Best Binoculars for the Money
All around binoculars are an important piece of gear you should have along for all kinds of occasions. If you don’t have binoculars in your vacationing or sporting bag, you don’t know what you’re missing. From the outdoors to the football stadium, binoculars make the experience more enjoyable. Binoculars are fantastic tools for enjoying sporting or entertainment events, but they are equally important at providing enjoyment during outdoor activities and family outings.
Making room for exceptional optics on your vacation to a national park, wildlife park, or just a weekend at the lake is essential for wildlife watching, bird watching, and taking in the beauty of distant landscapes. Packing binoculars in your daypack on a family outing, or in the glove box on a road trip, or even on the boat for the weekend provides an additional aspect to your adventuring and travel. The right pair of binoculars can act as an all-purpose tool for many situations. The right binocular for you may not have a specific situation in mind, so it’s in your best interest to find a great binocular for an even better deal. So what are the best binoculars for the money? What do you need to know about binoculars before the buy? This article should help you out!
Binocular Basics
Binoculars come in two different technical types, Porro Prism and Roof Prism designs. Both types of binoculars effectively accomplish the same goal, however there are pros and cons to both types.
Porro Prism Binoculars – With porro prism construction, the eyepiece is offset from the lens. This design generally allows for better depth perception and a wider field of view than roof prism binoculars. Porro prism binoculars are worth a look if your primary purpose is viewing sporting events or landscapes.
Roof Prism Binoculars – Roof prism binoculars are designed with the objective lens and eyepiece in line. This design allows for more compact and lightweight binoculars. The sleek and slim form factor of roof prism binoculars makes them ideal for slipping into a daypack, glove box, or even hanging around your neck.
Best Porro Prism Binoculars on a Budget
Leupold Yosemite – Leupold optics are legendary. Built with the utmost quality and guaranteed for your lifetime. The Leupold Yosemite line of binoculars are the perfect fit for an all around binocular option, and they are easy on your budget! The Leupold BX-1 Yosemite 8X30 porro prism binoculars are an amazing deal on quality optics. With 8 power magnification and a 30mm light gathering objective lens, these binoculars are as all purpose as duct tape!
Nikon Action – The Nikon Action series of binoculars is known for quality lenses and prisms at an affordable price. Utilizing BaK4 high index prisms and Nikon’s Eco-Glass these binoculars offer amazing clarity for the money. Consider the Nikon Action Extreme 12X50 binoculars for that extra reach in magnification. The 12 power magnification is optimal to pull in distant action at the racetrack, football stadium, or baseball park. A perfect choice for sporting events and a great deal makes for a team win!
Vortex Raptor – Vortex Optic’s Raptor line offers great optics at an amazing price point to fit any budget. Built rugged, waterproof, and fogproof; this binocular line offers versatility for all around use. The
Vortex Raptor 8.5X32 binoculars are a terrific choice for an all around binocular on a budget. These porro prism binoculars have a compact design that rivals roof prism binoculars. An excellent choice for bird watching, the zoo, or a vacation to a wildlife park, the binoculars are easy to hold and not too heavy while still offering clarity, magnification, and a wide field of view.
Best Roof Prism Binoculars on a Budget
Leupold McKenzie HD –
The Leupold McKenzie HD binoculars are a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts, offering high-definition optical performance in a compact and durable design. With their advanced HD (High Definition) lenses, they provide clear, bright, and sharp images even in low-light conditions, making them perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and hunting. The McKenzie series is built to withstand the elements, featuring a rugged, waterproof, and fog-proof construction that ensures reliability in all weather conditions. Their ergonomic design and lightweight build make them comfortable for extended use, while the twist-up eyecups and wide field of view add to their convenience and ease of use. Overall, the Leupold McKenzie HD binoculars deliver exceptional quality at an affordable price point, making them a great choice for anyone seeking premium optics for outdoor adventures.
Athlon Midas UHD –
The Athlon Midas binoculars offer exceptional performance and clarity, designed to meet the demands of both casual outdoor enthusiasts and serious adventurers. Featuring advanced ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, these binoculars deliver bright, sharp, and true-to-life images with excellent color accuracy and minimal chromatic aberration. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, ensuring outstanding brightness even in challenging lighting conditions. The Midas series is built for durability, with a lightweight yet robust magnesium chassis that is both waterproof and fog-proof, allowing for reliable use in all weather. With a comfortable, ergonomic design and a wide field of view, the Athlon Midas binoculars provide a premium viewing experience for birdwatching, hunting, or simply enjoying nature. The combination of high-quality optics and rugged construction makes them a top choice for those seeking reliable and affordable binoculars.
Minox X-HD – The Minox XHD binoculars are a high-performance optic option designed for those who demand top-tier quality and precision in the field. With their advanced HD (High Definition) glass and fully multi-coated lenses, these binoculars offer stunning clarity, sharpness, and brightness, even in low-light situations. The XHD series is built with a rugged, lightweight magnesium body that ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight, making them comfortable for extended use. Additionally, their waterproof and fog-proof construction allows for dependable performance in all weather conditions. The Minox XHD binoculars feature an ergonomic design that provides a secure, steady grip, while their wide field of view and smooth focus adjustment enhance the overall viewing experience. Whether you’re birdwatching, hiking, or hunting, the Minox XHD binoculars deliver exceptional optical quality and reliability in an attractive, durable package.
Other Considerations When Buying Budget Friendly Binoculars
Have More Than One Pair of Binoculars
Unless you’re traveling solo on your adventures, having at least one spare set of binoculars is a must. Sharing the action in between your turns with the binoculars is no way to spend your leisure time. Consider a set of binoculars for everyone in your group and make sure you all get to see the sporting action or wildlife without compromise.
Caring for Your Investment
Quality optics are a long term investment and will last a lifetime if cared for properly. Shirt tails and Kleenex are not the appropriate tools to clean your binoculars lenses. A small investment in the right tools to clean your binoculars can ensure their usefulness for years to come. Read the detailed Optic Field Care Guide to take care of your investment.
Leupold Lens Pen – A lens pen is a small investment that will pay big dividends when caring for your binoculars. Compact and easy to use, the microfiber coupled with the dust and lint free brush in one tool is ideal for cleaning your optics on the go.
Include a Pair of All Purpose Binoculars in Your Next Outing
Whether you are an outdoor adventurer out discovering new places, a bird watcher hoping to get a glimpse of a rare feathered friend, or an avid sports fan not wanting to miss any of the action; consider an exceptional pair of binoculars for your kit. Quality optics can be had at budget prices, and the investment will last for years to come.