May 2022
Binoculars: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Binoculars rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2022.
At a glance - May 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Binoculars |
Wirecutter
|
Digital Camera World
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
Task and Purpose
|
Forbes
|
OpticsMag
|
T3
|
BestReviews
|
money.com
|
GearJunkie
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
+1 | $97 |
Nikon Prostaff 3S
|
-
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
2
|
-1 | $168 |
Celestron TrailSeeker
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
3
|
+12 | $1439 |
Canon 10x42 L
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
-1 | $140 |
Celestron Nature DX
|
-
|
7
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
-1 | $158 |
Celestron SkyMaster Astro
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
6
|
-1 | $100 |
Celestron SkyMaster Giant
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
5
|
|
7
|
-1 | $470 |
Vortex Optics Viper HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
8
|
-1 | $90 |
Celestron Outland X
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
|
9
|
-1 | $277 |
Nikon Monarch 5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
10
|
-1 | $115 |
Nikon Aculon A211
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | $169 |
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
12
|
-1 | $128 |
Opticron Savanna WP Porro
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
13
|
-1 | $519 |
Olympus 10X42 PRO
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
-1 | $919 |
Leica Trinovid-HD
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
-1 | $967 |
Nikon Monarch HG
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
New * | $280 |
Vixen Binoculars SG 2.1×42
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Nikon Prostaff 3S #1 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nikon Prostaff 3S as #1.
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
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
These lightweight binoculars are easy to hold for long periods
|
Pros
Rubber coating for grip
Waterproof and shock-resistant
Long eye relief design
|
Cons
Lacks a tripod adaptor
Average lens caps
Low magnification
|
T3
The best binoculars for all-round use
|
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
|
GearJunkie
Best Budget
|
Pros
Highly affordable
lightweight and durable design
good eye relief
surprisingly nice clarity
|
Cons
Some vision distortion along edges of the field of view
ill-fitting lens caps
|
We ranked Celestron TrailSeeker #2 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron TrailSeeker as #1.
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 not supplied
|
T3
Another outstanding all rounder
|
Pros
Sharp, bright images
Lightweight and durable build
Water- and fogproof
|
Cons
Lens caps fall off
|
GearJunkie
Best Overall
|
Pros
State-of-the-art optics for optimal viewing
excellent balance of price and quality
ergonomically designed for comfortable use
|
Cons
Need to cover some cost of repair, even under warranty
focus dial can become weak or rust if not cared for properly
|
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 May 2022 ranking
Wirecutter
Digital Camera World
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Task and Purpose
Forbes
OpticsMag
T3
BestReviews
money.com
GearJunkie
We ranked Canon 10x42 L #3 in May 2022 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
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Hands down 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
|
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
|
We ranked Celestron Nature DX #4 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Mid-priced binoculars well suited to low light conditions and astronomy
|
Pros
Nitrogen filled to prevent fogging
Suitable for low light with large 56mm lens
|
Cons
Heavier than many alternatives
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Fantastic magnification makes these ideal for galaxies
|
Pros
Great for galaxies
Manageable weight
Waterproof, fog-proof and durable
|
Cons
Slight distortion at field's edge
|
T3
The best mid-range multipurpose binoculars
|
Pros
Large objective lens for better clarity in low light
Robust polycarbonate construction with multi coated optics
|
Cons
Heavy in the palm when viewing for longer periods
Tripod adaptor not included
|
BestReviews
Durable and Rugged
|
Pros
Crisp images.
Easy to focus.
Lightweight and fairly compact, so they are easy to carry.
Nice for birdwatching.
Includes carrying case, lens, cap, eyepiece, rain guard, neck strap, cleaning cloth, and manual.
|
Cons
Manufacturer claims of these binoculars being waterproof are questionable.
Some durability concerns.
|
We ranked Celestron SkyMaster Astro #5 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
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
Heavy, tripod needed
|
Task and Purpose
HONORABLE MENTION
|
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.
|
T3
The best binoculars for stereoscopic stargazing
|
Pros
Great clarity
Powerful
|
Cons
Heavy duty tripod required
Big and bulky
Not ideal if you want to switch focus to closer subjects
|
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 SkyMaster Giant #6 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron SkyMaster Giant as #1.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
This has superb magnification and detail, but it's a heavy unit
|
Pros
Great price for giant binoculars
Excellent eye relief
Optics offer good detail
|
Cons
Heavy, requires tripod
|
BestReviews
Best of the best
|
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.
|
GearJunkie
Best for Stargazing
|
Pros
Affordable night sky alternative to a telescope
large magnification
objective lens low-light viewing
reliable brand
|
Cons
Specialty binoculars that don’t offer great crossover potential
finicky adjustments
|
We ranked Vortex Optics Viper HD #7 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Vortex Optics Viper HD as #1.
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 Celestron Outland X #8 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
The best budget binoculars, offering great value for money 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
|
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.
|
GearJunkie
Runner-Up Budget
|
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
|
We ranked Nikon Monarch 5 #9 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
T3
Excellent, compact, all-weather binoculars
|
Pros
All-weather performance
20x magnifications
Tripod adapter included
|
Cons
Bulky and weighty
Too big to claim to be conveniently pocket sized
|
money.com
Editor’s pick
|
Pros
Lenses are waterproof and fog-proof.
|
Cons
Narrower field of view than many competitors.
|
We ranked Nikon Aculon A211 #10 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nikon Aculon A211 as #1.
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
|
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.
|
We ranked Vortex Optics Diamondback HD #11 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
GearJunkie
Runner-Up
|
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
|
We ranked Opticron Savanna WP Porro #12 in May 2022 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.
|
We ranked Olympus 10X42 PRO #13 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
A more expensive price bracket, but great premium binoculars for nature and wildlife
|
Pros
Compact relatively light and versatile
Waterproofed and nitrogen filled
|
Cons
10x may not be enough for wildlife
Pretty pricey
|
T3
Nitrogen purged, waterproofed and ready for anything
|
Pros
Compact and relatively lightweight
Quick to focus and adjust
Anti-fogging build
|
Cons
Paying a slight premium for high-end features
Even greater magnification for intensive wildlife observation
|
We ranked Leica Trinovid-HD #14 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Leica makes binoculars as well as cameras, and to the same exceptional standard
|
Pros
Full body rubber armour
Outstanding image sharpness
Excellent colour fidelity
|
Cons
Expensive
|
T3
The best binoculars for bird watchers prepared to splash some cash
|
Pros
Crystal clear, detailed observation
Solid build with non-slip exterior
Decent viewing, even in dim light
|
Cons
Premium price tag
|
We ranked Nikon Monarch HG #15 in May 2022 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
|
T3
The best compact binos with a big performance
|
Pros
Similar performance to a 42mm pair of binos but in a smaller format
Good magnification power and impressive lens clarity
Waterproof and fog proof
|
Cons
Large(ish) price tag
|
We ranked Vixen Binoculars SG 2.1×42 #16 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Let these Galilean-design binoculars give you a new way of looking at the night sky
|
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
|
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
|