The Best Binoculars of 2025

A solid set of binoculars will drastically enhance any outdoor experience. Sure, they’re an essential piece of equipment for birders, and hunters use them daily to find game. But packing a set of binoculars on a hike or kayaking adventure will allow you to slow down and appreciate the wilderness around you in ways you never have before.

Unfortunately, binoculars can be confusing for those making their first purchase. There are random numbers and words like interpupillary distance used to describe them. What?

Whether you’re a seasoned binocular user or a novice, this guide is here to steer you in the right direction. If you’re trying to learn the ins and outs of all the terminology before making a selection, check out the buyer’s guide section. For everyone else, the top picks listed below will allow you to select the perfect set of binoculars for your next adventure.

For dedicated hunters, check out our Best Hunting Binoculars Buyer’s Guide.

Editor’s Note: On July 10, 2025, we updated our Best Binoculars buyer’s guide by removing products and updating our Buyer’s Guide and Price and Value sections. We also added a portion discussing warranties.

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Other Binos We Recommend

Binoculars Comparison Chart

Binoculars	Price	Weight	Field of View	Eye Relief	Magnification
NOCS Provisions Pro Issue 8×42	$295	1 lb., 8 oz.	429’	17 mm	8x
Celestron Outland X 10×42	$105	2 lbs.	289′	18.2 mm	10x
Swarovski NL Pure 10X42	$2,999	1 lb., 13.6 oz.	399′	18 mm	10x
Nikon Monarch M5 8×42 Binoculars	$290	1 lb., 6 oz.	335′	19.5 mm	8x
Maven C.3	$500	1 lb., 12 oz.	251-262′	15 mm	10x, 12x
Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42	$290	1 lb., 5.2 oz.	393′	17 mm	8x
NOCS Provisions Standard Issue 8×25	$95	11.85 oz	357’	10 mm	8x
NOCS Provisions Field Tube 8×32	$125	8.9 oz.	405’	15 mm	8x
Maven B1.2	$950	1 lb., 10.7 oz.	347-420′	8.1 mm	8x
Vortex Viper HD 10×42	$650	1 lb., 8.6 oz.	341′	17 mm	10x
Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10×42	$250	1 lbs., 12 oz.	342′	15 mm	10x
Celestron Skymaster Pro 15×70	$260	3 lbs., 3 oz.	231′	17 mm	15x
Nikon Trailblazer 8×25	$90	9.9 oz.	429′	10 mm	8x
BX-5 Santiam HD 10×42 Binoculars	$1000	1lb., 8.3 oz.	341′	16.6mm	10x

How We Tested the Best Binoculars

The Testing Process

At GearJunkie, we know how important it is for binoculars to deliver crisp, reliable vision. They also need to be durable and easy to use. Whether you’re chasing down hummingbirds in your backyard, scouting for a bull elk, or glassing the night sky, you need to be able to do it efficiently and effectively.

Our team tested over a dozen binoculars (and a couple of monoculars) to see how they worked for different uses, budgets, and hand sizes. The kiddos deserve to experience a stellar set of binos as well. We’ve focused the dials, taken them out in the rain, and maybe even dropped them a few times. We’ve put these binoculars through the wringer so you can, with confidence, too. 

Our Expert Testers

Reviewer Nick LeFort leads the charge on this guide. An avid outdoors enthusiast, he’s no stranger to the need for a good pair of binoculars. He also knows how to use them. He spent the year testing out all of the binoculars on this list in a variety of environments and conditions. The whole time, the weather was hot and humid, which would have made any undeserving optics fog up and fail.

To make his final decisions, he focused on clarity, size and weight, field of view, and durability. He also enlisted the help of his daughters to ensure that the binos we picked for kids were certified by actual kids—not a long-haired kid at heart in his forties.

Kylie Mohr brings an additional perspective and knows the value of top-of-the-line binoculars firsthand. As an environmental journalist, she has accompanied snowy owl researchers out into the field in search of the beloved bird. Weather conditions at the northeast tip of Alaska are no joke, even in the summer.

Mohr spent long hours staring into binoculars looking for a flash of white on the brown and green tundra. Cold hands and biting wind made easy-to-adjust models extra important, and high-powered magnification was essential to find nest sites. If you’re primarily a hunter, check out our guide to the Best Hunting Binoculars.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Binoculars

All binoculars are unique. Even within a brand, there can be a variety of aspects that make them completely different from one another. There are many different features and measurements to consider when trying to find the best binoculars for you. By working through our list and prioritizing your needs, finding the best binoculars for your needs should be simple.

How Do Binoculars Work?

Put simply, a binocular magnifies an image by utilizing three separate optical components: the ocular lens, the objective lens, and the prisms. These three pieces of glass work in concert to take in light, flip it, and project it for your viewing pleasure.

Those new to buying binoculars will notice a few significant numbers while shopping through different options. The magnification power, followed by the objective lens diameter, is the number you see presented as “8×40” or “10×42,” and it communicates very important bits of information.

Magnification

The first number is magnification, and is relatively easy to understand. This number indicates how many times closer what you’re viewing will appear to you. A set of binoculars with 8x magnification makes objects appear 8x closer. A set of binoculars with 10x magnification makes objects appear 10x closer.

This magnification is thanks to the ocular lens, a concave lens that blows up the image coming into the binoculars from the outer objective lens.

While you may think that a higher magnification is best, there are some downsides. First and foremost, binoculars with a higher magnification are more difficult to hold steady. There’s a reason most of our recommendations are eight and 10-powered: going higher than that will result in a shaky image while free-handing binoculars. Higher-powered binoculars work best in conjunction with a tripod for steady viewing.

Oftentimes, a higher magnification results in a smaller field of view (more on that later). This means users will spend more time “searching” for the object they’re trying to view.

Objective Lens Size

The second number, the objective lens size, is a bit more complicated. At a basic level, measuring objective lenses gives you an idea of how bulky the binoculars are to handle.

Perhaps more importantly, this number indicates the length in millimeters across the lens and, in turn, how much light your binoculars let in when viewing. Higher numbers mean larger lenses and more light, resulting in brighter images. Binoculars with smaller objective lenses are smaller and more portable. If you plan on using binoculars in low-light conditions, a larger objective lens is necessary.

Binoculars like the Celestron Skymaster Pro 15X70 have a large objective lens, allowing them to gather as much light as possible, making them an excellent choice for viewing stars at night. Compact binoculars such as the Nikon Trailblazer 8X25 ATB are packable, but will struggle to provide a good image in low light conditions.

Prisms, Optical Coatings, and Glass Type

Prisms are the final component of the binocular puzzle. When light refracts through a concave surface, like the objective lenses, the prism turns the image upside-down. Prisms right the image for final viewing.

We can divide prism design into two subcategories: Porro prisms and roof prisms. Without delving too deeply into each technology, Porro prism binoculars typically have a wider field of view, better depth perception, and more contrast.

Binoculars that use a Porro prism have offset eyepieces and objective lenses. The Celestron Outland 10×42 (as well as a few others on this list) share the same type of Porro prism and provide an incredible viewing experience.

Roof prism binoculars are a more comfortable shape to handle, with lenses and prisms aligned inside the binoculars themselves. This allows the binoculars they reside in to be more compact and durable, as the design is more stable. These designs are more expensive because special reflective coatings must be used to minimize the inherent loss of light caused by the design.

Optical Coatings

Lenses without optical coatings can bounce errant light around, creating a blurry and glare-prone pair of optics. These coatings are applied to both sides of the lens, tamping down some wavelengths of light and allowing for a clear beam of light to pass through them.

Optical coatings are applied in either single or multiple layers, with a multi-coat lens being superior optically. Prisms are also coated with optical coatings, with roof prisms receiving both a reflective coating and a phase-correction coating that ensures high-contrast images.

Lens Type

The types of glass used in both the lenses and prisms can also have a large effect on the overall clarity of your binoculars, and aiming for high quality here is also the best bet. Common formulations are BaK-4, also known as barium crown glass, or BK-7, a cheaper alternative. If a perfect view is what you’re after, aim for BaK-4.

Extra-low Dispersion Glass, or ED glass, helps to limit color defects that can occur when light splits up slightly after passing through the lens system. This is a more expensive glass often found in higher-end binoculars. 

Field of View

The field of view is a critical piece to consider when buying binoculars. The field-of-view measurement denotes the width you’ll be viewing through your lenses. Our favorite binos for birdwatching, the Nikon Monarch M5 8×42, and our favorite premium pair, the Swarovski NL Pure 10X42s, were especially notable for their crisp and clear field of view.

A wide field of view allows users to see more of an area, whereas a smaller field of view zooms into a smaller geographical space. The relationship between objective lenses, magnification, and binocular design, in general, plays into the field of view measurement.

The field of view is presented in either feet or degrees. Most high-quality binoculars have a field of view between 6 and 8 degrees, or 300-400 feet when viewing a spot 1,000 yards away.

If you wear glasses, it should be noted that binoculars with a wide field of view often have shorter relief and may not be the best choice.

Optical Adjustments

Eye Relief

Eye relief is most significant for those who wear eyeglasses, but it applies to all binocular users who might not immediately understand that a small gap between their eyes and the eyepieces is necessary to see the entire field of view.

The distance your eye should be away from the eyepiece typically measures between 5 and 20 mm. Eyeglass-wearers should seek out binoculars with an eye relief measurement long enough to accommodate their glasses, which is typically at least 10 mm. At 19.5 mm, the Nikon Monarch M5 has the most eye relief of all our favorite binos.

If you don’t wear glasses but have found the perfect pair of binoculars that happen to have long eye relief, don’t fret! Most binoculars have extendable rubber-coated eyecups. This serves as a correction and makes binoculars usable for both those with and without glasses.

Interpupillary Distance

Everyone’s face is different, and because of that, you’ll need to set the distance between your eyes (or, the interpupillary distance) to ensure that the image you see is combined between the barrels.

To do this, simply compress or expand the barrels of the binoculars together or apart until your eyes can comfortably see through both eyepieces. This will marry the two images together into one cohesive view.

Diopter Focus Adjustment

In the same way that pupil distance can vary, so can the actual focus between each eye. Because of this, dialing in the focus between the barrels of your binoculars is a surefire way to ensure you don’t get double vision during long viewing sessions.

Most binoculars worth their salt will incorporate a diopter adjustment ring into the eyepiece of one barrel of the binos to accommodate for the variations in focus. To set it, first set the diopter ring (commonly on the right eyepiece) to zero. Then, view through the binoculars with only the barrel that does not have the diopter ring, either by closing your other eye or blocking it with your hand. Using the focus wheel, bring the image into sharp focus.

Once your focus is set in your non-adjustable barrel, then uncover the diopter barrel and use the ring to dial in the focus until it is sharp in that eye as well, while covering the barrel you’ve already adjusted. Once you’ve completed this, both eyes should be adjusted for a crisp, clear image from both barrels. 

Collimation

Binoculars are tools, and since a good tool is meant to be used, they can become knocked out of alignment from time to time. Specifically, the internal prisms can sometimes become unphased with one another, meaning that the image seen is blurred or doubled. To fix this, you’ll need to collimate your binoculars, which we assure is a much more frightening word for bringing images into alignment. 

To be clear, collimation is most often best left to the professionals, and consulting your warranty is an excellent first step toward getting your binoculars collimated. Collimation can also be attempted at home, but this is outside of the scope of this review.

Close Focus Range

Virtually all makes and models of binoculars prioritize focusing on objects in the distance. However, all binoculars are also capable of focusing on items much closer.

The close focus range on a pair of binoculars is the measurement given to the closest distance that a specific pair of binoculars can focus. This distance enables users to examine intricate details of nearby objects. This distance is at least 25 feet for most binoculars.

The close focus range of higher-quality binos comes in at under 10 feet, with the Vortex Viper HD 10×42 having the closest range — 5.1 feet — on this list. Great for getting up close and personal with whatever you’re sighting! 

Exit Pupil and Relative Brightness

The exit pupil is the small pinpoint of light seen in the eyepieces when you hold them at a distance. The larger the diameter of this pinpoint, the more light that is allowed to pass through. This figure is easy to calculate by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification power.

For example, a pair of 8×42 binoculars would yield an exit pupil of 5.3 mm. This number can be used to compare binoculars and the relative brightness of the image they provide.

Packed Size & Weight

Depending on your desired use, the size and weight could be key considerations. When you’re hiking and hunting, having the lightest pair possible will make trekking that much more enjoyable. We also like having a small pair handy in the car in case a good animal peeping opportunity arises. Our favorite compact binoculars for adults are the Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 Binoculars, NOCS Provisions Standard Issue 8×25, and the much pricier Maven C.3.

Warranty

A solid warranty is often overlooked when purchasing outdoor equipment. That shouldn’t be the case in your search for binoculars. Binoculars are technical pieces of outdoor equipment that may endure some unintended abuse. If you spend big bucks on them, you need to ensure that the investment is protected.

To give a brief rundown, Vortex, Maven, and Leupold have the best warranties. These brands cover everything, including accidental breakage, for life. No receipt is needed, and no questions are asked.

Swarovski and Nikon cover defects, but not accidents. Other brands offer warranties that fall somewhere in the middle or vary depending on the specific product being purchased.

If you want an in-depth look at the warranty policy of the binoculars you’re looking at purchasing, check out Hunt/Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute’s “The Ultimate Binocular Warranty Comparison: Who’s Is Best?” article.

Price & Value

Binoculars on our list range in price from around $90 to $3000. While the cheaper pairs that we recommend on this list are high quality relative to their price (or they’re for kids), it is important to realize that there is a reliable relationship between price and overall quality of glass. If you’re seeking high-quality binoculars able to hold up to active use and the elements, we recommend investing in the best pair you can afford.

Budget

The lower-priced options ($90-$125) on our list include binoculars for children, monoculars from NOCs, and our budget pick, the Celestron Outland X 10×42 Binoculars ($105), which are a good entry pair of binoculars.

With budget binoculars, you won’t get the clearest image, and you may find they’ll fog up occasionally due to a lack of coatings. But, for a pretty low price, you can start to see things in the outdoors that you’ve been missing for years.

Mid-Tier

Spending a bit more can get you a lot more in the binocular realm, and for $250-300, there are plenty of excellent options. Typically, those that fall in this tier will have better glass and improved durability, including higher IPX ratings.

Our best overall pick, the NOCS Provisions Pro Issue ($295), is still a killer value given its extended field of view, close focus range, and overall adaptability between activities. The Nikon Monarch M5 8×42 ($270) excels in all light conditions and requires very little adjusting, making it ideal for birdwatching where you need to be fast on your feet.

The Vortex Diamondback HD binoculars ($240) have above-average optical quality, which means they compete with any other binos on the market. And, if you want a pair suited for the night sky, check out the Celestron Skymaster Pro 15×70 ($260).

You may find some binoculars in this price range lose some performance compared to their higher-end counterparts in low-light conditions.

Premium

Top-of-the-line binoculars can range from $500 to $5,000. The ones on our list top out at $3,000. At this price point, you’ll get the best glass available. The pricier the pair, the better the glass, and typically, the better they perform in low-light conditions; however, this may not mean they are better suited for how you want to use them.

Our favorite premium binoculars, the Swarovski NL Pures ($2,999) have a stellar field of view, the clearest glass and a durable build that will last. Others in this realm, the Maven C.3 10×50 ($500) and the Viper HD 10×42 binoculars by Vortex ($650), have top-of-the-line glass that allows you to see details with great clarity.

Premium binoculars will provide noticeably clearer views of distant objects. A prime example is when a member of our team was out with a wildlife photographer. They were out trying to capture images of mountain goats. While looking through the budget binoculars from the truck, our team member was trying to decipher whether what he was looking at was a mountain goat or a patch of snow. When he picked up a premium set of binos, it was instantly clear that it was just a patch of snow.

Frequently Asked Questions