Reviews You Can Rely On

The 7 Best Binoculars of 2024

We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and more to help you find the best pairs
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Best Binoculars of 2024
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Saturday December 23, 2023

Over the past decade, our optics experts have tested over 50 of the best binocular sets. Our current review assesses 16 of the top models on the market. Whether you're looking at a new pair for birding, to scout a new route while backpacking, or simply to gaze off into the distance, our hands-on testing cuts through product confusion by examining all of these binoculars side-by-side. Our testers have used these binoculars while exploring wildlife refuges, guiding wilderness tours, and on countless day hikes through wilderness areas in Oregon. This in-depth review offers expert recommendations to help you see the fine details of each pair of binoculars.

Make sure you're well-equipped for wherever your next adventure takes you. Our best hiking gear list should help. If your new binoculars are going with you on overnights off the beaten path, take a look at our comparative review of the best hiking boots or consider investing in one of our best backpack picks to carry whatever gear you need to get you there.

Editor's Note: We updated our binocular review on December 22, 2023, with a new and improved testing protocol for 2024 which we used to evaluate 16 top binoculars.

Top 16 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 16
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Awards Editors' Choice Award   Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award 
Price $3,000 List
$3,000 at Amazon
$2,999 List
$2,165 at Amazon
$2,632 List
$1,999 at Amazon
$446.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$640 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
85
82
81
73
73
Star Rating
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Pros Superior clarity, great brightness, great close focus range, lockable diopterExcellent clarity and brightness, great construction qualityGood clarity, brightness, and construction qualityHigh-quality construction, great clarity and close focusVery clear and bright, easy to adjust, comfortable, high-quality construction
Cons Poor eye cup adjustment, difficult to attain eye reliefVery expensive, not as comfortable as other high-end modelsProhibitively expensiveHeavy for backpacking or carrying long distancesA bit heavy for the backcountry
Bottom Line This pair of binoculars is superior in every way, you'll just need to fork over some serious cashA high-end pair of binoculars that live up to their pedigree but have some downsides compared to other premium modelsOne of the better all-around models that we tested, but they also carry a high price tagGood optical quality for those who don't want to dish out thousands of dollarsThis model offers some of the best clarity and brightness you can get from a binocular without a quadruple-digit price tag
Rating Categories Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 Leica Noctivid 10x42 Swarovski EL 8.5x42 Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 Vortex Viper HD 8x42
Clarity (35%)
9.5
9.8
9.3
7.8
7.5
Brightness (20%)
8.8
8.6
9.4
7.2
8.9
Comfort (15%)
6.4
5.3
4.4
5.6
5.6
Field of View (10%)
6.1
5.2
7.9
6.1
9.0
Ease of Adjustment (15%)
8.9
8.2
7.4
8.5
4.5
Close Focus Range (5%)
9.5
9.1
7.1
8.8
8.7
Specs Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 Leica Noctivid 10x42 Swarovski EL 8.5x42 Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 Vortex Viper HD 8x42
Measured Weight 28.2 oz 31.3 oz 30.1 oz 25.5 oz 25.4 oz
Measured Interpupillary Distance Range 56 - 77 mm 56 - 75 mm 55 - 74 mm 57 - 74 mm 56 - 74 mm
Measured Size (Length x Width) 6.8 x 4.5 in 6.2 x 5.1 in 6.4 x 4.4 in 5.8 x 4.5 in 5.7 x 4.3 in
Glass Type FL HD HD ED HD
Lens Coating Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated
Magnification 10 8.5 10 10 8
Objective Lens Size 42 42 42 42 42
Claimed Field of View (at 1000 yards) 360 ft 336 ft 399 ft 362 ft 409 ft
Measured Close Focus 4.5 ft 5.3 ft 8.8 ft 5.8 ft 6.0 ft
Claimed Close Focus 4.9 ft 4.9 ft 6.2 ft 8.2 ft 6.0 ft
Measured Eye Relief 19.0 mm 19.5 mm 20.0 mm 17.0 mm 18.0 mm
Claimed Eye Relief 18 mm 20 mm 20.0 mm 16.5 mm 18 mm
Prism Roof Roof Roof Roof Roof
Waterproof/Fog Resistant? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tripod Adapter No No No Yes Yes


Best Binoculars for Most


Vortex Viper HD 8x42


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Clarity 7.5
  • Brightness 8.9
  • Comfort 5.6
  • Field of View 9.0
  • Ease of Adjustment 4.5
  • Close Focus Range 8.7
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes | Close Focus: 6.0 ft
REASONS TO BUY
Very clear and bright
Easy to adjust
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Front heavy and unequally balanced

Offering what we believe to be the best ratio of performance and price, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 is the best choice for those looking to invest in a quality pair of optics. Their high-quality glass created some of the brightest and clearest images in our testing and included an exceptionally wide field of view — one of the best in our testing. They also boast a 6.0-foot close focus range and are comfortable in hand, with a supple focus knob and an overall weight of 25.4 ounces.

The Viper HD has a drawback: a higher price. They certainly aren't cheap compared to more budget-friendly options. However, if you're looking for high-end optical quality without spending a couple thousand dollars on a more premium pair, the Viper HD is the best, most approachable choice. If clarity and ease of adjustment are your top priority, the similarly priced Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 edged just ahead in those metrics. However, it scored lower in nearly all other metrics.

Read More: Vortex Viper HD 8x42 review

Experience clear and bright viewing without spending thousands with the Vortex Viper HD 8x42.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Also Great


Nikon Monarch M7 10x42


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Clarity 7.8
  • Brightness 7.2
  • Comfort 5.6
  • Field of View 6.1
  • Ease of Adjustment 8.5
  • Close Focus Range 8.8
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes | Close Focus: 5.8 ft
REASONS TO BUY
Great clarity
Easy to Adjust
Great close focus range
REASONS TO AVOID
Middling field of view

Placed among our top-ranked binoculars in the product test lineup, the Monarch M7 10x42 impresses as an exceptional performer across nearly all test metrics. This full-sized, general-purpose binocular stands out for its bright, clear, and color-accurate viewing experience. Notably, it offers a reasonable weight at 25.5 ounces and greater compactness compared to other 10x42 models. Furthermore, the M7 excels in ease of adjustment and boasts an impressive close-focus range.

Our sole concerns regarding the M7 pertain to its moderate field of view. Although it delivers fairly bright views with good light transmission and great ease of adjustment, it falls slightly behind the Vortex Viper HD 8x42, a comparably priced model, in terms of brightness while remaining nearly equal across other test metrics. If you value brightness over ease of adjustment, then you'll want to consider the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 before settling on the Nikons.

Read More: Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 review

A great alternative to our top pick if you value easy adjustability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best of the Best at a Premium Price


Zeiss Victory SF 10x42


85
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Clarity 9.5
  • Brightness 8.8
  • Comfort 6.4
  • Field of View 6.1
  • Ease of Adjustment 8.9
  • Close Focus Range 9.5
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes | Close Focus: 4.5 ft
REASONS TO BUY
Incredible clarity and brightness
Extremely close focus
Awesome construction quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Prohibitively expensive

The Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 stands out as superior among the binoculars our team evaluated, offering a notably distinct improvement in clarity and performance compared to most others in our comparison. Considering the exceptional clarity and impressive brightness, combined with the great performance across every other testing metric, it is easy to laud this ultra-premium pair of binoculars. While we thoroughly enjoyed using the Victory SF, and it remains one of the top models we evaluated, it is our job to test every model objectively. As such, it didn't completely escape our test team's criticism.

The heightened performance of the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 comes at a premium price, and among the high-end models in the multi-thousand-dollar range, a couple of alternatives demonstrated slightly better performance in terms of brightness. Measuring 1112 Lux, the SF was narrowly outperformed by a couple of other top-tier models. One of those models, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42, measured 1288 Lux, which helped it edge the SF slightly. That said, it won't offer as clear a viewing experience, nor is it as comfortable to use or easy to adjust, but it is a great recommendation for those unwilling to spend thousands, as it's about a third of the price of the Zeiss Victory.

Read more: Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 review

One of the most impressive optics we've tested - the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Bang for the Buck


Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42


71
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Clarity 6.2
  • Brightness 8.1
  • Comfort 6.6
  • Field of View 8.4
  • Ease of Adjustment 7.1
  • Close Focus Range 8.9
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes | Close Focus: 5.5 ft
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent brightness
Great clarity
Wide field of view
A great value
REASONS TO AVOID
Some color fringing

The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 provides outstanding optical clarity and impressive brightness, approaching the level of performance typical of premium binoculars. Between great optical quality, a great close focus range, and exceptional field of view, we believe that the majority of amateur and intermediate users alike will be highly satisfied with these binos, especially at the price.

At about half the cost of more premium tiers of binoculars, the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 presents users with a terrific value for all-around impressive performance that can only be surpassed by much more expensive models. At this tier of optics, you can't expect the optical clarity, comfort, or ease of adjustment of more premium models. If you're finally ready to take the leap and make the investment in top-tier quality, we recommend the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42. This pair demonstrates the difference between seeing a bird from far away and feeling like it's right there with you.

Read more: Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 review

A great pair of binoculars for those with a smaller budget.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best on a Tight Budget


Celestron Nature DX 8x42


64
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Clarity 5.8
  • Brightness 7.4
  • Comfort 5.4
  • Field of View 6.8
  • Ease of Adjustment 6.6
  • Close Focus Range 7.5
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes | Close Focus: 7.8 ft
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Good clarity and brightness
REASONS TO AVOID
Average construction quality
Mediocre clarity in low light

When shopping for your first pair of binoculars, sticker shock is common. If spending several hundred dollars on a new hobby makes you nervous, the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 is a perfect choice. The image quality is the best we've seen in this budget-conscious price range. It rivals models that cost more than twice as much. The supple focus knobs and easy eyecup adjustments continue the list of beginner-friendly features. We enjoyed the 7.8-foot focus range as it let us view nearby butterflies and fascinating insects.

Unfortunately, the low price also entails some downsides. The rubber coating of the Nature DX 8x42 feels lower quality than premium models, and the hinges likewise feel a little less sturdy. The glass is also of lower quality, so low-light situations yield slightly dim images. Considering everything, these gripes are minor, and we would wholeheartedly recommend the Nature DX 8x42 to anyone searching for a budget-friendly pair of binoculars. If you're looking to invest in better construction quality without going into the quadruple digits, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 is another option we recommend considering.

Read more: Celestron Nature DX 8x42 review

The Celestron Nature is a great option for birders looking for an inexpensive, full-sized pair of binoculars with good performance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Travel Binoculars on a Budget


Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25


52
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Clarity 5.0
  • Brightness 3.5
  • Comfort 7.9
  • Field of View 5.2
  • Ease of Adjustment 4.4
  • Close Focus Range 8.3
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes | Close Focus: 11.5 ft
REASONS TO BUY
Good close focus range
Great value
Light
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor brightness score
Hard to adjust

While the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 does not have super impressive scores, keep in mind that it is being compared against models that sometimes cost 20-30 times more. If you're not a birder and looking for a great option on a tighter budget, these might be all you need. These compact, lightweight binoculars have excellent close-range focus and offer the baseline clarity you need to see your kid score their first soccer goal or get a better view at a concert.

Compared to the best binoculars, these are not in the same league in the brightness, clarity, and field of view metrics. So you get what you pay for. But if you are looking for more general outdoor binoculars and are not focused on the very best clarity and brightness, these might be your next travel companion. However, if you can afford to spend a bit more, we think the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 offers more bang for the buck.

Read more: Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 review

Need an affordable pair of binos, that can live in the center console? The Trailblazer has got you covered.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Compact Binoculars


Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28


56
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Clarity 5.0
  • Brightness 4.6
  • Comfort 8.3
  • Field of View 5.0
  • Ease of Adjustment 5.1
  • Close Focus Range 7.9
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes | Close Focus: 7.4 ft
REASONS TO BUY
Good clarity
Small and lightweight
Relatively comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor low-light performance

If you're hoping for an affordable option that is lightweight, compact, and of good quality, it's hard to do better than the Vortex DiamondBack HD 8x28. Weighing in at 14 ounces, these still provide good optical clarity and an exceptional performance-to-weight ratio. Combine that with sturdy construction, a comfortable grip that is inherent in Vortex products, and a relatively low price, and you have the perfect option for backpacking birders on a budget.

The only real downside of the DiamondBack HD 8x28 is the lack of brightness, which is a sacrifice you have to accept if you want the small size and weight of 28mm objective lenses. In most situations, the lenses still gather plenty of light, but don't expect any miracles on an overcast predawn morning. If you're seeking more brightness, the Nikon Monarch M5 will suit you better, offering the most brightness for the buck.

Read more: Vortex DiamondBack HD 8x28 review

Compact with impressive performance for the price and size, but that performance comes with a slightly higher price tag than more modest models.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
85
Zeiss Victory SF 10x42
Best of the Best at a Premium Price
$3,000
Editors' Choice Award
82
Leica Noctivid 10x42
$2,999
81
Swarovski EL 8.5x42
$2,632
73
Nikon Monarch M7 10x42
Also Great
$500
Editors' Choice Award
73
Vortex Viper HD 8x42
Best Binoculars for Most
$640
Editors' Choice Award
71
Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42
Best Bang for the Buck
$290
Best Buy Award
65
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42
$290
64
Celestron Nature DX 8x42
Best on a Tight Budget
$170
Best Buy Award
58
Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50
$220
56
Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28
Best Compact Binoculars
$210
Top Pick Award
53
Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42
$150
52
Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25
Best Travel Binoculars on a Budget
$100
Best Buy Award
50
Nikon Aculon A211 8x42
$110
41
Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof
$95
40
Adorrgon 12x42 HD
$100
38
Bushnell H20 10x42
$100

We put the top binoculars through an extensive and rigorous side-by-side testing and performance rating process.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Why You Should Trust Us


Since 2013, we've researched hundreds of pairs of binoculars and selected dozens of the best to run through our rigorous, side-by-side testing process. With this set of binoculars, we've spent thousands of hours (and counting) in the field. The conditions ranged from sunny plains to dark, shady forests. We also took painstaking side-by-side photos through all of our binoculars so our readers could better understand how the optics compare.

Our testing of binoculars is divided into six metrics:
  • Clarity tests (35% of overall score weighting)
  • Brightness tests (20% weighting)
  • Comfort tests (15% weighting)
  • Field of View tests (15% weighting)
  • Ease of Adjustment tests (10% weighting)
  • Close Focus Range tests (5% weighting)

Overall, our test fleet of binoculars was subjected to numerous testing procedures to rate their performance. We put the most weight on the clarity score, corresponding to 35% of each binocular's overall score. This was tested using a standard ISO chart (a chart used to test digital still-imagery cameras) and by placing model birds on a tree to compare the same bird side-by-side in identical lighting scenarios. Brightness was another metric of great importance. By taking photos through each binocular and comparing them side by side, we can compare these metrics objectively.

Jessica Riconscente, our primary tester, is an avid birder and has spent numerous days and hours designing test procedures, measuring, and collecting data. She brings a vast knowledge of industrial technology and heavy machinery, as well as critical problem-solving and technical analysis skills to our testing of different optics. Jessica has tested hundreds of outdoor and home products for GearLab. Ben Hickok also brings his technical and analytical talents to our binocular review. Ben has many years of experience in the field hunting a myriad of big game, upland birds, waterfowl, and small game. This and many other backcountry adventures have him frequently reaching for his binos. His countless hours of handling different models of binoculars, combined with Jessica's thorough testing, culminate this review designed to identify the best option for all needs, budgets, and preferences.

Jessica Riconscente, our lead tester, performing a clarity test in...
Jessica Riconscente, our lead tester, performing a clarity test in the outdoors.
The Victory SF 10x42 is a highly adjustable pair of binos.
The Victory SF 10x42 is a highly adjustable pair of binos.
A good pair of binoculars are comfortable, ergonomic and easy to use.
A good pair of binoculars are comfortable, ergonomic and easy to use.

What Do All The Numbers Mean?


Binoculars are generally described with two numbers, separated by an x, such as 8x42. The fir t number refers to the magnification, or how many times larger the lenses will make something appear. The second number refers to the diameter of the objective lens (the big lenses at the front) in millimeters. Larger objective lenses can let more light make it to your eyes, resulting in a brighter image. However, it also means the binoculars will be larger and heavier. Knowing what numbers you should be looking for in a model is important, so we broke down the ideal uses for all magnifications and objective lens sizes below.

Magnification
  • 8x — The standard magnification. It brings images close enough to see clearly but not so close that shaky hands are an issue.
  • 10x — Those with steady hands or lots of experience like the extra power, but shaky hands can be an issue for some.
  • 12x — Most will need to brace their elbows to avoid a shaky image at this magnification, as it is generally reserved for specialty uses, like scanning the horizon from the bridge of an ocean liner.

Objective Lens Size
  • 28mm — Considered compact, these lenses sacrifice some brightness for their smaller size and lighter weight. They're good for longer hikes and even backpacking.
  • 42mm — Considered full-sized, these lenses are big enough to provide bright images even in low light but small enough to wear around your neck comfortably.
  • 50+mm — These tend to be large, heavy, and borderline burdensome. This lens size is generally reserved for extreme low-light situations like stargazing.

The most popular bino magnification/size combos are 8x28 for times when weight is an issue, 8x42 for general wildlife viewing, and 10x42 for more experienced wildlife observers who can handle the extra magnification without introducing too much shakiness. Among stargazers, 9x63 is also popular because larger lenses gather more light and illuminate more stars. See our How to Choose Binoculars article for more details on how to pick the perfect pair for your needs.

Analysis and Test Results


To help you find the right pair of binoculars, we focused on the models that fit into practical tiers for most people. After spending countless hours using these binoculars and taking diligent notes on performance, our tally of scores helps to give a clear picture of each model's performance. Binos that score well across all metrics are granted awards, and some models receive accolades below for performing well in specialized areas. If birding is more of a lifestyle than a hobby for you, and you're willing to spend the big bucks to get the best pair possible, see our high-end shootout section.


Value


For binoculars, image quality is largely dependent on the quality of glass used, and good glass is expensive. Therefore, if you pay more, you tend to get better performance. However, that trend is not linear. For example, we think the very expensive Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 is the best model on the market. Still, the Vortex Viper offers roughly 80% of the performance for about a quarter of the price. We also believe that the Vortex Diamondback and Celestron Nature DX offer better performance than their prices suggest, which makes either of them a great choice for anyone shopping on a smaller budget.

If you're an expert birder who is willing to make a serious investment, you may consider the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Clarity


For this review, we define clarity as the amount of detail one can see through the lenses and use an International Organization for Standardization chart specific to measuring optical clarity. For more on that, see our How We Tested Binoculars article.


We also recruited several model birds of different shapes and sizes and observed them through each pair of binos, taking side-by-side photos through the lenses so you can see what we saw.

binoculars - the clarity of the zeiss victory sf (bottom right) is unparalleled.
The clarity of the Zeiss Victory SF (bottom right) is unparalleled.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Price doesn't always dictate performance, but in the case of binoculars, the relationship is almost linear. The most expensive pairs offered the greatest clarity and a truly immersive experience that is only available to those with a multi-thousand-dollar budget. Those premium models that offered near-perfect clarity were the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42, Leica Noctivid 10x42, and Swarovski EL 8.5x42.

ISO Chart setup for clarity testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Of the more accessibly-priced models we tested, the Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 and the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 offered the best clarity without entering the multi-thousand-dollar price range.

binoculars - you should be able to closely identify any bird using the zeiss...
You should be able to closely identify any bird using the Zeiss Victory SF.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

The Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 allowed our team to see ISO chart zone 9 with exceptional clarity. Only the slightest aberration is visible at the edges, and a slight distortion occurs, but any unnatural hues are more subtle compared to most other models. With the Vortex Viper HD 8x42, we were treated to consistently crystal clear images in various lighting conditions. It also maintained good clarity to the edge of the image, making for an immersive viewing experience. We were able to see zone 9 of our ISO chart, although the slightest magenta hues towards the top and cyan hues toward the bottom edge were visible.

binoculars - the clarity results from some of our entry-level binoculars.
The clarity results from some of our entry-level binoculars.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Notably, the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 also performed well in our clarity testing, which is impressive considering its more modest price tag. While these models both have slightly more edge blurring and aberration than the top-scoring products, for the most part, they provided a crisp, immersive image that allowed us to easily pick out all of the defining features of birds.

binoculars - iso chart results of the budget binoculars in our lineup.
ISO chart results of the budget binoculars in our lineup.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

The Celestron Nature DX 8x42 punched well above its price class in our clarity testing, particularly in bright light situations. They produced a crisp image rich with detail and only showed slight blurring around the edges. Things became a bit less crisp in low-light situations, but we could still see identifying features on smaller birds during late dawn and early dusk.

Brightness


Brighter images make for more vibrant colors, better details, and less eye strain. To test brightness, we compared images from each pair, side-by-side, in mid-day bright light, overcast conditions, and early dawn/late dusk lighting. In each test, we paid attention to how bright each image looked upon first viewing, how faded or dull any colors appeared, and whether subjects were starting to look like silhouettes.


Two of the higher-end models dominated brightness, just as they did clarity. The Zeiss Victory SF trailed the performance of the Swarovski and the Vortex Viper HD 8x42. Beyond the apparent observed brightness when looking through each model, our test results were validated by a controlled test to measure Lux at the eyepiece from a controlled light source. Where our team measured 1112 Lux with the Zeiss Victory SF, they measured 1340 Lux and 1288 Lux with the Swarovski and Viper HD, respectively.

Measuring light transmission in our brightness testing, using custom 3D printed parts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 punches well above its weight class, and the Diamondback HD 8x42 also did a very respectable job gathering and transmitting behind the premium models. The former is slightly brighter than the latter, but both provided impressive color and detail in all of our low-light tests. If you plan on bird watching very early in the morning, very late in the afternoon, or in a place often shrouded in fog and clouds, these are great choices on a tighter budget.

binoculars - larger lenses generally gather and transmit more light than smaller...
Larger lenses generally gather and transmit more light than smaller ones.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Another good performer, considering its inexpensive price point, was the Celestron Nature DX 10x42. While it's not quite as bright as some more expensive 42 mm models with higher-quality glass, it certainly holds its own. Though birds and other animals did get a bit dim during dawn or dusk, we could still make out some colors.

Although they are much less bright than all of the full-sized models we tested, we were impressed by how much light the small lenses of the compact Vortex DiamondBack HD 8x28 gathered. Sure, many birds became silhouetted in the early morning and late evening lighting, but during the day, its images looked quite bright and vivid, making it a great choice if you are looking for a compact pair of binos.

The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28 offers surprising brightness from a compact pair of binoculars.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort


There is an adage that goes "the best pair of binoculars is the one you use." If you have a pair of binoculars that are comfortable to hold, carry, or look through, chances are you're actually going to use them. In our tests, we found the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28 to be the most comfortable of the lot.


There are many factors that affect how comfortable they are, like rubberized coatings on the barrels, indentations for your hands and thumbs, an open bridge, comfortable interpupillary distance, padded straps, adjustable eyecups, and sufficient eye relief. All of these measurements are very subjective and will differ between individuals. For instance, everyone's eyes are not the same distance apart, so not everyone will be comfortable with the same interpupillary distance. For someone with glasses, the amount of eye relief can be a big concern but can also be of little concern to others.

We found the balance point of every model.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The good news is you'll likely be able to use almost any pair in our product lineup for hours on end without any nagging discomfort, no matter what model you buy.

The compact models, due to their lightweight and smaller size, proved to be the most comfortable overall, with the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28 standing apart in particular.


Among the most premium models, the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 led the rest by adding comfort to exceptionalism despite the greater weight of being a full-sized binocular at 28.2 ounces. It's worth mentioning that the Victory SF is incredibly well-balanced, which aids its comfort score and makes up for its heaviness.

Among full-sized models that don't require a second mortgage, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 has subtle details like the thumb indents that make them feel a bit more ergonomic and comfortable. Similarly, the rubber coating on the Nikon Monarch models allows for a solid feeling grip, whether you're squeezing the barrels like your life depends on it or using a dainty fingertip grip as if you're sipping tea at a fancy party.

Vortex Vipers are ergonomic and easy to grip.
Vortex Vipers are ergonomic and easy to grip.
The Nikon Monarch 5 is an easy-to-handle model that fits in any hands.
The Nikon Monarch 5 is an easy-to-handle model that fits in any hands.

Field of View


The field of view is measured as the width of the image you see when looking at something at a fixed distance. Most companies measure this in feet, at one thousand yards. However, different manufacturers have different testing procedures that can lead to results that aren't entirely comparable across all models, nor are they completely unbiased.



That's why we measured the field of view in our testing by utilizing a common vertical board fence at a fixed distance. While set to the maximum magnification, we used every model to count the number of visible vertical boards. We scored every model based on the average for the entire test group and observed a range from as little as 43 boards to as many as 64.5 fence boards.

The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 field of view.
The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 field of view.
The Adorrgon in our field of view tests.
The Adorrgon in our field of view tests.
One of the best (Nikon Aculon) versus the worst (Adorrgon ) in our field of view testing. The difference is incredible.

The top pairs with 10x magnification were the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 at 54.5 fence boards, and both Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 and Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 at 54 fence boards.

Vortex dominated the field of view for binoculars with 8x magnification. The Vortex Viper HD 8x42 and Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 allowed our team to observe 64.5 and 62.5 vertical fence boards, respectively.

Ease of Adjustment


The ability to quickly and accurately focus on an object can be the difference between seeing that rare bird, spotting that bull elk, or hearing about it from a friend with better optics. Will you be able to maintain accurate focus or accidentally offset the diopter, resulting in a blurry image? For the ease of adjustment metric, we assessed how quickly one can focus from one spectrum to the other, how easy it is to focus on an object to get the most detail, the ease of adjusting the diopter, and whether or not the diopter locks. We also evaluated the interpupillary distance adjustment and whether or not the measured eye relief would be good enough for those with glasses. The criteria are mainly subjective and based solely on several testers' opinions, sans the locking diopter and measured eye relief.


The Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 stood above the rest for all-around great adjustability. Although the Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 and Leica Noctivid 10x42 also offered a close level of adjustability. The aforementioned models offer a smooth focus knob and locking diopters that are easily adjusted but are stiff enough that you won't inadvertently move them.

Measuring the eye relief of the Swarovski EL.
Credit: Abriah Wofford


The Swarovski EL 8.5x42 and the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 also are easily adjusted, although the Diamondback does not have a locking diopter, while the Swarovski does. Due to the friendly focus knob that lets us lock in on a clear image quickly and efficiently every time, the Celestron DX Nature 8x42 also scores well at the entry-level tier of binoculars.

binoculars - adjusting the eye pieces on the nikon monarch 5 8x42.
Adjusting the eye pieces on the Nikon Monarch 5 8x42.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Close Focus Range


Close focus refers to the closest distance a pair of binoculars can clearly focus on something. This is less important to consider as even the worst models have a close focus range of 16 feet, and the vast majority of things you'll be looking at will be farther away. However, a closer focus range allows you to be a bit more curious. For instance, you can get an incredibly detailed look at a butterfly that landed in the bush right in front of you. We think this is an important feature for a quality set of binos, so we measured each model's close focus range.



The top pairs in the 10x range were the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 and the Leica Noctivid 10x42, which offer focus ranges down to 4.5 and 5.3 feet, respectively. In the 8x range, Vortex models cleaned up. The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 and the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 were fairly close and able to focus down to 5.5 and 6 feet. The Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 and Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 also deserve mention as the M7 was able to focus down to 5.8 feet, while the M5 was able to focus down to 6.2 feet.

binoculars - the nikon monarch m7 in our close-focus range testing.
The Nikon Monarch M7 in our close-focus range testing.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Conclusion


At their best, binoculars can open up whole new opportunities to explore and allow a greater appreciation of the fascinating ecology that surrounds us every day. At their worst, binoculars can make far-away things look even cloudier than they do with the naked eye. We hope our meticulous testing results and real-world lessons help you find a pair that will provide the former experience rather than the latter.

Benjamin Hickok and Jessica Riconscente