Getting the best binoculars means having a clear idea of what you want to use them for, how much weight you're prepared to carry around, and how much you can afford to spend. High-end binoculars are, not surprisingly, pretty expensive, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get a perfectly good pair ideal for your favorite pastime or hobby.
If your subjects will be a long way away then you'll need decent magnification, though be aware that the higher the magnification, the harder it's going to be to keep the image steady, though a tripod can help you out here for extended periods of wildlife spotting.
If you're using binoculars in low light, and especially for astronomy, then you'll also need light-gathering power, and for this, you need big objective lenses. The bigger the lenses, the easier it will be to make out faint or dim objects – and a good pair of binoculars can reveal more detail in the night sky than you could ever imagine. But big lenses also mean more weight and potentially more arm strain, which is why astronomers often mount their binoculars on a tripod to reduce shake and fatigue.
In general use, then, you'll want to pick a compromise between magnification, light-gathering power, and weight. Sports fans and casual ramblers will often pick binos with modest specs in both regards, just to get binoculars small enough and light enough to fit in a jacket pocket.
Below we list the best binoculars available today, from a range of manufacturers. We've selected specific models here, but remember that many of the binoculars in this list are also available in other sizes and magnifications.
There is no question that the best value-for-money binoculars are the Nikon Prostaff P3's/ These entry-level binoculars really impressed us when we reviewed them.
If your looking for the best binoculars then the Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 compact binoculars are just the thing to let you observe wildlife from as close to 3 meters all the way up to 132 meters – with crystal clear vision, but they will cost you a lot of pennies, there are worth every single one, but the price is a big pill to swallow.
We've also put a more detailed section on how to choose the best binoculars right at the end of this guide, just in case you'd like a little more information before deciding.
best binoculars: our top picks
Best rated binoculars
The ability to get a close focus on nearby objects as well as a reasonably wide field of view makes the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 binoculars useful for a wide range of outdoor uses, as does the tough build quality and the ED glass, which gives excellent images in our review, which were bright, colorful and sharp.
Best for long distance
All of Canon’s current range of binos have the ‘IS’ suffix in their model name to denote the fact they’re image-stabilized binoculars. This battery-operated option enables you to get a wobble-free image by just pressing a button on the binoculars – and the stabilizing effect is both instant and jaw-dropping.
Best entry-level binoculars
The Prostaff P3 binoculars are an entry-level viewing instrument that we were really impressed with when reviewing. Nikon has saved on manufacturing costs where it counts, mainly in the accessories that these binoculars ship with, but has retained the high-quality optics that I expect to see in a Nikon product.
The best binoculars in 2023
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The ability to get a close focus on nearby objects as well as a reasonably wide field of view makes the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 binoculars useful for a wide range of outdoor uses, as does the tough build quality and the ED glass, which gives excellent images in our review, which were bright, colorful and sharp.
If you're after a mid-range pair of large binoculars ideal for wildlife viewing, the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 fits the bill perfectly.
Read our full Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 review for more details
All of Canon’s current range of binos have the ‘IS’ suffix in their model name to denote the fact they’re image-stabilized binoculars. This battery-operated option enables you to get a wobble-free image by just pressing a button on the binoculars – and the stabilizing effect is both instant and jaw-dropping.
From the broad range of Canon IS options available, I picked the rubber-coated Canon 10x42L IS WP model as the best. As the name suggests, they’re also waterproof, so ideal for an even broader range of long-distance pursuits. Plus, Canon’s ‘L’ series is its premium lineup, providing a super steady view in the most adverse of conditions.
As well as rock-solid stability, these porro prism binoculars sit comfortably in your hand and sport a comfortably long (at 16mm) eye relief, plus a large 4.2mm exit pupil for a bright field of view. They also offer the closest focusing distance that’s closer than most, at just 2.5 meters.
Read our full Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review for more details
The Prostaff P3 binoculars are an entry-level viewing instrument that we were really impressed with when reviewing. Nikon has saved on manufacturing costs where it counts, mainly in the accessories that these binoculars ship with, but has retained the high-quality optics that I expect to see in a Nikon product.
If you decide to grab these, even if they’re not in a sale, we’re confident you’ll feel pleased with the results. But I'd probably swap out the neck strap and lens covers if we were going to upgrade these over time. Overall though, any beginner or enthusiast who wants to birdwatch, spot wildlife, or view vehicles and air shows will find them a fantastic wide-field observation instrument that should last for many years.
Read our full Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binocular review for more details
If you can't decide between buying binoculars primarily for wildlife or astronomy then you only have one decision to make. Perfect for both day and night activities, 10x42 or 10x50 binoculars are the best options for most people, though the Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50s we have here are a definite step-up product that comes with a unique chest harness for extra comfort and quick deployment.
With the excellent build quality and superb optics, I think the Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 should be candidate binoculars for anyone looking for a step-up option to use for many years in all kinds of scenarios, from wildlife to sport to astronomy.
Read our full Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 review for more details
If price isn't a concern and you just want the best optical quality on the market to date, then this pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 compact binoculars are just the thing to let you observe wildlife from as close to 3 meters all the way up to 132 meters – with crystal clear vision.
If you're looking for the best optical quality binoculars that are also lightweight for carrying long distances, and that let you see your observations from a far distance, these are possibly the best compact binoculars you can buy, and I've tested a few!
With the lightweight construction of the CL Companion binoculars and the impeccable build quality, you can be sure your investment will withstand the test of time, which is what you would expect as these are far from cheap. But I say you get what you pay for and the optical quality of these binoculars is possibly the best on the market.
Read our full Swarovski CL Companion 10x30 review for more details
A sweet spot for binoculars, the Celestron Nature DX 12x56 pack a heck of a lot of optics into a tidy, affordable package. A close minimum focusing distance and 12x magnification make them ideal beginner wildlife binoculars and their 56mm objective lenses even offer some nighttime views (especially of the moon) an attractive opportunity.
Are they the sharpest? No. Do they have no color fringing? No. But are they one of the best binoculars you can buy for the price? Wholeheartedly, yes I think so. Just big enough to zoom in on far-away subjects without becoming cumbersome, the DX 12x56 is the model of the line-up to get.
Read our full Celestron Nature DX 12x56 review for more details
Offering the perfect balance between portability, durability, and image quality, the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 manages to straddle the divide between affordability and quality. They offer good views across the board, with the optical highlight including a wide field of view and a close focus.
We were also impressed by the extras in the box, particularly a harness housed in a small stuff sack. If you’re after a step-up pair of full-size binoculars with a slice of quality then the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 is a great candidate.
Read our full Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binocular review for more details
Binoculars are a great alternative to a traditional telescope for observing the night sky - as long as they have enough magnification. And these incredibly well-priced Celestron binos have a huge 15x magnification which can help you to observe galaxies, planets, and lunar details.
In our tests, you can just about handhold them, but they are better used with a tripod - and very conveniently they provide you with an adaptor that simplifies attaching them to three-legged support.
Read our full Celestron Skymaster 15x70 review for more details
The Nikon Action EX 12x50 is a great value combination of high power and light-gathering. If you really want to get closer to objects then look for binoculars with 16x magnification – and prepare to always use a tripod – but we think 12x is a worthy upgrade from 10x binoculars without hugely adding to the weight.
Yes, the Nikon Action EX 12x50 is heavy, but the extra power they offer (and for very little extra outlay) alongside their rugged design and clean crisp, and colorful images make them a great option if long-distance observing is your objective.
Read our full Nikon Action EX 12x50 review for more details
Something of a bargain, this pair of Celestron BaK-4 prism binoculars boasts 8x magnification and multi-coated optics to keep your view as clear as possible. This isn't the only size available – you can get these Outland X binoculars in other magnifications and sizes too. They're suitable for outdoor use by birders and wildlife watchers, thanks not only to said magnification but also to a sturdy polycarbonate build and waterproofing.
The decent-sized 42mm objective lenses on offer here gather a lot of light, making these binoculars suitable for use in dim conditions as well as in regular daylight. A large smooth-feel focus wheel aids operation and a long 18mm eye relief delivers viewing comfort. Capable of being tripod mounted if desired, a strap, lens cloth and carry case come as standard, plus a limited lifetime warranty.
Read our full Celestron Outland X 8x42 review for more details
Nikon is a reassuring name when it comes to optical quality, and its binoculars are made with just as much care and attention to detail as its lenses. So much so in fact that this pair of Nikon binoculars won a Red Dot design award.
These binoculars are armored and come with a non-slip construction, available in 8x42 and 10x42 configurations. The highly reflective silver alloy mirror coating on the surface of the prism lenses delivers a light and clear view that's comfortable to enjoy for long periods thanks to the long eye relief.
The binoculars are also fog-proof, with a sealed O-ring and nitrogen-purged innards. As an all-around option at an affordable price point, these are the best binoculars you can buy today.
Read our full Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 binocular review for more details
To shoot for the stars, you obviously need a pair of binoculars with a high magnification factor, as well as ones with excellent light-gathering abilities. You'll find both here with the splendidly named ‘SkyMaster’, ensuring this affordable pair is tailor-made for amateur astronomers, allowing for use at dusk, dawn, and night.
Multi-coated lenses combine with BaK-4 prisms to allow for increased light transmission and therefore high contrast images with bags of detail. Stargazers will also benefit from the fact that this option can be tripod mounted, while it also has its own center support rod for increased stability.
A polycarbonate and aluminum build provides both robustness and portability, while you also get a product that is waterproofed and fog-proofed with it, which is especially useful on cold winter nights.
Read our full Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 review for more details or The best telescopes for astrophotography
This bright, sharp, and reliable model from the Olympus Pro lineup (a new 8x42 version is also available) feature nano coating for the first time in the range. Olympus is renowned for its optical expertise, so it’s no surprise that we get the same high-performance Zuiko optics that it deploys with its camera systems. Indeed, the claim here is these binoculars' optics offer unprecedented light transmittance for their class.
They're compact, ergonomically designed, and of rugged construction that prevents any ingress from water if submerged at a depth of one meter for five minutes. Close-up performance is also impressive, with the ability to view subjects as near as 1.5m.
Nitrogen filling prevents fogging while the design is slim and simple. An extendable eye relief provides comfort for spectacle wearers, as do a dioptric adjustment ring, flip-down lens cap, and a new strap mount. A 15-year warranty provides extra peace of mind.
Read our full Olympus 10x42 Pro binocular review for more details
One of the newest premium binoculars on the market comes from Nikon in either 8x30 or – as we’ve selected for our top pick – 10x30 options. The Nikon Monarch HG 10x30 binoculars are not only compact and relatively portable at 450g, but the magnesium alloy build also has the benefit of being water and fog-proofed too. The idea is that these are the performance of Nikon’s Monarch HG 42mm diameter version but in a smaller body.
The use of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass corrects chromatic aberration that can cause color fringing, while comfort is provided via a soft-to-the-touch neck strap. Both Nikon’s 10x and 8x options are supplied with a semi-hard-type case for protection when transporting. A tripod adaptor for each is an optional extra. If you’re looking for the best compact binoculars, this pair from the camera stalwart takes the crown.
Read our full Nikon Monarch HG 10x30 binocular review for more details
The Vixen SG 2.1x42 is all about immersion and not magnification. You would never use them for birdwatching and nor would you want to take them on a safari, but used as a second pair of specialist binoculars for stargazing they impress. Yes, the magnification is lacking, but that's how they’re able – in conjunction with some excellent glass within a superb all-around build – to create an addictive wide-angle view of the night sky.
If you've always preferred naked-eye stargazing to the close-up views offered by telescopes and binoculars then the Vixen SG 2.1x42 can take you to the next level by supercharging your night vision while retaining and extending your wide-eyed view of the night sky.
Read our full Vixen SG 2.1x42 binoculars review for more details
The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 is about as basic a pair of binoculars as you can get. The Celestron brand makes many different models of binoculars, some exceptionally high-end, but this pair of 10x50s represents the most affordable available.
Will they suffice or do you need a more expensive pair? That depends on what you're after. Equipped with 10x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, the UpClose G2 10x50 are both powerful and fast, offering plenty of magnification and also able to collect a lot of light.
That makes them theoretically usable in both bright light and in low light conditions, including complete darkness. So why are the UpClose G2 10x50 so affordable? That's partly down to the lack of any niceties, with no quality accessories or coverings.
Read our full Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 review for more details
The Leica Trinovid-HD 10x42 are the best binoculars for bird watching. And they're a solid all-round option in general too, combining state-of-the-art image performance with a ruggedness that will withstand whatever the outdoors may throw at you.
Their ergonomic design and steady grip allow for accurate and precise focusing, delivering both razor-sharp close-ups of our feathered friends, plus long-distance clarity. The performance stays consistent too, whether you’re viewing subjects at first light or at dusk.
Good contrast and color fidelity are key for bird watchers and these binoculars offer that in spades, as well as several choices of model, from Leica Trinovid HD 8x32 to the 10x42 we’ve selected.
Read our full Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 binocular review for more details
While the Bushnell Powerview 2 10x42 may be a pretty basic pair of binoculars in terms of features, the aluminium-alloy chassis gives them a real premium feel. You certainly get the impression this pair could survive a knock or two (though we wouldn't recommend testing this on purpose).
The reasonably large objective lens ensures good light transmission, and the ridged focus control wheel is satisfying and intuitive to use. With rubber grips for a secure hold, the Bushnell Powerview 2 is an all-around well-designed set of binoculars, at a pretty reasonable price.
Best binoculars for beginners?
The Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are entry-level and we were really impressed when reviewing them. Nikon has saved on manufacturing costs where it counts, mainly in the accessories that these binoculars ship with, but has retained the high-quality optics that I expect to see in a Nikon product.
What are the best binoculars?
If price isn't a concern and you just want the best optical quality on the market to date, then this pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 compact binoculars are just the thing to let you observe wildlife from as close to 3 meters all the way up to 132 meters – with crystal clear vision.
Binocular specs: what to look for
Binoculars have lots of different specs, but two key ones are best to focus on if you want to keep things simple. These are magnification and lens size.
Most binoculars will list both in their name. When you're browsing for binoculars, you'll quickly notice that their names tend to include something like "10x20" or "6x30". These two numbers refer respectively to the magnification factor and the size of the lenses. So in this example, we've got binoculars with 10x magnification and 6x magnification. You might think it'd be a matter of picking the binoculars with the largest magnification, but in practicality, it limits your field of view, which can make things harder to spot.
The second number refers to lens size. A larger lens will make the image brighter and clearer, especially in low light, but will also make the binoculars bigger and heavier (and probably more expensive)
This means that for your hobby or subject, it's worth thinking about what the best combination of magnification of objective lens size will work for you.
See also: Best binocular harness
Best binoculars for astronomy: If you're planning on stargazing, we'd recommend a binocular size of around 7x50. The 7x magnification will work well for Astro viewing as a compromise between the field of view and magnification, while a 50mm lens will provide plenty of light transmission for spotting fainter celestial objects.
Best binoculars for horse racing and other sports: Sports tend to happen during the day, so a bright objective lens is less of a concern. Something like an 8x30 will hit the spot, as the 8x magnification should be plenty to see what's going on from the stand. There's no point getting something big and heavy if you don't need it!
Best binoculars for nature: A high magnification combined with a smaller and lighter objective lens will make for a good combination here. Some binoculars offer 10x26, and anything in that ballpark should work. However, if you do want to use a heavy pair, consider choosing one that can be affixed to a tripod. That way, you don't have to get tired arms from holding it!
Read more: Best spotting scopes
More expensive binoculars will also have handy features like weatherproofing and fog resistance, and some even have image stabilization on board!
