The 8 Best Binoculars, Tested by Gear Editors

We spent weeks testing some of the best binoculars from top-selling brands before deciding on Nikon’s Monarch M5 as our top pick. The 10×42 specs make these an excellent pair for hunting, hiking, and all-around use, particularly when the weather can turn south at any moment. The ruggedized, rubber-armored housing protects against scrapes, scuffs, and drops, and it’s waterproof and fog-proof to boot. The hand feel is solid and durable, especially for binoculars in this price range. Plus, they’re surprisingly compact and lightweight (about 1.4 pounds) compared to other comparably equipped binos.

The ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass provides an excellent field of view and a reliably solid image even in relatively low light. In our first-hand tests, we found the quality to be very good, though not as great as some of the more premium models we vetted this year. Though, to be fair, many of those cost two to three times the price.

The real win with these binoculars is the price. They’re regularly available for substantially less than most of their direct competitors, making these a solid value. If you’re looking for durable, reliable, and, most importantly, affordable workhorse binoculars for all-purpose use, these are them. (Budget tip: Nikon also offers an 8×42 model for a bit less.)

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For first-time buyers looking for a simple, affordable pair of binoculars, Nocs Provisions delivers with its Standard Issue 8×25. The rubberized housing feels sturdy and just grippy enough to be secure in the hand, while the available bold colorways add a dash of fun to the mix. At less than 12 ounces and roughly 4.5 inches square, the compact, lightweight form factor makes these a great option for weight-conscious travelers and backpackers.

We found the image quality to be good for casual, everyday viewing, especially for things like local city walks and backyard birdwatching—doubly so, given the sub-$100 price tag. Hardcore wildlife watchers and stargazers will want to look for something with a little more heft and higher-quality optics, though.

Pros

• Excellent value, given the specs and optics
• 12x magnification is great for hunting and wildlife watching
• Chest harness included
• “No Matter What” lifetime warranty

The 12x magnification of Bushnell’s Trophy R5 is what sets these binos apart from most other midrange models. It’s just right for getting you up close to birds and other game, making this a perfect solution for hunters and wildlife watchers.

At more than 30 ounces, this pair has a considerable heft, which can be cumbersome but does lend a feeling of sturdiness and durability. The included chest harness helps relieve you of the burden of carrying them around, though. The rugged, IPX7 waterproof design means they’re built tough enough for long outings in any weather. What we especially love about this pair is the price tag. This is a surprisingly premium pair of binos masquerading as a much cheaper model.

Vortex’s latest Diamondback HD Binoculars strike a good balance between specs and size. It’s not the smallest model we tested, nor the strongest, but it feels just right. With 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens diameter, it delivers crisp, clear, enlarged images across the spectrum. The 5.7 x 5.1-inch form factor is reasonably compact for casual, everyday use, and the waterproof/fog-proof housing makes it perfect for hunting and wildlife-watching in changing environments.

What we really love about the Diamondback HD line-up is the availability of eight distinct sizes from ultra-compact (8×28) to full-size (12×50), making it easy to find a pair that suits your needs.

The B.6 12×50 sits at the top of Maven’s list of excellent, high-quality optics. With 12x magnification, it’s ideal for a wide range of activities, from bird watching to viewing sporting events. With a wide, 50-mm diameter and premium glass, the image quality is tack-sharp and ultra-bright even in low-light (e.g. twilight and dusk) situations.

Maven bolsters the design with a long list of great features, including a waterproof, fog-proof housing, so they’re built for almost any environment. When I visited Antarctica last year and could only take one pair of binoculars for reliable penguin and whale watching, this was the pair I packed. (Opt for the slightly smaller but just as good B.6 10×50 to save some money.)

Hardcore stargazing demands hardcore binoculars like Celestron’s SkyMaster series. The flagship 25×70 model boasts a massive 25x zoom with a huge field of view, so you can bring large swaths of the night sky up close. Image quality is sharp and bright, especially for binos in this surprisingly affordable (read entry-level) price range.

The sky-high magnification does mean they’re not as useful for more casual things like birdwatching or sporting events. Plus, they’re the heaviest model we tested this year at more than three pounds. Thankfully, a tripod adapter is included, so you can easily mount these (perhaps semi-permanently) to any standard tripod. For a slightly more portable and affordable option, go with the 15×70 model.

For travelers, size matters. Zeiss’ aptly named Terra ED Pocket 10×25 binoculars measure roughly 4.5 inches square and weigh less than 11 ounces, making them perfectly pocketable for day hikes, travel, or keeping on hand for everyday use. The housing is rugged, waterproof, and ultra-durable, too, so you never need to worry about banging them around on the go. Image quality is exceptional, especially for a pair of optics in this price range.

Our only gripe is that it’s not quite as good as our top pick, Nikon’s Monarch M5. But, if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of quality for a more compact footprint, these are an excellent choice.

Celestron’s Nature line is purpose-built for wildlife and nature viewing. The Nature DX ED 12×50 provides excellent 12-times magnification and a wide, bright field of view via its 50mm objective lenses. Image quality is good but not great and tends to fade toward the edges. But the rubber-armored housing that makes these waterproof and shock-resistant ensures they’re great for wetter and more adventurous outings.

We especially love the price tag that places these in the sweet spot for entry-level bino buyers looking for a great value. Opt for the 10×50 model if you’re looking to save a bit more.