Joshua Babicz
Binoculars can be the perfect companion for your trips and travels since they help you have an experience that is not possible through the naked eye. It’s no mystery that binoculars help us view faraway objects as if they are close to us by presenting a zoomed image. They come in handy for activities such as hiking or hunting where you need to locate distant places and track fast-moving subjects such as birds or animals.
After extensive testing and research, we have put together this list of the best travel binoculars for you. There’s also a buyer’s guide at the end of this article to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Best Travel Binoculars to Buy in 2022
1) Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars
Design
The binoculars have been developed using ABS plastic, which makes them strong and durable. The cruise binocular strap adds to the ease of accessing these binoculars. The binoculars come with a non-slip rubber armor that makes them water-resistant and shockproof. They also help you have a secure grip on your hands.
The compact and portable design of the binoculars ensure that you can easily carry it everywhere and use it with one hand. It is perfect for traveling, bird watching, camping, football or other sports, wildlife safaris, opera and so on. The small size makes it suitable for use by both adults and children.
Optical Features
The binoculars have large 15mm eyepieces, which are ideal for use with spectacles and sunglasses. The rubber eyepieces can be pulled down to get a better fit if you wear eyeglasses. This helps you get closer to the lenses, thus allowing you to get a better view. The rising eye cups help in providing a comfortable viewing experience for those who do not use spectacles.
The objective lens of the binoculars uses an optical FMC multilayer broadband green coating. The optical eyepiece, on the other hand, includes a blue FMC coating. The layers help in reducing internal reflections and provide images that are sharp and clear. The binoculars also have slight night vision capabilities, enabling you to use them under low lighting conditions.
Pros:
- Large 15mm eyepiece.
- FMC green and blue coatings.
- Made using durable ABS plastic.
Cons:
- Build quality can improve.
- Night or low-light vision does not work as advertised.
2) Celestron 10×42 Binoculars
Design
The binoculars are produced using a durable magnesium alloy frame, which makes them lightweight and offers waterproofing capabilities. You can easily use them under rough weather conditions. The body of the binoculars has been ergonomically designed to ensure that it is convenient to handle while on the field, thereby making it perfect for bird or wildlife watching.
The binoculars come with metal multi-stop eyecups that are more durable and long-lasting when compared to plastic eyecups. The multi-stop function helps you position your eyes correctly. They can also be used with or without eyeglasses.
Optical Features
The Celestron binoculars have a wide field of view with a 10x magnification feature. You will be able to cover several areas within your viewing range and also zoom in on your subjects easily.
The lenses include full broadband multi-coatings that provide a superior-quality viewing experience. The light passing through the lenses is managed well to ensure your subject appears sharp and clear.
You can use a Celestron tripod adapter to install the binoculars on a tripod or monopod if you want to use it for long periods. The hands-free viewing is ideal if you are a photographer who has to switch between your camera and binoculars.
Pros:
- Full broadband multi-coating on lenses.
- Metal eyecups with multi-stop function.
- Made using a durable magnesium alloy frame.
Cons:
- Poor edge vision.
- Issues with the build quality.
3) Nikon 16001 8×42 Binoculars
Design
The binoculars have an ergonomic body design that makes it convenient for you to hold and use for long periods. The lightweight body puts less stress on your hands and eyes. It comes with a central focus that is user-friendly and easy to operate.
The binoculars include a rubber-armored coating that can endure harsh climate conditions. It will not succumb to rough usage, and the non-slip grip lets you use the binoculars even when it’s raining. For complete fog-proof and waterproof capabilities, the binoculars are filled with Nitrogen and include an O-Ring sealing.
The rubber eyecups on these binoculars include a turn-and-slide function that allows users to change the eye-relief to achieve a customized fit. You will have a better field of view while the rubber eyecups will make sure your viewing experience is as comfortable as possible.
Optical Features
The Nikon binoculars provide high-quality resolution and color reproduction using the phase-correction coated roof prisms. Multilayer coatings have been applied to all the prism and lens surfaces. They ensure that light is optimally transmitted across the total light spectrum and there is no loss of light due to reflections. Overall, the optical system of the binoculars works together to provide a natural view of your subjects and the environment.
Pros:
- Phase correction coated roof prisms and multilayer coatings.
- Nitrogen and O-Ring sealing for weather-resistance.
- Rubber-armored coating for maximum durability.
Cons:
- It might be difficult to operate for beginners.
- Chromatic aberrations have been reposted.
4) SkyGenius 10×50 Binoculars
Design
The binoculars have been developed using odorless rubber armor, which offers an anti-slip grip and effective shock resistance. It can withstand rough usage and experience minimal wear and tear even after using it for extended periods. These features make the binoculars a perfect companion for activities such as hunting or hiking.
You can also use the binoculars with a tripod or monopod for a hands-free experience. This comes in helpful if you plan to use the binoculars for long hours.
Optical Features
Corrective optical coatings have been applied to the binoculars to reduce distortions and maintain color accuracy. A diopter system has been provided, which lets you adjust the visual balance for your eyes. The focus system is easily accessible through the large focus knob present at the center of the binoculars.
The high-quality optic system on these binoculars consists of aspherical lenses and multilayer coating that allows superb light transmission, result in better image quality. The binoculars can be used under low light conditions but not in absolute darkness. It can be used for purposes such as opera, concerts, or astronomical viewing.
The binoculars come with adjustable eyecups that can be customized to fit your needs. They are made of rubber, so they feel very comfortable over your eyes. The rising eyecups can be used to adjust the eye relief if you want to use the binoculars with a pair of glasses.
Pros:
- Provides a large field of view.
- Anti-slip and shock-resistant.
- Aspherical lenses and multilayer coatings.
Cons:
- Double vision issues have been reported.
- Problems with the focus knob.
5) Aurosports 10×25 Binoculars
Design
The binoculars are developed using industry quality ABS plastic, which makes the pair sturdy and long-lasting. The non-slip rubber armor enables its easy use under wet conditions. It also provides shock protection and makes the binoculars skid-proof. The binouclars have a folding mechanism that improved their portability.
Optical Features
The binoculars offer a wide field of view that lets you easily observe your environment and subjects. You will see everything with superb details up to 1000 yards. The multi-coated lenses ensure that your vision is free from interference and distortion. Full HD green film has been used on the lenses, allowing light transmission of up to 99.5 percent, thereby making your picture appear bright and clear. All of this is possible because of the BAK4 prism used in the binoculars. The large 25mm objective lenses also make sure you have the best viewing experience.
The binoculars provide 10x magnification that lets you closely zoom in on your subjects. It has a close focus of 3m, along with a center and right eye focus system. The binoculars are ideal for hiking, sailing, hunting, sports, concerts, and so on.
Pros:
- 10x magnification with a viewing range of up to 1000 yards.
- Large 25mm objective lenses.
- High-quality ABS plastic.
Cons:
- Reports of the strap breaking easily.
- Build quality can improve.
6) Fujunkang 30×60 Binoculars
Design
The binoculars are lightweight, weighing 165g or 0.36lbs. This makes them perfect for long-term use. The less weight ensures that your hands are not stressed, and you can hold the binoculars for an increased duration. The foldable design of the binoculars helps you store it inside your pockets or your bags conveniently. The binoculars come with an outer layer made of natural rubber. This makes them non-slip and offers a layer of water-resistance to them. The body has been made using aluminum that provides superior durability to the binoculars. It can withstand rough usage and still work like it’s new.
These binoculars are available in multiple attractive colors – green, sky blue, and yellow. If you do not want to grab attention while you are out birdwatching or hunting, you can go for the simple black color one.
Optical Features
The binoculars use BAK-4 prisms and lenses with a multilayer coating to provide a vision that is crystal clear and of good resolution. There are minimal distortions and the images are produced with natural colors and brightness. The coatings reduce internal reflections and loss of light, thereby achieving great contrast and details. These factors make the binoculars well suited for activities such as sports, concerts, and hunting. The binoculars also offer visibility under low light conditions, but not under total darkness.
The center focus mechanism helps to easily adjust the focusing system so that your image appears as sharp as possible. A roller system has been included for precisely adjusting the focus of the binoculars.
Pros:
- BAK-4 Prism and Multi-layer coating.
- Center focus mechanism for quick and easy focusing.
- The body is made using aluminum and rubber.
Cons:
- Issues with the focus.
- Falsely advertised as having night-vision.
7) Bushnell 8×25 Binoculars
Design
The binoculars have a close focus distance of 15 feet. They have a 12mm eye relief. A large focus knob has been provided in the center, which can be used to make adjustments for better focus. The eye cups are comfortable on the eyes and can be twisted upwards based on your preference. The binoculars have a compact frame, which makes it convenient to handle. They are foldable so that you can easily store them inside your pockets or your travel bag. They are relatively lightweight, which means you can easily use them for long hours without straining your hands or your neck while wearing it.
To make the binoculars 100 percent waterproof, they have been purged with Nitrogen and installed with an O-ring seal. These also help in combating the formation of fog inside the lenses. The binoculars come with a case, a strap, a user manual, and a lens cleaner.
Optical Features
BAK-4 prisms have been used in the binoculars to produce images that are clear and bright. The multi-coating on the lenses ensures that the light is transmitted well through the lenses, and any internal reflection is avoided. Overall, the binoculars are capable of producing an image with good resolution, high contrast, and natural colors.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust and comfortable to handle.
- Solid and waterproof design.
- High-resolution images.
Cons:
- The right diopter adjustment might be difficult for some.
- Issues with the quality of the body.
8) Dranbol 12X25 Binoculars
Design
The binoculars weigh only around 0.57lb. It is not only lightweight but also has a small frame, making it easy to carry in your pockets or travel backpacks. It is also convenient to hold in your hands for long durations. The small size and less weight make the binoculars ideal for activities such as hunting, birdwatching, sports, concerts, theater, and so on.
The binoculars have an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold, handle, and use both for your hands and eyes. They use a rubber armor feature that provides a better grip on your binoculars. They also make the binoculars anti-skid and shock-resistant. They come with rubber eye relief that makes them comfortable to use even for those wearing spectacles. Other features included in these binoculars are a strap mount and a dioptric adjustment ring.
Optical Features
The binoculars utilize a BAK-4 roof prism to ensure that they deliver sharp and high-resolution imagery. The lens includes multilayered coatings, which help transmit more than 98.74 percent of light. The images that you will see through the lenses will have adequate brightness and neutral colors. The binoculars also perform well under weaker light conditions.
You can quickly and easily focus the binoculars using the right eyepiece and a central focusing system. The eyepiece can be adjusted based on your preferences to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
Pros:
- BAK-4 roof prism and multilayer coatings on lens.
- Rubber armor for shock resistance.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design.
Cons:
- Issues with cloudy vision.
- Build quality can improve.
Factors to Look For While Buying Travel Binoculars
1) Magnification
This is one of the most important factors to consider while buying a pair of binoculars. Magnification denotes the image enlargement capacity of the binoculars. It is usually presented as a number followed by the alphabet x.
For example, binoculars with 10x magnification mean that the binoculars can make an object appear ten times bigger than it is, thereby making it appear closer to you. Magnifications 7x to 10x are ideal for activities such as animal or bird watching. For viewing more finer details, you have to go for binoculars with magnification more than 10x. If you are using a magnification power more than equal to 12x, you will require a tripod since the image will be subjected to movements if used by hand.
2) Diameter of Lens
This tells us about the diameter of the lens or the objective material used in the binoculars. The lens diameter determines the number of light rays entering a pair of binoculars. Lenses with bigger diameters will allow more light to enter. Therefore, they will be able to produce an image that is sharper and brighter. A bigger diameter also means that your binoculars are going to be much larger and heavier. Depending on your usage, you must select a pair of binocular with lesser or higher diameter lenses.
3) Weight and Size
The size and weight of the binoculars should be an essential factor to consider while buying them. A binocular that is too heavy or large will be inconvenient to carry and use. Bigger binoculars will have more magnification power than smaller ones and may cause eye strain after extended usages. There are a lot of small and lightweight binoculars available that you can take with you while traveling. You can go for a larger tripod if you have better storage capacity in your bags and if you use a tripod. Many binoculars come with a folding functionality, which makes it more compact for easy storage.
4) Field of View
The field of view determines the area of vision that is available through the lens of the binoculars. If your binoculars have a higher field of view, they will be able to cover a larger space. The field of view is represented in meters or degrees. A higher field of view becomes relevant if you intend to use the binoculars for bird or animal watching. Having a large area within your view will help you track your subject more easily. Binoculars with a lesser field of view can be used to observe stationary subjects minutely.
5) Relative Brightness
This factor tells us the capacity of the lens to capture and transfer light from the subjects. This will determine how well the binoculars perform under weaker lighting conditions. You can easily calculate the relative brightness by dividing the lens diameter by the magnification value of the binoculars. The binoculars with a relative brightness value between 4 and 5 are the best. They will be able to provide images that are bright and let you work even when the light is low. You should avoid binoculars with relative brightness below 3.5.
6) Waterproofing
Binoculars that will be used mostly in the outdoors will benefit from some kind of weather sealing or proofing capability. Waterproof binoculars are safe to use when it’s raining or under circumstances where you expect water splashes, such as during fishing or boating. The cheaper binoculars will have a form of water resistance, while the higher end ones will have complete waterproofing.
7) Fog Resistance
Binoculars are often prone to fogging, especially when used during cold climatic conditions. This may cause the image to become unclear and make it difficult for you to observe your subjects. Many high-quality binoculars include fog-resistant capabilities that prevent the formation of fog within the optical system. To achieve this, the binoculars are included with a special coating on the lenses or filled with certain gasses that combat fog development.
8) Lens Coatings
Most binoculars come with a form of lens coating that improves the image-producing ability of the binoculars. Their main job is to reduce the reflection that occurs when light enters the lens. With more internal reflection, more light is lost, leading to a reduction in the brightness of the image.
Different coatings are used by different manufacturers. Some binoculars have a single coating on the surfaces that have an air gap between them, while other binoculars have multiple layers of coating to increase efficiency.
9) Eye Relief
For the image of your subject to be properly visible, there needs to be a distance between your eyes and the rear lenses. This distance is known as eye relief. The longer the eye relief, the more comfortable is the view. Binoculars with a minimum eye relief of 10mm will provide a more pleasant viewing experience than others.
Best Compact Binoculars FAQs
1. How much magnification should I go for?
Binoculars with a magnification of 7x to 10x are appropriate for most situations. If you intend to use the binoculars for theater, then you should go for something between 3x to 5x based on how close you are seated. For sports, 7x binoculars will be ideal. For hunting and birdwatching, you will require a pair of binoculars that have a magnification of 10x or more. However, you should keep in mind that it may become difficult to hold a steady image while using binoculars that are 10x or more. You will need a tripod, in that case, to facilitate usage for long hours.
2. What does the ‘exit pupil’ mean on travel binoculars?
The exit pupil represents the size of the focused light that enters the eye. The diameter of the exit pupil is determined by the magnification and the objective diameter of the binoculars. The exit pupil diameter should always be larger than the diameter of your eye’s pupil. Your pupil varies between 1.5mm under bright lighting to 8mm when it is dark.
Looking through binoculars that have an exit pupil diameter lesser than that of your eyes, it would feel like you are viewing through a peephole. The exit pupil of a pair of binoculars can be calculated by dividing the objective size with the magnification. For example, a pair of 10×42 binoculars will have an exit pupil diameter of 4.2mm, which is higher than the average size of a human’s pupil. Thus, it will provide a comfortable view.
3. What kind of glass is used in binoculars?
The quality of glasses used in the binoculars will determine whether your pictures appear sharp and bright or are out of focus and distorted. If the glasses haven’t been polished or ground correctly, they may make your image have odd colors. High-quality binoculars use special glasses such as low or extra-low dispersion glasses that help avoid distortion and properly transmit all the light without making it bend. This leads to images that are of optimal brightness and contrast, along with accurate colors and good clarity.
Conclusion
Carrying a pair of binoculars for your travels can help you check out your environment in detail. We hope our guide helps you in being comfortable while using your binoculars. You should carefully consider factors such as the size of the binoculars, their magnification, the field of view, their weather-proofing capabilities, among other things, before purchasing them. These factors will ensure that the binoculars are ideal for you based on your biological features and their intended usage.
