The Best Binoculars For Adults
If you want to see wildlife up close and personal, you won't have much luck storming through the bush to get a closer look. Birds and foraging animals usually take flight at the smallest sound, so we recommend getting a quality pair of binoculars to watch them undisturbed. Actually, binoculars are versatile and useful in a wide range of situations, from sporting events to scouting. That's why we decided to hunt for the best of the best.
What to Look For
In our search, we asked three main questions: Do they feature high-quality lenses for clear magnification? Do they feel sturdy and comfortable in our hands? Is the price fair? Our favorite pair came from Occer, which offered excellent image clarity for a bargain price point. We were blown away by the zoom strength of such a compact and affordable little unit. However, they didn’t come with extra accessories. If you want a solid pair of binoculars with a phone adapter for snapping magnified pics with your smartphone, we recommend the pair from Adasion. Clearly, there’s a lot to consider, so be sure to read on for more of our in-depth reviews.
Occer Compact Binoculars
See for yourself
Compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, these binoculars make for a convenient addition to your carry-on, vehicle, or just hanging out by the kitchen window when you want to get a closer glimpse of that bird. In short, we love them. Completely waterproof, these high-powered lenses offer a wide field of view with optimal magnification. In fact, the 12x magnification on these wide lenses provides a clear 1,000-yard view that’s both wide and long. With Occer, you can enjoy premium magnification at a fraction of the cost of typical binoculars.
Pros:
- These affordable binoculars are a serious bargain and can outperform much more expensive options. The clarity of the image at 12x magnification is remarkably good, so you can see distant objects with high definition.
- These are great for birdwatching, hunting, and fieldwork since their compact size and durable construction make them ready for travel.
- There’s very little chromatic aberration and the colors are bright, beautiful, and true-to-life.
Cons:
- With compact binoculars, there’s a tradeoff in stability, so those with shaky hands may want something heftier.
Hontry Binoculars for Adults and Kids
High value, fair cost
Okay, hear us out: when it comes to binoculars, a high price tag often means higher quality. But that’s not always an option. Whether you’re looking for a backup set or in need of a portable pair, these binoculars don’t have a hefty price tag — but they are surprisingly good when it comes to quality. Featuring an adjustable base that fits easily in the palm of your hand, these lenses offer 10x magnification at a range of 362 feet at 1,000 yards, better light transmission, and non-chromatic aberration. With a strap mounting system and a comfortable eye lens, these are an excellent beginner birder’s set.
Pros:
- Binoculars in this price range are usually a bit of a gimmick and aren’t built to last. These, however, are incredibly durable and high-quality.
- They’re only 0.6 pounds, so these are the perfect pair of binoculars for taking on backpacking and hunting trips since they won’t add too much weight to your pack.
- We love the grippy textured housing, which offers high stability when viewing distant objects.
Cons:
- The distance between the eyepieces is fixed, so those with wideset eyes may prefer a pair that can expand.
Adasion HD Binoculars for Adults with Universal Phone Adapter
For getting the shot
There’s a lot that we love about these binoculars, and the nifty phone adapter is the cherry on the top. With the ability to magnify and then snap a photo with your phone, you can instantly share whatever magic you’re witnessing through the lens of these binoculars. With powerful prism lenses that allow for bright, crisp viewing, these offer a true-to-color look at a world you’d otherwise never get close enough to. In fact, the prism lens aids in seeing better in dimmer light, which is a major help when you’re scouting animals at dawn or dusk.
Pros:
- If you’ve been struggling to find a pair of binoculars that work with your glasses, this is it. These have adjustable eyecups that can be turned down to comfortably accommodate your frames.
- Although these are bigger and heavier than the compact options, they’re still a great option for travel, since they’re fairly waterproof and heavy-duty.
- They have 99.6% light transmission, so the images are basically just as bright as they appear with the naked eye.
Cons:
- The phone mount has a learning curve, so it’ll take some practice to snap perfect pictures.
Adorrgon HD Binoculars for Adults, with Accessories
The full set
If this option from Adorrgon just included the pair of high-quality binoculars, we’d be thrilled. But the fact that these come with an upgraded phone mounting and adapter system, a tripod, and a tripod adapter makes us a little obsessed with this pick. Ultra-clear in even low-light conditions, these waterproof, adjustable, and easy-to-hold binoculars are ideal for hunting, animal watching, sporting events, concerts, and more. With built-in advanced features such as BAK4 prism lenses that deliver a brighter light in lower light conditions, these are an excellent pair to have on hand for all occasions — especially if you want to photograph it.
Pros:
- We’re impressed by the tripod, which is sturdy, stable, and easy to adjust. Plus, it allows for panning and tilting in every direction, so you can track wildlife smoothly.
- This is also a great option for hunting trips and birdwatching since the focus adjustment is super precise and easy to find.
Cons:
- The color and clarity suffer around the edges of the image, though the center is easy to bring into focus.
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
Binoculars come in a range of specs and price ranges, from a cheap, second-set worthy pair to a pricey, pro-level option. If you want to splurge a little, these higher mid-level binoculars are a fantastic option. With 10x magnification and a multi-coated lens, these binoculars offer outstanding clarity even at great distances. Thanks to their specialized coating, they last longer and can be put through harsher environments without the fear of lens scratching, water damage, or dirt build-up. If you want to spend a little more on a reliable pair of binoculars, these are a sure bet.
Pros:
- We love how sturdy and strong the grips feel, and the weight distribution is well-balanced to help you keep a steady hold and a shake-free image.
- One look through a pair of Vortex Diamondback binoculars is enough to appreciate the premium quality of their optical system. Images are exceptionally sharp, bright, and true-to-life.
Cons:
- They’re a bit heavier than expected, although we can appreciate their durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good range for binoculars?
Most mid-range binoculars lie somewhere between the 7x to 10x power of magnification. Your level of power depends on your specific needs. For games and other outdoor events, 7x is plenty powerful. For big-game hunts, a longer range of observation is typical, and thus a 10x or higher would be best.
Where should you store binoculars?
Although you may be tempted to keep your binoculars with you at all times, it’s actually best to keep them in a controlled environment. An airtight container keeps them free from dust and humidity. Additionally, keep them out of high or low temperatures to avoid the extremes.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.