When packing for your next outdoor adventure,
remember nothing can enhance your experience like a good pair of binoculars.
Observing nature at her wildest often requires that we keep a distance in order
to not disturb the natural flow of things, but high-quality binoculars can get
you an up-close and personal view of what many people may never be lucky enough
to witness. With a high-quality set of binoculars, you may discover that what
looks like only a brown stump in a distant field is actually a lynx on the prowl
or perhaps a wolf with her pups. This guide is organized by cost (it roughly
goes up in price as you read) and divided into two categories to help you shop,
but each of these suggestions have something special to offer. There’s sure to
be something here you’ll like.
Under $500
Nikon Travelite
You get a lot of bang for
your buck with the Nikon Travelite binoculars. The perfect binoculars for
backcountry explorers, the Travelite is compact, lightweight, easy to carry and
best of all, its price won’t ruin your budget. Available in 8x25, 10x25 and
12x25, these models feature advances normally seen on much higher-priced models.
By utilizing Nikon’s bright, multicoated optics and Bak4 high index prisms, the
Travelite delivers a brighter, sharper view during critical early and late
periods of the day. Turn-and-slide eyecups and a central focus knob make using
the new Travelite simple, and the durable, rubber-armored body protects against
hard use. The new Travelite also features enhanced ergonomics and aspherical
eyepiece lenses for an enhanced field of view that is uncommonly flat and clear
from edge to edge. 8x: $99.99, 10x: $109.95, 12x: $119.95.
Steiner Safari Pro 8x22
The Safari Pro 8x22
binoculars may look stylish enough for the theater, but they’re tough enough for
the trail. With optical performance features that make them a joy to use on
birds and wildlife, these feather-light and compact binos are the perfect size
for your pack. The new, larger center-focus wheel allows for fast focusing on
your subject while the extended eye relief brings higher brightness with longer
eye relief for use with eyeglasses. The compact 8x22 Safari Pro will fold to fit
a pocket or the included compact case. Like all Safari Pro models, they feature
the brilliance of Steiner optics, but screen UVA and UVB light by nearly 100
percent for a cool, crisp, comfortable view, making them ideal for hiking,
backpacking in the mountains or at the beach. $119.
Alpen Optics
Shasta Ridge
Perfect for long hikes or
nature tours, Shasta Ridge binoculars fit easily in a pocket or backpack, but
can also be worn around the neck all day without bother as they only weigh 15
ounces. These binoculars are fully waterproof, fully multicoated, have long eye
relief and feature BAK4 optics that provide clearer, brighter viewing under all
conditions. The full-size 42mm models have a sleek roof prism design, while the
26mm models are a compact porro prism design. Shasta Ridge binoculars can handle
all types of weather, perfect for outdoor adventurers. $174.
Bushnell Trophy XLT Series
Bushnell has redesigned its
popular high-quality and affordable Trophy line of binoculars to feature a
sleeker, ergonomic build with fast-focus capability, making these binoculars
perfect for checking out wildlife on the move. The new Dura-Grip coating with
soft-touch thumb grips makes it easy to use for longer periods of time without
discomfort. The fully multicoated lenses feature lead-free Enviro-Friendly glass
for greater clarity and light transmission. Trophy series binoculars are 100
percent waterproof and fogproof. Each pair also comes with a set of flip-up
objective lens covers. 10x27, $99.99; 8x32, $119.99; 8x42, $189.99; 10x42,
$199.99; 12x50, $219.99.
Celestron 10x50 Nature Series
The Nature Series from
Celestron features a state-of-the-art design with a modern open-frame style.
Significant features include fully multi-coated optics and high-precision BAK-4
prisms to enhance the optical quality with maximum contrast and color rendition.
The rugged aluminum main body has a rubber covering for additional protection.
Twist-up eyecups provide easy adjustment. The Nature Series is waterproof, and
nitrogen purged to be fog-proof. A soft case and straps are included, and the
binoculars offer Celestron’s No Fault Lifetime Warranty. $115.95.
Redfield Rebel 8x32
Easy to handle and
lightweight, the Rebel 8x32 roof prism binoculars cover virtually any outdoor
activity that requires a good binocular. The Rebel’s ergonomic roof prism design
reduces bulk and weight. The 8x32 mm model weighs only 17.1 ounces and measures
five inches in length. Rebel binoculars perform exceedingly well in the field
and are a great value. These binoculars feature fully multicoated lenses and
premium BAK4 prisms for image brightness, resolution and edge clarity. They have
a fully armored aluminum body to ensure durability and are nitrogen filled to
make them waterproof and fog-proof in all field conditions. Twist-up/down
eyecups comfortably accommodate users with or without eyeglasses. Each set of
binoculars comes with a tripod-adaptable mount, soft case, neoprene neck strap
and lens caps. 8x32: $129.99.
Busnell Legend Ultra HD
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A
favorite of serious outdoorsmen and women, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD boasts a
combination of high-quality optics and premium ED Prime Glass with the new Ultra
Wide Band Custom Coating lens technology for high definition performance. Two
new midsize roof prism models, the Legend Ultra HD 8x36 mm and 10x36 mm, feature
anti-reflective Ultra Wide Custom Coating, which delivers the best available
light not only during the peak of the day, but also at dusk and dawn when good
optics matter most. Premium ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass delivers optimal
color performance and edge-to-edge sharpness. Compared to similarly priced
optics, Legend Ultra HD binoculars deliver a wider field of view and are also
more comfortable to use. Longer eye relief means less eyestrain. You can take
these binos out in any weather thanks to their 100 percent waterproof
construction and new RainGuard HD high-density permanent coating, which scatters
less light by minimizing or eliminating moisture on the lens surface. 8x36,
$249.99; 10x36, $249.99.
Leupold Katmai 8x32
The Leupold Katmai 8x32
binoculars provide outdoor lovers with full-size optical performance in a
compact package that is lightweight and easy to carry or pack. The Katmai 8x32
offers twist-up eyecups that make use easy with or without eyeglasses. The key
to Katmai’s performance is the 32mm objective lens, which is larger than the
objective lens of traditional compact binoculars and transmits a greater amount
of light to the eyes. Generous eye relief helps make the Katmai comfortable to
use for extended periods, even with glasses. Built for all-weather use, the
Katmai is completely waterproof and has shock-absorbing rubber armor for extra
protection. $439.99.
More Than $500
Nikon Monarch X
This binocular line is ideal
for nature lovers who understand that wildlife is often most active early in the
morning or late in the evening when light conditions are low. The Nikon Monarch
X’s 45 mm objective lenses provide larger exit pupils for increased low light
performance, while maintaining the balance and comparable weight of many
competitors’ 42 mm models. Available in 8.5x45 for the ultimate in light
transfer and 10.5x45 for an ideal combination of power and performance, the
Monarch X works equally well for the adventure seeker or casual sightseer. By
utilizing Nikon’s advanced Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coatings,
the Monarch X delivers a brighter, crisper view during critical dawn and dusk
periods. The long eye relief (8.5x45=20.6 mm and 10.5x45=16.0 mm) multi-position
click-stop eyecups make using the New Monarch X easy and fun for those with or
without eyeglasses. 8.5x45, $579.95; 10.5x45, $599.95.
Celestron
8x42 Granite Binocular
Celestron’s Granite Series
Roof Prism Binoculars are the pinnacle of optical and mechanical design. They
are waterproof, nitrogen purged to be fog-proof, feature ED (Low Dispersion)
glass to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness with excellent color correction and
razor-sharp images while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration, use
phase-coated BaK-4 prisms with high-reflectivity coatings for the sharpest and
brightest possible images, and the body is made of magnesium, which is much
lighter than aluminum and more rugged and tough for handling in any environment.
It comes with a standard deluxe binocular strap and carrying case, but a
binocular harness strap is available that takes the strain off your neck and
distributes the weight load of the binoculars to your shoulders and torso for
extended use. The Granite Series is also eco-friendly as the coatings are lead-
and arsenic-free. And it also carries Celestron’s No Fault Lifetime Warranty.
$688.95
ZEISS Conquest 8x30
Binoculars The Conquest 8x30 is the perfect binocular for hikers
and campers who prefer a midsize binocular at an affordable price. The
17.46-ounce, rugged Conquest binoculars are ergonomically designed for comfort
and tough use in the field, and Zeiss’ proprietary multicoating on the lenses
and its phase-coatings on the prisms improve light transmission for bright,
sharp images and enhanced twilight vision. $649.99
Kowa BD42
Series
The Kowa BD42 series
binoculars are an ideal companion for bird-watching or any other outdoor
activity that requires a bright image and a wide field of view. These sleek
binoculars come in 8x or 10x magnifications, and in dark green housings that
blend into your surroundings. The prism is phase-coated to ensure sharp images
and outstanding contrast. All lenses and prisms are fully multicoated, ensuring
a clear visual range and sharp images. This new coating technology maximizes the
reflectivity of the prism and reduces the loss of light, thereby achieving
brighter and sharper images. 8x42, $655; 10x42, $685.
Steiner
Merlin 10x50
Rugged design and waterproof
construction make the Steiner Merlins perfect for handling what Mother Nature
can dish out. Despite their hardy exterior, the Merlins sport a sleek, compact
design that’s easy and comfortable to use and handle. Merlin binoculars feature
a smooth, precise center focus with exceptional brightness, and although the
added size of the 50 mm objective lenses lets in more light, it does not make
the binocular bulky. The Merlin series features phase-corrected roof prisms and
fully multicoated optics for clarity and highest resolution. Each Merlin
includes a deluxe protective and weatherproof travel case, a neoprene, nonslip
comfort strap, rain guard and objective lens caps. These binos are guaranteed
waterproof and feature a 10-year warranty against defects. 10x50, $749.
Swarovski TYROL Pocket Binocular
Clothed in Italian leather,
the smallest of all Swarovski Optik’s binoculars, the 8x20 TYROL, is a
great-looking travel companion. The Pocket TYROL has a sophisticated lens system
comprising a total of 16 lenses, which are treated with all three of the
company’s proprietary coatings. This is the reason the images are so
exceptionally bright and the field of view so impressive. The Pocket TYROL is
dustproof and waterproof, and has adjustable twist-in eyecups allowing eyeglass
wearers to enjoy a full field of view. Its appealing design and high-quality
leather make it a real eye-catcher. The dedicated handmade leather belt pouch
and the leather cord are perfectly matched to the Pocket TYROL. $965.56.
Kowa Genesis 33 Prominar Binocular Series
Weighing in at slightly over
a pound, the Genesis 33 Series binoculars give outdoor observers the freedom to
survey wildlife for longer periods without suffering arm fatigue. In addition to
being exceptionally easy to handle, these binoculars feature four Prominar XC
lenses, which deliver unrivaled image quality and virtually eliminate chromatic
aberration. Pictures are bright and are highlighted by high contrast and
unrivaled color reproduction. The Prominar lens technology offers the highest
resolution combined with precise color definition and edge-to-edge sharpness for
optimum viewing enjoyment. Their new multicoated optical system and C3 prism
coating creates higher reflectivity and minimizes loss of light. Both the 8x and
10x models showcase an extremely wide field of view, making them the ideal
optics for observing plants, insects and other objects within close range while
revealing a larger field. 8x33, $1,285; 10x33, $1,440.
Alpen
Rainier The Alpen Rainier is lightweight yet tough as nails, making
it ideal for those who take the term “roughin’ it” to heart. The Rainier 42 mm
binocular family features a new open-hinge body design as well as a new HD ED
“high definition extra low dispersion” optical system that delivers
state-of-the-art optical performance that rivals some of the best European
brands, but for considerably less cost. With reduced weight (just over 29
ounces) and improved holding comfort, the new Rainier is a great option for
those looking for top optics. The Rainier binocular features newly designed
twist-up eyecups and Alpen’s unique A-lock locking diopter adjustment system.
The superb HD ED optical design combined with Alpen’s UBX multilayer coating
system, PXA phase coatings, and SHR metallic prism coatings result in extremely
bright and sharp images. Fully waterproof O-ring sealed magnesium body
construction is the foundation for other features such as long eye relief for
eyeglass wearers and close focus distance of 6 feet. And the Rainiers are backed
by Alpen’s lifetime factory warranty. 10x42, $1,595; 8x42, $1,538.
ZEISS Victory 8x32 FL Binoculars
The ZEISS Victory 8X32 is a
high-performance, midsize binocular in an extremely portable, lightweight size,
making them not only perfect for camping but for just about any outdoor event.
The Victory’s FL glass produces bright, sharp and vivid images, and the LotuTec
water-repellant coating on all ZEISS Victory optics ensures that the image
remains clear even in the pouring rain. This lens coating causes raindrops to
bead and roll right off, and dirt and grime wipe away with ease. This Victory FL
Binocular also features a rugged housing and rubber armor exterior that is
durable and comfortable to handle in any weather condition, and the 32 mm
objective lets in plenty of light for clear viewing during low light conditions
such as dawn and dusk. $2,149.99. By Stephanie Mallory
Hope this helps when your looking to purchase new optics!
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