The Best Binoculars of 2023

If love at first sight has a feeling, holding these binoculars might just be it. The Nikon Monarch M5 ($290) is all a user — bird watcher, scenery gazer, hunter, curious hiker, you name it — could want, all wrapped up in a lightweight, bombproof package.

Nikon’s design is user-friendly and requires no finagling. The rubber casing is grippy — because the last thing you want to do is smash a new pair of optics. Like many other models and brands these days, it comes with a snug case and a comfy neck strap.

Lenses are protected with caps on both ends. And the model is waterproof and fog proof, adding to its impressive durability. The resulting image is crisp, detailed, and clear, even in low light, haze, and shadows. 

While most folks may not notice or care too much about range of focus, a discerning consumer might want something tighter than the 8 feet the Monarch offers. Closer options, allowing viewing for something so close you can almost touch it, are available in a similar price range with multiple Vortex models on this list. 

That being said, the Monarch is easy in the hands and a truly trusty companion from one adventure to the next. Whether you’re scanning the soaring peaks of Glacier National Park for mountain goats or grassy fields for moose, they open up worlds of possibility.

While they can’t make a grizzly appear from the tree line, they sure can enhance every detail of the landscape as a consolation. Keeping a pair in the car even makes stopping for rural road construction more fun. 

Ideal for outdoor adventures, these take the spot as the best binoculars available today.

For a company with its foundation in night sky telescopes, Celestron is making serious noise in the field optics industry. The Celestron Outland X binoculars ($70) are certainly not as powerful or high-quality as our top choice, the Nikon Monarch M5, but they still win the budget category.

The Outlands are the most affordable binoculars on our list — besides the Obuby Real Binocs for kids ($26) — and provide a strong viewing experience.

The same optics that can be found in the Trailseekers (the BaK-4 prisms) are in the Outland binoculars. These provide excellent light capture, high-resolution images, and a strong enough contrast to work in all light conditions.

Despite being so affordable, Celestron doesn’t skimp on construction here, as the Outland binos are strong and durable enough to handle being thrown in and pulled out of backpacks. The adjustment dials and focus knobs are large and easy to use, plus the eye relief and eyecups provide viewing comfort for everybody.

These no-frills binoculars may not be the fanciest option on the market, and soaking them in drizzly Pacific Northwest days will wear them quickly. But they certainly serve their purpose and provide a surprisingly strong viewing experience.

Whether you’re venturing into the world of field optics for the first time or need to purchase multiple pairs for a family outing or outdoor program, consider the Celestron Outlands to strike a good balance between quality and affordability.

Every serious birdwatcher has a personal preference for the best binoculars for birding. However, most would agree that the ideal pair should have magnification in the 8x-10x range to spot birds at a distance while still maintaining a relatively stable hand.

Further, binoculars with objective lenses in the x42 range let in adequate light while promoting contrast in the field of view.

If you want a pair of binoculars that also has a short focus to enable easy observation of the many intricate and beautiful details of avian anatomy, then you’ve found the perfect pair. We can save you some trouble and recommend the Viper HD 10×42 binoculars by Vortex ($500).

The simple and elegant design is both durable and light, making them a no-brainer to bring on every birdwatching adventure. We only winced a little at the price, but if you’re a serious birder, it’s a small price to pay for quick identification in the field. 

HD glass allows for incredible crispness in the field of view and maximizes light capture in low-light conditions. The rubber coating has become a staple of the Vortex line and provides added strength and grip on the Vipers as well, and the adjustable eyecups promote comfort for everybody.

Like birdwatchers, every hunter has a preference for the best binoculars for hunting. That said, Maven has long been an industry leader for hunting-specific optics, and the Maven C.3 line ($500) is one of the best.

The model comes in 10×50 and 12×50 varieties, both of which are optimized for long-distance viewing and scouting. At either the 10x or 12x magnification, hunters can enjoy crystal-clear viewing from a considerable distance away.

Further, the 50 mm objective lens allows for significant light capture. This becomes increasingly critical when hunting at dawn and dusk — when many game animals are most active.

While this falls into Maven’s mid-range optics category, you wouldn’t know it by looking through them. Given the extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass and multi-coated lenses, users enjoy a clear and crisp field of view that’s also well-protected from the elements.

From a durability standpoint, the C.3 line is one of its size’s lightest binoculars with this optical potential. This is crucial when hauling a lot of gear deep into the backcountry for more demanding hunting expeditions.

Every hunter has their own opinion when it comes to the perfect pair of hunting binoculars, and those who like a wider view might be put off by this model’s narrower field. But no one will doubt your choice if you settle on the Maven C.3.

As technology continues to creep into our lives, helping children forge meaningful connections with nature has never been more important. There are many ways to do this, and buying a child a pair of binoculars is a great way to build excitement.

When it comes to binoculars for kids, you don’t necessarily need the most powerful optics. Instead, you need a colorful, fun, compact, light, and easy-to-use option. That’s where the Obuby Real Binocs for Kids ($31) come into play.

These binos are great for kids as young as 3 years old and come in various colors to help you customize a pair for your little one. Obuby Real Binocs were specifically designed for kids, and there’s soft rubber around the eyes to prevent any accidents.

The binoculars’ body has been crafted with smaller hands in mind, meaning kids can use these as effectively as an adult can use their own. The smallest of hands on the youngest of users might struggle to adjust some settings, but that’s true with anything needing more advanced fine motor skills. 

Further, these binos were created with an added level of rubber on the outside to combat the inevitable bangs and drops that come when giving a child the responsibility of holding onto a usually delicate piece of equipment — just be wary of the lenses. 

While the Obuby Real Binocs‘ construction is impressive, they also boast a pretty solid viewing experience for kids. The high resolution that results from the 8×22 optics is more than enough to help children gain a little added appreciation for the natural world beyond their scope of vision.

If you’re in the market for a pair of premium binoculars, it’s best to trust a company with a longstanding reputation for high-quality optics with a strong warranty. The Maven B1.2 ($1,000) come in 8×42 and 10×42 options and are designed with the durable construction and premium internal optics Maven is known for.

Maven considers the B1.2 its flagship binocular. And it easily lives up to this title, as it’s an excellent optic for virtually all uses. The internal elements can handle all light conditions and provide as good a viewing experience in the middle of the day as they do in the low-light morning and evening hours.

Some binoculars struggle with providing clarity across an entire field of view, with edges sometimes becoming blurred. That’s not the case with the Maven B1.2s. When in use, the entire field of view is crystal clear, with excellent color, contrast, and depth of field.

If compared to mid-level binoculars, the Mavens provide a noticeably stronger visual experience. While the price may be steep for casual users, people who depend on binoculars shouldn’t sweat the cost. Compared to other premium binoculars, the optical difference is negligible, but the Mavens’ price tag is much more attractive. The focus dials are smooth and easy to use, and the overall construction is built to last.

It’s no surprise that the Maven B1.2 has won the Adventure Gear of the Year award from National Geographic. These truly are a top-of-the-line field optic that can stand up next to the market’s most expensive competitors. When coupled with Maven’s unconditional lifetime warranty, the Maven B.1s were easy to choose as our favorite premium binoculars. They’re some of the best binoculars money can buy.

When a set of full-size binoculars just isn’t in the cards, taking a monocular can be an excellent lightweight replacement, while giving up little in the glass department. The Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube 8×32 ($75) hits the mark perfectly, offering an 8x magnification and fully multi-coated lens.

We first took our Zoom Tube into the field on a cross-country traverse of Alaska’s Chugach State Park during the autumn — prime wildlife viewing season. We were traveling light and greatly appreciated the small footprint of the Zoom Tube in our hip belt pocket. 

In practice, the Zoom Tube became the most borrowed piece of kit on the whole trek, pulled out to spy on rutting moose, Dall sheep, and mother grizzlies with their cubs. It takes a steady hand to balance the tube in front of your eye, but once you’re locked on a target, it’s easy enough.

Light precipitation was no match for the IPX4 waterproofing on the Zoom Tube, which is protected from splashes, no matter the direction. And when it did rain, we used the included microfiber cloth to blot the lens before packing it away.

There’s even a standard tripod thread in the bottom of the monocular, meaning you could set up for an extended period of glassing. And at 8.5 ounces, the Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube undercuts every other scope in this review by a wide margin when it comes to weight and size.

Look no further than the Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 ATB Binoculars ($90) if you’re in need of compact, folding binoculars. 

This pair is pint-sized but packs a punch. It easily fits in the palm of your hand or your pocket — making it an ideal companion for backpacking, squeezing into a glovebox, or heck, throwing it in a running vest or fishing waders in case you wander across something cool. We even liked bringing it in our ski touring pack to scope out avalanche activity and lines in the distance. 

Larger, pricier models have more bells and whistles that might be important when a top-quality image is paramount. The Trailblazer, for example, has a narrower objective diameter — 25 mm — than other favorites on this list. A broader objective diameter means a lens has greater light-collecting power, and as a result, a brighter and higher resolution image. Don’t expect the crispest image at dawn or dusk.

But we love this design as a less bulky option for the casual bird watcher. These binoculars are especially well-suited for smaller hands and kids, too. 

You won’t regret throwing the Nikon Trailblazer in your pack or sling bag. You’ll barely know it’s there until you need it.

Many brands offer excellent binoculars, but Celestron hit the jackpot with its Trailseeker 8×42 model ($300).

With 8x magnification, the Trailseeker allows for excellent focus at a distance and higher magnification without compromising the overall field of view or creating a shaky viewing experience.

If your subject matter happens to be much closer to you, the Celestron Trailseeker can perfectly address that need as well. The 6.5-foot closeup focus allows users to take in the finest details of their subjects.

BaK-4 prisms are found inside these binoculars and are designed to capture the optimal amount of light to create a strong contrast, bright images, and one of the best viewing experiences on the market.

As far as usability goes, the Trailseekers are both lightweight and durable — a welcome combination when bringing these tools into the field. While we have no questions about the strength of these binos, Celestron does offer a limited lifetime warranty if something unexpected were to impact their usability. The focus dial, which can become harder to turn or rust over time, is something to watch out for. 

The Trailseekers are an excellent binocular (they’ve been our top choice until recently being edged out by the Nikon Monarch M5 8×42 Binoculars) and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone who is looking to get themselves an excellent pair of outdoor optics.

The Diamondback HD binoculars by Vortex ($269) were one of our hottest runner-ups. These optics can hold a candle to any other pair of binoculars on the market.

Users should always prioritize lens quality when buying a pair of binoculars. In this category, Vortex is especially hard to beat. The brand’s patented HD optics are designed to give the ultimate viewing experience in terms of resolution, sharpness, light capture, and color fidelity. No matter the light conditions, the Diamondback HD 8×42 binoculars guarantee excellent visibility.

Further, binoculars are often tossed in backpacks or exposed to the elements on the trail. Vortex recognizes this and has protected its Diamondback HD lenses with ArmorTek to shield them from grime, dirt, oil, scratches, and anything else that could compromise the viewing experience.

Beyond the optics themselves, the build of the Diamondback HD binos is tough to beat. At their core, these binoculars are both light and durable, and the outer rubber coating adds an extra layer of protection and grip.

Vortex excels in the accessory department, as the Diamondbacks are compatible with both car window mounts and tripod adaptors to help steady the optics when viewing. Like many other binos on our list, Vortex packages its binoculars with a neck strap, lens covers, and a protective case and harness. The only downsides? A tricky-to-manage harness, and a few clunky elements on the binoculars themselves.

When considering the best binoculars available, the difference between these and our other top choices is subjective — they’re hard to beat.

With over three decades of optical experience, Carson knows how to make quality binoculars. The Carson VX Series 8×42 Binoculars ($209) are no exception. 

This pair excels as a companion for every activity. It’s a middle-of-the-road option that doesn’t compromise quality for a reasonable price. 

We liked these for hiking and bird watching, where we could easily spot eagles and deer across a large drainage in fading light. They’d be good for hunting, too, at least for shorter trips and smaller missions. We also weren’t afraid to take this pair out in damp, wintery-mix conditions. A nitrogen-filled interior and tight seal make this model waterproof and fog proof. 

Our only gripe? The pair felt a little heavy. We probably wouldn’t lug it somewhere unless necessary, and casual users might prefer a more compact offering. Overall, you reach a nice economic benchmark that packs solid value with the Carson VX Series, which is a step up from entry-level.

While we’ve been fans of the original Nocs Standard Issue binocs for a few years now, we couldn’t bear to not replace them with the new Pro Issue 8×42 Binoculars ($295) once we got our hands on them. These binos have taken everything we loved about the OG optics and brought them into a full-sized pair of binoculars.

Measuring 5.7 x 5.1 inches and weighing just over one pound, the Nocs Provisions Pro Issues are built to bring on every adventure. A new 42 mm objective lens gathers a bit more light than its smaller cousin. The design offers an impressive 429-foot field of view in the 8x magnification.

The BaK-4 prisms create a crisp and clear image despite the size. And the 42 mm objective lens is big enough to capture light in most all conditions.

What sets the Nocs Provisions apart from other compact binoculars are its unique features. For one, these are the most waterproof binoculars on our list at a rated IPX7. They can be submerged for up to 30 minutes in a meter of water. Once recovered, they work just fine.

Additionally, the eyepieces are designed with smartphones in mind. That’s to say, with a steady hand, you can shoot photos with your phone through these binoculars. Coupled with impressive durability and a sleek design that is comfortable to handle, the Pro Issue Binoculars from Nocs Provisions are an ideal choice for those looking for compact high-quality glass.