The problem when you're buying a new pair of binoculars is that you need different specs and characteristics for different purposes, and if you don't know exactly what you need, it's easy to buy a pair that's totally wrong for you. Birdwatching requires sharp, chromatic aberration-free optics, while astronomy needs large objective lenses and tripod compatibility — and a general purpose binocular should sit somewhere in the middle.
We've rounded up the best options for each usage case, based on our reviews and experience, to bring you the top models on the market.
Excellent optics for the price
Celestron Regal ED 10x42The Celestron Regal ED 10x42 are an ideal all-rounder for general purpose viewing, birdwatching and stargazing. They have excellent quality optics for the money with minimal optical defects, and perform better than some of the more expensive models we've tried.
Read our full Celestron Regal ED 10x42 review
ED glass eliminates chromatic aberration — useful for everything from birdwatching to stargazingComfortable to hold, with a good gripWaterproof and fogproof for use in any weatherField-flattening lenses eliminate curvature, giving sharp views all the way to the edges of the frameViews are bright, sharp and detailedExcellent image quality for the price340 feet (113 m) FOV is good for a range of subjectsVery generous 20mm eye reliefCons
Focus wheel is a little too freeCarry bag doesn't fit the binocular and neckstrap10x magnification could give slightly shaky views — if you're a birder, size down to the 8x42.
The low-light bins
Olympus 8x42 ProIf you're looking for a pair of general purpose binoculars that also work well in the dark, the Olympus 8x42 Pro are one of the best we've tried. They have a ton of lens and prism coatings to increase light transmission and increase sharpness and contrast, plus the large exit pupil and 42mm objectives keep things clear and bright. The only letdown is that the ED glass doesn't fully eliminate color fringing, but that's only really noticeable around highly contrasted subjects.
Read our full Olympus 8x42 Pro review
ED glass does a good job at reducing chromatic aberrationA whole lineup of lens and prism coatings, including dielectric multilayer prism coating to increase light transmission, full multi-coated lenses to reduce flare and glare, phase-coated prisms to increase sharpness and contrast, and Olympus ZERO Coating (Zuiko Extra-Low Reflection Optical) to minimize internal reflectionsNitrogen-filled body to prevent fogging, with waterproof constructionOil-repellent coating for easy removal of water droplets and dirtGenerous 18mm eye relief430 feet (131 m) FOV is great for bird-watchingLarge 5.25mm exit pupil and 42mm objective lenses produces bright and clear image in low lightCons
No provided screw thread for tripod mountingSlight amount of color fringing around backlit subjects against a bright sky
If you're on a budget
Nikon Prostaff P7 10x42An excellent budget option that still boasts impressive optical performance, the Nikon Prostaff P7 10x42 are durable, portable and offer high-quality views despite lacking ED glass. They're ideal if you're on a budget but you don't want to buy cheap tat.
Read our Nikon Prostaff P7 10x42 reviewRead our Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 review
Durable build and finishExcellent optical performance, especially for the price367 feet (111 m) FOV gives a nice, wide viewLocking diopter adjustment wheel prevents accidental defocusing during useSlim and lightweight buildDielectric and phase-coated prisms to increase light transmission and improve sharpness and contrastWaterproof down to 1m and nitrogen purged to prevent foggingCons
4.2mm exit pupil is a little smallCarry case could be plusher15.7mm eye relief is fine if you wear glasses, but not the most generous option we've seenNo ED glass Celestron Regal ED 10x42Jase Parnell-BrookesCelestron Regal ED 10x42Jase Parnell-BrookesCelestron Regal ED 10x42Kimberley LaneOlympus 8x42 ProGavin StokerOlympus 8x42 ProGavin StokerNikon Prostaff P7 10x42Jase Parnell-BrookesNikon Prostaff P7 10x42Jase Parnell-BrookesBack to the top ⤴Best for birdwatching
The premium option
Swarovski NL Pure 8x42This is quite possibly the best pair of birding binoculars we've ever used, but it comes at a steep cost. The Swarovski NL Pure 8x42 (the "NL" standing for "Nature Lovers") are sharp and bright with zero imperfections or defects — they're practically perfect. They're a big investment, admittedly — but you'll never need to buy another pair of binoculars again.
Read our review of the 8x32 variant
Fantastic image qualityCompact design with wasp waist that makes them comfortable to hold for long periodsGenerous 18mm eye reliefVery wide 521 feet (159 m) FOV is ideal for tracking birds in flight and finding animals in woodland scenesLarge 5.3mm exit pupil provides excellent low-light performanceWaterproof and nitrogen purged to prevent foggingFeatures field-flattening technology (which they call "Swarovision") to offset curvature and provide sharpness towards the edges of the frameCons
ExpensiveDiopter is a little stiff, and awkwardly placed
The pair "most people" should get
Hawke Frontier ED X 8x42If you're looking for an excellent pair of birding binoculars and haven't quite reached the realms of "full-time professional twitcher often found hiding in the bushes with a $4,000 pair of binoculars," the Hawke Frontier ED X 8x42 are an exceptional choice.
Read our full Hawke Frontier ED X 8x42 review
Excellent build qualityFantastic optics, especially for the priceED glass eliminates color fringing around contrasted subjectsDielectric prism coatings enhance light transmission — ideal for dawn/dusk and woodland areasPremium accessories that make them easy to carry and access swiftly and safelyGenerous 18mm eye reliefLarge 5.3mm exit pupil426 feet (129.8 m) FOV is great for wide-field viewingWaterproof and fogproofCons
Not the most lightweight 8x42Some softness around the edges
Mid-tier Nikon option
Nikon Monarch M7 8x42With Nikon producing such high-quality camera lenses, it makes sense that the company's binoculars follow suit. The Monarch M7 line is a premium mid-tier option with a wide field of view for birding, and is specifically constructed to handle the outdoors.
Read the full review at our sister site, Digital Camera World
435 feet (132 m) FOV is great for following birdsLarge 5.3mm exit pupil keeps things bright and comfortable to look throughED glass eliminates chromatic aberrationWaterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent foggingDielectric and phase-coated prisms for bright colors and high-resolution viewsLocking diopter prevents accidental defocusingCompact and lightweight enough to carry in a coat pocketCons
Focus wheel is on the stiff sideThe very edges of the frame are a little soft Hawke Frontier ED X 8x42Kimberley LaneHawke Frontier ED X 8x42Kimberley LaneHawke Frontier ED X 8x42Kimberley LaneBack to the top ⤴
Excellent budget binos
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 BinocularsIf you want something in-between handheld binoculars and a telescope, these large astronomy binoculars will do the job perfectly. They're an affordable entry point into stargazing that will give you great views of the moon, Jupiter's moons and bright deep-sky objects.
Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 review
Affordable for beginnersBright, sharp viewsCan view a variety of celestial objects, from the moon to Jupiter's rings and brighter deep-space objectsTripod adapter includedComes with a carry bag and strapGenerous 18mm eye relief4.7mm exit pupil works well for astronomyCons
Noticeable chromatic aberration due to lack of ED glass, but it's not too distracting for new observersBig and heavy — requires a tripodStiff focus wheelCan't see Saturn's ringsLens caps aren't tethered, so they could be easily lostNot fogproof
For serious deep-sky stargazing
Celestron SkyMaster 25x100If you want the best possible binocular views of the night sky without having to buy and set up a telescope, these massive astronomy binoculars are like having two small telescopes side by side.
Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 review
Large 25x magnification provides detailed views100mm objective lenses are perfect for nighttime viewingDecent 15mm eye reliefIndividual eyepiece focus ensures you get a perfect viewWe had contrast-filled views of the moon, and great views of Juputer's moons and bright deep space objectsCons
Heavy at 8.75 lbs (3.97 kg) — a sturdy tripod is essentialThe tripod mounting tube often slipped loose when we tested themNo central focus wheelFor their size, we'd have liked them to feel more rugged
For handheld stargazing
Celestron Nature DX ED 10x50If you don't want to mount your binoculars on a tripod, these 10x50 handheld binos are perfect for taking on camping trips, hiking or if you just want to sweep them across the sky with ease.
Read our review of the 10x42 variant
ED glass to reduce chromatic aberrationLarge 5mm exit pupilWaterproof and fogproofSharp and clear optics for the price10x50 is excellent for low light viewingThey're lightweight enough to handhold, but they're also tripod mountableGenerous 17.8mm eye reliefCons
Some color fringing around highly contrasted subjectsNot the most premium feeling Celestron SkyMaster 15x70Jase Parnell-BrookesCelestron SkyMaster 15x70Jase Parnell-BrookesCelestron SkyMaster 15x70Jase Parnell-BrookesCelestron SkyMaster 25x100Matt MorrisCelestron SkyMaster 25x100Matt MorrisBack to the top ⤴Best compact binoculars
Excellent for the price
Hawke Endurance ED 8x25An all-around fantastic pair of compact binoculars that are sharp, bright and fit in the palm of your hand. Our optics writer went out and bought herself a pair after testing them.
Read our full Hawke Endurance ED 8x25 review
Barely any chromatic aberration thanks to the ED glassSmall, lightweight folding design that fits in the palm of your handBright and sharp opticsSurprisingly good for getting a (brief) closer look at the moon and starsExcellent optics for the priceCons
13mm eye relief isn't great if you wear glassesNot the best for dedicated astronomy or low-light observationsSmall 3.1mm exit pupil
A great all-rounder
Olympus 8x25 WP IIAn affordable option to throw in your backpack or pocket for hiking, and a more "general purpose" pair of binoculars that offer good optics for the price. However, with no ED glass, birders will want to opt for another pair.
Read our full Olympus 8x25 WP II review
Compact and portableRobustly constructedBetter than expected image qualityReasonably pricedWaterproof and fogproofCons
The small untethered lens caps provided are easy to loseSmall objective lensAverage 15mm eye reliefNo ED glass to combat color fringing
For superior optics
Swarovski CL Companion 10x30A compact and lightweight option from Swarovski that offers crystal-clear optics, premium build quality and excellent performance. A great choice if you want a binocular for multiple purposes, as opposed to a dedicated birding or astronomy binocular.
Read the full review at our sister site, Digital Camera World
Crystal-clear opticsCan tolerate -25 to +55 degreesWaterproof down to 4mCompact and lightweight at just 490gSharp all the way to the edgesGenerous 18mm eye reliefCons
Premium price pointSmall 3mm exit pupilNot best suited as a primary birding or astronomy binocularNot as portable as folding binoculars Hawke Endurance ED 8x25Kimberley LaneHawke Endurance ED 8x25Kimberley LaneHawke Endurance ED 8x25Kimberley LaneOlympus 8x25 WP II FutureOlympus 8x25 WP II FutureBack to the top ⤴
Best all-rounder
Canon 10x42L IS WPThese binoculars feature Canon's bright L-series optics. shared with many of their camera lenses, which provide sharp views that become smooth and steady with the effective image stabilization.
Read our full Canon 10x42L IS WP review
Canon’s first image-stabilized binos to offer waterproofingPowerful magnification and top-tier optical quality with Canon's 'L' series glassStabilization works effectively at the push of a buttonGood 16mm eye reliefNice 4.2mm exit pupilLocking diopter prevents accidental defocusingCons
Priced at a premiumHeavy to hold for extended periods at 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)Needs AA batteries for image stabilizer
Extra reach
Canon 15x50 IS All WeatherFor a higher magnification that doesn't require a tripod, these stabilized binoculars are ideal for stargazing, wildlife and marine use — although the "all-weather" label is somewhat misleading as they're only splash-proof as opposed to being fully waterproof.
Read our full Canon 15x50 IS All-Weather review
Sharp optics free from distortionStabilization steadies higher magnificationThoughtful eyepiece designUseful magnification for wildlife and stargazingCons
Rubberized coating scratches easilyEyecup design gives limited eye reliefMight be too large for someNot fully waterproof, only splash-resistant (JIS 4)
Compact stabilization
Nikon Stabilized 12x25 SThese tiny stabilized binoculars from Nikon are currently the smallest IS binos on the market, with 10x25 and 12x25 options available. They're perfect for general observations and marine use, although there are a few trade-offs to keep them so compact.
Read the Nikon 12x25 S review on our sister site, Space.com
Tiny and lightweight at 14 oz (395 g), making them easy to carry and slip into a pocketImage stabilization provides steady views for stargazing and wildlife observationDecent price for IS binocularsCenter of the image is sharpGood for getting a closer view of stars, plus the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula were just about visibleCons
Darker views compared to the naked eyeSmall 2.1mm exit pupil restricts viewsNot waterproof or fogproofPrice is steep for compact binoculars (especially if you don't really need stabilization)Stabilization is not as strong as Canon 10x42L IS WP, but the appeal of the Nikon is its size and portabilitySoftness towards the edge of the image circle Canon 10x42L IS WPFutureCanon 10x42L IS WPFutureCanon 10x42L IS WPFutureCanon 15x50 IS All WeatherJason Parnell-BrookesCanon 15x50 IS All WeatherJason Parnell-BrookesCanon 15x50 IS All WeatherJason Parnell-BrookesBack to the top ⤴Best premium
Compact quality
Swarovski NL Pure 8x32If you want a compact and lightweight binocular that doesn't skimp on optical quality, we loved the Swarovski NL Pure 8x32s. The images were crystal-clear and defect-free, and we thought they were worth every cent. Keep in mind, this variant isn't the most suitable for frequent low-light observing, so choose a pair with larger objective lenses for that.
Read our full Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 review
Image quality is incredibleSharp right to the edges thanks to field-flattening technology (Swarovision) and no chromatic aberration at all thanks to the ED glassCompact and lightweight with an easy-to-hold wasp-waist designGreat quality accessories — even the box is premium18mm eye relief for glasses-wearersGood 4mm exit pupil for everyday useWaterproof and fogproof for use in any conditionsLots of variant optionsCons
Stiff, awkwardly-placed diopter8x32 variant isn't the best option for low-light viewing, although it's totally fine for casual stargazing
The classic 8x42
Leica Noctivid 10x42The Leica Noctivids are one of our favorite binoculars we've ever tested, boasting supreme sharpness and a premium finish from head to toe. The lack of a tripod adapter seems like an odd omission, but it's not a dealbreaker considering the outstanding optical quality.
Read our full Leica Noctivid 10x42 review
Stunning finish on the olive green versionInconspicuous locking diopter wheelNo chromatic aberration thanks to the ED glassGenerous 19mm eye relief Bright views and excellent color reproduction, even on dull, overcast daysWeighty and premium feelWaterproof down to 5m and fogproofCons
Black color not as attractive as the greenNo tripod adapterLimited variants available — only 8x42 or 10x42
The NL Pure rival
Zeiss Victory SF 8x42Often considered the main rival to Swarovski's NL Pure range, the Zeiss Victory SF are every bit as good on the whole, but with slightly cooler tones and ever so slightly brighter views.
Sharp, high-resolution views with excellent color and contrastUltra-wide 148m FOV at 1,000m — perfect for birdingNo color fringing, flare or ghostingLarge 5.3mm exit pupilGenerous 18mm eye reliefWaterproof and fogproofThey feel surprisingly light, despite weighing 1.7 lbs (790 g), with their "ErgoBalance" shifting the weight towards the eyepiecesField flattener ensures sharp views to the edge of the image circleSmartFocus system only requires only 1.4 turns to get from close focus (1.5m) to infinityCons
The body is quite long for an 8x42NL Pure's have the edge for astronomy Swarovski NL Pure 8x32Kimberley LaneSwarovski NL Pure 8x32Kimberley LaneSwarovski NL Pure 8x32Kimberley LaneSwarovski NL Pure 8x32Kimberley LaneLeica Noctivid 10x42Jase Parnell-BrookesLeica Noctivid 10x42Jase Parnell-BrookesLeica Noctivid 10x42Jase Parnell-BrookesBack to the top ⤴What binocular magnification do I need?
What binocular magnification do I need?
It depends what you're observing. Small, compact binoculars tend to have 7x or 8x magnification to keep the size down, with 8x also being the sweet spot for birdwatching, giving you enough power to identify birds without introducing any wobble. 10x is great for general purpose viewing, and for stargazing, you can use anywhere from 8x all the way up to 25x, depending on how close you want to see the sky (objective lens diameter matters more for stargazing).
Simply put, the larger your objective lens, the more light the binocular will let in. If you want to observe in low-light conditions, pick a pair with at least 42mm. For dedicated stargazing, we'd recommend at least 50mm. 25mm and 32mm are ideal for casual daytime viewing, and the smaller lenses mean more lightweight and compact binoculars, too.
Can I use binoculars if I wear glasses?
Yes, provided the binoculars have enough eye relief. Eye relief is the distance (in milimeters) from your eye to the ocular lens without seeing any tunnel vision, vignetting or shadows. A long eye relief (above 15mm-ish) is perfect if you wear glasses, but it's worth noting that some smaller models have a fairly short eye relief, so it's worth checking before you buy if you can't take your glasses off.
ED stands for "Extra-Low Dispersion". When light passes through standard, non-ED glass, it bends and splits into individual colors, and typically shows up as purple or green fringing around contrasted edges, like birds against the sky, treetops or the moon. This is known as color fringing or chromatic aberration. ED glass prevents this by forcing the different wavelengths of light to bend and align at the exact same focal point. Think of it like using AutoTune on a tone-deaf choir.
This color fringing typically shows up a lot when you're birdwatching, so it's important to buy a pair with ED glass if that's your main focus.
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