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This article will give you all the knowledge you need to purchase the right binoculars for you. We have scoured the market to find the best binos at different price ranges as well as finding the best binoculars for different types of purposes. This ultimate guide is for those who may be struggling to select a bino that is most suited for their needs.
Don’t worry though, we have done the hard work for you and have found the best binoculars for the money for all the different types of uses and price ranges.
Who needs binoculars?
There are many reasons why you may like to buy a binocular. For example, you may be into hunting, stargazing or bird watching as well as a whole host of other hobbies. Binoculars are essentially two telescopes for each eye that allows you to see things from a long distance. A good binocular will enhance your experience with any hobby you may have that requires you to be far away from the focus.
There are different types of binos such as laser rangefinders and binoculars with crosshair reticles. The right one for you depends on what you’ll be using your binocular for. For example, if you’re participating in hunting or skeet shooting you may want to use a binocular with crosshair reticles because they have numbers inside the scopes which will allow you to easily estimate how far your target is.
Ultimately, if you have ever even thought about the possibility of buying a pair of binoculars then it is more likely than not that you need one. A good binocular can really make all the difference and we have found the top options on the market so that you can find the best binos for you.
What are the buying criteria for a good binocular?
To begin with, finding a binocular with the correct shape and size to fit your head is of paramount importance. We suggest measuring yourself in order to find the accurate size which will allow you to be comfortable when using the binocular. It is known that using the wrong kind of binocular can result in headaches. In addition to this, you may struggle to fully utilize a binocular rangefinder reticle.
Next, we should look at the material and durability of a binocular in order to determine if it’s worth the purchase or not. It goes without saying that a good bino will be waterproof so that it can be used in all types of conditions which is particularly useful for those into hunting. This means the outer layer of the product needs to be of a rubbery material.
It is also worth noting that the better-quality binoculars will have a metal base under the outer layer in order to protect the bino from damage. For example, if the product were to be dropped, the metal base would prevent the binocular from being damaged. In a separate point, those who are into hunting would preferably want a binocular that isn’t brightly colored in order to remain camouflaged.
Finally, when considering a binocular, the quality of the technology it uses is arguably the most important factor. For example, higher quality rangefinder binos will use a beam that is very precise and accurate when focusing on a target. However, lower quality binos can sometimes have a beam that diverges and are hugely inaccurate. This can make all the difference between hitting or missing a shot; therefore, it is very important to consider the beam divergence before making a purchase.
With that being said, you must be eager to read about the different selections of the best binoculars we have found.
Best Binoculars Under $1000
Now we have moved on to the exciting part of the article, where we reveal the best binoculars at different price ranges. First, we are going to be looking at the top end of the spectrum with the highest quality binoculars we have found on the market. These binoculars will feature the latest cutting-edge technology and state of the art features that will provide you with the greatest experience you can get with a binocular. We have cherry-picked these products as we believe they are the best binoculars for under $1000.
Maven B1 10X42mm ED Binoculars Gray/Orange
Our first pick has got to be this binocular. This product is for those who are serious about their shooting and are eager to work only with the best equipment possible.
To start with, the B1 features 42mm objective lenses which is the most popular hunting and birding size but also compatible with 49mm screw-in filters if that is something you desire. These lenses are so good that they allow for true color transmission and amazing brightness. This can be substantiated by the fact that this binocular won the ‘National Geographic Adventure Gear of the Year award 2014’ for the clarity of sight and color rendition that the product provides. In addition to this, the large field of view and stabilizer technology makes handshake unnoticeable which makes this binocular even more desirable.
What we like most about this product is that all Maven optics come with an unconditional lifetime warranty. What this means is that if your optic gets damaged or is somehow defective, they will immediately repair or replace the binocular free of charge regardless of when you purchased it.
We could go on and on about this wonderful product and we consider this to be one of the best binoculars under $1000.
Leica Ultravid BR 10×25 Compact Binocular with AquaDura Lens Coating
The next product we have chosen is this unique, small and compact binocular.
The Ultravid BR models offer an extremely high level of optical and mechanical performance. There are not many binoculars in the same lens diameter that have a brighter or sharper visual. This is because of the excellent suppression of stray light that this product has which gives you clear-cut vision, allowing you to see the faintest of objects.
The smart design of this product makes it perfect for people who want a lightweight binocular that carries the same punch as a bigger and heavier bino. It has an aluminum body to help keep the weight down which makes it a great companion for those who are on long shooting trips. An additional feature that we particularly like is that this product is waterproof up to 5 meters which shows the durability of the binocular.
We believe that this neat little binocular is worthy of being considered as one of the best binoculars under $1000.
ZEISS Conquest HD Binoculars
The final product we have selected for this price range is the magnificent Zeiss Conquest HD Binoculars. This bino is made in Germany and as we know the Germans are one of the world’s best at building and making excellent products.
A special feature that this top of the range binocular has is the high definition lens system. Crystal clear color reproduction provides incredible observation capabilities and the multi-layer treatment ensures the conquest HD has a higher transmission of 90%. This allows for impressive observations even at dusk.
Due to the slim design and robust construction, this binocular is compact and lightweight. The unique surface of the molded grip and focusing wheel makes this bino very easy to handle.
We feel that we had no choice but to include this impressive binocular as one of the best binos under $1000.
Best Binoculars Under $500
Moving on, we will now be looking at the best binoculars under $500. These mid-range binos are for those who are looking for a top-quality product but at a more affordable price. These binoculars will advance your shooting experience as we have made sure to select the very best binos at this price range. They are also great for any other hobbies you may have such as birdwatching so be sure to continue reading as you may find the perfect binoculars for you.
Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10×42 Binocular
This classic bino is many shooting enthusiasts go to binocular as it performs at the highest levels and is saturated with lots of cool features. Plenty of 5-star reviews on Amazon suggests that this binocular is a reliable and credible choice for anyone looking to purchase binos.
Monarch has partnered with Nikon and so these binoculars are built with Nikon’s premium extra-low dispersion glass for a super sharp and crystal-clear field of view. The eco-glass lenses also provide a high light transmittance across the entire visible light spectrum.
This binocular is equipped with many user-friendly features such as turn-and-slide rubber eyecups and a flip-down lens cap. To make the product durable and sturdy the Monarch binos have a rubber-armored body that gives it strength in case it is dropped or damaged. In addition to this, the product is waterproof and fog proof so that’s an added plus.
This binocular is highly recommended and is definitely one of the best binoculars under $500.
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars
The next product we have chosen is a sleek looking binocular with a wide variety of features that makes it stand out from the crowd.
The 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses provide these Crossfire HD binos with exceptional resolution and amazing color fidelity. It has fully multi-coated lenses to increase light transmission with anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
What really sets this binocular apart is the roof prism design that gives the product greater durability and a more distinctive compact size. The adjustable eyecups allow the user to have the most comfortable viewing experience possible, which prevents the chances of getting headaches due to having the wrong fit. The diopter can also be adjusted to fix the differences in a user’s eyes.
The material on the outer layer of the binocular is rubber, which allows for a secure and firm grip as well as external protection. If you ever want to use a tripod, then the ability to do that is also there.
In all honesty, if you simply want a great product at a reasonable price then you really should consider this binocular as it is one of the best under $500.
Celestron Trailseeker ED 8×42 Binoculars
Last but not least, we have the final product for this price range. The Celestron Trailseeker ED 8×42 Binoculars.
If you want a bino that provides superior images with high resolution and accurate color reproduction, then you have found the right binocular. This quality clear picture is possible because of the magnificent ED objective lenses. To assist with bringing vivid colors to the resolution, dielectric coated BaK-4 prisms are present for maximum light transmission.
A new innovative design has given this binocular superior protective armor to help prevent damage and increase durability. Padding is provided around the eyecups to increase comfortability. A neat little feature this binocular has is a fully waterproof chassis that is nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging of the lenses.
Ultimately, if the two previous binoculars in this price range did not tickle your fancy, then this very capable bino is worthy of being selected as it easily deserves its spot as being one of the best binoculars under $500.
Best Binoculars Under $100
We have the final price range for those who are looking to find the best binoculars at the cheapest price possible. Luckily, we have found two worthy binos that we consider to be a bang for your buck and the best you can get for under $100.
12×42 Powerful Binoculars with Clear Weak Light Vision
These lightweight binoculars are perfect for hunting and shooting, despite being at a relatively cheap price.
Powerful 12x magnification and a 42mm large objective lens mean that this binocular is capable of delivering a clear and crisp picture from a long range. The large eyepiece area has soft padding to make it comfortable for the user. What makes this binocular special for this price range is its ability to deliver clear vision in relatively weak light conditions. This means that you can use your binoculars in dim brightness and still be able to see animals and objects from a far distance.
What we like most about this product is that despite lacking the extra features that a top-end bino may have, it still does a great job of fulfilling its purpose and is a very credible choice for anyone looking for a good binocular.
We consider this binocular to be the best binocular under $100 and so we highly recommend it for anyone on a budget.
SkyGenius 10 x 50 Powerful Binoculars for Adults
Our second choice for this price range has to be these professional and powerful binoculars.
The quality optics that this binocular provides is solely due to the excellent design of the aspherical lenses and multi-layer coating that allows fantastic light transmission as well as amazing image brightness. These binoculars are a credible cheap option for those who are into hunting or shooting.
If you’re looking for durability then you’ve found the right bino. The material is wear-resistant and moisture-proof, making sure that this binocular is perfect for the outdoors and can last a long time. If you also like having a firm grip, then you may like the fact that the outer layer material was specially made to be anti-slip.
All in all, this binocular was simply made to fulfill its purpose. Granted it has no fancy features that you can find on the more expensive products but it works amazingly well for the price range it’s in and for that reason, we believe this to be one of the best binoculars under $100.
Best Compact Prism Binoculars
Compact prism binoculars are essentially the same as normal binoculars with a slight difference to the design. Optical prisms are added to the design to enable the display of the image the right way up without needing as many lenses, typically using a Porro Prism or roof-prism. This results in compact prism binos being much smaller than normal binoculars.
Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars with Low Light Night
This compact prism binocular is a handle little tool that has 12x magnification abilities via its powerful 25mm objective lens. You are able to have clear vision up to 1000 yards.
These binoculars have a focus on being the perfect companion for any hunter or shooter with the main goals being comfortability and portability. The eyepiece is padded and the eyecups are adjustable and works just as well for those who wear glasses. This binocular is extremely lightweight which makes it very easy to carry around and great for hunting trips.
The material used on the outer layer of the binocular is nonslip which is great for having a firm grip. It’s also waterproof and shock absorbent which ensures that the product is durable.
This fun-sized binocular has all the qualities that makes it useful for any hunter or shooter and so we consider this to be one of the best compact prism binoculars.
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×28 Binoculars
The second compact prism binocular we have chosen is the Vortex Optics Diamondback binocular.
It has 10x magnification and a 28mm objective lens that is optimized to deliver exceptional resolution. The Arbortech coating protects the exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt which adds to the durability of the product. This binocular also has a diopter that adjusts for difference in a user’s eyes. If you want a binocular that can provide high-quality visuals from a long-range with a sleek design, then this bino is for you.
Several additional features are present to protect the binocular from damage. Argon purging and O-ring seals provide water and fog proof performance in all environments. The rugged construction of the product is made to withstand any damage from sudden impact such as being dropped on the floor.
We believe that this is one of the best compact prism binoculars and recommend it to anyone interested in buying this type of bino.
Best Binoculars for Kids
This is the final category that we have in this article and we thought it’d be wrong to leave out the kids! I’m sure most of us at some point in our childhood wanted binoculars after seeing the cool characters on TV usually owning a pair.
Kids Binoculars Pink 8×21
These binoculars were made with safety being prioritized. It has larger rubber eyepieces to sit around the eye area so that children can avoid poking their eyes out during their adventures. The neck strap is also a quick release to avoid any accidents.
To prevent the kids from destroying the binocular so quickly, it has been made to be shockproof and has a durable body. What’s even better is that there is a lifetime free replacement warranty so that even if it somehow does break, you can get it replaced for free at any time.
These binoculars have great optics and high resolution so the children will be able to enjoy the perks of a good binocular and see images from a far distance without the quality being compromised.
Lastly, these binos come with added little extras such as a neck strap, hand strap, a manual and a cleaning cloth which makes this product perfect for a Christmas or birthday present! We believe this is the best binocular for kids on the market.
SkyGenius Binoculars for Kids
This binocular is the perfect gift for any kid.
It’s light and compact so that children can easily carry it compared to traditional binoculars that are heavier. The magnification is limited to 8x to prevent kids from dizziness and damaging their eyes. It is known that if the magnification is too high it could actually damage a growing child’s eye, so it’s great that this product has taken that into consideration.
This product is available in multiple colors and has soft rubber material that is more suitable for kids.
We believe that all in all, this binocular is a great little gift for any kid that is into exploring the outdoors and provides them with an unforgettable experience. This is definitely one of the best binoculars for kids on the market.
Conclusion
If you have made it this far, we would like to hope that you now have some idea which binoculars are for you. We believe that all of these binoculars are the best on the market for their price range or specification but if we had to choose one that is the best binocular overall, and money wasn’t an issue, then we would pick the Maven B1 10X42mm ED Binoculars.
Although it fits in the most expensive price range, we believe that it is well worth the money. If you want a binocular that will truly alter your shooting and hunting experience, then this product is for you. The crazy HD visuals that this binocular provides despite being super far away is ridiculous. The quality is too good to turn down, especially in a sport such as shooting or hunting where the margin for error is so small and so you must maximize your advantage in every possible way. This binocular allows you to do just that and so we truly believe that these are the best binoculars.
