You might have 20/20 vision, but that doesn’t mean that your eyes can see like the eyes of a hawk, eagle, or falcon. Being able to see far distances is a trait reserved for the most advanced predators. However, humans are smart and have invented binoculars to make up for our deficits. Today we are here to find a pair of binoculars that will suit your needs, and more importantly, your budget.
Quick Answer: SGODDE Binoculars
They have decent zoom, great clarity, and solid low light vision. They’re durable, they’re comfortable to hold for long periods of time, and best of all, they are extremely affordable.
These binoculars will get you off to the races with a variety of activities, and won’t kill your pocketbook.
Our Binoculars Comparison Chart
Binocular Reviews
1. SGODDE Binoculars (Best Compact Binoculars)
These binoculars feature a 10x zoom function, which is quite a bit for a compact pair of binoculars. The SGODDE Binoculars are so small that you can hold them in one hand, plus they are very lightweight as well. They can even be folded for easy transportation and storage, plus they come with a neck strap. They allow for a wide view of 362 feet in diameter at up to 1,000 yards away.
The Bak-4 prism lenses are very clear, have a high rate of light transmittance, plus they are designed to provide you with decent night vision in low light conditions. An easy central focusing knob helps you focus on a target, making things much clearer. The durable anti-skid texture lets you hold onto the SGODDE Binoculars with ease, plus the shell is quite durable and waterproof to boot.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good zoom
- Easy to focus
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Low light night vision
- Good grip
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- Could have a little more zoom
- Night vision is not for total dark
Who It’s Best For
The SGODDE Binoculars are ideal for pretty much any purpose you could find for them. They are good for bird watching, safaris, and all kinds of situations where a compact pair of binoculars would come in handy.
2. Occer Binoculars (Best For Hunting)
These are labeled as a good pair of hunting binoculars, which they are, but they are also a great pair of compact binoculars that can be used for pretty much any purpose you see fit. The fact that they fold down to size, and already start off being very small and lightweight, is a big bonus which makes the Occer Binoculars very easy to hold and transport. They come with a good grip in an ergonomic design so you don’t drop them, plus to make them comfortable too.
Pros
- Good zoom
- Very clear
- Durable and waterproof
- Decent grip
- Good light transmission
- Decent low light vision
- Small and compact
- Easy to focus
Cons
- Seems to have a piece of metal moving around on the inside
- Belt loop is not high quality
Who It’s Best For
If you are a hunter, birdwatcher, or general nature person, these Occer Binoculars should be great for you.
3. POLDR Compact Binoculars (Best for the Money)
Perhaps the most compact, lightweight, and smallest binoculars on this list today, the POLDR Compact Binoculars are great for general purpose viewing, sightseeing, and bird watching. They are so small that you will barely notice that you are holding them. They are foldable and are convenient to have on your person.
Pros
- Decent zoom
- Ok clarity
- Good for general purposes
- Very small and lightweight
- Good grip pattern
- Easy to focus
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- No night vision
- Not waterproof
- So small that they can be uncomfortable to hold
Who It’s Best For
The POLDR Compact Binoculars are best for people who want to do some sightseeing or bird watching, but don’t want to lug around a huge device.
4. Aurosports Binoculars (Best Night Vision Binoculars)
Yet another pair of really small and compact binoculars, the Aurosports Binoculars will not weigh you down. They are very small, lightweight, and easy to carry around with you, especially if you use the neck strap. These binoculars feature a 10x zoom capability, which is not bad at all. They feature a 25 mm objective lens for a fairly wide field of viewing at 1,000 yards.
Pros
- Decent zoom
- Good night vision
- High clarity
- Small and lightweight
- Durable and totally waterproof
- Good grip pattern
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- Not 100% night vision
- Take a while to focus right
- Folding them is not as easy as it looks
Who It’s Best For
These binoculars are best for hunting, night fishing, and general sightseeing too. They are just a good all-around pair of binoculars.
5. Celestron Cometron Binoculars (Best For Stargazing)
This is a truly great pair of binoculars for star gazing. They feature a 7x zoom capability, which is admittedly not all that much, but they get the job done. They come with Bak-7 prism lenses for optimal light transition. They also come with an easy-to-use focus knob.
Pros
- Accurate zoom
- Wide viewing angle at 1,000 yards
- Very high rate of light transmission
- Comfortable to hold
- Fairly durable
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Cannot zoom very far
- Kind of bulky
Who It’s Best For
As the name of this category implies, the Celestron Cometron Binoculars are ideal for anybody who wants to do some stargazing.
6. Cobiz Compact Binoculars (Best For Kids)
The Cobiz Compact Binoculars have a 10x zoom feature and provide a wide 380 foot viewing window at 1,000 yards. They are sleek, small, and lightweight, making them perfect for small hands. They have a good grip pattern too, so your kids won’t drop them on the ground too often.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Durable and rugged
- Easy to focus
- Decent zoom
- Good viewing angle at 1,000 yards
- Good grip
Cons
- Focus button breaks easily
- Neck strap is not great
- Somewhat overpriced
Who It’s Best For
These things do fine for children who just want to fool around a bit. They work fine for general distance magnification.
7. Xgazer Optics Professional Binoculars (Best For Safaris)
These binoculars are made to be extremely durable and long lasting. Safaris can be a little rough, they can get wet, and they are very hot too. The Xgazer Optics Professional Binoculars are made to withstand all of those things, plus they are shockproof.
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Good grip
- Decent zoom
- High clarity
- Very rugged and durable
- Water and shock proof
- Good long distance viewing and clarity
Cons
- A little bulky
- Neck strap is a little fragile
Who It’s Best For
The Xgazer Optics Professional Binoculars are ideal for birdwatchers, safari goers, hunters, and other such activities.
8. HOOWAY Marine Binoculars (Best Marine Binoculars)
If you need marine binoculars that are very durable, 100% waterproof, and also float, these HOOWAY Marine Binoculars are a great choice to keep in mind. They are specially designed so that they provide optimal clarity even when you are submerged.
Pros
- Very durable
- Waterproof
- Float in the water
- Accurate zoom
- Very clear
- Good grip
Cons
- A little bulky
- Could zoom more
Who It’s Best For
Simply put, if you need good binoculars that won’t get ruined by water, these are probably ideal for you.
Buying Guide: What To Look For In Your Binoculars
When it comes to a good pair of binoculars, there are a few different things that you want to look for. Let’s cover the most important considerations to keep in mind when buying the best binoculars right now.
Size and Weight
When it comes to binoculars, you probably want a pair that is not too big or heavy. Sure, bigger pairs might have more zoom and clarity, but they are also not that fun to lug around all day long. It is a bit of a tradeoff between size and zoom in most cases.
Ergonomics
You want the binoculars you get to be ergonomically friendly. This means that they should have a good grip pattern and a hand-friendly shape. Having to carry binoculars that are uncomfortable can detract from whatever your activity is, whether it is sightseeing or hunting.
Zoom
The main purpose of binoculars is to provide you with an increased viewing capacity. Therefore, they need to have good zoom capabilities. Some binoculars can go 5x, some 7x, some 10x, and some more than that. The distance you wish to see at will determine the level of zoom you need.
Clarity
How clear are the binoculars in question? You don’t want to get a pair that is not clear. A part of this is have a good focus knob that is easy to use. At the same time, a good lens with a high rate of light transmission is pretty important as well.
Durability
Chances are that you are going to be out and about when using your binoculars, so they better be very durable. A strong shell that can withstand impact damage is key. At the same time, some degree of waterproofing is also ideal.
Night Vision
You might be outside during dusk or dawn, which means that you need to have binoculars with stellar light transmission. It is up to you whether or not you need binoculars that have good night vision.
Best Binoculars FAQ
What is the difference between Bak-4 and Bak-7 Prisms?
Bak-4 prisms are the highest quality you can get with the best light transmission. Bak-7 are good too, but not as good.
What is eye relief?
Eye relief is the ideal distance that your eyes need to be away from the viewing lens for the best results.
How do I clean the lenses?
The best way to clean your lenses is with a professional cleaning kit or with window cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
What is the difference between water resistant and waterproof binoculars?
Binoculars that are water resistant can take some splashing and rain, but they cannot be submerged. Waterproof binoculars can be thrown in the water and they won’t break.
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