The 17 Best Binoculars for Every Type of Traveler in 2023
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The Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD Binocular 8x42 tops our list of best binoculars.
Binoculars are a handy tool for many different types of travelers, whether you're heading into the bush on safari, out to a Dark Sky Place for some stargazing, or to your local park for some casual birdwatching.
Though all binoculars have the same general function — they magnify the scene in front of you — there are certain characteristics to consider for specific uses, ranging from the magnification power to the weight of the device. We asked the experts to share their best tips for shopping for binoculars to help you narrow down the wide selection out there.
We love the Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD 8x42 for general use. Its 8x42 magnification and object lens diameter is an ideal starting point for a range of purposes, whether you're looking at wildlife or trying to get a better view of a concert. It also comes at a mid-range price point.
For more options to suit your style, we've rounded up the best binoculars for all types of adventures, budgets, and unique needs.
Athlon Optics Midas G2 8x42 UHD Binocular
Best Overall
Why We Love It: They're versatile, durable, and lightweight — and come at a mid-range price.
What to Consider: They don't perform well in low light.
If you're looking for a pair of binoculars that will serve you well in a variety of scenarios and destinations, this is the model for you. Its 8x magnification and 42-millimeter objective lens diameter are what most experts recommend for general use, including wildlife viewing, and it has an especially wide field of view that lets you take in an entire scene (great for concerts or sporting events). What's more, the deep eye relief of 17.2 millimeters makes these binoculars work well for users who wear glasses.
But what really makes this pair of binoculars stand out is the construction. This is a durable, waterproof, and fogproof device — and a lightweight one at that. It'll perform just fine on a rainy safari day or a splashy Zodiac excursion in Antarctica, and you needn't worry about dusty days in the desert mucking up the delicate inner workers of the lenses. Plus, the rubber armor coating makes these binoculars pretty shockproof, too, so you don't need to be afraid of accidental bumps as you tote them around the world.
Price at time of publish: $300
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 8.1 degrees | Eye relief: 17.2 millimeters | Weight: 23.3 ounces
Nikon Aculon A211 8×42
Best Budget
Why We Love It: They hit all the important qualities for a general-use pair of binoculars: optics, durability, and weight.
What to Consider: They're not waterproof.
It's true that most good binoculars are pretty expensive, but it's possible to find models that don't sacrifice quality for price. Nikon's ACULON A211 8x42 hits the mark, offering solid optics — it notably has a wide field of view — that work well in a range of settings, whether you're birding or on a safari. And they're lightweight enough for easy transportation, though they do come with a tripod mount if you'd prefer to keep your device a little more stable. (Note that a Nikon adapter is necessary to use these binoculars with most tripods.)
What this pair of binoculars does sacrifice, however, is weatherproofing. This model is not waterproof or fogproof, so you'll want to take extra good care of them while traveling. And if you wear glasses, you might want to choose another pair, as these binoculars have shallow eye relief that isn't the most compatible with wearing glasses.
Price at time of publish: $85
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 8 degrees | Eye relief: 12 millimeters | Weight: 26.8 ounces
Swarovski 8.5x42 EL Binoculars
Best Splurge
Why We Love It: The clarity of the lens is the best on the market.
What to Consider: They're on the heavier side compared to similar models.
Leave it to crystal company Swarovski to develop binoculars with a lens so precise, it feels as if they crispen and brighten the scene in front of you. That's what makes these incredibly powerful binoculars worth the splurge: overall, they have pretty standard specs for general-use binoculars, but it's really the clarity and brightness that take them to the next level. They're even great to use in low light at dusk and dawn, which is ideal for safaris (that's when animals are typically the most active). These binoculars also go above and beyond with the deep eye relief of 19 millimeters, so they're easy to use with glasses. They're also waterproof to a depth of 13 feet.
While we think 8x magnification is the best measurement for general use, Swarovski also makes a version of these binoculars with 10x magnification. While that does give you even more "zoom" power, that model comes with a narrower field of view, making it more difficult to find what you're looking for.
Price at time of publish: $2,759
Magnification: 8.5x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 7.6 degrees | Eye relief: 20 millimeters | Weight: 29.5 ounces
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Vortex Viper HD 10x42 Binoculars
Best for Safaris
Why We Love It: High-powered magnification and crystal-clear optics allow you to see animals with great clarity from a distance.
What to Consider: With 10x magnification, the field of view is greatly diminished to just 6.5 degrees.
Binoculars are an essential tool for a safari, as animals don't always approach you out in the bush. That's why we've opted for a higher-magnification pair of binoculars to bring the locals (or at least a view of them) closer to you. This model has high-quality optics that allow you to watch wildlife in HD, as well as a durable body that's lightweight, waterproof, fogproof, and scratch resistant — all things you want during a safari, as conditions can get challenging at times.
The one tricky thing about the 10x magnification is that it's easier to use with still targets. That means if lions are on a hunt, it'll be tougher to track them with these binoculars. However, once they've made their kill, you can get up close and personal with the scene (from a safe distance, of course). Vortex also makes the same binoculars with 8x magnification if you'd prefer a wider field of view, which could be helpful for scenes like river crossings during the Great Migration.
Price at time of publish: $482
Magnification: 10x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 6.5 degrees | Eye relief: 17 millimeters | Weight: 24.9 ounces
Vortex Optics Razor UHD Binoculars
Best for Birding
Why We Love It: The view is extremely sharp and bright.
What to Consider: Because of its high price, this is probably best for avid birders.
Binoculars are an essential tool in a birder's kit, and this pair is among the best for the activity. The UHD in its name stands for "ultra high definition,” which means its image quality is exceptional for viewing small details — the feathers on a bird, for example. The images you see through the lenses are bright and crisp, even in low light. We also love its wide field of view, which makes tracking flying birds a breeze. If you'd prefer a stronger magnification, these binoculars do come in 10x42 configuration, though you lose some of that wide field of view — and you may have to contend with a little more shakiness.
Price at time of publish: $1,649
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 8 degrees | Eye relief: 16.7 millimeters | Weight: 32.4 ounces
Tasco Essentials Binoculars 8x42mm Roof Prism
Best Budget for Birding
Why We Love It: They're relatively lightweight.
What to Consider: The strap that comes with the binoculars is a little narrow and can be uncomfortable.
For first-time birders not yet ready to commit to a high-end pair of binoculars — or any birder on a budget — this affordable pair still provides you with both a detailed magnified view and a bright, color-true image. As a relatively lightweight pair of binoculars, they are easy to use for long periods of time without wearing your arms out. For birders who spend quite a bit of time peering through binoculars, that's a very welcome thing. They're also ideal for taking on the go in terms of their durability: they have weather-resistant housing, which means you can use them in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The only downside is the neck strap could be a little more robust, but there is the option of attaching a chest harness instead.
Price at time of publish: $57
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 5.9 degrees | Eye relief: 16 millimeters | Weight: 10.2 ounces
Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 Binocular
Best for Stargazing
Why We Love It: They are basically as powerful as small telescopes.
What to Consider: They are massive and heavy, so they require a tripod.
Telescopes are the go-to observation tool for stargazing, but binoculars are also an option, as some people find it more comfortable to use both eyes rather than just one. For looking at the cosmos, we recommend a pair of binoculars specifically designed for that job, particularly since what you're looking at is much farther away than wildlife or landscapes are. That's why we've selected this model, which has a whopping 25x magnification power with a 100-millimeter objective lens.
These are very, very large and heavy binoculars. But because they're so big, they're extremely powerful, and they'll give you great views of objects in the night sky. (And if you really wanted to zoom in on a faraway point on the Earth's surface, you can do that, too.) "Most people who use binoculars for stargazing also mount them on a tripod, so you can opt for higher-powered, heavier, and sturdier binoculars within your budget to help you gaze deeper into the solar system and even at some deep space objects," says Valerie Stimac, founder of Space Tourism Guide. And that's crucial with these behemoths.
Price at time of publish: $361
Magnification: 25x | Objective lens diameter: 100 millimeters | Field of view: 3 degrees | Eye relief: 15 millimeters | Weight: 8.75 pounds
Leica Trinovid BCA 8x20 Binocular with Case
Best for Hiking
Why We Love It: They're extremely compact and lightweight.
What to Consider: They have a narrow field of view.
When you're hiking, you want to carry as little as possible, which is why these ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight binoculars are the best device to take with you on the trail. They weigh just 8.3 ounces and can fold into roughly the length and width of a business card.
Despite being so small, they still have 8x magnification, but with a 20-millimeter objective lens, they offer a relatively narrow field of view. So while they might not be the best to use for long-duration wildlife spotting sessions — in fact, they can be a little tricky to hold steady due to their small size — they're perfect for casual use on the go, and they still provide perfectly crisp images, in both bright and low light.
Price at time of publish: $540
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 20 millimeters | Field of view: 6.5 degrees | Eye relief: 14 millimeters | Weight: 8.3 ounces
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Nocs Provision Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars
Best Budget for Hiking
Why We Love It: They come in fun colors.
What to Consider: Shallow eye relief isn't ideal for people who wear glasses.
There are two main factors to consider when picking out a pair of hiking binoculars: size and durability. This pair hits both marks, and it comes in at a great value. The binoculars are compact and lightweight for portability, and they are waterproof, fog-proof, and covered by impact-absorbing housing. So when you're in rugged terrain, these binoculars can handle anything thrown their way. (And they're also covered by a lifetime warranty.) On a less technical note, we love that these come in 10 fun colors, not to mention their unique textured pattern on the casing. They're quite design-forward compared to most binoculars!
Price at time of publish: $95
Magnification: 8x | Objective Lens Diameter: 25 millimeters | Field of view: 6.8 degrees | Eye relief: 10 millimeters | Weight: 11.9 ounces
Canon 10x42 L Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars
Best Image-Stabilized
Why We Love It: They're impressively powerful for their small size.
What to Consider: They require batteries, and they use them up quickly.
One of the trickiest things about strong magnification in binoculars is that it becomes difficult to keep the image stabilized given how zoomed in it is. Fortunately, you can eliminate that problem with a pair of image-stabilizing binoculars, which have a gyroscope and actuators that compensate for any shakiness.
For this type, we like Canon's 10x42 L IS WP binoculars. They're powerful enough to use for stargazing, but not so overwhelming in size and magnification as many stargazing pairs. They're great for wildlife spotting, too, whether you're backyard bird-watching or going on a safari. Plus, they're waterproof for extra durability. The one tradeoff for the image-stabilizing capability is that the binoculars require batteries, and they do consume energy rapidly. This also makes them a bit heavier than traditional binoculars.
Price at time of publish: $1,495
Magnification: 10x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 6.5 degrees | Eye relief: 16 millimeters | Weight: 2.4 pounds
Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 Binoculars
Best Compact
Why We Love It: They offer high-quality optics as well as waterproofing.
What to Consider: They are not designed for low light conditions.
Compact binoculars are ideal for people who are frequently on the go — or people whose arms get tired after holding up a full-size pair for too long. This model might be tiny, weighing just 10.9 ounces, but its optics are strong, providing exceptionally clear and bright images. They have durable waterproof casing, making them great for traveling as well.
They also have an impressively wide field of view for compact binoculars: 6.8 degrees. That makes them work for both safaris and birdwatching. "They meet all the requirements for an excellent pair of compact birding binoculars, plus they won't break the bank," says Poppie, who uses them as her main pair of birding binoculars.
Price at time of publish: $369
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 25 millimeters | Field of view: 6.8 degrees | Eye relief: 16 millimeters | Weight: 10.9 ounces
THINKPEAK Toys Binoculars for Kids
Best for Kids
Why We Love It: They come in a variety of fun colors and in the perfect size.
What to Consider: They're not the most durable.
Binoculars are difficult instruments to master, even for adults. So when shopping for younger children, you'll want to buy a model designed for their little faces and hands. ThinkPeak Kids Binoculars are relatively realistic children's binoculars compared to most toy models, with 8x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 21 millimeters, but they're designed with colorful grips to help small hands hold tight. The manufacturer recommends this toy for kids ages 4 and up, though we think it might be difficult for younger children to focus the lens. (Because everyone's vision is different, it's hard to adjust binoculars for other people, especially when the binoculars may be too narrow for your face.)
Price at time of publish: $31
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 21 millimeters | Field of view: 7.3 degrees | Eye relief: 10.5 millimeters | Weight: 8.1 ounces
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Adasion 12x42 High Definition Binoculars
Best Accessories
Why We Love It: They come with a variety of useful accessories including a phone adapter to take photos of what you see.
What to Consider: They're relatively bulky.
If you plan on using your binoculars to take close-up photos and videos, this is a budget-friendly pair with phone and tripod adapters to help you accomplish those goals. The phone adapter allows you to attach your phone to the binoculars with the camera lens lined up with the binocular's eyepiece — once you get the focus down, you can take photos through your binoculars with ease. It's much less difficult than free-handing! Because the magnification is 12x, we do recommend using that tripod to avoid any shakiness that could blur your photos. (It's harder to keep higher magnification binoculars still.)
Price at time of publish: $80
Magnification: 12x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 5.9 degrees | Eye relief: 13.6-19.6 millimeters | Weight: 20 ounces
Orion 2x54 Ultra Wide-angle Binoculars
Best Wide-angle
Why We Love It: Their huge field of view allows you to see large constellations with excellent clarity.
What to Consider: They have a fairly low magnification.
Wide-angle binoculars like this pair might look a little funny compared to more standard binoculars, but they do have a specific purpose — stargazing. Because their field of view is 36 degrees, you can see wide swaths of the night sky, which is ideal for looking at whole constellations instead of individual stars. They're also good for brightening up fainter stars, allowing you to see more of the cosmos than you would with the naked eye. You can also use them for other purposes, such as concerts or high-speed sporting events: you won't be able to see as many details as you would with high-powered magnification, but you'd get an improved view of the entire stage or playing field (or course, or arena, or…).
Price at time of publish: $160
Magnification: 2x | Objective lens diameter: 54 millimeters | Field of view: 36 degrees | Eye relief: 15 millimeters | Weight: 16 ounces
Bushnell Spectator Sport 8 x 32mm Binoculars
Best for Watching Sports
Why We Love It: It's lightweight for a medium-sized pair of binoculars.
What to Consider: You can't adjust the focus.
This sports-specific pair of binoculars is specifically designed with portability in mind. It's quite lightweight and compact, though it still has significant 8x magnification. One unique feature is its PermaFocus technology, which means the focus is set at one point and relies on your own eyes to account for focus. On the one hand, you won't have to fiddle with the focus as you move your binoculars around the playing field at rapid speeds. On the other, that makes this pair less ideal for general use. Keep in mind that the focus is designed for viewing objects across distances of 150 feet or greater.
Price at time of publish: $64
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 32 millimeters | Field of view: 7.3 degrees | Eye relief: 13 millimeters | Weight: 15.2 ounces
Hexeum Night Vision Goggles Night Vision Binoculars
Best Night Vision
Why We Love It: It shoots photos and videos.
What to Consider: It's battery-operated.
Whether you're on a night drive on safari or you're curious about the reflective eyes in the woods behind your house at night, these night-vision binoculars can help you see in the dark. The binoculars actually see in infrared rather than visible light. There are seven infrared levels for setting your optics — choose the right level based on the amount of ambient light wherever you are (higher levels brighten images more). What's more, these binoculars can actually take photos and videos and store them on a 32GB memory card. Just keep in mind that these binoculars require AA batteries to operate, so always keep spares on hand.
Price at time of publish: $136
Magnification: 3x | Objective lens diameter: N/A | Field of view: 10 degrees | Eye relief: N/A | Weight: 19.2 pounds
Nikon Prostaff 3s 8x42 Binoculars
Best Mid-range
Why We Love It: They're great for people who wear glasses.
What to Consider: There's no tripod adapter.
When you're ready to graduate from your beginner binoculars and upgrade to the next level, this is the pair to buy. (We'd also argue that they're a solid pair of beginner binoculars if you have the budget for them.) Between sharp optics, a lightweight body, and a durable, rubber-armored coating, they're great for taking with you on the go, no matter where you're headed or what you're using the binoculars for. We also love that the binoculars are waterproof and have a deep eye relief that's helpful for people who wear glasses. We'd still buy these binoculars if they were more expensive — they're worth it!
Price at time of publish: $177
Magnification: 8x | Objective lens diameter: 42 millimeters | Field of view: 7.2 degrees | Eye relief: 20.2 millimeters | Weight: 19.9 ounces
Tips for Buying Binoculars
Understand the specs
There's lots of jargon involved when it comes to binoculars because the complex devices are all about their specs. These details make all the difference in the viewing experience, from the image you see to the fit to your face. If you're a binoculars novice, here are the specs you should consider and what you need to know about each of them:
Magnification: This is the ratio between the actual size of an object and the size it appears to be when viewed through the binoculars. For instance, when an object 1,000 feet away is viewed through binoculars with 10x magnification, it'll appear as if they were only 100 feet away. For general use, 8x to 10x magnification is standard. Keep in mind that the higher the magnification, the more movement will affect your image. You'll want to have very steady hands with high-magnification binoculars.
Objective lens diameter: This is the size of the lens at the very front of binoculars, represented in millimeters. Objective lens diameter can indicate the general size of the binoculars. Standard ones are usually around 40 to 42 millimeters, while compact ones are usually around 20 to 25 millimeters.
Field of view: This is the width of the image you see when looking into your binoculars. It's either measured in degrees out of a possible 360 (angular field of view) or in feet per 1,000 yards (linear field of view). For the latter measurement, that means when you look out at a point 1,000 yards away, the width of the image will be a certain number of feet.
Eye relief: This is the ideal distance between the optical lens (the lens closest to your eyes) and the surface of your eyes, represented in millimeters. If your eyes are closer or farther than this distance, the image you see might be vignetted with shadows, or it may be cut off so that you don't see the full image. If you wear glasses, you'll want at least 16 millimeters of eye relief to make room for them. Most binoculars have eye reliefs between 10 to 20 millimeters.
Weight: Weight is the easiest binoculars spec of them all. This is simply how heavy the device is. Most people prefer lighter binoculars because they're easier to hold. If you have heavier binoculars, you might want to consider using a tripod to support and stabilize them during viewing.
Choose a packable pair
If you're traveling with your binoculars — and let's face it, most people are! — you'll want to purchase a pair that's easy to transport. Just remember that while compact binoculars are ideal in terms of size and weight, they're usually not as powerful as ones at a more traditional size.
Think about your activities
Do you plan to take your binoculars camping and star-gazing? How about bird-watching on your next trip? Or maybe you want to enjoy a closeup look at the great outdoors the next time you go hiking. Regardless of what your future vacations entail, it's important for you to choose a pair of binoculars that suit your needs. From waterproof options to wide-angle lenses, be sure to look into what each pair of binoculars offers so you can get the best view on your specific adventure.
Consider the conditions, from weather to light
What will the conditions be like when you use your binoculars? If there's a chance you'll be using your binoculars in the rain, it's important to purchase a waterproof model. If you'll be traveling to places with extreme temperatures or high humidity, you'll want a fogproof model — moisture can collect in the interior of binoculars, making your image fog up and potentially causing damage to the sensitive instruments inside the casing. Also consider the light conditions you'll be viewing in. Some binoculars only perform well in bright light, while others keep images relatively bright in low light. This is largely dependent on optical design, and there's no easy way to tell how a pair of binoculars will do in low light conditions based on specs alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers in a product name mean?
All binoculars are named with a two-number combination, represented with an X in the middle — such as 8x42. "With binoculars, the first number is your magnification power and the second is the size of your objective lens in millimeters, aka the lens closest to what you're looking at," says Micato Safaris advisor Liz Wheeler, a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List. "In general, the larger your objective lens, the larger your binoculars will be, which naturally is good to keep in mind for your packing as well as your tolerance for how large a pair you want to carry. The more important number is the magnification power, for which 8 or 10 is a solid place to start."
How much should I spend on binoculars?
Binoculars come in a very wide range of prices, from around $20 to over $2,000. While there are solid binoculars at every price point, the general rule of thumb is to pay as much as you can within your budget. "Binoculars are one of those things where you really do get what you pay for. There are some binoculars that may be a better value than some others, but 99 percent of the time, if you want better quality, you’re gonna have to pay for it," says Backcountry Gearhead Robert Lindsen. "So set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on a pair, and stick to it!"
What other features should I look for in a pair of binoculars?
"The durability and material of the outside of the binoculars is a big one depending on how you will use the binoculars. Do you anticipate them getting wet? Getting roughed up? Being in a lot of sunlight?" says conservation scientist and nature guide Charles van Rees, who runs the blog Gulo in Nature. "Will you have dirty hands when you're handling them, and so you want a harder material that is easier to clean? Will they be bumping around in your backpack so you want something softer, ideally not metallic?"
How do you adjust binoculars?
"Any halfway decent binoculars will have a diopter adjustment, usually behind the right eyecup or integrated into the focusing knob. The diopter allows you to adjust the focus in that eye to account for differences in your vision," says Lindsen. "To adjust the diopter, look through the binoculars with your right eye closed; rotate the focus knob until the image is perfectly clear; then close your left eye and open your right, then rotate the diopter wheel only until the image is clear in that eye as well."
When were binoculars invented?
Binoculars are simply two small telescopes put together into a single device, and many inventors who developed telescopes likely tinkered with binoculars, too. Dutch inventor Hans Lippershey, for instance, who applied for the first telescope patent in 1608, reportedly also developed a pair of binoculars. But it was American inventor J. P. Lemiere who is typically credited as the inventor of binoculars, which he developed in 1825.
How do I clean binoculars?
Because binoculars are somewhat delicate devices, you should clean them with care. "Always start with a lens pen or brush, typically used for camera lenses, to clear away any dust or dirt particles that can potentially scratch the lens," says Lindsen. "Then use a microfiber cloth (your binoculars probably came with one) to wipe away any smudges that are still on the lens. If more involved cleaning is needed or something is stuck on the lens, contact the manufacturer for specific instructions — you don’t want to accidentally remove any lens coatings or void a warranty!"
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Stefanie Waldek is an adventure traveler who has tested many pairs of binoculars while viewing wildlife around the world, from penguins in Antarctica to leopards in Kenya to polar bears in Svalbard. She also uses binoculars for stargazing. For this article, she used her own expertise, read hundreds of reviews, and spoke with experts who use binoculars regularly to determine the best options for a variety of needs.
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