October 2021
Binoculars: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Binoculars rankings posted by key online experts, as of October 2021.
At a glance - October 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Binoculars |
T3
|
Wirecutter
|
Digital Camera World
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
BestReviews
|
Task and Purpose
|
money.com
|
World Birds
|
Forbes
|
GearJunkie
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $130 |
Celestron Nature DX
|
10
|
-
|
7
|
9
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $127 |
Nikon Prostaff 3S
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
3
|
- | $165 |
Celestron SkyMaster Astro
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $500 |
Celestron Trailseeker ED
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
1
|
|
5
|
- | $57 |
Celestron Outland X
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
6
|
+8 | $148 |
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
|
7
|
-1 | $277 |
Nikon Monarch 5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $250 |
Celestron SkyMaster Pro
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
New * | $159 |
Celestron TrailSeeker
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $97 |
Nikon Aculon A211
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $499 |
Vortex Optics Viper HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | Check price |
Olympus 10X42 PRO
|
3
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $214 |
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
+1 | $1469 |
Canon 10x42 L
|
9
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
+2 | $132 |
Opticron Savanna WP Porro
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
+3 | $949 |
Leica Trinovid-HD
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
-10 | $93 |
Celestron SkyMaster Giant
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
18
|
+4 | $2939 |
Swarovski EL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
6
|
-
|
|
19
|
+4 | $349 |
Zeiss Terra ED
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Celestron Nature DX #1 in October 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
Great mid-priced binos for low light conditions
|
Pros
Nitrogen filled to prevent fogging
Suitable for low light with large 56mm lens
|
Cons
Heavier than many alternatives
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
Pros
Great for galaxies
Manageable weight
Waterproof, fog-proof and durable
|
Cons
Slight distortion at field's edge
|
BestReviews
|
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.
|
World Birds
Best budget option
|
Pros
Best budget option for birders and wildlife enthusiasts
Excellent clarity for the price
Great for glasses wearers (long eye relief 18mm)
Waterproofing allows you to use these binoculars in all weather conditions
Great field of view that rivals mid-range and high-end 8x binoculars
Lightweight and solidly built
|
Cons
Not the easiest to hold for longer periods
Not great on low-light conditions
Not meant for heavy outdoor use
Slight chromatic aberration (unless you are an optics nerd, it’s not an issue)
|
We ranked Nikon Prostaff 3S #2 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Nikon Prostaff 3S as #1.
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
|
Digital Camera World
Rubber-armored binoculars that are great value
|
Pros
Big-name brand at a modest price
Rugged rubber armor construction
O-ring sealed
|
Cons
Not premium optical quality
|
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
|
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 October 2021 ranking
T3
Wirecutter
Digital Camera World
Space Exploration and Astronomy
BestReviews
Task and Purpose
money.com
World Birds
Forbes
GearJunkie
We ranked Celestron SkyMaster Astro #3 in October 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
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
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
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.
|
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 Trailseeker ED #4 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron Trailseeker ED as #1.
World Birds
|
Pros
Industrial design
Armored body
Waterproof chassis
Adjustable eyecups
BaK-4 prism system
True-to-life colors
ED lens elements
|
Cons
Tripod adapter costs extra
|
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
|
We ranked Celestron Outland X #5 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Best value binoculars that deliver a lot for the money
|
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 Vortex Optics Diamondback HD #6 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
World Birds
|
Pros
Adjustable eyecups
Can be used with eyeglasses
Diopter adjustment
Rubber armor
O-ring seal
Fogproof construction
Multi-coated lenses
|
Cons
Limited magnification
Diopter only adjust the right lens
|
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 Nikon Monarch 5 #7 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
T3
The best binoculars for bird watching
|
Pros
All-weather performance
20x magnifications
|
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 Celestron SkyMaster Pro #8 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron SkyMaster Pro as #1.
Digital Camera World
The best binoculars for astronomy and star-gazing
|
Pros
High magnification and large lenses
Rugged rubber armour
|
Cons
Large lenses mean a big pair of binos
Better on a tripod
|
BestReviews
Best of the Best
|
Pros
Huge 80mm objective lens for light gathering
Impressive magnification
Exterior is armored for extra durability
Interior has been purged with nitrogen to prevent fogging
|
Cons
Very bulky and impractical without a tripod.
|
We ranked Celestron TrailSeeker #9 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron TrailSeeker as #1.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
Pros
No fogging
Bright images
Wide field of view
|
Cons
Carry case not supplied
|
We ranked Nikon Aculon A211 #10 in October 2021 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
|
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 Viper HD #11 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Vortex Optics Viper HD as #1.
money.com
Best overall
|
Pros
Lifetime warranty for damages and defects.
|
Cons
On the pricey side, at around $500.
|
World Birds
|
Pros
Excellent Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
Only weighs 1.5 lbs
HD glass for optimized image clarity
Waterproof & fogproof
Great close focus
|
Cons
Limited field of view
|
We ranked Olympus 10X42 PRO #12 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
The best binoculars for safari – and they are waterproof too
|
Pros
Compact relatively light and versatile
Waterproofed and nitrogen filled
|
Cons
10x may not be enough for wildlife
Pretty pricey
|
We ranked Vortex Optics Crossfire HD #13 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
Pros
Sturdy, well-constructed build
Multipurpose optics
Manageable weight
|
Cons
Slight false color in views
|
BestReviews
|
Pros
Trim design and durable, waterproof construction with rubberized grip.
Mid-range price.
great clarity
Lightweight and attractive design.
|
Cons
Can be difficult to focus.
|
We ranked Canon 10x42 L #14 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
The best image-stabilized binoculars...
|
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
|
We ranked Opticron Savanna WP Porro #15 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
The best binoculars for kids – lightweight, simple to use and affordable
|
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.
|
We ranked Leica Trinovid-HD #16 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Nice binoculars, and much cheaper than Leica cameras!
|
Pros
Full body rubber armour
Outstanding image sharpness
Excellent colour fidelity
|
Cons
Expensive
|
World Birds
|
Pros
Sharp & vibrant images
Waterproof & fogproof
Great field of view at 10x
10-year warranty
Includes Leica Adventure-Strap
|
Cons
The Adventure-Strap takes some getting used to
|
We ranked Celestron SkyMaster Giant #17 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
Pros
Great price for giant binoculars
Excellent eye relief
Optics offer good detail
|
Cons
Heavy, requires tripod
|
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 Swarovski EL #18 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
World Birds
|
Pros
Preferred by pros
42mm diameter
9mm exit pupil diameter
20mm exit pupil eye relief
Comes with lift carrying strap
Lifetime warranty
10-year warranty on body
|
Cons
Lifetime warranty does not cover all parts
Protective cover not included
|
We ranked Zeiss Terra ED #19 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Binoculars” rankings.
BestReviews
|
Pros
Exceptional optics have hydrophobic (water-shedding) lenses.
Lightweight, waterproof casing is reinforced with fiberglass.
Ideal for all wildlife viewing.
They look great, too.
|
Cons
None, though they are more expensive than many.
|
World Birds
|
Pros
Only weighs .68 lbs
Impressive field of view considering its size
Waterproof
Hydrophopic Zeiss MC lens coating
Great field of view
Smooth focus knob
Extremely clear views
|
Cons
Low-light performance
|