14 Best Binoculars Reviewed & Tested (Hands-on Buying Guide)

hunter using binoculars

Getting the right pair of binoculars is confusing since they come in different styles and sizes. Not all of them are the same, that’s for sure.

Since you already have an idea where you intend to use them, it’s time to at least have a basic understanding of the binoculars’ specs and features before finally buying one.

The 14 Best Binoculars In 2021: Outdoor Empire Reviews

These are our top recommendations for binoculars of 2021:

  1. Best general use: Get the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD M Series (read 840+ Amazon reviews)
  2. Best for the money: Get the Nikon Monarch 5
  3. Best budget: Get the Bushnell Powerview
  4. Best overall: Get the Vortex Razor HD
  5. Best for hunting: Get the Vortex Viper
  6. Best for birding: Get the Zeiss Victory SF
  7. Best compact: Get the Leica Ultravid
  8. Best tactical: Get the Steiner T1042r
  9. Best 10 x 42: Get the Bushnell Trophy Bone Collector
  10. Best 10 x 50: Get the Nikon Prostaff 5

*Looking for a specific feature? Check out our quick-reference chart below:

Best General UseBest For The MoneyBest Budget
ProductBushnell legend ultra hd m series
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD M Series

Nikon monarch 5
Nikon Monarch 5

Bushnell permafocus
Bushnell PowerView

Magnification10x8x10x
Objective Lens Diameter42 mm42 mm50 mm
Exit Pupil 4.2 mm5.25 mm5.0 mm
Eye Relief22 mm19.5 mm10 mm
Close Focus 8 ft7.8 ft20 ft
FOV
340 ft @ 1000 yards330 ft @ 1000 yards341 ft @ 1000 yards
Size-5.7 x 5.1 in2.68 x 6.61 x 6.61 in
Weight26.5 oz20.8 oz25 oz
CostCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

1. Best General Use Binoculars

The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD M Series Binoculars are easily the most versatile set of optics out there! The design is simple but rugged, making them perfect for a wide variety of tasks. Not to mention they fall under Bushnell’s no questions asked lifetime warranty promise! This ensures your binos will be fixed regardless of what happens.

Overview

Besides the awesome warranty, you get an awesome set of binoculars. These 10×42 optics are very powerful and very capable. In fact, 10x is perfect for most tasks that binoculars are routinely used for. From hunting to watching sports, 10x magnification will get the job done in most cases!

What You Get

The Ultra HD M Series lives up to the Bushnell name with its ED prime glass and ultra-wideband coatings. These two features ensure the user is delivered a crystal clear picture.

On top of that, they sport the RainGuard HD coating. This is a water repellant coating, meaning any drops of water won’t disrupt your sight picture! As a result, they are excellent for use in almost any kind of weather or on a boat!

The 42mm objective lens is big enough to provide a clear and wide field of view, but small enough to remain lightweight and easy to carry. The Ultra HD M Series Binoculars by Bushnell are great for just about any job you put them to.

2. Best Binoculars For The Money

Nikon Monarch 5
$346.95
View on Amazon
08/14/2023 07:39 pm GMT

Looking for a set of high-quality binoculars in your price range means that you have to give up a few features. If you shop smart, you can certainly find a quality set that fits your budget.

The Nikon Monarch 5 in 8x42mm is an excellent overall set of eyes.

You have to give up some of the nicer features associated with high-end binocs though, including metal eyecups and a locking diopter. You can also expect some chromatic aberration.

Overview

With all the bad things out of the way, the Nikon Monarch shines at its price point.

It has an exit pupil that makes it ideal to use all throughout the day. The dielectric prism coating certainly aids in low light conditions. The close focus distance is a hair under 8 feet which is pretty close and is perfect for birding.

The Monarch 5 is also surprisingly lightweight at only 20.8 ounces. The FOV is only 330 feet at 1,000 yards. The 19.5mm eye relief is long enough for use with glasses and comfortable for extended viewing.

The box surprisingly comes with a lot of extras. You get a carrying case, a carry strap, and rubber eyepiece covers. They also offer a great warranty – Nikon’s No-Fault Policy.

3. Best Budget Binoculars #1

Bushnell has long been a big player in the binocular world.

Though they aren’t as premium as many other brands, you can always trust Bushnell to provide a good quality optic at a reasonable price.

If you’re hunting on a budget, then the Bushnell PowerView gets you a good view without eating into your wallet!

Overview

The Bushnell Powerview is a 10x50mm Porro prism binocular.

That Porro prism is how Bushnell gets you such a good set of lenses without raising the price too much. Porro lenses work well but are cheaper to manufacture and are bulkier than more modern lenses.

So, you save money at the expense of size and weight.

What You Get

The PowerView is a good hunting binocular because it has strong magnification (without being too strong), a wide field of view, and a quick-focus lever for rapidly focusing on a deer.

The visual quality is great for the price. BK-7 prisms and multi-coated lenses allow lots of light and color to reach your eyes, especially with the 50mm objective lenses.

The housing is rugged rubber in Realtree AP camo, which helps keep your binoculars safe if you knock them around.

The canvas carrying case isn’t that great, but it does help keep the cost down.

And Bushnell guarantees their binoculars with an “Ironclad” lifetime warranty!

4. Best Budget Binoculars #2

If you need to step it up in power but want to stay in that sub $200-dollar price range, then a Nikon Aculon is worth considering. The Aculon line is very large and encompasses a wide variety of binoculars. The model we chose to review today is the 10-22×50. It offers anywhere between a moderate and high level of magnification.

Overview

The 10-22 power means the optic has 12 different zoom settings you can cycle through until you find the right one for your observation range. This makes it easy to see things both near and far with great detail and in vivid color.

The Aculon features an easy to reach fingertip zoom control knob for quick and easy adjustment in the field. Additionally, these binoculars are large and textured enough to use with gloves, and wet or cold hands.

What You Get

The 10-22×50 binoculars sport multi-coated glass lenses with a 50mm objective lens for a wide and bright field of view. These Aculons also feature a durable rubber armor to protect them in short drops and rough environments.

All Aculons are backed by Nikon’s outstanding warranty! This warranty is a no-fault repair and replacement policy that ensures you get your binos back in working order if they ever have an issue.

5. Best Overall Binoculars #1

When you need the best, you have a few options. One of those options is the Vortex Razor. The Razor is Vortex’s high-end line that pulls all the punches when it comes to quality and price!

The whole series features hand-selected prisms for the utmost in picture quality. In addition, the optics are made of a premium high-density glass that results in HD quality views. These two factors produce vivid colors and allow the living world to be seen as it is.

Overview

The Razor HD Series is available in a variety of fixed power magnifications ranging from 8×42 up to 12×50. The price difference between magnification levels is negligible and I’d probably go with the highest for increased versatility. Don’t worry. When it comes to premium grade optics, the higher magnification levels rarely compromise picture quality.

What You Get

The Razor HD binoculars will provide you with a brilliant sight picture. They also function wonderfully in low lighting! These optics pick up and transfer every sliver of light possible. Adjustable eyecups allow you to use the binos with or without glasses. You can also adjust the focus for differences between your eyes.

Razors are armor coated and made to last in every environment. They are rugged, dependable, and backed by Vortex’s outstanding warranty.

6. Best Overall Binoculars #2

Versatility is a force that brings greatness forward, and the Nikon Laserforce range finding binoculars are certainly versatile! They pack a fixed 10x magnification rating with a 42mm objective lens. We know this is average, but before we talk versatility we must talk about the simpler aspects. Why? They are just as important.

Overview

The glass is an extra-low dispersion glass. This means it is crystal clear and free from nearly all defects. The lenses are coated multiple times for increased protection and a brighter sight picture. Even the surface of the roof prism unit is covered with a mirror coating to brighten and clarify images! From edge to edge, the sight picture is perfectly clear.

What You Get

The sight picture is extremely clear and consistent. While that’s great, what makes the optics versatile is the built-in rangefinder. This rangefinder works out to 1900 yards on reflective targets and provides +/- 1-yard accuracy. Now you can safely shoot a variety of different animals out to 1,100 yards.

Furthermore, the Laserforce binoculars are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. They sport a long battery life and are built perfectly for field conditions. They’ll take a beating and keep coming back for more! These Nikons are everything you need in a set of rangefinder binoculars.

7. Best Binoculars For Hunting

Hunting is a rough sport that takes a toll on the gear used by the hunter.

Hunters are also exposed to different weather conditions which range from the snows of Minnesota to the swamps of Florida.

These environments are not known for being kind to weakness. So when choosing a set of binocs for hunting, the goal is to choose a reliable, well-built pair designed for the great outdoors.

Overview

The lenses are coated with ArmorTek for abrasion and scratch resistance. The external is rubberized and protected from short falls and drops. The eyecups are metal reinforced, and the entire set is water and fogproof.

At the same time, you are still getting HD quality lenses and the Vortex VIP Warranty.

What You Get

Vortex makes a variety of optics and purposely builds them for hunters and outdoorsmen.

Their optics is always perfect for the active hunter who wants to mix quality and strength. The Vortex Viper series are certainly one of the better options for hunters.

You get a bright picture, so you aren’t losing any image quality for the strength of the binoculars. The picture is stunning. It allows you to discern between different colors, moving and still objects easily. It is also easy to use during low light situations.

They are robust enough to resist whatever the world can toss at it.

6 Best Binoculars For Hunting Deer, Elk & Other Game

8. Best Binoculars For Birding

Birding presents an exciting challenge for optics. Birds greatly range in size and temperament. Some are quite easy to spot, others like to hide, or are always zipping from tree to tree.

The fact that some birds are identical, you need a fine pair of optics to see the difference.

For that, a premium is in demand and the Zeiss Victory SF model certainly flies high. With this kind of performance, expect that they are quite expensive.

Overview

The Zeiss Victory models feature a fixed power magnification at 8 or 10 power with a 42mm objective lens. There are a couple of models under this line, but the SF model is by far the one recommended for birding.

The SF gives the user a full field of view of 120 meters at 1000 meters. This is a large FOV that is also bright and clear from side to side. There is zero distortion along the edges of the lenses.

What You Get

They are not cheap, and the picture is utterly brilliant.

The Zeiss Victory SF gives a 95% percent light transmission, which produces a brighter than average picture during low light situations so birding is easy all throughout the day. You get a 4.2mm exit pupil which is generous and interacts with the eye well regardless of the time of day.

The weight is shifted to the eyepieces, and this lends itself well to balancing when viewing for an extended period.

9. Best Compact Binoculars

Compact binoculars can be extremely tricky. It is easy to find one that can be described as disposable. Use them a few times, they break and then you toss them.

Finding a reliable set can be a challenge.

However, the Leica Ultravid compact binoculars walk a fine line between weight, size, and quality. Like all compact field glasses, there are a few compromises that must be made.

Overview

Their small size gives you an 8 power scope and a 20mm objective lens. The small objective lens leaves you with a 2.5mm exit pupil, so low light use is difficult. It also features a nice long eye relief that makes it easy for someone wearing glasses to use the binocs.

The Ultravid has a locking diopter adjust, which is an excellent feature on compact binoculars. Since you can just pocket them and walk away, it is perfect for birders and nature lovers who are on the go.

What You Get

The Leica Ultravid will never keep up with bigger, more powerful sets.

What you get is something that you can wear around your neck all day without pain. They fit easily into a cargo pants or jacket pocket, and they perform.

It gives a nice, sharp image during the right time of day. They work great during the brighter parts of the day and are perfect for watching sports or for maritime use.

Related: Best Compact Binoculars Reviewed

10. Best Tactical Binoculars

Police and military have their demands for binoculars. Like hunters, it has to be a tough and reliable set.

They need to be strong enough to take the beating; and sealed to rust, dirt, and debris.

Binoculars are commonly used to make range estimations or to correct fires, so a reticle inside it can be handy. Steiner T1042r is built for tactical applications.

Overview

The fast close focus helps the optic focus easily in a timely manner.

They feature an internal milliradian ranging reticle that allows the operator to do different tasks. You can easily estimate range using known factors and the milliradian ranging scale. This takes some training but is accurate and easy to do.

A soldier or Marine can also adjust fire from the things like artillery and machine guns. The binoculars are built with an armored coating to protect them when dropped and tossed.

You get a very clear picture. The roof prism design makes it lighter, more compact, and streamlined. The high definition optics produce a nice and bright picture, which is invaluable when trying to spot camouflage targets at a distance.

11. Best 10 x 42

The Bushnell Trophy Bone Collector is a mouthful, but it’s also a rock-solid line of binoculars and rifle scopes. Today we are focusing on the binocular portion. These Bushnells are some of the best 10×42 binos out there, especially when you consider cost.

The Trophy Bone Collectors feature a 330-foot field of view at 1,000 yards with a close focus of 10 feet. They are perfect for a wide variety of tasks and have a solid 15.2mm eye relief. We recommend them for hunting, sporting events, and simply observing nature.

12. Best 10 x 50

The Prostaff series has a lot of different generations out there, and each new generation is a massive improvement on the previous one. The Nikon Prostaff 5 is a 10×50 set of binoculars with some serious class.

The rugged all black construction disguises a remarkable set of binoculars by giving them a subtle appearance. In addition to beauty, they present crystal clear images out to an impressive range. Nikon continues to innovate and impress, and the ProStaff 5 binoculars are proof.  

13. Top New Binocular from 2019

Classic binoculars can be pretty great, but technology marches ever forward and some amazing binoculars came out in 2019.

Bushnell’s Forge line was first shown at SHOT Show 2019 and quickly earned a reputation as a high-quality and high-performance hunting binocular.

Overview

The Bushnell Forge binocular is designed to be as tough and as clear as possible.

It’s an IPX-7 rated binocular that won’t care about how wet it gets. Nor does the Forge care much about dirt and mud, thanks to Bushnell’s new EXO barrier coating.

This is a special coating molecularly bonded to the lenses that repels all sorts of contaminants, from water to oil to dirt. It’s also resistant to scratches.

What You Get

The Bushnell Forge 8×42 has 10x magnification, which is good for most hunting scenarios. 8x and 15x are also available if you want less magnification to save on weight or more magnification at the expense of weight and a narrower field of view.

The armored body comes in a “terrain” color, which isn’t full camo but does blend in with dirt and fall foliage.

The prism glass is BAK-4, the lens glass is Bushnell’s ED Prime glass, and those lenses have the PC-3 Phase coating. All in all, you get excellent color accuracy and light transmission with the rugged Bushnell Forge.

14. Top New Binocular from 2019 #2

Steiner also unveiled some new binoculars at SHOT Show 2019. The Steiner Predator AF is the most technologically advanced binocular from 2019.

It’s not as powerful as some other hunting binoculars, and it doesn’t have the best field of view, but its special features may win you over.

Overview

The Steiner Predator AF is a Porro prism binocular with a wide bridge, so it takes up more space but fits well in your hand.

The “AF” in “Steiner Predator AF” stands for “auto focus.” First, you adjust the eyepiece for clarity. After that, you don’t have to adjust anything, whether you’re focusing on a tree 20 yards away or a coyote 200 yards away.

That, plus Steiner’s advanced Color Adjusted Transmission makes it easy to spot brown animals hiding in shady brown grass.

Combine the two features and you get a pair of binoculars you can use to quickly spot animals wherever they’re hiding!

What You Get

When you buy the Steiner Predator AF, you get a tough binocular with a ruggedized Makrolon body that’s waterproof and fogproof.

It’s a bit bulky compared to other binoculars, but the Predator AF doesn’t weigh as much as you’d expect from the size.

The package includes a carrying case, objective lens covers, a rain guard, and a neck strap. Oh, and the package also contains some of the most advanced hunting binoculars currently on the market!

How to Choose Binoculars?

Binoculars specs

FOV

Field of view or FOV is the measurement taken at a thousand yards of the area that you can see through the magnified lenses. As magnification increases, the FOV typically decreases. With variable binoculars, you’ll have different fields of view.

FOV is an important consideration if you are scanning for moving objects.

If you are tracking a deer or watching birds, it is a bigger concern than someone watching a football game. A wider FOV makes it easier to track an animal with minimal movement. The less you move, the less likely you are to disturb it.

Magnification

A binocular’s magnification is either fixed or zoomed.

It affects almost every aspect of your binoculars. The higher the magnification is, the bigger the optics has to be; the heavier they are, the more they cost, and the more challenging it is to make a clear and bright picture.

Binocular magnification comparison
Binocular view based on magnification compared to the naked eye’s view

High magnification is recommended when trying to observe smaller objects at longer distances. Moderate magnification is suited for most people’s needs, 8 to 10 power is typically what the average user needs.

As you go higher, you’ll begin to notice that it is harder to use the binoculars without support. At a certain point, it’s better to consider a spotting scope and tripod over a pair of binoculars.

Related: The Best Magnification for Binoculars (Hunting & Birding)

Prism Configuration

You have two different kinds of prism configurations:

1. Porro prism is the older style and is named after its inventor. Binoculars using this are the more affordable and simpler option. They also have the effect of creating a large set of binoculars.

2. Roof prism binoculars are sleeker, smaller, and more modern. The internal design is compacted to save size and weight, while still producing the same quality of the picture. They are also more costly.

Picture difference isn’t affected by prism design. This is more of a size issue.

Porro vs roof prism binoculars

Glass Type

Outside of the prism configuration, prism materials also cause some differences. The two major prism materials are BAK-4 and BK-7. These all affect the clarity of the binoculars and the ability to see finer details and colors.

BAK-4 is by far the clearest and if you value picture over price go with the BAK-4. BK-7 make for a more affordable set of binocs, with an average picture.

Exit Pupil

Exit pupil is the size of the beam of light that hits the eyes through the lenses of an optic which is measured in millimeters. Eye pupil size and exit pupil size work hand in hand when it comes to picture brightness and clarity.

Eye pupil diameter changes throughout the day. It becomes bigger as the light dims and shrinks when it becomes brighter. The clearest and brightest picture is achieved when the eye pupil and exit pupil sizes match as closely as possible.

Do the Math

To find the exit pupil of your binoculars, simply take the objective lens diameter and divide it by the magnification.

So if you have a set of binocs with a fixed 8 power magnification and a 40mm objective lens, you have a constant 5mm exit pupil. If you plan to use your binoculars mostly in low light conditions, you’ll want a large objective lens to maximize exit pupil size.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance (measured in millimeters) from the lenses of the binoculars to the eyes of the user.

It is merely the optimal range. It can vary slightly per user, but you have the perfect eye relief when you have a full picture without any black around the view.

Some binoculars have adjustable eyecups that allow the user to adjust the eye relief for individual preference. This is important for those who wear glasses because they need a longer eye relief.

Other binoculars offer dioptric adjustments that allow the user to finely focus it to their eye discrepancies. Some of these dioptric adjustments are also locking, meaning they will not slide, slip or change when jumbled, stored, or moved

Durability

Hunting and tactical binoculars need to be more durable than birding or sports watching binoculars. At the very least, your field glasses should be both water and fogproof. From there you can move up to features like being shockproof and the like.

Other Considerations

Waterproof binocular in a waterfall

Heavy-duty

The external durability of the binoculars is an important consideration for people who are looking to rough up their optics.

Hunters, tactical users, explorers, wildfire firefighters among others need binoculars that can resist the damage and abuse tossed at it — which includes internal durability like being waterproof and fogproof.

However, these users may also want external rubberized or hard plastic armor; and for their binoculars be submersible, meaning they can be tossed in water and still work.

Purpose

Birding with binoculars

How you plan to use your binoculars is also essential. I’ve mentioned here and there how different factors apply to various purposes.

Hunters and birders need a nice and wide field of view. Birders typically do not need rugged and armored binoculars for bird watching. Hunters and tactical users, on the other hand, need tough and rugged ones.

You need to take an objective look at how you want to use your binoculars to decide what features you need. Here are a few quick examples.

Birders

  • Wide FOV
  • Extreme clarity
  • Easy focus
  • Light weight

Hunters

  • Wide FOV
  • Internal and external durability
  • Light to moderate weight
  • Clarity

Tactical

  • Internal and external durability
  • Reticle for measurements
  • Compact and light design
  • Clarity

Size and Weight

The bigger the binoculars, the more of a pain in the neck they are. I mean that quite literally. Hanging heavy optics from your neck can be painful, especially when moving.

Heavier binoculars are harder and uncomfortable to use for extended periods. They also tend to have either a higher level of magnification or is more reinforced for durability.

Lighter and compact binoculars are easier to carry and use for extended periods, they are usually for general purpose. Purpose-built binoculars are for more specific applications like maritime and long distance observation. Larger sets are more suited for still use like hunting.

Zeiss terra ed
Zeiss TERRA ED – Compact, light and robust.

Close Focus Capability

Close focus capability is not an important consideration for everyone. Since the primary purpose of binoculars is to look at objects from afar, many people do not consider it.

The close focus of binoculars is crucial when you are looking at smaller things at close to moderate distances.

The biggest group of optics enthusiasts that need to pay attention to close focus are birders. Small, darting birds are easily observed when your optic has a close focus of fewer than 10 feet or so. It makes it possible to see the fine details of a bird, like the wings, beaks, etc.

Digiscoping

Digiscoping with binoculars and smartphone

Digiscoping with binoculars is not impossible and is becoming more common.

Unlike spotting scopes, people aren’t using expensive DSLR cameras. Instead, they are combining their smartphones with their binoculars and a specialized adapter. You need to make sure that your binoculars have an adapter that fits your smartphone if you plan on doing this.

Cost

Cost is the most subjective of all these considerations. Binoculars, like most optics, are a get what you pay for scenario. The sharpest picture and the highest level of durability are going to cost you.

Regardless of how much you spend, the wise way to protect your investment is to look into the company’s warranty.

Leading Binocular Brands

Nikon

Nikon

Nikon is well known in the optics world. They dabble in a bit of everything — from cameras to rifle scopes, they have you covered.

While it’s great to have a big brand with a good reputation, Nikon suffers from what all big brands do — lack of specialization. Because they produce so much, they rarely take the time to innovate and create something new.

Instead, they stick to what works. This isn’t always a bad thing though. If it works, it works right?

Brand highlight

They produce a very wide range of serviceable binoculars that function well. Their lines are varied and compromise everything from compact (basically disposable) binoculars, to those made to present a stable picture on a rocking ship.

What you tend to notice is a large weight increase in higher end optics and a stronger built binocular.

Below those high-end optics, you average out in weight well. Here you begin to run into problems that are more pet peeves than anything. Things like sloppy focus that can be produced when wearing gloves.

Conclusion

Nikon binoculars in general work pretty well. They present an average picture and sell for a decent price. As a middle of the road to lower end, they are a good choice.

They also include a good variety of accessories with every set of binoculars — carrying cases, straps, etc. Plus their warranty is nice and forgiving.

Bushnell

Bushnell falcon
Falcon

Bushnell comes close to Nikon when it comes to size and scope of their company. The difference is that Bushnell is solely focused on the sporting optics world and doesn’t branch off into cameras or anything else.

Their optics are in the middle price range with deviations into the higher and lower ends as well.

On the bottom end of the spectrum, you may not get an entirely clear picture all the time, but the binoculars are often well made and quite affordable. This makes them an excellent budget option for hunters.

Brand highlight

The focus on strength and durability makes it possible for the user to abuse their binocs to high heaven. They are shock, water, and fogproof. The Raindguard HD technology that they include on most binoculars is amazing and works efficiently.

They have a broad selection. They have optics for hunting, sightseeing, tactical operations, and just about everything in between. They also produce a full line of accessories for their binoculars such as a tripod adapter, a tripod, and a harness.

Conclusion

The biggest downside is that Bushnell optics never shine optically in their mid and lower priced models. They perform adequately, but you’re never wowed or really impressed.

The only other issue is weight; they tend to be heavy. This is certainly tied to the fact that they are well constructed.

Bushnell’s tactical line definitely deserves a look for the soldier on a budget.

Vortex

Vortex diamondback
Diamondback

Vortex is an optics company that seems to care about their product and their customers. Their warranty is one of the best in the business and quality isn’t too far behind.

Brand highlight

Vortex impressively produces light weight binoculars that are rugged and tough at the same time. Their binoculars probably offer the best protection and weight ratio out there. This is due to the magnesium chassis that cuts weight and improves strength.

They also manufacture the lineup of binoculars with an option in every price range. The Viper series and the Kaibab are certainly the best in the Vortex line. Their dependability is top notch, and they are made to take the beating and keep on kicking.

Vortex targets its optics at tactical and hunting applications, so they are water and fogproof. It is coated with rubber armor and ArmorTek lens coating. They also create impressive optical capabilities, their mid to higher priced models being the most impressive.

You get a nice, clear, and bright picture especially in the models with wider objective lenses like the Viper 10×50.

Conclusion

Some downsides include the fact that the Vortex optics are relatively expensive. Other companies offer optics with similar features for a lower price if you are willing to shop around.

Overall Vortex optics are well made, excellent outdoors optics that are rugged, and crystal clear.

Swarovski

Swarovski fernglas pocket
Fernglas Pocket

If you are a picky person, someone who is discerning to the maximum when it comes to a clear picture, then Swarovski is for you. They keep their binocular lines limited, but they focus on the utmost quality possible for a set of binoculars.

Brand highlight

What does that mean? Well, you get an incredibly clear picture. It’s like going from 320 to 4k overnight. They use some of the best glass in the industry and combines it with the use of field flattener lenses.

Field flattener lenses offer an excellent peripheral vision possible in a set of binoculars, making everything in the lens crystal clear.

The insides are great, but so is the outside. The binoculars produced by Swarovski are durable. They are waterproof to the point of being submersible up to 13 feet. They can operate on extreme spectrums of temperature.

The small details are also impressive — the focusing knob, the eyecups, and the ergonomic grips.

Conclusion

So what is the catch to great binoculars? Well first and foremost is the price. Swarovski optics are quite expensive. These can indeed be described as heirloom binoculars, and they are capable of being passed down to the next generation.

Swarovski binoculars are also on the heavier side as compared to others. The weight difference isn’t significant but should be noted. Also, the field of view provided is just average, for high-end optics a bit more is expected.

Leupold

Leupold bx-2 acadia
BX-2 Acadia

Leupold, a lot could be said, and a lot has been said. Leupold has been producing optics longer than I’ve been alive and have had a great reputation since the beginning.

Their worldwide police and military contracts are a testament to their quality. They do an excellent job of constantly innovating and presenting newer and better optics. Their binocular lines include designs that are both considered classic and innovative.

Brand highlight

Leupold binoculars are well made from the external armor, a rugged internal design, and are waterproof. They are all fully multi-coated, and provide a bright and clear picture. They use a BAK-4 prism and a very smooth focusing device.

What is truly impressive is the fact that Leupold provides these elements in all of their lines, even their lower priced optics. They offer both Porro and roof prism designs, and feature binoculars that are tripod ready.

Conclusion

Leupold just offers a ton in their binocular lines, all appropriately priced. If there is a complaint, it is the fact that some of their optics can range over into the heavier side of the aisle.

Other than that, their line of binoculars is tough enough to last through lots of abuse and it provides a crystal clear picture. Add in the fact that they extend this quality to their cheaper models and have a line of accessories ready to go, and you get a winning combination.

Final Thoughts

Binoculars can be a handy piece of gear to have. They are often more convenient than spotting scopes for intermediate spotting and for watching.

Regardless of your hobby, if you are dedicated to seeing a clear and consistent picture without having to setup a tripod and use a spotting scope, binoculars are the way to go. They are more portable and a lot cheaper than a spotting scope.

It’s certainly one of the worthy investments you can make in pursuing outdoor hobbies.

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