Binoculars are essential tools for a wide range of activities such as birdwatching, hunting, stargazing, hiking, and even sports events. They enable us to see things that are far away and bring us closer to the details of the world around us. Choosing the right binoculars can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. In this post, we have compiled a list of the top 5 binoculars based on several criteria such as magnification power, objective lens diameter, field of view, prism type, lens coating, waterproof and fog-proof features, and other important features.
Table of Contents
- Criteria for Selection
- Vortex Optics Viper HD – $525-$550
- Carson 3D Series – $290-$300
- Nikon Monarch 5 Kit – $250
- Wingspan Optics Spectator Compact – $70-$80
- Bushnell Falcon 133410 – $35-$50
Criteria for Selection
When it comes to choosing the best binoculars, there are several key criteria that you should consider. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
- Magnification power: The magnification power of binoculars is one of the most important factors to consider. A higher magnification power allows you to see things in more detail, but it can also make the image more shaky and difficult to focus. A magnification power of 8x or 10x is generally recommended for most activities.
- Objective lens diameter: The diameter of the objective lens affects the amount of light that enters the binoculars and determines the brightness of the image. A larger objective lens allows for more light to enter, resulting in a brighter image, but it can also make the binoculars heavier and bulkier. A diameter of 42mm is a good balance between brightness and portability.
- Field of view: The field of view refers to the width of the area that you can see through the binoculars. A wider field of view allows you to see more of your surroundings, making it easier to track moving objects. Look for a field of view of at least 300 feet at 1000 yards.
- Prism type: Binoculars use either roof prisms or Porro prisms. Roof prisms are more compact and durable, but they can be more expensive. Porro prisms, on the other hand, are less expensive and offer better depth perception, but they can be bulkier.
- Lens coating: The quality of the lens coating affects the clarity and brightness of the image. Look for binoculars with fully multi-coated lenses, which provide the highest level of light transmission.
- Waterproof and fog-proof features: If you plan on using your binoculars in wet or humid conditions, look for models that are waterproof and fog-proof. These features will ensure that your binoculars remain clear and functional even in challenging conditions.
- Other important features: Other features to consider include the weight and size of the binoculars, the type of focus system (center focus or individual eyepiece focus), and the overall durability and quality of construction.
By taking these criteria into account, you can narrow down your options and choose the binoculars that best fit your needs and preferences.
Vortex Optics Viper HD – $525-$550
The highest performance pair of binoculars on this list but also one of the most expensive coming in at $525-$550 on average. Vortex Optics have become the top brand of optics including for firearms but as well as binoculars lately and they put in all their research into the Viper HD. These binoculars can be had in different configurations consisting of 10×42, 10×50, 12×50, or 8×42. Of course, the right configuration will vary depending on what you are looking to use them for but all of them will come with XR anti-reflective lenses and a multi-coating system that gives you an excellent picture in any light situation. Personally, I find these to have the most ideal weight ratio to where they are comfortable to carry but also do not feel cheap in your hands. As they are built by Vortex Optics you can rest assured you are getting a product that will stand the abuse of anything you can throw at them.
Carson 3D Series – $290-$300
Carson has been big in the 3D series of binoculars and produced excellent pairs of binoculars in general. Their 3D Series use a BAK-4 prism set up with high quality ED glass. Some key features to highlight are the fact that the binoculars are rubberized with waterproof armor protecting the entire package well. This is of course important if you are going to be using these outdoors or on the go. Even with all this they weigh in at roughly a pound and a half which is not bad at all. Configurations include 8×32, 8×42, 10×42, and 10×50.
Nikon Monarch 5 Kit – $250
The Nikon Monarchs have been around for a while now and are very popular amongst the hunting community. They are configured as an 8x42mm setup and feature light dispersion lenses while being completely water and fog proof. Some important features to highlight include the Nikon eco ED lenses, Dielectric high reflective multilayer prism coatings for the highest color contrast and reproduction, and turn and slide rubber eyecups. They offer a field of view of 110 meters at a 1000 meters.
Wingspan Optics Spectator Compact – $70-$80
Wingspan Optics has done an excellent job in bundling price, size, and quality into their Spectator Compact binoculars. They can easily be folded up and stuffed into anything to carry. They are configured as an 8x32mm setup featuring waterproof coating to protect them. They also include a fog proof layer on the lenses with a field of view of 362 feet at 1000 yards.
Bushnell Falcon 133410 – $35-$50
The budget pair of binoculars on the list coming in at an average of $35-$50. Bushnell is a great brand that has been in the optics game for a long time. In particular, the Bushnell Falcon 133410 are great because they offer fill size functionality and performance at a compact size. They are extremely lightweight and easy to move around while producing a high-quality image. Some important specifications include 7x35mm, Instafocus system for fast focus on moving targets, 20ft close focusing capabilities, and 12mm eye relief which allows for eyeglass compatibility.
In the end, selecting the right binoculars is a personal choice, and we hope that this list has helped you narrow down your options and find the best binoculars for your needs.
Ben