10 Best Binoculars to Take on Your Next Nature Walk
10 Best Binoculars to Take on Your Next Nature Walk
A quality pair of binoculars can change the way you explore, birdwatch, hunt, whale-watch, sightsee, and travel. But with so many options to choose from, it's a good idea to understand what you're looking for in a new pair. The two most important factors are magnification power and objective diameter of the lens, which directly impact the overall size and weight. Read on to learn more about the best binoculars to suit various interests, hobbies, and styles of travel.
1) Nikon Monarch 8x42 Binocular
Nikon
amazon.com
With 8 times magnification and a 42-millimeter objective lens diameter, these binoculars are perfect for hunting and hiking, especially when the forecast calls for anything other than perfect weather. The Nikon Monarchs are waterproof and fog-proof, they have coated lenses for scratch resistance, and they have a rubber-reinforced body for added durability against bumps and drops.
These Nikons also feature a new premium “Extra-Low Dispersion (ED)” glass lens that delivers a clearer, sharper, high-contrast image. And at just 1.35 pounds, they weigh and cost much less than other binoculars with similar performance.
2) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42mm Roof Prism Binocular
Bushnell
amazon.com
If you're scouting big game from hundreds of yards away, these 10x42 binoculars will help you spot your target. The field of view is ultra wide, so you can scan larger areas more efficiently. The eye-relief feature is nice, too, to keep your eyes from getting tired when you are using them for extended periods of time.
Like most hunting binoculars, these are waterproof, fog-proof, durable for frequent outdoor use, and they even have a water-repellent coating on the lens for better use in inclement weather.
3) Vortex Optics Diamondback 10x42 Roof Prism Binocular
Vortex Optics
amazon.com
Netflix's "Meat Eater," Steve Rinella, uses Vortex Optics for glassing on all of his big-game hunting excursions. While Vortex may not be as much of a household name as some other longtime brands, they make high-quality binoculars that are leading the way right now.
The Diamondback's multilayered prism coatings increase the brightness, accuracy, resolution, and contrast of your images, which helps when trying to spot a mule deer nesting amongst trees and shrubs on a steep hillside. And if you're on the fence about switching from Nikon or Bushnell, Vortex has a VIP Unconditional Lifetime Warranty, which covers repairs at no cost to the customer, no questions asked. That should help sway your vote.
4) Zeiss Terra ED 10x42 Binoculars
Zeiss
amazon.com
Zeiss has been making quality optics for years, and these are no exception. For under $500, you'll get some badass binoculars with super bright and sharp images, plus a generous field of view (330 feet at 1,000 yards), thanks to 10 times magnification and a 42-millimeter objective lens diameter.
At just 26 ounces, they are heavier than more compact alternatives, but the extra weight is well worth the improved clarity and distance. For outdoorspeople, they feature an ergonomic design for less fatigue during prolonged use, plus a watertight body and a hydrophobic lens coating for use in boggy conditions. This is a pair that definitely lives up to the Zeiss name.
5) Bushnell H2O Compact 8x25 Roof Prism Binocular
Bushnell
amazon.com
While Bushnell is most known for its high-quality, expensive binoculars, this compact, more affordable pair represents the company's trusted name well.
For an entry-level price, you'll get crisp, clear images with 8 times magnification in a compact, waterproof set. These binoculars can stow easily in your daypack or hang around your neck without weighing your head down.
6) Celestron Echelon Binoculars 20x70
Celestron
walmart.com
Stargazers need a higher magnification and a bigger lens, with the ability to capture specks of light in an otherwise dark background. So Celestron designed these as the upper echelon of their lineup, and they handcraft every pair in the USA.
These are a serious pair of binoculars that have double the magnification of any other pair in this review. Stick them on a tripod for more stability so you can share the view with a friend when you think you spot Pluto in the distance. And with its universal smartphone adapter, you can even take photographs of distant galaxies without pixelating the whole scene.
7) Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB Waterproof Black Binoculars
Nikon
amazon.com
For those who don't want to spend much but still want to explore nature from afar, these binoculars are the perfect trail companion. This compact pair has multicoated lenses that are both waterproof and fog-proof.
Keep them in the glove box next time you visit a national park so you're always ready to blaze a trail for when the opportunity for some wildlife-spotting presents itself.
8) Swarovski SLC 10x42 Waterproof Binoculars
SWAROVSKI
amazon.com
These top-of-the-line Swarovski binoculars will magnify a lifetime's worth of up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. The company's Swarovision provides unmatched optical quality with incredible peripheral definition, minimal color fringing, and maximum color fidelity. Translation: These are the real deal.
And if you're worried about damaging your investment in the field, don't be. The ergonomic design makes it easy to maintain a strong grip, attached lens covers shield the glass when not in use, and its seriously rugged materials will hold up to years of use.
9) Steiner Safari 8x42 Compact Binoculars
Steiner
amazon.com
Steiner is a mainstay in the optics industry, as every pair of binoculars undergoes extensive field testing to ensure top quality and durability. This pair will last you a lifetime, and with 8 times magnification and a 42-millimeter objective lens diameter, they are perfect for safaris, as implied by the name. You can spot a moose that's 500 yards across a meadow as if it were just 50 yards in front of you.
10) Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars
nocsprovisions.com
These are the binoculars that you will never regret carrying along in an already heavy bag because of their compact, lightweight design.
After initial testing, we like to think of these as our small, yet mighty, trail companion. With 8 times magnification and a 25-millimeter lens diameter, you won't be stargazing or spotting birds a mile away, but you will get images that are super crisp from sun-up to sun-down, even if you lose hold of the grippy outer layer and submerge them in water. Challenge accepted.
Choose from these top-rated binoculars to change the way you see the world.