Binoculars are unique in that they can be used virtually anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning an outdoor adventure, such as a safari, or just want something to look for your home window. They allow the viewer to a farther and more refined visual experience. You’ve probably used them before, and if not, there’s a good chance that you have been in a situation where a pair would have made viewing something of interest a whole lot easier than depending on your normal eyesight.
You can find binoculars in sports outlets and even electronics stores, but if you’re looking for some of the best, check out the five listed below. They have great range and should hold up well past their purchase date. And don’t forget about the buyer’s section that follows. Use it to get some in-depth tips on how to choose a pair that has everything you would expect to be featured in the binocular.
Comparison Table
Here is a brief lowdown on the primary specifications of each binocular reviewed. It shows the weight and range quality that’s features on the brands. Lens size is also detailed, so if that’s what important to you, don’t forget to take note of it.
| Model | Magnification | Lens Diameter | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Editor's Choise | 10x | 42mm | 1.3 lbs | |
| Nikon Monarch 5 Editor's Choise | 8x | 42mm | 1 lbs | |
| Olympus Trooper DPS 1 | 8x | 40mm | 1.5 lbs | |
| Nikon Action EX | 8x | 40mm | 1.8 lbs | |
| Vortex Optics Diamondback | 8x | 28mm | 1.5 lbs |
Safari Binoculars Reviewed
1. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 – Best Outdoor Binoculars For Safari
Bushnell all the Way
The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD is popular among people who really know binoculars. That’s because the company has outputted numerous scopes of all kinds, including devices that have digital controls. While there aren’t any such features on this pair, you will end up with one of the best in the category.
While this is almost a staple on binoculars as a whole, not all of them deliver as promised. Knowing this, you can have this device out with you during downpours and still be able to view everything as normal from the lenses.
Diving Deeping into Its Visuals
While no set of binoculars is perfect, this one does strive to be. Regardless, you might run into issues with the aberration of the scopes, which is a slight distortion in the lenses that causes a sort of “blooming” effect of the visuals. This isn’t a common occurrence and could be corrected by simply adjusting the focus until the image clears up. But do take note of it, so as to not cause you to become annoyed later if it’s purchased. Anyhow, consider the Legend if you need binoculars that have great range and strong protection against aging and corrosion. It will make your safari much more entertaining.
- The binoculars are both waterproof and fogproof
- Lens is manufactured to repel and prevent moisture from obstructing the view of the user
- Wide field of view when looking at large swaths of land and/or objects
- Some models may have a problem with the focus being different in each scope
- Shows some aberration in the lens, especially in bright settings
- The rubber coating may become brittle in some areas under heavy use
2. Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 – Best Binoculars For Any Weather
The Monarch 5 is King
The Nikon Monarch 5 is sleek and black, something that’s found on most binoculars sold. But why does it bear mentioning here? That’s because you get some of the best protection around. Some devices that have good resistance to liquids won’t always be easy to haul around in your hands. The rubber coating could be too uncomfortable or not have enough indents for the fingers to keep from slipping. Ridges are placed in just the right places here, so it should stay firm in your hands no matter how long you plan on viewing.
What you get In the Box
But one of the best features is in the accessories.
And the visuals are what one would expect from Nikon, meaning they will display bright under low light or even during the evening hours. There is no image stabilization here, so if you have a shaky hand, you’ll have to get adjusted to relaxing yourself whenever you viewing a long-range shot. But in any case, try out the Monarch 5 for its excellent bundle of additional items including with the binoculars themselves.
- All components (binoculars and case) will not become damaged in wet and humid environments
- Comes with a pen and microfiber cloth to keep the lens clean
- Bright visuals in low light areas
- Does not come with image stabilization
- The case is made of fabric and may become damaged easily
3. Olympus Trooper 8×40 DPS 1 – Best Binoculars For Sun Protection
Strong UV protection with Olympus
The Olympus Trooper DPS 1 resembles a more traditional-looking pair. That’s not to say that’s it’s the kind of rudimentary binoculars one would find in a toy store, however. Its glare protection is very well and will keep out the sun when there are no clouds around. With this, bird watching and spotting game become a lot easier since no discoloration or obstructive reflections will hinder your view. You can also look into each scope on its own, so if you are a hunter and like to switch in between binoculars and your rifle, doing so becomes a whole lot quicker with this product.
Glasses Compatibility
The range is average, so you will have decent coverage at its highest magnification levels but may run across slight aberrations, depending on the brightness of the visuals. The eyecups could also be improved but the Trooper still earns high marks for its overall eye protection from the sun.
- The lens does not reflect glare from the user’s field of view
- In necessary, each lens can be viewed individually with one eye
- Guards against ultraviolet light that could damage the eyes
- Does not have eye adjustments for people who wear glasses
- Difficult to get the eye cups in a position that doesn’t make the entire binoculars uncomfortable to view for a long period
- Optics are slightly blurry when viewed at long range
4. Nikon 8×40 Action EX – Best Binoculars For Evening Use
The right Binoculars For you Tripod
Another Nikon product, the Action EX is next, having a very strong rubber coating with the company’s logo etched into its side. Being one of the leading producers of optics, this set performs well in regards to compatibility with other accessories and image quality. If you own a tripod or intend on acquiring one for your pair, the binoculars can be set to mount on most brands.
Good night time Viewing
You won’t need one from the same company. And if you are a stargazer or amateur astronomer, this is the set for you. The display remains surprisingly bright when under nightfall, keeping small and brighter objects in the field of view from being murky. Such a feature isn’t always good on binoculars, so make this one a top choice if you do want something that won’t view pitch black when there’s not much light around during your outing.
- Most tripods are compatible with the binoculars
- Image clarity is stellar at medium range
- View remains bright when viewed in night settings
- Durable construction
- The eyecups may come off the binocular if turned with too much force
- Can cause fatigue in the arms and hands when held for a long time; heavy
- Shows slight distortion around the edges at long ranges
5. Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×28 – Best Binoculars For First Time Use
The People’s Binoculars
The final product if the Vortex Optics Diamondback.
The focus knob also deserves attention. It’s easy to turn yet firm at the same time. As a result, adjustments are fast but won’t lose focus at the slightest brush of your fingers.
Keeping up with Maintenance
However, blurry images may occur based on your focus and level of magnification. And the hinges tend to loosen up quickly. By quickly, that means you’ll probably have to tighten it after the first time it’s used. The binoculars will become loose to the point where each scope can be turned from its own weight. So do expect to carry out minor maintenance if you decide on this set. If this isn’t a hot button issue for you, then the Diamondback will be suggested for anyone to add to their collection. Beginners will also love how easy it conforms to the hands.
- The eye cups are large in diameter, very flexible, and will conform to most face sizes
- Allows the user to maintain a firm grip of the exterior in wet outdoor weather
- Large focus knob is easy to turn and doesn’t lose clarity once set to a desired position
- Depending on the focus, edges will be blurred
- The hinge becomes loose after the device is used for the first time
- View is murky in areas where the brightness is low
Buyer’s Guide
There are lots of binoculars sold online and in stores across the country. Some of them are great while others aren’t worth the money or time for serious consumers. If you’re looking for something that won’t break when you’re outside, then knowing a little about how to divide to good from the bad will help you end up with a pair that’ll stay with you for a long time. Use the information below to assist if your final pick.
How Heavy is It?
Think of binoculars as a weighted dumbbell. The longer you hold the weightlifting tool, the more strain will be placed on your arms and hands. Fortunately, binoculars are sold in many shapes and sizes, so finding one that will lessen fatigue isn’t a hard task. Look at the weight of each pair that you’re interested in. Most binoculars average around 1.5 pounds, with heavier models going as high as four pounds or more. If you know that you’ll be holding it for long swaths of time, a lighter model would probably be best for you. Less weight doesn’t always equate to lower durability, so even if you do have a heavier device, the material could still be cheaply made. Weight alone should not be the deciding factor on the binocular you end up with but is a good starting point to base other attributes around once you have an idea of the type of product you want.
Using Binoculars With Glasses
Some people might not know this, but many binoculars are able to change their focus primarily for individuals who wear glasses, whether they are reading or prescription. If you depend on glasses to see and wish to buy a pair of scopes, getting one that can be set to accommodate the lenses (on the glasses) is highly recommended. If not, the binocular might not view well when you place your face close to the eyecups. Those with the feature will have simple controls to do this and are usually a selling point when it is available. As such, you’ll be able to tell if this is possible by just looking at the product’s description.
Waterproof and Water Resistance
Having binoculars with waterproof protection is another important selling point, especially if you plan on using them for safari-type events. But one aspect of this that isn’t covered very much is the differences between waterproof and water resistance. This also goes for fog. Do not confuse resistance with the former. Waterproof means that the entire exterior features protection against liquids from entering into the lens and damaging the sensitive portions of the binoculars that allow you to see inside the eyecups.
But resistance simply means that the scope has a limited blockage. Water damage can still occur with this feature is they are left exposed to the elements for a prolonged period. If you live in a dry environment that receives little rainfall or don’t plan on going to an area that would constitute waterproof binoculars (such as in your home), then water-resistant pieces should suffice. But if you are the adventurous type and anticipate being outdoors or in places where they could get wet, stick to waterproof.
Where they will be Used the Most
Binoculars can be used virtually anywhere, from getting a better view of your favorite baseball team at a stadium, to spotting deer while out in the wilderness during hunting season. The possibilities are endless. Think about where you will be using them, and the ways in which they will aid you in whatever event you have in line. Some are better equipped to be used in areas where there isn’t much sunlight, such as on a field during nighttime star and planet-sighting.
Other’s are better for birdwatching and will greatly enhance the color quality of images, no matter how gloomy the sky is. And then there’s field of view, which is good for moving images that don’t become blurred and keep things clear with picture stabilization. Some brands will work one or all of these features into one product, but whatever is most important to you, think about how it will affect the setting you’re in when it’s time to pull the binoculars out.
Eyecups and Maintenance
Eyecups are another less talked about feature on binoculars. The best are adjustable, allowing you to change the distance and angle between you and the lenses without creating bad visuals. Bad products will leave large black spots are blurriness around the edges as you change the eyecup positions but won’t be noticeable in a good pair. The focus could also be affected by this.
Furthermore, look at the strength of the hinges. It’s inevitable that you’re going to have to get it tightened after a while. Some binoculars will requires that a professional do this for you while others can be maintained by yourself with parts that you may already own. If there are any indicators that you’ll have to go through hurdles to keep the pair functioning as you want them to, look for an alternative. If not, settle on a brand you trust that’s good in build quality yet easy to repair.
Conclusion
Although binoculars may often look alike, there are many variations in the level of performance given to each product. Some are better than others, and the same goes for those reviewed in this article. The top two recommended choices are for the first and second pairs, the Bushnell Legend and Nikon Monarch 5. They were picked for having outstanding visuals, great adjustability, and solid protection against wear from dirt and water. But don’t settle for these if you think the others would be better for your intended use. All have their advantages, so look into each of the attributes that have earned them on a spot on the list, then choose accordingly!
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