the Canon 10x42L IS WP, with the ‘IS’ denoting a built-in image stabilization powered by two AA batteries — the outcome being a judder-free view of faraway subjects. We were very impressed when we tested them out during our Canon 10x42L IS WP review.

Of course, the need for batteries inevitably adds both weight (here over 1kg in total) and bulk, but keen birdwatchers who are holding binos for longer periods may well find the tradeoff is worth it.

However, this pair of binos is not just a one-trick pony. Unlike the 10 x 20s above these are fully waterproof and have a minimum focusing distance of 2.5m. 

Equipped with ultra-low dispersion glass elements the binoculars correct distortion and avoid purple fringing between high-contrast elements in an image. 

In short, this Canon provides a rock-solid combination of wobble-free viewing and image clarity, albeit at a price. They're one of the more expensive models on this list, so it's worth considering whether you really need image stabilization enough to pay $1500 for it.

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AttributesNotes
DesignFeels weighty and easy to hold.
PerformancePowerful magnification and top-tier optical quality.
FunctionalityCanon’s first image-stabilized binos to offer waterproofing.

Best for bird watching

Leica Noctivid 10x42 on a white background

Suitable for bird watchers the Noctivid 10x42 is aptly named for its usability in low light. (Image credit: Leica)

Leica Noctivid 10x42

Best for bird watching: Large lensed premium binoculars that are a birdwatcher’s dream

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view at 1,000 meters: 443 ft / 135m
Eye relief: 19mm
Weight: 1.88 lbs / 853g

Reasons to buy

+
Compact yet durable construction
+
Rubber armored exterior aids grip and absorbs impact
+
Watertight to a depth of 5m
+
Excellent light transmission

Reasons to avoid

-
High price
-
Relatively weighty
Buy it if

✅ You wear glasses: They have a generous 19mm of eye relief.

✅ You're a keen wildlife watcher: They're a bird watcher's dream.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something lightweight: They're not the heaviest on this list at 1.88 lbs / 853g, but you could certainly find lighter options.

❌ You don't want to spend loads: They're very expensive.

The bottom line

🔎 Leica Noctivid 10x42: The dream pair of binos for wildlife watchers, they're waterproof and fogproof for use in adverse weather, and durable to last you for years. Just be warned, they are very expensive. ★★★★

Leica is another key brand providing some of the best binoculars out there when it comes to optical excellence tied to a durable build. Here the Leica Noctivid 10x42 comes in either 8x42 or 10x42 combinations of magnification and objective lens size. 

Other advantages include a compact construction with a rubber-armored exterior aiding a tight grip, while possible lens reflection is suppressed enough to deliver a detailed view with plenty of contrast.

Though suitable for general-purpose use, these would be ideal for viewing nature, sports and outdoor events. Its large-ish objective lens is not only great for daytime viewing but also in the early evening. 

On top of this, the Leica Noctivid has a nitrogen-filled magnesium housing to help prevent fogging and is watertight to a depth of 5m, making them perfect for use in all weather conditions.

Possible accessories for the more adventurous include an optional floating strap and an adapter for a tripod. If you’re buying a Leica, you’re buying a tool for life and that feels very much the case here. They're undeniably a substantial investment, but if you can afford it, they'll last you as long as you want them.

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AttributesNotes
DesignCompact yet robust construction.
PerformanceExcellent light transmission.
FunctionalityWatertight to a depth of 5m.

How to choose the best binoculars for you?

The best binoculars typically offer that sweet spot between good magnification, large-ish objective lens, size, weight and cost.

Which of these factors is most important to you will depend on what you're planning to use your binoculars for. We've gone over each of these specs below to help you figure out which you should prioritize when choosing a pair of binoculars.

Lens size and magnification

The stronger the magnification and the bigger the objective lens, the closer we can bring faraway subjects and the sharper the overall image. While that sounds great, there is a trade-off, however: a chunkier pair of binoculars and a higher price tag. Additionally, the stronger the magnification, the trickier it can be to achieve a steady, judder-free view when using the binocular handheld.

Portability and stability

Not all models offer a workaround via a screw thread for tripod mounting, and of course not all of us want to be karting around a tripod anyway. So, in some circumstances – for example, if our key purchase requirement is a device compact enough to fit in a pocket or purse – then less can actually be more.

If we want a binocular to take to the sports stadium, theatre, music festival, or even for that weekend city break, portability is as important as power. If our chief concern is wildlife watching and identifying rare breeds from a fairly static viewpoint, however, then bigger binos all around are going to be the better option.

Other features to look out for

Further features to look out for if we’re going to be primarily using them outdoors include a degree of weather resistance. This typically involves nitrogen-purged housing to avoid lens fogging, while various lens coatings are applied to both offer improved light transmission and also cause any droplets to simply run off and avoid obscuring our view.

How we test the best binoculars

Live Science tests a large range of products, from air fresheners to telescopes and fitness equipment. When reviewing a product, we put it through its paces with an array of different tests. These may include extensive use in our test centers, in-lab benchmarks, and even testing in real-world conditions.

We also examine the product's performance against their manufacturer's claims, often seeking input from experts where needed. We evaluate a range of factors, such as a product's ease of use, ergonomic success, and performance, compared to its competitors. Price is also a big factor, and we analyze a product's value for money, which affects our overall evaluation and review rating.

Through this combination of research, expert consultation, and meticulous testing, Live Science offers its readers honest and authoritative advice on all the products it reviews.

Gavin Stoker

Gavin has over 30 year experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography. 

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and Rough Guide books.

He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters, cameras straps and more. 

With contributions from