A high-quality pair of binoculars enhances your perspective, bringing distant birds, vegetation, and landscapes into sharp focus.
To determine the best binoculars, a skilled ornithologist devoted almost 200 hours to evaluating 25 models against his $2,500 Leica Ultravids.
After conducting tests in the mountains and foothills of Southern California and during research trips to the jungles of southern Mexico and Costa Rica, he determined that the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 was the top contender.
The Midas binoculars provided performance on par with his Leica set at a fraction of the expense, while boasting the broadest field of view among all the tested models—letting you see more, and in finer detail.
Athlon Optics Midas ED
The Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42—like nearly all the binoculars we evaluated—benefits from a transformation in optical quality driven by the decreasing costs of precision engineering and advanced optical coatings.
For under $300, you can own a pair of binoculars that rivals—that’s rivals, not just approximates—products priced at hundreds or even thousands of dollars more.
The optics of the Athlon Midas ED aren’t its only standout feature: These binoculars are remarkably robust, enduring the humid, dusty, and challenging conditions of the Mexican rainforest as well as the intense heat of the Californian desert. Additionally, their focus dial operates smoothly and consistently across a wide range of distances, making it effortless to zero in on your target, no matter its location.
Celestron TrailSeeker ED
If you prefer a slightly more compact grip or if the Athlon Optics Midas ED pair is unavailable, the comparable Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 Binoculars make an excellent, user-friendly alternative. After the Athlons, these were the binoculars I reached for most often when spotting a new bird. Similar to the Athlon model, the Celestron TrailSeeker binoculars offer sharp, clear optics (even at the edges of the field of view), comfortable handling, and reliable focusing, all in a slightly smaller design. However, they may cost up to $100 more.
Pentax AD 8×25 WP
The affordable Pentax AD 8×25 WP binoculars are perfect for day hikes or air travel when you need decent-quality optics in a compact form. Everything functioned well—the eyecups were sturdy and comfortable, the hinges stayed firm, and the focus was fast and impressively precise at any range. Naturally, this isn’t the ideal pair for serious birdwatching, stargazing, or activities demanding exceptional detail. However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly, highly portable binoculars, this is the pair to choose.
Why you should trust us
I’ve been birdwatching since grade school and have spent the last 25 years as a professional ornithologist, traveling around the globe to study and observe birds. I’ve authored several scientific papers and wrote Important Bird Areas of California, published in 2004 by Audubon California. In my career, I lead birding tours for both novices and seasoned birders, and for my “day job,” I conduct environmental surveys for private clients, conservation organizations, businesses, and government agencies.
Over the years, I’ve looked through binoculars of various styles and from countless brands, ultimately settling on my current pair of $2,500 Leica Ultravids. After eight weeks of testing 35 pairs of binoculars—both full-size and compact—priced between $150 and $350 (with a few exceptions outside that range), I can confidently say that if my Leicas were lost tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate to replace them with one of our top recommendations.
Who this is for
Anyone hoping to bring distant objects into closer view should consider investing in a reliable pair of binoculars. But why is Binoculars for Birds guide so focused on bird watching? The reason is straightforward: Binoculars that excel for birders are also ideal for anyone wanting to get a closer look at far-off subjects—whether you’re hunting, watching sports, or enjoying other activities. Birding demands the highest performance from binoculars, making them suitable for nearly any purpose. So even if spotting a scissor-tailed flycatcher or a harpy eagle isn’t on your agenda, binoculars designed for birding will meet your needs. (That said, you should give birding a try! For guidance, reach out to your local Audubon Society, or, in North America, check out The Sibley Guide to Birds or the Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America.)
Regardless of what you intend to observe, your binoculars must excel in two key areas: bringing distant objects closer and rendering them clearer. High-quality binoculars make it easier to spot birds perched high in trees, athletes competing on a field, deer antlers in a shadowy woodlot, or butterflies gathering at a muddy trail. We’ve selected binoculars that excel across all these scenarios.
How we picked
Binocular optics are made up of three essential components that determine their overall performance: the ocular lenses (found in the eyepiece), the objective lenses (those furthest from your eyes), and the prism, which we’ll explore shortly. The ocular lens functions as a magnifier, and its power is reflected in the first number in binoculars’ specifications. For example, in all the models we tested, Instructions manual explorer optricon 10 x 42 number is an 8, meaning the image appears eight times larger than it would to the naked eye. The objective lens is responsible for gathering light, and its size is indicated by the second number—in our case, 42—representing the lens’s diameter in millimeters. Larger lenses capture more light, resulting in brighter images.
We focused our testing on 8×42 binoculars for several reasons, including the fact that 10x magnification tends to feel too shaky, similar to handling a fully zoomed telephoto camera lens. Additionally, the 42mm objective lens strikes a great balance between brightness, clarity, and portability. Smaller compact binoculars, with reduced objective lens sizes, often produce dimmer images, making them less ideal for spotting and identifying details in the field. However, compact binoculars can still be useful for backpackers and travelers who prioritize lightweight gear. (In 2018, we tested compact binoculars and added a recommendation for that category.)
We also avoided certain categories, such as zoom binoculars and binoculars with built-in digital cameras. Zoom binoculars often suffer from compromised optics, with reduced light-gathering ability and clarity, making their variable magnification more of a drawback than a benefit. Similarly, binoculars with integrated cameras tend to feature outdated, low-quality cameras that pale in comparison to even the most basic modern smartphones. It’s best to steer clear of both.
The good news is that recent advancements in binoculars have focused on improving optics rather than gimmicky features. While 25 years ago, you might have needed to spend $500 for decent waterproof binoculars made in the U.S., the rise of Chinese manufacturing has brought affordable, high-quality options to the market. Instructions manual explorer optricon 10 x 42 has led to an abundance of nearly identical binoculars, many sharing similar designs and exceptional performance.
Most of the binoculars we tested now feature roof prisms instead of traditional porro prisms. Roof-prism binoculars, identifiable by their “H” shape, direct light in a straight path through the binoculars, from the objective lens to the eyepiece. In contrast, porro-prism binoculars, typically “A” shaped, redirect the light along an angled path. Although both designs can produce excellent binoculars, porro-prism models have historically been cheaper, bulkier, and less durable. They could potentially offer a better image at a lower price, but with the lower manufacturing cost of roof-prism units, high-end porro models have largely disappeared, except at the lowest price points.
Another innovation that has become more affordable is the ED lens, which stands for “extra-low dispersion.” ED lenses are lighter and transmit light more efficiently than standard lenses. While all the binoculars we tested performed well, only the top two of our four picks feature ED lenses.
A key element in today’s affordable binoculars is optical coatings. These coatings serve multiple functions, such as improving light transmission, reducing glare, and preserving color accuracy. The quality and levels of coatings were once a significant differentiator between cheap and expensive binoculars, but advances in technology have brought the cost of coatings down. All of our top picks feature full multi-coating, meaning that all glass surfaces (most binoculars have between 10 and 16 optical elements) are coated.
Eye relief is another important consideration, especially for users who wear glasses. To work effectively, binoculars need to maintain the proper distance between the eye and the ocular lens. Glasses can increase this distance, so an adjustable eyepiece is necessary. instructions manual explorer optricon 10 x 42 adjustment is known as eye relief, and the recommended minimum for glasses wearers is 15 mm. Older binocular models had rubber cups that rolled down to provide the right distance, but these can stiffen or tear over time. Our preferred design is eyepieces that twist downward into a more compact position, a feature found on all of our top picks.
Despite all these advancements, binoculars can still vary significantly in key aspects. Some models can focus as close as 5 feet, while others, including some popular models, can’t focus closer than 16 feet, making them unsuitable for seeing smaller, up-close objects like butterflies. The field of view, or how much of the scene you can see when you look through the binoculars, also varies, with differences of over 20% between models.
As you move below our midrange price of $150 to $350, the quality differences become more noticeable. Above the higher end of this range, the performance improvements become less significant. Most brands we examined offer multiple full-size (rather than compact) models, claim waterproof or water-resistant capabilities, and provide lifetime, no-questions-asked return policies. Coupled with continuous improvements in glass and coatings, or at least a drop in manufacturing costs that makes high-quality lenses more affordable, we’re experiencing something of a golden age for binoculars. One birding website alone offers over 150 models within our midrange price.
To narrow down our selection of test models, we eliminated companies with only a single model or those that exist mainly on Amazon. We also excluded brands with just one model in our target price range, as these binoculars are less likely to remain available in the future, especially if you need to replace a damaged pair. Binoculars for Birds approach left us with 19 models of 8×42 binoculars, mostly priced under $350, for our 2016 tests. In 2018, we tested 10 compact binoculars and added six more 8×42 models for a 2020 update.
Warranties
When buying binoculars, one question you’ll likely have is about warranties, particularly for brands that are new to you. This is a valid concern.
Binoculars can take a beating—getting dusty, knocked out of alignment, or damaged, resulting in issues like double vision or blurry spots. Fortunately, most companies I contacted offer a full, transferable lifetime warranty, often of the “drive over it with a truck” variety. However, I recommend researching warranties before purchasing, as the specifics may change over time.
Rest assured, binoculars are more durable than ever. They’re designed to be as waterproof as possible, with all of our recommended models sealed against dust and capable of withstanding immersion. That said, if you drop them in a lake, you’ll still need to dive in after them, as they don’t float—yet.
How we tested
I initially took 19 models to some of my favorite local spots in Southern California—beaches, mountains, and deserts—for a couple of weeks. My goal was to get a feel for their handling, durability, and to assess their image quality. However, I found it hard to get a true sense of how they compared in such familiar environments. When you’re looking at familiar objects, your brain’s prior knowledge takes over. Binoculars are harder to evaluate in those circumstances because you already know what you’re going to see even before lifting them.
The “act of seeing” becomes more of a confirmation of facts stored in your brain, and identification is based on quickly matching those facts with what your eyes observe. For example, if you see a slender gray bird with black-and-white wings, you immediately identify it as a mockingbird without needing to focus too much on other details. The total time you spend looking through the binoculars is maybe a second or two, and the binoculars probably didn’t contribute much to that process.
To really test the quality of the binoculars, I needed to observe unfamiliar birds in unfamiliar settings, where a greater number of unfamiliar details come into play. So, I selected my top five binoculars from the initial tests and took them to southern Mexico for advanced testing.
Fieldwork is the ultimate test for binoculars because the optics have to perform under demanding conditions. For instance, studying the intricate patterns of a woodcreeper’s back as it moves around the trunk of a tree requires both the binoculars and your brain to work together. Identifying several near-identical species in a new setting is far more challenging than at home.
I spent 10 days birding in Mexico’s Sierra de Chiapas with five binoculars: the Alpen Shasta Ridge, Athlon Optics Midas ED, Eagle Optics Ranger ED, Nikon Monarch 5, and Vixen Optics Foresta DCF HR. Each pair was tested for a full day.
For the 2020 update to this guide, I traveled further south to Costa Rica, birding in parks and on country roads around the capital, San Jose. I brought six models with me: the Celestron TrailSeeker ED, Nikon Monarch 5, Bushnell Engage ED, Fujinon KF, Pentax S-Series, and Vortex Diamondback. I spent hours testing each pair in field conditions, including light and heavy rain (at Carara National Park), high humidity, and both low and bright light (under the rainforest canopy and in open savannah). When I returned home, I tested the top models at the Salton Sea in extremely bright and warm conditions.
Top pick: Athlon Optics Midas ED
The binoculars I use regularly as a professional ornithologist are the Leica Ultravid 8×42 model, which I bought for about $2,500. However, when I tested the Athlon Optics Midas ED pair, I couldn’t detect much of a difference between them and my Leicas, which cost roughly 10 times as much.
What makes the Athlon Midas ED binoculars exceptional? To begin with, their clarity. A lot of birdwatching and binocular use involves viewing objects in vastly different lighting conditions, like a bright sky or the dim shadows of dense brush.
Just as your autofocus camera may struggle to expose a subject against a bright (or overcast) backdrop, binoculars can have trouble gathering enough light to illuminate distant objects you’re trying to identify.
Similarly challenging is the reverse situation—scanning through thick, dark vegetation—where you need all the light-collecting capacity the binoculars can offer. The Athlon Midas ED performed well in both scenarios. For instance, many other models tested struggled to distinguish the throat coloration of warblers perched in treetops early in the morning. With the Athlon pair, it was almost as though the bright, glaring sky disappeared, and the colors seemed to pop.
During testing in Southern California and southern Mexico, several other models—including the Bushnell Legend L Series, Celestron TrailSeeker, Carson 3D, and Nikon Monarch 5—excelled at rendering color under challenging lighting. However, neither the Nikon nor the Carson model matched the wide field of view at distance that the Athlon Midas ED offered.
The Nikon was 361 feet at 1,000 yards, whereas the Athlon, Bushnell, and Celestron models had a field of view of 426 feet, which was the widest among the binoculars I tested. The Carson 3D binoculars were impressively sharp and just as bright as the Athlon set, but their field of view felt almost constricted, likely due to a narrower field by about 20 percent compared to the Athlons.
These differences in field of view became more apparent when I was trying to tell apart spot-breasted wrens from rufous-and-white wrens as they scurried through tangled vines in southern Mexico. The Nikon’s narrower field, despite having excellent optics, seemed to take longer to locate the birds compared to the Athlon Midas ED. By the end of the trip, I was grabbing the Athlon pair each morning.
One of the standout features of the Athlon Midas ED was its smooth and precise focus adjustment. It changes smoothly and accurately across a wide range of focal distances. Some models, like the Nikon ProStaff 5, focused quickly, but this often resulted in a loss of detail at greater distances, or essentially blurred everything further than a couple hundred feet into one indistinct focus.
This may sound confusing, but it’s similar to a volume control: a quick-turning knob can reach extreme levels fast but lacks precision, while a knob with too much resistance can make adjustments slow. With binoculars, you want a middle ground that focuses quickly yet allows for fine-tuned accuracy. Some models, even within the same brand (such as the Nikon ProStaff 7S), handled this focusing issue better and performed well in this aspect. In others, like the discontinued Opticron Explorer WA Oasis-C, the focus knob was sluggish, requiring multiple turns to focus on either nearby or distant objects.
Close focusing is essential for observing small details, like butterflies or wildflowers. Our top pick focuses as close as 6.5 feet, and while a few binoculars could focus even closer, many contenders couldn’t get anywhere near that range. For example, the Nikon ProStaff 5 couldn’t focus on anything closer than 16 feet.
Athlon backs most of its products with a transferable lifetime warranty, although their sturdiness is impressive on its own. One time in Mexico, I accidentally dropped the Athlon Midas ED binoculars onto a dirt road (right onto the focus knob), brushed them off, and they worked just fine.
How the Athlon Midas HD binoculars have held up?
Over the years, various Wirecutter staff members have also give their own pairs of the Athlon Midas ED binoculars to use for bird seeking , hiking, and exploring the outdoors. They have been renowed with both the durability and optics.
Senior staff writer Tim Heffernan remarks, “Compared to the compact binoculars I’ve used for years, these let in so much more light, allowing me to use them further into dawn and dusk, when birds are most active.” Additionally, Ria Misra, supervising editor for travel and outdoor coverage, observes that her Athlons still focus as precisely and clearly as when she first got them, despite enduring five years of cross-country road trips and camping in national parks.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Athlon Midas ED binoculars come with a set of press-in lens caps for the objective (larger) lenses. While these press-in caps offer a sleek appearance, we found they had a tendency to fall out, leaving the lenses exposed. That said, Binoculars for Birds was the only (minor) flaw in a product that was otherwise nearly flawless.
As a more general observation on the current state of binocular manufacturing: Given the rapid pace of change in the industry, consumers should verify that the pair they purchase matches the high-quality model we tested. With so many new brands and models entering the market, some confusion is inevitable. Athlon Optics, a relatively new company, currently offers 20 different models and seven distinct binocular lines. If you prefer the reliability (and availability) of a more established brand, consider our runner-up and budget picks.
Celestron TrailSeeker ED
Like the Athlon Optics Midas pair, the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars are optically sharp, well-built, and quick to focus on the trail. The main difference between these two sets—aside from the TrailSeeker’s higher price—is that the TrailSeeker is slightly more compact than the Midas, making it a better option if you prefer a smaller grip.
In terms of optics, the Celestron TrailSeeker delivers a view strikingly similar to that of the Athlons. Both binoculars feature crystal-clear optics that remain sharp all the way to the edges of the field of view.
They also excel at both close and distant viewing. The Athlon Midas and Celestron TrailSeeker can focus as close as 6.5 feet, making them perfect for observing butterflies, plants, and other ground-level subjects that you want to examine up close without disturbing. For distant objects, both the Athlons and the Celestrons offer the same wide field of view—426 feet at 1,000 yards—making them ideal for spotting fast-moving birds in thick foliage or scanning the sky for raptors.
At 23.5 ounces, the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars are slightly lighter than the 25-ounce Athlon Midas pair. This difference of under 2 ounces isn’t particularly noticeable when picking up either set, except that the Midas has a slightly sturdier grip.
However, if you have smaller hands or are also carrying a field notebook (or a cup of coffee) alongside your binoculars, you might find the narrower grip of the TrailSeeker more comfortable. That said, you’ll need to spend between $30 and $80 more for the TrailSeekers compared to our top pick.
After three years of using the TrailSeeker binoculars, our long-term tester reports that they’re still performing well, with optics that remain sharp and clear. Our tester has owned both the TrailSeeker and the Midas and finds that both have held up equally well over time. While she’s never dropped either pair, she notes that she now prefers the TrailSeeker binoculars for long walks, as they feel more secure in her smaller hands.
Best binoculars for travelers: Pentax AD 8×25 WP
The Pentax AD 8×25 WP binoculars are among the smallest compact models we tested. They are truly pocket-sized and lightweight, offering excellent light-gathering optics, which are essential for discerning details on distant or obscured subjects in nature. They also feature a comfortable and easy-to-hold design. While compact binoculars can’t match the light-gathering power of full-size models, meaning you’ll still want your full-size binoculars for very distant subjects or low-light conditions, they provide exceptional portability and convenience. They’re perfect for backpackers, tourists who need a pair to fit in a suitcase, or any scenario where minimizing weight is crucial.
Compact binoculars are essentially scaled-down versions of full-size models, with similar rubberized construction for impact protection, waterproof seals, a central focusing knob, twisting eyecups, and foldable hinges—but they weigh about half as much (around 10 ounces versus 25 ounces or more).
Since the lenses are smaller, the field of view (the width of the area you can see through them) is narrower compared to full-size models. However, if you experience neck or shoulder pain or don’t mind sacrificing a bit of optical performance for the convenience of stowing them in a pocket or tote bag, they’re a great option for light birdwatching, butterfly observation, or plant identification. They’re also perfect for mountain biking or hiking, when you might want to spot a few things during your trip but don’t need them constantly in use.
I reviewed 10 pairs of compact binoculars from popular brands before selecting the Pentax AD as our top compact pick. The optics of all the compacts I tested were good (even excellent), and all featured retractable eyecups that can be adjusted for glasses wearers. Most are rubberized or armored, meaning they can withstand a bit of rough handling (including drops) without losing alignment. Yet, when all the compact models were stored in my back seat, I consistently reached for the Pentax AD over the others.
Weighing just 9.6 ounces (less than half the weight of the 25-ounce Athlon Midas 8×42 binoculars, our top full-size pick), the Pentax AD is incredibly light. All compact binoculars, especially those with higher magnification, are prone to “tunnel vision” due to their narrow field of view, which can make it challenging to locate distant targets. However, the Pentax AD binoculars offer a wider field of view than many other compacts we tested, and the colors of birds, flowers, and butterflies appeared just as vibrant under normal conditions.
Care, maintenance, and use
A simple trick to spot objects faster with binoculars is to avoid holding them up to your eyes and then panning around in search of what you’re looking for. You’ll never find it that way. Instead, with your naked eye, locate the target first, then raise the binoculars to your eyes. This method lets whatever you’re aiming at instantly appear in your magnified view.
When it comes to cleaning your binocular lenses, don’t make the mistake of breathing on them and rubbing with a microfiber cloth, lens wipe, or—heaven forbid—your shirt sleeve. Doing so can cause dust on the lens to create tiny scratches. Instead, begin with a lens pen or a bulb-type blower to clear away the dust, then use lens wipes or cleaning fluid with a microfiber cloth. For more tips, check out our guide to the best camera cleaning gear (the cleaning routine for binoculars is essentially the same).
The competition
Alpen Wings ED: The company that made these binoculars, our former upgrade pick, is no longer in business.
Bushnell Engage ED: Binoculars for Birds pair performed well optically, but I found the eyecups too shallow to get a proper “lock” on whatever I was viewing, as too much light was seeping in through the edges.
Carson VP: Our former budget pick, but it has been discontinued.
Carson 3D: A very small field of view caused tunnel vision, making these binoculars less effective for close-range viewing.
Nikon ProStaff 7S: These were decent in terms of optics but had issues with loose eyecups that collapsed too easily. Additionally, the rubberized coating was overly tacky, pulling at my fingertips (under the fingernail) when using the focus knob. While not painful, it was uncomfortable.
Opticron Oregon 4 LE WP: These binoculars had optical flaws, such as distortion and glare, as well as ergonomic issues, including a poorly placed strap hook that interfered with the eyecup cover and focus wheel.
Pentax 8×42 S-Series: These binoculars felt bulkier compared to the Athlon Midas and Celestron TrailSeeker, and their eyecups were too short and loose.
Vortex Optics Diamondback: The lightweight design made these binoculars suitable for casual observations, but they felt less solid and weren’t as effective at focusing over long distances as the Athlon Midas or Celestron TrailSeeker.
Vortex Optics Crossfire: These had a cheap, flimsy feel, poor distance resolution, and limited clarity in low-light conditions, making them seem outdated.
We also tested and dismissed the following 8×42 models, which are no longer available: Alpen Shasta Ridge, Bushnell Legend L Series, Eagle Optics Denali, Eagle Optics Ranger HD, Fujinon KF, Nikon Monarch 3 and Monarch 5, Nikon ProStaff 5, Opticron Discovery WP PC, Opticron Explorer WA Oasis-C, Opticron T3 Trailfinder WP, and Vixen Optics Foresta DCF HR.