Best binoculars 2024: see the world in stunning detail with our top picks

From birdwatching to stargazing, find the perfect binoculars for every adventure

best binoculars: people birdwatching in forest
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Looking to get up close and personal with nature's wonders? The best binoculars are your ticket to the front row of the great outdoors – and beyond! But hold your horses, aspiring nature enthusiasts! Before you embark on your journey to binocular bliss, let's take a moment to consider a few important factors.

First off, magnification matters! Are you aiming to spot a rare bird or spy on your neighbour's barbecue? Different scenarios call for different zoom levels. Keep in mind that higher magnification might mean a shakier view, so stability is key, especially if you're prone to jittery excitement.

Next up, weatherproofing. Whether you're braving the elements on a rugged hike or just dodging sprinklers in your backyard, make sure your 'bins' can handle a splash or two. Look for multi-coated lenses to fend off water droplets like a champ and a nitrogen-purged body to keep fog at bay – because nothing ruins a birdwatching session like a foggy view!

And for our budding astronomers out there, while binoculars can offer a stellar view of the night sky, nothing beats the best telescopes for serious stargazing. However, if you're keen on dual-purpose 'bins' for daytime birdwatching and moon gazing, consider ones with large light-gathering objective lenses.

Speaking of birdwatching, hop over to T3's best binoculars for birdwatching, where we navigate through the intricacies of selecting binoculars optimised for observing our feathered friends in their natural habitat.

Best binoculars to buy now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

Close up of Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 binoculars being heldT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
The best binoculars for most people

Specifications

Weight: 806g / 28.4oz
Waterproof: yes
Magnification: 12x
Objective lens diameter: 50mm

Reasons to buy

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Next-level optics 
+
Compact size
+
Excellent build quality

Reasons to avoid

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Not much eye relief
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Eyecups are average quality

The best binoculars for most people right now are the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 binoculars. These roof prism binos upgrade on the award-winning Celestron Nature DX by adding Extra-Low Dispersion glass (that's the ED of the name) – and what an upgrade it is. ED glass is designed to get rid of chromatic aberration/colour fringing to deliver cleaner and sharper images, and in our Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50 binocular review our tester found this worked very effectively. The high magnification and light-gathering makes them ideal for nature-spotting, but also for a spot of stargazing – our reviewer achieved some exquisitely sharp views of the supergiant star Antares in his tests (check our binoculars vs telescopes for stargazing explainer if you're interested in the former). Alongside those high-end optics, you've got bullet-proof build quality and a compact (although not super-lightweight) design that's great for travel. Overall, an excellent pair of mid-market, all-rounder binoculars for the price-conscious connoisseur.

Best affordable

Nikon Prostaff 3s 8x42 BinocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Michelle Polizzi)
Best affordable binoculars

Specifications

Weight: 20oz/575g
Waterproof: Yes
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Reasons to buy

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O-ring sealed to keep moisture out
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Reasonable price 
+
Rubber construction for comfortable grip

Reasons to avoid

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Requires a steady pair of hands, or rest, for optimum viewing 
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Lens caps a bit flimsy and easy to lose

We love the Nikon Prostaff 3S. Our pick for the best binoculars overall right now, they're affordable and yet they have similar build quality and features found in high-end binoculars. The most useful feature is their 10x magnification, which brings distant objects that much closer, while good a sized 42mm diameter objective lens delivers clarity of vision even in low light. A highly reflective silver alloy coating to the surface of the binoculars’ prism lenses also means a brighter view. One potential down-side is that some reviews report some chromatic aberration/ purple fringing on occasion when viewing high contrast subjects.

The simple and easy to use design makes it straightforward to find sharp, stunning images in a matter of seconds. Boasting a robust construction, these binoculars feature soft rubber, non-slip armouring and an O-ring that's been sealed to prevent moisture from getting inside. It's also filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging. Happily, these features don't mean a bulky design; they weigh just 20oz/575g, which will save you any arm ache – although you will still need a rest, or a steady pair of hands, for optimum viewing (if compactness is what you're after, you might also want to consult our best monocular guide, and our monoculars vs binoculars comparison for a look at the differences). A long eye relief also means they can easily be used by anyone who wears glasses. 

Whether you're looking for a go-to birding bino, want to sample the stars, or you want to add more magic to weekend hikes, the Nikon Prostaff 3s delivers quality and accessible optics, and strong specs at an impressively low price. Head to our Nikon Prostaff 3s binoculars review for more info.

Best for stargazing

Celestron Skymaster Pro 20x80 binocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
The biggest and best binoculars for stargazing

Specifications

Weight: 2.45kg / 86.4oz
Waterproof: Yes
Magnification: 20x
Objective lens diameter: 80mm

Reasons to buy

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Brilliant design
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Amazing deep-sky images
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Easier to use than a telescope

Reasons to avoid

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Narrow field of view
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Too heavy to hold

Binoculars don't come much bigger or heavier than Celestron's Skymaster Pro 20x80. These monster binos are made with one thing in mind – stargazing – and while binoculars might feel like second-best to telescopes when it comes to looking at the night sky, these will definitely give entry-level scopes a run for their money and then some. They're not made for holding; these binoculars have to be mounted on a tripod, and they come with their own adapter for just that purpose.

With 20x magnification and an 80mm objective diameter they'll give you great views of the Moon and deep sky objects, and while you'll need to know the night sky well to find distant objects, their easy-to-use centre focus knob makes it a cinch to get a sharp image quickly, much faster than you'd manage with a telescope. Find out more in our Celestron Skymaster Pro 20x80 binoculars review.

Best premium

Swarovski NL Pure 10x42 binoculars lifestyleT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future)
Best premium binoculars

Specifications

Weight: 850g/30 oz
Waterproof: yes
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Reasons to buy

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Supreme optics
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Exceptional field of view
+
Very comfortable
+
Excellent build quality

Reasons to avoid

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Quite heavy
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Awkward strap attachment

If you’re a committed birdwatcher, you will already know all there is to know about the Swarovski brand, partly because any discerning birder you share the experience with will almost certainly have a pair on them. After all, Swarovski binoculars are known for their class-leading pin-sharp, crystal-clear image quality, which is why they cost so much.

And there’s the rub. We would find it hard to justify spending upwards of two grand on a pair of binoculars unless our eyes were accustomed to spotting even the slightest differences between one pair of binoculars and another. Put another way, the judging of high-end binoculars is the visual equivalent of being able to distinguish the minor differences between various vintage wines. If you know, you know.

Read our full Swarovski NL Pure 10x42 review.

Best for beginners

Celestron Nature 8x42 binocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
The best binoculars for beginners

Specifications

Weight: 629g / 22.2 oz
Waterproof: yes
Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Reasons to buy

+
Detailed images in bright light
+
Excellent focus knob
+
Relatively light and compact 
+
Lens caps are attached

Reasons to avoid

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Edge of image is blurry
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Neck strap is poor
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Not good for stargazing

For fledgling nature spotters on a budget, the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 binoculars are a great choice. The design is very refined for the price point – in our Celestron Nature DX 8x42 binoculars review, our tester was particularly impressed with the focus knob and the fact that the lens caps are attached, so you can't lose them –  and they're impressively light and compact compared to other 8x42 options. These are suitable for a range of activities and viewing types, and perform particularly well on bright days, although there is can be some very slight blurring around the edges. While they're okay for stargazing, if that's your priority, you should look elsewhere in this list. Overall, a good value pair of mid-range, full-size binoculars for all-round use. 

Best rugged

Nikon Action EX 12x50 binocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Jamie Carter / T3)
Best rugged binoculars

Specifications

Weight: 1kg
Waterproof: yes
Magnification: 12x
Objective lens diameter: 50mm

Reasons to buy

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Clear and sharp
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Shock-resistant and waterproof

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky and heavy
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Lacks close focusing

For the biggest, brightest and sharpest image at a reasonable price, it's hard to go wrong with Nikon's Action EX 12x50 binoculars; at least, as long as you've been keeping up with your gym membership. With large 50mm objective lenses and 12x magnification they provide killer views in most lighting conditions, but the big downside is their weight: at 1kg these are going to be tricky to hold steady for any length of time, and you'd be best off investing in a tripod to go with them (not to mention an L-shaped adapter).

They're tough and waterproof as well as fog-proof, and they deliver plenty of eye relief too. Suitable for safaris, birdwatching and even astronomy, if you can live with their bulk you'll find a lot to love about them. Find out more in our Nikon Action EX 12x50 binoculars review.

Best for sharpness

Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 binocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker)
Best binoculars for sharpness

Specifications

Weight: 23.5oz / 666g
Waterproof: yes
Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Reasons to buy

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Crystal clear, life-like observation
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Wide angle of view
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Water- and oil-repelling

Reasons to avoid

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Relatively heavy

The Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 deliver razor-sharp, bright, clear views, thanks to class-leading ED prime glass, complete with 'EXO' water- and oil-repellent lens coating. A rubberised outer ensures a slip-free grip, you can adjust the distance between the eyepieces to suit your face shape, and the build is compact enough to pop into a jacket pocket (although note, they're not the lightest bins on our list). There's a tactile central focusing wheel that allows for speedy and accurate adjustment, while the wide field of view lets you observe larger areas at a time. In our Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 binoculars review, our tester did note some instances of purple fringing in high-contrast viewing scenarios, but that's a minor quibble. These are an otherwise solidly made, high-performing pair of binoculars. 

Best for handheld stargazing

Canon 10x42L IS WP binocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Best binoculars for handheld stargazing

Specifications

Weight: 38.8oz/1.1kg
Waterproof: yes
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Reasons to buy

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Shake-free stargazing
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Mind-blowing moon-gazing
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Can be mounted on a tripod

Reasons to avoid

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Lens caps not up to the quality of the rest of the unit
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Heavy to hold for prolonged periods
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IS runs batteries down quickly

It’s difficult to keep binoculars still. Humans are hot and they all have the shakes, which is why binoculars with high magnification need to either be mounted on a tripod or use fancy image stabilisation (IS) technology. Equipped with 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, the Canon 10x42L IS WP deal have the best IS tech going. Its Vari-Angle Prism IS system uses a couple of gyro motion sensors to detect and measure the shake and actuators around the lenses to cancel-out it out. Activated at the touch of a button, the super-steady results are a thing of wonder. Almost perfectly still and glowing, the Moon suddenly looks drop-dead gorgeous, as do far-off star clusters, and by day, wildlife.  

There are some downsides. At 1.1kg the Canon 10x42L IS WP are heavy, though they do include a 1/4-inch tripod thread on their undercarriage so can be easily mounted on a tripod. The 2xAAA batteries required for image stabilization feature quickly expire, so you'll need to arm yourself with spares, and the IS image can sometimes look a little blurry. Cast aside those foibles and make an investment because these remain near the pinnacle of stargazing binoculars. Head to our Canon 10x42L IS WP review for more info.

To explore two more great stargazing binocular options, head to our Celestron SkyMaster 25x100 vs Canon 18x50 IS AW face-off. 

Best for brightness

Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Jamie Carter / T3)
Best binoculars for brightness

Specifications

Weight: 899g / 31oz
Waterproof: no
Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 50mm

Reasons to buy

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Excellent build quality
+
Easy to use
+
Bright and colourful images

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy and bulky
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Fiddly objective lens caps

Like the Nikon Action EX 12x50 binoculars above, Nikon's 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars are pretty hefty and best paired with a tripod and L-shaped adapter for extended use, but if you can live with that then you'll find that they're impressive all-rounders at a great price. Their porro prism design makes them wider than the average set of binos, but the images you'll get out of them make it all worthwhile; their 50mm objective lenses deliver big, bright and colourful results, and they're suitable for all manner of uses including birdwatching and stargazing.

They feel tough and built to last; the only real let-downs are a lack of close focus, with a minimum focal length of 7m, and annoying objective lens caps that are easy to misplace, not being attached either to each other or to the binoculars. And while they're not technically water-resistant, we had no problem taking them out in all weathers. Want to know more? See our Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars review.

Best mid-range

Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binocularsT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Best mid-range binoculars

Specifications

Weight: 23.1oz/655g
Waterproof: yes
Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Reasons to buy

+
Sharp, bright images
+
Lightweight and durable build
+
Water- and fogproof

Reasons to avoid

-
Lens caps fall off

If it's value and versatility you're after, the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 make a strong case for being some of the best binoculars around. These roof prism binoculars use high-end, multi-coated BaK-4 glass to deliver crisp, bright close-ups of wildlife, landscapes, even in low light. In fact, you can use these to view celestial objects by night. They're also practical, with a solid solid magnesium alloy build, water- and fog-proof qualities. Add to that some good quality extras in the box – a particularly stout carrying case, and a very useful harness strap that takes the weight of the binoculars off your neck – and these are extremely good value for money. In fact, the only real downside is that the lens caps aren't the snuggest fitting. Check out our Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 binoculars review for more info.

How to choose the best binoculars for you

It’s obvious that you get what you pay for. The more solidly made, waterproof and optically advanced binoculars are always going to cost the most, but there are plenty of affordable alternatives if you don’t mind making compromises. So our round-up includes both kinds of binoculars; maximum quality binoculars for crystal clear, steady and magnified images, and others designed to meet price-points. 

Small binoculars: a lightweight, portable and compact pair of binoculars that can easily be stored in a jacket pocket is advisable for nature walks and hikes, though even then don’t underestimate the value of weather-proofing and anti-fogging features. 

Mid-sized binoculars: for bird and wildlife watching in your garden go for something with more magnification as you’ll most likely be observing from a distance. If you can get them onto a tripod, even better, because hand-holding binoculars for long periods is tiring and means image-shake. 

High-end binoculars: for low light observation and stargazing, a bigger, brighter lens is worth investing in. However, the tripod point remains because such models can be relatively heavy. 

Considering how the above points apply to your viewing needs should help you quickly refine your choices when buying binos.

How we test the best binoculars

For the vast majority of binoculars featured in this guide, we'll call in a pair and get an expert to review them. Our binocular specialists – who have all tested dozens of pairs of binos, so have a good solid frame of reference to base their judgement on – will put them through their paces at home. They'll consider things like image quality, build quality, weatherproofing, ease of use, features and accessories included. They'll also look at what's included and how it compares to other options in the same price bracket, to get an idea of whether it's good value for money. Read more about how we test at T3

FAQ

Porro prism vs compact roof prism

Which type of binocular is best?

There are two types of binoculars. Traditional porro prism binoculars have angular lens tubes, were first invented way back in 1854 and resemble something you might see a tank commander using in a WWII movie. This more vintage type offers classic looks and performance. 

Roof prism binoculars offer straight tubes and a streamlined light path. This, more modern style, tends to be the most popular type, as the way the light passes into and out of the prism allows for a more compact construction, which means smaller, more portable binoculars. 

The drawback is that the surface of the prism does not reflect 100 per cent of the light. By contrast, porro prism binoculars tend to offer a brighter image. Some users also like the fact that porro prism binoculars provide greater depth of image due to their glass elements being offset from one another, which makes them good for short-range birdwatching as well as more general viewing activities. 

Ultimately, it’s a case of horses for courses and down to the user’s preference and budget. Broadly speaking, porro prism binos provide a brighter image quality at a lower price than their more sleek and streamlined roof prism brethren.

What's the best magnification for binoculars?

When you buy a pair of binoculars you need to understand two numbers: magnification and objective lens size, which are always quoted on every pair as a combination of two numbers – typically 8x25, 10x25, 20x56, 25x100 and so on. If the binoculars say 8x25 then they offer 8x magnification and have an objective lens with a diameter of 25mm. 

In this case, both are small numbers, so the model is a portable, everyday pair of binoculars for general use in daylight. At the other end of the scale is a pair of bulky 25x100 binoculars – so 25x magnification and a 100mm objective lens – which are thus designed for looking deep into the night sky in darkness where maximum light-gathering is critical. If it's low-light viewing specifically you're after, check out our guide to the best night vision binoculars and goggles.

The difference in weight is startling; a pair of 8x25 bins will be super light, while 25x100 are too heavy to hold for more than a few minutes. The bigger the magnification the more likely you are to get a serious shake, too. So the answer is to go for something in between. Good middle-of-the-road sizes and 10x42, 10x50 or 15x 50, which have decent magnification and can be used in all light levels. Binoculars like these are practical and can be highly impressive. About 15x is perfect for a safari. 

Is 10x50 or 20x50 better?

If you prioritise a wider field of view and ease of use, 10x50 binoculars are a better choice. However, if you prioritise higher magnification and don't mind a narrower field of view, 20x50 binoculars may be suitable for your specific needs.

10x50 binoculars offer a 10x magnification, meaning the objects you view will appear 10 times closer than they actually are. This level of magnification provides a good balance between image detail and field of view. They are generally easier to stabilise and use, making them suitable for various activities like birdwatching, wildlife observation, and general outdoor use.

20x50 binoculars, on the other hand, offer a higher magnification of 20x, making objects appear 20 times closer. While this provides more detailed views of distant objects, it also results in a narrower field of view and may require more stabilisation, like a tripod, to prevent image shake. These binoculars are suitable for activities where long-distance viewing is crucial, such as astronomy or surveillance, but they may not be as versatile for general-purpose use.

Gavin Stoker

Gavin Stoker has been writing about photography and technology for the past 20 years. He currently edits the trade magazine British Photographic Industry News - BPI News for short - which is a member of TIPA, the international Technical Imaging Press Association.

With contributions from