Best Binoculars | 2024

Pros:

• Offers an exceptionally wide field of view
• Premium optics and craftsmanship provide unparalleled quality

Cons: 

• A very expensive pair of binoculars (but worth every penny)
• Great for scanning large areas but not built for observing fine details
  
  

This is an exceptional pair of binoculars. Swarovski is a name synonymous with optical excellence, and the NL Pure 8x42 Binoculars live up to that rep. Offering an extremely impressive 69-degree field of view, the NL Pure Binoculars use pin-sharp lenses that have been treated with specialised coatings. The result is superior light transmission and top-notch subject definition. 

The binoculars are fog-proof, with 18mm eye relief for comfortable prolonged use. A new focusing mechanism makes the focusing action smooth and intuitive. It’s light but not too light – perfectly judged for use in the field. For spotting birds, these are some of the best binoculars you can buy, the wide field of view and fast focusing giving you exceptional flexibility. The build quality feels as premium as you’d expect, and the binoculars come with a clutch of useful accessories, including a comfort strap, a carry bag and a kit for cleaning. 

Pros: 

• Nitrogen Purged meaning they’re waterproof and fog-proof
• Affordable and comes with Hawke’s lifetime warranty!

Cons: 

• Not as ergonomic and tactile as other pairs
  
  

For a much more affordable birding option, we’d recommend this pair of capable binoculars from Hawke. Delivering high-quality viewing thanks to a set of precision optics, the Hawke Frontier ED X 10x42 binoculars use extra-low dispersion optics to minimise chromatic aberration. The lenses have also been treated with water-repellent coatings, protecting them from rainfall, and inside the binoculars have been nitrogen-purged as an anti-fogging measure. 

With a 42mm objective lens, the Hawke Frontiers offer very good light transmission, and produce a sparklingly clear image. The chassis of the binoculars is constructed from magnesium alloy – it may not quite have the premium feel of a pair like the Svarovskis, but well, that’s why you’re paying a fifth of the price. Something we also especially like about these binoculars is the lifetime warranty Hawke offers. In the event of any damage or defect to the product, you’re covered, and set up for a lifetime’s happy birdwatching. 

Pros: 

• Very affordable and ideal for those starting out with star gazing
• 80mm objective lens offers maximum image brightness in low-light

Cons: 

• While perfect for beginners, its image quality may not be suitable for more seasoned users
  
  

With 20x magnification and a big 80mm objective lens, these are serious binoculars for seeing the stars – and even better, they’re much more affordable than you might expect. Celestron is probably best known for its stargazing telescopes, so the makers of this pair of binoculars know what they’re about when it comes to stargazing.

The view is pleasingly sharp from edge to edge, with multi-coated optics to ensure optimal clarity. Once again, the outer covering is rubber, making it both extra-grippy and able to take a bit of a knock. The focusing action is reasonably smooth, controlled by a large central knob, and once again there’s a lifetime limited warranty for a bit of extra peace of mind. 

We also like the long eye relief of the Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars, which makes them suitable for use while wearing glasses. There’s a tripod adapter too, which can be handy for prolonged viewing. 

Pros: 

• Water and fog-proof built, and its 7x mag. is ideal for marine observation
• Tethered objective lens caps keep the lenses protected from dust, dirt, scratches, and breaks

Cons: 

• They will float on water if the neckstrap is attached properly - but without the strap, they’ll sink!
  
  

These hardy waterproof binoculars are tailor-made for marine viewing, and offer a number of clever features that make them excellent value for money. For one, they not only provide excellent clarity of image thanks to multi-coated optics, but also have individual focus mechanisms for each lens, which can be useful for those who have pronounced differences between their eyes. This is accomplished via the dioptre ring. 

With eye relief of 18mm, these binos are well suited to anyone who wears glasses. They also come with a number of useful accessories, including a strap that also acts as a flotation device, a light polycarbonate case for safe transportation, and a cleaning cloth to keep the lenses free from dust and dirt. Thanks to their wide angle of view and excellent light transmission, the Fujinon 7x50 WP-XL Mariner Binoculars make for splendid underwater viewing.

Pros: 

• Its Porro prism design is built with premium optics and provides accurate depth perception - ideal for marine use
• Nitrogen-filled tubes prevent fog or moisture formation on the lenses that would damage the optics

Cons:

• The batteries installation can be tricky (but it’ll be worth it)
  
  

Batteries on a pair of binoculars? It might seem odd, but it’s because the Bushnell Marine 7x50 Bearing & Ranging Binoculars have a built-in illuminated compass, which can be a godsend for navigation in the dark, particularly if you plan to take them out sailing. Also incorporated is a rangefinder that’s intended for measuring the distance and size of objects. All this is wrapped in a hardy rubberised shell that can take a knock or two, with an anti-slip design that reduces the risk of droppage.

This is another porro prism design (the non-aligned eyepieces and lenses are the giveaway), and it reliably produces a bright and clear image. The binoculars include nitrogen-filled tubes that are an effective anti-fogging mechanism, and the waterproofing is assured thanks to the O-ring sealed design. These are popular binoculars in the marine and sailing community, and it’s easy to see why.

Pros: 

• Exceptional image quality and overall performance
• This pair has an extended field of view that makes a substantial difference when viewing from a distance

Cons: 

• Expensive compared to similarly ranged binoculars, but when on a safari, this pair will offer the best optical clarity
  
  

Another premium pair of exceptional optics from Swarovski, the NL Pure 8x32 Binoculars will naturally not be for everyone. However, those willing to take the plunge will be rewarded with some of the best long-distance viewing on the market, with simply superb quality. Ideal for safari, these binoculars use field flattener lenses  to deliver an ultra-sharp image from edge to edge, even with an exceptionally wide field of view. In terms of sheer optical sharpness, these binos can’t be beat.

Balancing beautifully in the hand, the Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 Binoculars are comfortable to use for long periods. Focusing is smooth and natural-feeling, with a tactile focus ring that’s also suitable for use while wearing gloves (safaris aren’t always done in hot weather!). For cleaning, the binoculars come with a soap and brush kit, and there’s a useful side-bag for easy transportation.

Pros: 

• Exceptional Leica-standard image quality, colour accuracy and high-contrast clarity
• Nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed; withstanding submersion in up to 4m of water and resistant to internal fogging

Cons: 

• Another expensive pair but a worthy and reliable investment that will never fail
  
  

Here’s another name that any photographer worth their salt will know means exceptional optical quality – Leica. Don’t worry though; these optics won’t set you back as much money as a Leica M11. The Leica Trinovid 10x32 HD Binoculars are ideal for safari use, balancing portability, optical quality and hard-wearing design. The internal optics are phase-corrected and multi-coated, with anti-reflective and anti-abrasive treatments – the end result is outstanding light transmission and sharpness. Interestingly, the close focusing distance is an unusually short 1m, which is great if you want to get a close-up view of something that has landed close, like a bird or an insect. For far-off viewing, meanwhile, the binoculars deliver a 104m field of view at distances of 914.4m.

The eyecups are click-stop adjustable, which is great for glasses wearers, and the focusing action is tactile and smooth. Internal nitrogen also prevents fogging. The Leica Trinovid 10x32 HD Binoculars weigh just 640g and come with a useful protective nylon case for transportation. 

Pros: 

• It can capture high-quality 1080p video during both day and night
• Its built-in IR illuminator allows for viewing long-range targets day or night

Cons: 

• The illuminator has only two brightness levels and the battery life isn’t as good as some other models
  
  

First things first – yes, this is not technically a pair of binoculars, it’s a monocular. However, the Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 Night Vision Monocular is a highly capable device for seeing in the dark, and is well worth considering, especially if you want something lightweight and portable. The powerful built-in IR illuminator works at ranges of up to 750ft (about 229m), giving you a good deal of range, and the body is well-built with a useful grip.

The Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 Night Vision Monocular records video in 1080p, and is capable of streaming it directly to a mobile device. This makes it easy to share your night-time discoveries, which you can also record as still images if so desired. One thing to keep an eye on though is the battery life; the Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 Night Vision Monocular runs on four AAs, and they can run down quite quickly if you’re not paying attention. If you’re planning on using it a lot, consider picking up some rechargeables.

Pros: 

• Premium High-Density extra-low dispersion glass delivers impressive resolution and colour fidelity
• Lightweight, compact and affordable!

Cons: 

• While its lightweight, compactness is a plus; it’s at the detriment of a more premium feeling casing
  
  

For viewing sports in crisp, perfect detail, the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x28 Compact Binoculars are an ideal choice. High-end optics are the name of the game here – with premium, high-density, extra low dispersion glass, they produce an image of enviable sharpness and clarity. Magnification goes up to 10x, and all lenses have been treated with anti-reflective coatings to optimise light transmission. On the exterior of the lenses, ArmorTek treating is there to help prevent damage via scratches, splashes, etc.

These are also comfortable binoculars to use, with multi-position eyecups and an adjustable right-eye dioptre that allows the user to account for differences between their eyes. The binoculars can be mounted on a tripod, and are O-ring sealed to guard against dust, debris and moisture. Whatever sports you plan to view, the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x28 Compact Binoculars are an elegant, lightweight companion that will improve the experience. 

Pros: 

• The ideal pair for packing away and quickly viewing at a moment's notice
• Waterproof, travel-friendly and should work for all users

Cons: 

• They don’t offer a huge field of view but are perfect for sporting events
  
  

These binoculars by Olympus, as the name implies, are expressly designed for viewing sports. As such, they don’t provide an especially wide field of view – because the makers are banking on the assumption that you don’t need one. What they do deliver is premium sharpness and clarity from high-end, multi-coated optics, as well as fast focusing that helps you keep up with the action.

The Olympus Sports 10x25 WP II Binoculars are waterproof, as well as being nicely compact and portable, meaning they should be suitable for just about any viewing position and conditions. Focusing is achieved via the central knob; it’s nicely tactile and intuitive, and you should get the hang of it in no time. Whether you’re viewing track sports, field games, watersports, airshows or whatever else, the Olympus Sports 10x25 WP II Binoculars will prove an able and convenient companion.