When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Binoculars have one main function and that is to magnify things that are very far from the observer, giving them a much clearer vision of an object or whatever it is they are trying to see. One of its common uses is for tourists who are on a sight-seeing trip. Binoculars can be pretty handy for camping as well. Aside from that, they are used in theaters and operas by people sitting on the balcony.
Sky gazing is one of the most important uses of binoculars too and many star gazing enthusiasts use it instead of the much expensive telescopes. Read our review about top 10 best binoculars in 2016 to pick the best for your needs.
Top 3 Best Binoculars on the market
Top 10 Best Binoculars Reviews
Binoculars are important camper’s tool. It helps in making distant objects look larger. Basically, it is a handheld device with two similar telescopes held together side by side.
Simply put, its primary function is to magnify distant objects. However, there are other features that complete a working set of binoculars.
Its designed is based according to its function, say hunting, navigation, star gazing, and others. There are basic mechanisms that remain uniform for every type of binoculars but different models make it confusing.
We saved you a lot of time in searching the best binoculars by putting up a list according to the feedbacks given by the customers.
Here are 10 of the units which the majority thinks you should consider first.
1. Canon 18×50 Image Stabilization All-Weather Binoculars
Canon is a household name that manufactures cameras, printers, scanners, etc. but you may find it surprising at first thought that Canon manufactures binoculars as well! Rest assured however that as a matter of principle, you can expect to find the same level of quality in the make of the binoculars as with other products from Canon.
Our Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
18 X magnification: These binoculars from Canon offer magnification as high as 18 times, so you can view objects even farther away than you would or have had with binoculars offering 12 X magnification.
Optical Image stabilization: Optical image stabilization is a great feature for any pair of binoculars but the level of quality of this feature is what counts. Be advised that Canon offers you excellent quality optical image stabilization so you can focus on an object and view it as smoothly as any thing!
Shock and water resistant: The binoculars are shock as well as water resistant and so handling them and taking care of them is made much more easier, courtesy of these two features.
Three year warranty: The pair of binoculars comes with a total of three years of warranty from Canon which should be something delightful for you as you can use them that long without worries!
Wide angle views: These canon 18×50 image stabilization all-weather binoculars offer some excellent wide angle views, so you can be sure to have some great entertainment using these lenses for wide angle viewing, especially at night.
Extra coated lenses: The lenses affixed on to these binoculars are coated with extra layers so as to enhance contrast and improve the clarity of image for the user.
Double Field Flattener: This helps in the improvising on the sharpness of images which are viewed through the lenses and also does away with the distortion in them!
Watch the moon: You can enjoy immensely watching the moon using this pair of binoculars as they offer a very clear cut image.
Watch wildlife: It would be equally great to watch wildlife using these binoculars as they would give you value for your hard earned money when you get to watch wildlife, especially the dangerous ones, as if they were inches away from you!
Pros
- 18 X magnification
- Optical image stabilization
- Shock and water resistant
- Three year warranty
- Wide angle views
- Extra coated lenses
- Double field flattener
- Watch the moon
- Watch Wildlife
Cons
- Some people have had a problem focusing onto their desired object with these binoculars while other complained of the absence of covers for the lenses.
Overall I think that these binoculars have a host of useful features to offer to users but the price tag may be an issue for many potential buyers. So your budget for a pair of binoculars would make the final call about whether or not you should go for them. If once you are totally convinced that they are worth your time attention and money then maybe buying second hand can strike the best fit between your intention to buy and your budget!
2. Celestron 71380 Granite Series 9×33 Roof Prism Binocular
Celestron is a company renowned for making quality telescopes and binoculars so there is reason to believe that this product from Celestron will surely be a top-notch make as well and will come up to your expectations.
Our Rating: 
(4.8 / 5)
ED objective lenses: This pair of binoculars from Celestron features ED objective lenses which have the function of minimizing chromatic aberration that leads to a dizzy and unclear image. The ED lenses ensure that the color reproduction in the image viewed by the naked eye is accurate and the resolution and contrast are ideal.
Multi-coated optics: The optics on these binoculars are multicoated and therefore they allow for the maximum possible amount of light to pass through the optical path of the binoculars, there fore producing the brightest possible images for the user.
Very wild field of view: These Celestron 71380 granite series 9×33 roof prism binocular have a very wide field of view because of which they can focus on the desired subject very easily. In addition to that, it is relatively easy for the lenses to be able to follow the object when it moves, such as an animal, because of the wide viewing angles.
Life time warranty: These binoculars come with a Celestron life time warranty and so you should be glad that anytime anywhere something goes wrong with the functioning of these binoculars, you can contact Celestron support and be sure to either get it fixed or get a new pair of Binoculars sent to you as replacement!
Lightweight: This pair of binoculars is also very lightweight so you can carry it along with you wherever you go and feel practically no burden on your hands as a result of holding them continuously for longer periods of time.
Competitive pricing: This product is priced competitively relative to other products, so you can buy it if you intend to buy on a budget. You will also get a high value for this one with the combination of many useful features but low cost to go along with to.
Impressive design: The design of these binoculars is also very cool to the feel; you will enjoy its feel and design concept. You might even like to rub your hands over the surface of the binoculars although strictly speaking, that is not the purpose for which they are built!
Secure grip: The coating on the surface of the structure is such that you will have a very tight grip on the binoculars and there is hardly any chance that you would lose control of them so that makes them very safe to carry around.
Pros
- ED objective lenses
- Multi-coated optics
- Very wide field of view
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight
- Competitive pricing
- Impressive design
- Secure grip
Cons
- Some people may have issues with and dislike the contrast of the images projected by the binoculars.
All in all I think that this is a high quality product from Celestron that always focusing on providing the best quality to its valued clients so this one should be worth the purchase as well.
3. Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization II Binoculars w/Case
Canon is a world renowned company that makes excellent quality cameras and a host of other things as well and to add to it product portfolio are binoculars, this one in particular. There isn’t really much we need to tell you about the company as you would know about it all too well already.
Our Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
Image stabilization: The binoculars have an image stabilizing feature so they will ensure that when you use them,
the image you view is stabilized and therefore very clear to look at. This excellent feature would allow you to view object as far as 12X away and see it in full without any shaking or blurring and the clarity would give you the false impression that you are viewing at it point blank range!
Power saving design: The design of these binoculars from Canonis such that you can use them for a straight 4 hours without having to face and problems whatsoever because they are energy efficient while in use.
Bird watching: These Canon 12×36 image stabilization ii binoculars are great for watching birds flying in the sky. Only experience will tell howgreat it feels to use this pair of binoculars to watch birds!
Stargazing: Also, if you like to watch stars at night, thesebinoculars can be a perfectmatch for your hobby and will simply amaze you with their features.
Lightweight: These binoculars are very light-weight so if you love to use them while you travel, you should not have any problem with doing all of that!
Moons of Jupiter: With these binoculars at your side, you can browse the night skyall you wantand even view the moons of Jupiter in HD mode!
Value for money: Although these binoculars are a bit pricey but they are value for the extra money that you spend on them and that you would see as you start using them and keep getting a return on your investment each time!
Water resistant: The binoculars are resistant to water so if you accidently splash water in or around them, your binoculars would be safe from the harmful effects of it.
Rubber coating: There is a non-slip rubber coating over the binoculars to ensure that they do not slip out of yourhandsto crash on the ground below! That would be a total disaster and all the lens might break into pieces, so the rubber coating on the structure is there to prevent any such thing from happening.
Double field flattener: The Canon optics used in the manufacture of the binoculars are coated with double field flattener which brings about excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast in the image that is viewed through them.
Pros
- Image stabilization
- Power saving design
- Bird watching
- Star gazing
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Water resistant
- Rubber coating
- Double field flattener
Cons
- The lenses come without protective covers which is a concern for many users.
Overall I think that these are high quality binoculars manufactured by Canon and should at least be given a test shot whether or not you intend to pay the price to buy.
4. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60 x80 (45 degree) Spotting Scope
Bushnell is another company that manufactures binoculars amongst a host of other things and claims that it hasa wide range of quality products to offer to its valued clients. The company also offers 100% money back guarantee on almost all of its products to ensure optimum customer satisfaction from its products.
Our Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
Dual focus controls: This is a spotting lens that features dual focus controls that have the benefit of offering rapid
as well as fine tuning adjustments to the scope.
20 ~ 60 X magnification: This spotting scope offers a magnification between 20 to 60 X which is huge by any standard! You would surely be amazed with the range of this spotting scope when you get to use it in action.
Multicoated optics: The optics on the scope are all multicoated and hence have the feature of offering a very high quality, laser edge image quality!
All weather: The spotting scope is an all-weather device as it works fine no matter what the weather outside is like. In addition, it comes with a rain guard HD coating that protects the picture quality from being compromised even while it is raining!
High resolution viewing: You can be sure about the resolution of images which you will be viewing through this scope as they would exceed your expectations with their quality.
Competitive pricing: This Bushnell legend ultra hd 20-60 x80 scope is priced very competitively at lower $500 and at that price, you would be getting a discount of no less than 50% so that makes it cheap! If you are more than satisfied with its features than a spotting scope at this price should give you sky rocketing cost to benefit!
Rubber coated: The lens is all rubber coated so as to practically remove any chances of its slipping and falling from your hands. Rest assured that you will have a very firm grip on it with your hands because of the rubber coating.
Stacked adjustment knobs: The scope has stacked adjustment knobs which are supposed to be used for the purpose of adjusting the focus of the image that is the subject of attention. So you can use them to adjust the lens on the object such that it gives the best possible image of it at that range.
Semi hard case: included with the package is a semi hard case which will protect the lens from dust so that it stays clean and shiny all the while it is not in use.
Pros
- Dual focus controls
- 20~60 X magnification
- Multicoated optics
- All weather
- High resolution viewing
- Competitive pricing
- Rubber coated
- Stacked adjustment knobs
- Semi hard case
Cons
- Some people may find this to be too heavy to cart along and hence a nuisance.
Overall I think that this scope has some decent features to offer, that also in this low price so if you are shopping on a budget, think seriously about this one if you really need a spotting scope for use.
5. Leica 10×25 BCA w/Case Binocular
Leica is a German optics company and that is why it makes sense to expect quality manufacturing from this company. The company has years of experience in optics and cameras and that is why you can trust it with your money as far as experience in craftsmanship is concerned.
Our Rating: 
(4.1 / 5)
Cordura case: These binoculars manufactured by Leica come with a cordura case so that you can keep them safe
and sound and therefore take very good care of them.
Strap: A strap is also included with the package so that you can put in on and focus well on the object of choice as well as use it to your convenience.
Light weight: The binoculars are very lightweight which means that it would not be a problem for you to carry them along anywhere you go. You will not feel strain on your hands when you carry them along all the time and so that would be very convenient for you for sure.
Compact: In addition to being lightweight, the binoculars are very compact in that they would fit into your jacket chest and hence that makes them even handier to carry along. This would make these binoculars ideal for hikers who would love to have the comfort of them fitting into their pockets and therefore use them hassle free as they would not need to carry them ina separate bag which might as well be problematic for them.
Limited lifetime warranty: The binoculars come with a limited life time warranty of 3 years during which you can using them care free and be sure to get them repaired or replaced if you come across any malfunctioning in them in any aspect of their features. This feature would surely be encouraging for you if you have any doubts about the product’s quality and therefore have second thought about buying it.
Eyepiece adjustment: These Leica 10×25 BCA w/Case Binoculars have an excellent feature for those people who wear glasses and that is that they can easily adjust the eye piece to suit themselves! So if you wear glasses then you are not disadvantaged by that as you can also use these binoculars as easily as anyone not using glasses to aid his eyesight would.
Brilliant picture quality: The picture quality that you will witness on these binoculars would be absolutely amazing and so you will be able to enjoy a lot with the quality of resolution that you get to have over this pair of binoculars.
Pros
- Cordura case
- Strap
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Eyepiece adjustment
- Brilliant picture quality
Cons
- Many people may find the price tag to be skyrocketing and may argue that they can get almost the same quality binoculars in a fraction of the cost so why go for this extremely expensive one?
Overall I think that these binoculars have some good features to offer to potential buyers but their high price tag is what may be the reason why many are discouraged form buying them.
6. Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binocular
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
The Bushnell H2O waterproof roof prism binocular is a standout product in the binocular reviews because of its solid and well-built structure. The binocular is not too large and it has a fairly manageable size.
The resolution is great and offers 10x magnification as well as a close focus distance of 12 feet. Its highlight property is the super clear focus that usually comes with an overwhelming price tag.
A lot of customers are even baffled with the price they got these binoculars with.
7. Pentax 62217 UCF II 8-16×21 Zoom Binocular
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
The Pentax 62217 binocular is just as good as the Bushnell binocular but is worth half as much. In fact, a lot of customers claim that it works a lot better than some more expensive models.
It has a more compact built and a firmer grip, which makes it very easy to carry around.
The optical quality is impressive, considering its price. It is very easy to focus, zoom in and out, and adjust the diopter.
The limited field angle may be a slight disadvantage for some though.
8. Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 Binoculars
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
When talking about inexpensive binoculars, the Celestron SkyMaster Giant is definitely the winner. It costs three times lesser than the Bushnell model but it has features that are more advanced than the latter.
The magnification is 50% better than the other binoculars. Its near focus of 43 Ft is exceptional for a binocular at this price point.
Aside from that, the color rendition and the contrast is impressive, producing razor sharp and bright images.
9. Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8 x 42 Binocular
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
This binocular from Nikon looks like a tool used by professionals but actually costs cheaper than most entry level models. Its rugged design and slightly bigger-than-usual size offer firmer grips for easy handling.
Physical features aside, the Nikon 82445 binocular exhibit excellent optics performance. The 3D rendering for this tool is impressive.
It delivers bright and sharp images as well. The great clarity makes it one of the top binoculars, especially for older people.
10. Tasco Essentials 8×21 Binocular
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
This binocular from Tasco essentials is the most expensive in this list but just one look at it can give a pretty good hint why that is so.
It is a very compact binocular, with a diameter of 21 mm. It delivers more stable images but it becomes less stable as the magnification goes higher.
In dim light conditions, the binoculars still provide images that are clear enough. The materials used for its construction are comfortable and allow firmer grips.
Best Binocular Buying Guide
Choosing the best binoculars require the buyers to follow this simple buying guide for them to pick only the best.
- Use for Binoculars
Binoculars might be a straightforward device but there are actually a lot of uses for it. First thing to consider when buying binoculars is the activity that it is intended for. Binoculars are usually intended for watching sports, hunting and bird watching, or boating. Depending on the purpose of a binocular, the features vary to be more efficient for that particular function. For hunting, binoculars must have the best magnification more than anything. Binoculars for marine functions are not advisable to have high magnification.
- Magnification
Once the purpose of the binoculars is determined, important specifications, such as magnification, can be determined as well. The thing to remember is that higher magnification results to dimmer images. When using high magnifications, it is necessary to get tripod sockets. If the binoculars are to be used for a wide field of view, it is recommended to choose a model with lower magnification settings.
- Lens
One of the major parts of binoculars is the Lens. Usually, binoculars use glass lenses for better image quality. However, they tend to be pricier than plastic lenses. Lens coating determines the quality of the lens. Lenses with multiple layers of coatings work a lot better than the ones with single coatings. In terms of durability, plastic lenses are more reliable than glass lenses, especially for extreme outdoor activities like mountain climbing.
- Additional Features
The special features that a particular binoculars model has are also a factor for the pricing. Eyepiece lenses, for example, could include rubber eye cups for those who wear glasses. Focusing ability is another feature to consider when buying binoculars. Waterproof property is important as well, especially for extreme outdoor functions. Roof prism design is the convenient choice for binoculars. Expensive binoculars deliver lighter, rounder and sharper images.
- Price
For sophisticated devices such as binoculars, there are certain manufacturers and brands that are more popular and dominate the market. These manufacturers produce reliable models which make the purchase really worth it, however these models cost a lot more than standard binoculars. That being said, it doesn’t really have to be expensive for it to have high quality. Acquiring the best binoculars is all about looking in the right place. Binocular reviews can really give buyers a good idea which models to buy and where to find them.
Benefits of binoculars
There are a number of benefits of binoculars which you can make good use of if you buy a pair of binoculars for your own use. Following are some of the benefits that you can get:
How to use binoculars
There are simple and easy steps to using binoculars once you have purchased them and are now figuring out how to start using them so you can know how much the thing is worth. Be advised that using a pair of binoculars is very plain and simple so you should not have much of a problem getting to know how they work.
Take hold of the manual that comes with your binoculars and make sure that you read it from start to end and have everything in mind regarding the specific model you have purchased.
You should be able to understand pretty much everything by reading the manual. However, the following is more help about how to start using any pair of binoculars for that matter, step by step.
The next step to start using binoculars is to bring them to your eyes and then to adjust the two barrels of the binoculars so that they maintain a distance between each other, which is a perfect fit for your eyes and you get the appropriate view as a result.
The sign that you have set them correctly is that you should be viewing a perfect circular view when you see through the binoculars.
If the barrels are not adjusted correctly, you will keep seeing black sides in your image, so keep adjusting them until they are gone and you see your image in a perfect circle without any black outs.
Next, focus on an object you want to see and then adjust the central focus wheel and start focusing on the object you have your attention on.
This is so that you are focusing right on the object you want to see before you make other adjustments.
The focus wheel would magnify your object of attention as much as the binocular magnification would allow it, so you can view the object magnified x times when you adjust the focus wheel.
After that, adjust the diopter setting so that you can make the image as sharp as possible so that it shows very clearly to you.
The purpose of the diopter setting is to ensure that you get top-notch image quality which the company claimed you would get while using its binoculars.
This is because after you set the focus wheel, the image would be magnified but it will not be as sharp as it should be, so this task is what is performed by the diopter adjustment.
If you adjust it optimally, you should be able to get the sharp image that you expected to get with the binoculars, magnified as high as the binocular magnification would allow.
If you are still having problems using the binoculars you have purchased and are unable to focus them correctly, you can always call on the toll free customer helpline of the company whose number should be given on the manual of the binoculars. Call them up if you are still unable to figure out how to use your pair of binoculars.