January 2023
Binoculars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Binoculars rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2023.
Summary
Between 9 Jan 2023 and 9 Jan 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 97 Binoculars endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
61 Binoculars were endorsed in total, only 22 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 9 Jan 2023, Vortex Optics Viper HD takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed binoculars with 3 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 3 recommended it as the '#1 binoculars' this month. It is followed by Canon 10x42 L and Nikon Aculon A211 , with 3 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Celestron:
12 Binoculars
(#1 is Celestron UpClose G2 10X50 )
-
Nikon:
8 Binoculars
(#1 is Nikon Monarch M7 )
-
Bushnell:
7 Binoculars
(#1 is Bushnell Powerview 2 10x42 )
-
Vortex:
6 Binoculars
(#1 is Vortex Optics Kaibab )
-
Maven:
3 Binoculars
(#1 is Maven B1.2 )
Price breakdown
At a glance - January 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Binoculars |
Forbes
|
OpticsMag
|
Digital Camera World
|
GearJunkie
|
BestReviews
|
Wirecutter
|
T3
|
Task and Purpose
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
money.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $465 |
Vortex Optics Viper HD
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $1485 |
Canon 10x42 L
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
3
|
+3 | $155 |
Nikon Aculon A211
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
10
|
1
|
9
|
-
|
|
4
|
New * | $285 |
Nikon Monarch M5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
-1 | $220 |
Celestron Nature DX ED
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
|
6
|
-3 | $234 |
Celestron TrailSeeker
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
7
|
+1 | $55 |
Celestron Outland X
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
8
|
+1 | $324 |
Celestron SkyMaster Astro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
3
|
|
9
|
-4 | $85 |
Celestron Nature DX
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $152 |
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
11
|
New * | $155 |
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-1 | $167 |
Nikon Action EX Extreme
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
|
13
|
+6 | $235 |
Celestron SkyMaster Pro
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
|
14
|
-2 | Check price |
Vixen Binoculars SG 2.1×42
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
|
15
|
-2 | $329 |
Celestron Trailseeker ED
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
-10 | $79 |
Celestron SkyMaster Giant
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
-4 | $95 |
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
-2 | $98 |
Nikon Prostaff 3S
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
-2 | $938 |
Nikon Monarch HG
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
21
|
New * | $137 |
Nikon Prostaff P3
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
|
22
|
-2 | $146 |
Opticron Savanna WP Porro
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
23
|
-2 | $40 |
Celestron UpClose G2 20x50
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| #23 | $39.99 | Celestron UpClose G2 20x50 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $55 | Celestron Outland X [buy] [more info] |
| #17 | $79 | Celestron SkyMaster Giant [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $85.49 | Celestron Nature DX [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $95 | Nocs Provisions Standard Issue [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $98 | Nikon Prostaff 3S [buy] [more info] |
| #21 | $136.95 | Nikon Prostaff P3 [buy] [more info] |
| #22 | $146.10 | Opticron Savanna WP Porro [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $152.10 | Vortex Optics Crossfire HD [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $154.95 | Nikon Aculon A211 [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $154.99 | Vortex Optics Diamondback HD [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $166.95 | Nikon Action EX Extreme [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $219.99 | Celestron Nature DX ED [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $233.51 | Celestron TrailSeeker [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $235 | Celestron SkyMaster Pro [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $284.99 | Nikon Monarch M5 [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $324.41 | Celestron SkyMaster Astro [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $329.49 | Celestron Trailseeker ED [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $464.99 | Vortex Optics Viper HD [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $937.60 | Nikon Monarch HG [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $1485 | Canon 10x42 L [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Vortex Optics Viper HD #1 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Vortex Optics Viper HD as #1.
Forbes
Best Binoculars For Birdwatching
|
Pros
Lifetime warranty and servicing courtesy of Vortex
Great balance between field of view and magnification
|
Cons
Some users report distortion along the edges of images
|
OpticsMag
Best Overall
|
Pros
Quality construction with O-ring seal
Works well in low-light conditions
Includes accessories
Unconditional lifetime warranty
|
Cons
On the expensive side
Eye relief isn’t great
|
money.com
Best overall
|
Pros
Lifetime warranty for damages and defects.
|
Cons
On the pricey side, at around $500.
|
We ranked Canon 10x42 L #2 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Canon 10x42 L as #1.
Digital Camera World
A pricey set of premium binoculars, but the spectacular stabilization makes them worth it
|
Pros
Steady image stabilized performance
Weather proofed with it
10x magnification and good size optics
|
Cons
Bulkier than non-stabilized binos
Weightier than most at 1,110g
|
T3
The best binoculars for handheld stargazing
|
Pros
Shake-free stargazing
Mind-blowing moon-gazing
Can be mounted on a tripod
|
Cons
Lens caps not up to the quality of the rest of the unit
Heavy to hold for prolonged periods
IS runs batteries down quickly
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
The finest stargazing binoculars money can buy
|
Pros
Optical Image Stabilizer
Rugged build quality
Lots of eye relief
|
Cons
Bulky size
Lens caps are loose
AAA batteries required
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Binoculars.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Binoculars, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for January 2023 ranking
Forbes
OpticsMag
Digital Camera World
GearJunkie
BestReviews
Wirecutter
T3
Task and Purpose
Space Exploration and Astronomy
money.com
We ranked Nikon Aculon A211 #3 in January 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nikon Aculon A211 as #1.
BestReviews
Trusted Brand
|
Pros
These binoculars have a fingertip zoom control knob, and turn-and-slide rubber eyecups provide comfortable viewing for any user. The minimum focus distance is 49.2 feet, and the eco-glass lens offers a clear image in various environments and light conditions.
|
Cons
The quality of the tripod mount is mediocre.
|
T3
Hefty but impressive all-rounders at a great price
|
Pros
Excellent build quality
Easy to use
Bright and colourful images
|
Cons
Heavy and bulky
Fiddly objective lens caps
|
Task and Purpose
Best Overall
|
Pros
Feature adjustable 10-22-power multi-coated lenses and 50mm objectives made with patented lead and arsenic-free Eco-Glass.
Can be used in a variety of situations, proven to deliver a high-quality image under a multitude of lighting conditions.
Extremely effective for viewing objects at a distance from dawn until dusk.
Easy to use and operate, featuring eyepiece mounted zoom lever, which allows for quick magnification changes from 10x through 22x.
|
Cons
Customers have had issues with weight.
Rather heavy compared to some other options.
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
A sleek and well made binocular model
|
Pros
Great optics
Wide field of view
Sleek design
|
Cons
Eye relief isn't brilliant
-Not water resistant
|
We ranked Nikon Monarch M5 #4 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Nikon Monarch M5 as #1.
Forbes
Best Binoculars Overall
|
Pros
Rubber coating improves grip
Smooth focus knob operation
Durable construction
|
Cons
Average field of view limits what you can see
|
GearJunkie
Best Overall Binoculars
|
Pros
Lightweight
Clear, striking image — even in low light
Easy-adjust dial
Durability
|
Cons
An average close range of focus
|
We ranked Celestron Nature DX ED #5 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron Nature DX ED as #1.
Digital Camera World
These top quality compact binoculars are bursting with brightness
|
Pros
High-end optics
Sharp, bright and contrasty images
Travel-friendly size
Unbeatable build quality
|
Cons
High price
Relatively narrow field of view
Lens caps can get in the way
Not much eye relief
|
T3
The best binoculars for most people
|
Pros
Next-level optics
Compact size
Excellent build quality
|
Cons
Not much eye relief
Eyecups are average quality
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Guaranteed bright and sharp images through the day and into the night for less than $300
|
Pros
Sharp, bright images
Compact and portable
Waterproof, fog-proof and durable
|
Cons
They are expensive
Supplied with average eyecups
Not ideal for spectacle wearers
|
We ranked Celestron TrailSeeker #6 in January 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Compact and waterproof and amongst the finest mid-range binoculars you can buy
|
Pros
Excellent image quality
Compact and lightweight
Waterproof
Stuff sack and harness included
|
Cons
Expensive
Loose lens caps
|
GearJunkie
Best of the Rest
|
Pros
State-of-the-art optics for optimal viewing
excellent balance of price and quality
ergonomically designed for comfortable use
|
Cons
focus dial can become weak or rust if not cared for properly
|
T3
Another outstanding all-rounder
|
Pros
Sharp, bright images
Lightweight and durable build
Water- and fogproof
|
Cons
Lens caps fall off
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
For under $300 these are the best binoculars you can buy today
|
Pros
No fogging
Bright images
Wide field of view
|
Cons
Carry case can’t house harness strap
Lack magnification for serious astro
|
We ranked Celestron Outland X #7 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Great budget binoculars, with great value and a range of sizes
|
Pros
Versatile and well suited to wildlife
Sturdy polycarbonate housing
Waterproof
Available in green or black
|
Cons
Neither small nor light
|
GearJunkie
Best Budget Binoculars
|
Pros
Most affordable adult binoculars on our list
durable design
good option for bulk purchase or outfitting an outdoor program
|
Cons
Touchy adjustment knob sometimes gets itself out of focus
binos don’t hold up well in wet and rainy conditions
|
money.com
Best for low prices
|
Pros
Includes carrying case, neck strap, lens caps and cleaning cloth.
|
Cons
Some customers claim images are dark in low light settings.
|
We ranked Celestron SkyMaster Astro #8 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Task and Purpose
Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Extremely rugged product, able to withstand large drops.
Ideal for use in a variety of weather conditions, featuring water-resistant technology.
Soft, rubber eyecups are extremely comfortable, and can even be folded down for convenience and easy viewing for those who wear prescription eyeglasses.
Built-in tripod adapter rod for use with a variety of tripods.
Can easily be mounted to the tripod for use when stargazing or for wildlife viewing over extended periods of time.
|
Cons
Not the best option for use in broad daylight.
Due to the amount of light they let in, these binoculars are ideal for use in dim light settings.
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
See the Universe close up and in stereo, but don’t plan to take them anywhere
|
Pros
High magnification
Tripod adapter included
Great clarity and contrast
|
Cons
Very heavy, tripod needed
-Quite expensive
|
money.com
Best for stargazing
|
Pros
Strong 20x magnification ocular lenses for long-distance viewing.
|
Cons
At around 5 lbs, they may feel in your hands heavy after a while.
|
We ranked Celestron Nature DX #9 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
a clear upgrade from the standard beginner options
|
Pros
Affordable for the optical quality
Eyeglasses wearers benefit from generous eye relief
Fits all hand sized
|
Cons
Some color fringing
A little soft around the edges
|
T3
The best value binoculars for beginners
|
Pros
Detailed images in bright light
Excellent focus knob
Relatively light and compact
Lens caps are attached
|
Cons
Edge of image is blurry
Neck strap is poor
Not good for stargazing
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
A wide aperture and good level of magnification, these are excellent for stargazing and wildlife spotting
|
Pros
Excellent build quality
Close focusing
|
Cons
A little heavy for prolonged use
Image could be a touch sharper
|
We ranked Vortex Optics Crossfire HD #10 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
These mid-range binoculars come with a handy harness and boast excellent optics for all-round use.
|
Pros
Harness prevents neck-ache
Good quality shoulder bag
Impressive in lowlight
|
Cons
Harness can get confusing
Tethered lens caps are fiddly
Close focus is 6ft
|
T3
Great quality binoculars with a handy chest harness
|
Pros
Quality optics
'Glasspak' harness
Waterproof and nitrogen-purged
|
Cons
Annoying tethers on lens caps
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
The pair you need if a wide field of view and a good sturdy build quality top your brief
|
Pros
Sturdy, well-constructed build
Multipurpose optics
Manageable weight
|
Cons
-A little false color in views
-Slight blurring at the edge of FOV
|
We ranked Vortex Optics Diamondback HD #11 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Vortex Optics Diamondback HD as #1.
GearJunkie
|
Pros
Incredible value for the quality of optics
great viewing, excels in low light
excellent warranty and customer service
|
Cons
Focus wheel and right eye diopter a bit clunky
included harness is not the easiest to use
|
BestReviews
Best of the Best
|
Pros
They have adjustable twist eyecups and offer 10 times magnification. The multi-colored lenses increase light transmission for a clear image, and the center wheel adjusts the focus of both barrels. It's fog-proof and waterproof.
|
Cons
Adjusting it can be challenging as they're a bit stiff.
|
We ranked Nikon Action EX Extreme #12 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
large and heavy binoculars are a good value way of getting closer to your subject
|
Pros
12x magnification
Waterproof and fog-proof design
Good value price
|
Cons
Heavy to hold for long periods
Some edge distortion
Lens caps are easy to lose
|
T3
Heavyweight binoculars that deliver spectacular views
|
Pros
Clear and sharp
Shock-resistant and waterproof
|
Cons
Bulky and heavy
Lacks close focusing
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
A reliable pair that let in a lot of light, but we advise mounting them to a tripod
|
Pros
Wide field of view
Clear, crisp observations
|
Cons
Heavy, tripod required
Slight field curvature
|
We ranked Celestron SkyMaster Pro #13 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Great binoculars for astronomy and star-gazing, best used on a tripod
|
Pros
High magnification and large lenses
Rugged rubber armour
|
Cons
Big and bulky
-Better on a tripod
|
T3
The biggest and best binoculars for stargazing
|
Pros
Brilliant design
Amazing deep-sky images
Easier to use than a telescope
|
Cons
Narrow field of view
Too heavy to hold
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
These binoculars have superb magnification and detail, but they're a heavy unit
|
Pros
Great price for giant binoculars
Excellent eye relief
Optics offer good detail
|
Cons
Heavy, requires tripod
Some softness around edges
|
We ranked Vixen Binoculars SG 2.1×42 #14 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
These wide-angle Vixen SG 2.1x42 binoculars are a niche purchase but give you a unique perspective on the night sky
|
Pros
Unique field of view
Incredible depth of field
Portable size
|
Cons
Lack magnification
Edges are very blurry
Lose-able lens caps
|
T3
The best binoculars for immersive stargazing
|
Pros
Retain a ‘big sky’ view
Lightweight and portable
|
Cons
Not ideal for general purpose viewing
Lens caps easily mislaid
Weedy magnification factor
Softening of detail in edges of frame
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Very low magnification sci-fi-esque binoculars for sussing out constellations
|
Pros
Very easy to keep steady
Widefield 3D stargazing
Small, light and easy to carry
|
Cons
Very low magnification
Blurry at edges
Lens caps are easy to lose
|
We ranked Celestron Trailseeker ED #15 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Forbes
Best Binoculars For Stargazing
|
Pros
Solid optics
Useful harness strap
|
Cons
Some users report loose objective lens caps
Lack the magnification necessary for deep sky observation
|
We ranked Celestron SkyMaster Giant #16 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Best budget binoculars for astronomy
|
Pros
Huge 15x magnification
Great for stargazing
Comes with shoulder bag & tripod adaptor
|
Cons
Best used with tripod
|
BestReviews
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Pros
Multi-coated optics.
Suitable for viewing in daylight and low-light situations.
Includes tripod mount.
Rubberized and ergonomically designed.
|
Cons
Quite large and heavy.
A small percentage have a problem with focus.
|
We ranked Nocs Provisions Standard Issue #17 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Forbes
Best Value Binoculars
|
Pros
Competitively priced
Lightweight, rugged housing
Available in various eye-catching colors
|
Cons
Design doesn’t excel in any one category
|
GearJunkie
|
Pros
Compact without compromising optic power
durable/waterproof construction
lifetime warranty
|
Cons
Expensive for optical power — paying for size
|
We ranked Nikon Prostaff 3S #18 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
The best binoculars overall, with rugged construction and fog-proofing
|
Pros
Big-name brand at a modest price
Rugged rubber armor construction
O-ring sealed
|
Cons
Not premium optical quality
|
T3
Another excellent pair of all-rounders
|
Pros
O-ring sealed to keep moisture out
Reasonable price
Rubber construction for comfortable grip
|
Cons
Requires a steady pair of hands, or rest, for optimum viewing
Provided lens caps a bit flimsy and easy to lose
|
We ranked Nikon Monarch HG #19 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
High-quality, highly compact binoculars ideal for birdwatching, though not cheap
|
Pros
Wide angle of view
Waterproofed
Anti-fog magnesium alloy build
|
Cons
You pay a premium for being compact
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Some of the best optics on the market, and easily transportable
|
Pros
Highly portable
Sharp views across the whole field of view
|
Cons
No image stabilization
Negligible color fringing
|
We ranked Nikon Prostaff P3 #20 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Entry-level Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binoculars are full of Nikon quality but at a reasonable price
|
Pros
Premium feel to some areas
Optical quality is fantastic for price
Slim, sleek design transports easily
|
Cons
Shipped accessories feel cheap
Rubber armour is a little spongy in places
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
These lightweight binoculars are easy to hold for long periods, best for terrestrial viewing
|
Pros
Lightweight for longer use
Adjustable eyecups
Nitrogen filled for anti-fog
|
Cons
No tripod adapter
Not the best for astronomy
|
We ranked Opticron Savanna WP Porro #21 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
The best binoculars for kids, both light and waterproof
|
Pros
Compact and light – fit in a sling bag
No eyestrain for kids as young as seven
|
Cons
Not the most powerful binos
Lacks features like anti fogging
|
money.com
Best binoculars for kids
|
Pros
Minimum 50 mm interpupillary distance (IPD) is ideal to reduce eye strain.
|
Cons
Lacks anti-fogging.
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We ranked Celestron UpClose G2 20x50 #22 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
These Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars are a good value for beginners keen on wildlife, the night sky and more
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Pros
Bright and colorful images
Lightweight design
Easy to use
Affordable price
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Cons
Lens caps are easy to lose
Slight edge distortion
Not much eye relief
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T3
A good budget bino for beginners
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Pros
Wide field of view
Easy to use and adjust
Very low price
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Cons
Average build quality
Distortion at the edges
No eye relief
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