Shopping for the best binoculars for birding can be a daunting task, with countless makes and models on the market, each making big promises. It’s easy to get lost in all the technical data and specifications, leaving birders with more questions than answers. But fear not, because we have some good news.
After spending hours upon hours researching and testing dozens of different optics, we have compiled a list of the 9 best binoculars for birding. We understand that price is often a critical factor when deciding on new optics, so we have organized our list by cost, from the best money can buy to optics for those on a limited budget. So whether you’re a professional ornithologist or a birdwatching enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of top picks for birding binoculars. We’ll start by showcasing the Platinum, Gold, and Silver classes of binoculars, based on their cost. Whether you’re looking for compact binoculars for travel or user-friendly options for hiking and hunting, our list has something for everyone.
1. Swarovski EL 42
Why You Should Buy:
We highly recommend the Swarovski EL 42 binoculars for bird watching enthusiasts who want the best optical performance. These binoculars are equipped with Swarovski’s legendary technologies and coatings, resulting in clean and bright high-contrast and high-resolution images with virtually no distortion across the entire field of view.
Aside from the unparalleled optical performance, the EL 42 is also built to withstand harsh conditions that birders typically encounter. The magnesium-alloy chassis is lightweight yet durable, while the nitrogen-filled tubes make the binoculars fog and waterproof, preventing internal fogging. Additionally, the green rubber coating provides a secure grip while protecting the body from accidental drops.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy:
The only reason not to purchase the Swarovski EL 42 is the high price tag. If budget is a concern, there are other options available that offer decent optical performance at a lower cost. However, if you want the best of the best, the EL 42 is worth the investment.
2. Zeiss Victory SF (8×42)
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Check out the price on Amazon and BH Photo.
Why you should buy:
Looking for one of the best birding binoculars on the market? The Zeiss Victory SF is a top contender. With excellent image quality, an incredibly wide field of view, and a small close focus, this binocular is perfect for birdwatching. The sleek and comfortable design is backed by a fantastic warranty from Zeiss.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
The biggest downside of the Zeiss Victory SF is its price. It may not be affordable for most birders. Additionally, it may not be the best choice for beginners or casual birders. We recommend starting with a less expensive option before investing in the Zeiss Victory SF.
Read our complete review to learn more about the Zeiss Victory SF and why it may be the right choice for you.
- 9 Reasons to Buy The Zeiss Victory Today! (And One Reason You Shouldn’t)
3. Leica Noctivid (8×42)
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Check out the cost of the Leica Noctivid on Amazon or BH Photo.
Why you should buy:
The Leica Noctivid (8×42) is a top-of-the-line bird watching binocular that is worth the investment. Inspired by the Little Owl, Leica incorporated their latest technologies and best materials to create the Noctivid. The image quality is second to none, making it one of the best birding binoculars on the market.
Competing with the Zeiss Victory SF and Swarovski for the title of best birding binoculars, the Noctivid stands out with its superior image quality. We are huge fans of this binocular and believe it is a great investment for serious birders.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
The major downside to the Leica Noctivid (8×42) is its price tag. At over $2,500, it is not an affordable option for many birders. If you are a beginner or casual birder, a less expensive binocular may be a better option before making such a significant investment.
One of the main differences between high-priced birding binoculars and more affordable options is the brightness and quality of the image in low light situations, such as sunrise, sunset, or a dark forest. If you typically use your optics in bright and sunny conditions, then spending this much money may not be worth it.
Overall, the Leica Noctivid (8×42) is an exceptional birding binocular that is worth the investment for serious birders. However, the high price tag may not be justifiable for everyone. Check out our Complete Review for more information on why we believe the Noctivid is one of the best birding binoculars available.
The Gold Class ($501 – $1,499)
We offer two binoculars in the Gold Class price range. These binoculars are designed for birders who want the best optics available. They are perfect for birders who want to observe birds in their natural habitats. The Gold Class binoculars are priced between $501 and $1,499.
Our Gold Class binoculars are made with the highest quality materials and feature the latest technology. They are designed to provide the clearest and brightest images possible. The Gold Class binoculars offer superior performance and are perfect for birders who demand the best.
Here are the two binoculars we offer in the Gold Class:
| Binoculars | Price |
|---|---|
| Swarovski EL 10×42 | $1,499 |
| Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 10×42 | $1,499 |
Both of these binoculars are designed to provide the best possible viewing experience. They are made with the highest quality materials and feature the latest technology. They offer superior performance and are perfect for birders who demand the best.
If you are a serious birder who wants the best possible optics, then our Gold Class binoculars are the perfect choice for you.
4. Zeiss Conquest HD (8×42)
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Check out the cost on Amazon and BH Photo.
Why you should buy:
The Zeiss Conquest HD (8×42) is an excellent birding binocular that provides a sharp and clear image. It has a wide field of view and is perfect for watching birds in challenging light conditions. It is known for its excellent design and engineering, and it comes with the same warranty that we have come to expect from Zeiss. Moreover, it is available at a price that is less than half of the Zeiss Victory SF.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
The Zeiss Conquest HD (8×42) is slightly heavier than many of the other optics on this list. Additionally, some users have complained about the quality of the lens covers. However, these can easily be replaced with a better set.
If you want to save a few bucks and get a similar binocular, you can look at the Silver Class options. However, if you are willing to spend a bit more, you can get one of the best optics on the market today with the Zeiss Victory SF or Leica Noctivid.
In conclusion, the Zeiss Conquest HD (8×42) is an excellent option for birders who want a high-quality binocular at an affordable price. While it may be slightly heavier than other options, it provides a clear and sharp image that is perfect for bird watching.
5. Leica Trinovid HD (8×42)
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Check out the cost of the Leica Trinovid HD (8×42) on Amazon and BH Photo.
Why you should buy:
The Leica Trinovid HD (8×42) is a fantastic binocular for watching birds and other outdoor activities. It boasts excellent engineering and an outstanding image quality with bright, sharp, and rich colors. The ergonomic design of the Trinovid HD is compact and fits well in the hands, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Additionally, the Trinovid HD (8×42) is a great option at a fraction of the cost compared to its more expensive cousin, the Leica Noctivid.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
If you are a fan of Leica and can afford it, the Leica Noctivid may be a better option due to its slightly better materials, such as the quality of the Extra-Low dispersion glass, which provides a better image. However, the Trinovid HD (8×42) is still a premium binocular that provides excellent value for its cost.
It’s also worth noting that the Trinovid HD (8×42) is a great binocular for kids, making it a versatile option for the whole family.
For more information, check out our complete review of the Leica Trinovid HD (8×42) here.
6. Nikon Monarch 7 (8×42)
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Check out the prices on Amazon and BH Photo.
Why you should buy:
The Nikon Monarch 7 (8×42) is a great option for birdwatchers who want a combination of affordability and quality. Priced at under $500, it is backed by the trusted name of Nikon and features Extra-Low Dispersion glass, which provides excellent color and resolution. It also has an extremely wide Field of View, which makes it easier to spot birds in their natural habitats. Additionally, it is lightweight and comfortable to carry around, making it perfect for extended birdwatching sessions.
In our opinion, if you can’t afford or don’t want to pay for one of the higher-end binoculars, the Nikon Monarch 7 (8×42) provides many of the same features.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
While the Nikon Monarch 7 (8×42) is a great option for birdwatchers on a budget, it does have a few drawbacks. The most significant difference you will notice is the quality of the image, especially in low light situations such as a darker forest canopy, sunrise, or sunset. In these situations, the Monarch 7 performs reasonably well, but it doesn’t match the image quality of more expensive binoculars such as the Zeiss Victory SF or Leica Noctivid.
On the other hand, while the Nikon Monarch 7 (8×42) is cheaper than higher-end birding binoculars, $500 is still a significant investment. If you’re not sure if birdwatching is for you, or if the price tag is too steep, there are other less expensive options available.
In conclusion, the Nikon Monarch 7 (8×42) is an excellent choice for birdwatchers on a budget who want a combination of affordability and quality. While it does have some drawbacks, it provides many of the same features as more expensive binoculars and is a great option for those who are just starting out.
7. Vortex Viper HD (8×42)
Compare Prices!
Check the prices on Amazon and BH Photo.
Why you should buy:
The Vortex Viper HD (8×42) is an excellent choice for birdwatchers and hunters who want to get a high-quality optic without breaking the bank. This binocular is usually priced under $500, making it a great value for the money.
The Viper HD features Extra-Low Dispersion glass, which provides bright and clear images. It also has fully multi-coated lenses and dielectric prism coatings that optimize and increase light transmission. These features make the Viper HD one of the best birding binoculars in its price range, outperforming many optics that are twice the price.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
The only reason not to buy the Vortex Viper HD is if you can afford to upgrade to one of the Gold or Platinum Class choices. While the Viper HD provides excellent image quality, spending more money can result in even better image quality, especially in challenging light situations.
Comparing Prices!
We have researched and found that the Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars are available for purchase on Amazon and BH Photo.
Why you should buy:
The Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars come with Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass, which provides an exceptional image and view. These binoculars are the least expensive option available with this feature. Priced under $300, the Monarch 5 offers many features for a low price.
In addition to the ED glass, the Monarch 5 is lightweight, comfortable to hold, waterproof, and has a dielectric high-reflective coating on the prisms. This coating helps to let more light through, which improves the image quality.
The Monarch 5 is an excellent choice for bird watchers on a limited budget or beginners. We are confident that you will not be disappointed with this purchase.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
One of our concerns with the Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars is the Field of View, which is only 330 feet. If you prefer a wide field of view, you may want to consider other options. We understand that missing any action is not ideal for bird watching.
For a more detailed review, please read our article titled “Nikon Monarch 5 Review: 4 Reasons to Purchase Today!”
9. Celestron Nature DX (8×42)
Compare Prices!
Check out the prices on Amazon and BH Photo to find the best deal for the Celestron Nature DX (8×42) binoculars.
Why you should buy:
If you’re on a tight budget, a beginner, or a teacher looking to provide binoculars for a class, the Celestron Nature DX binoculars are an excellent choice. Despite their affordability, they provide a great bird watching experience. Going cheaper than this will likely result in frustration due to poor quality binoculars. We recommend the Celestron Nature DX as the baseline for all other birding binoculars in this price range.
Why you shouldn’t buy:
If your budget allows, we recommend investing in the best pair of bird watching binoculars you can afford. The Nikon Monarch 5 is a great option if you can afford to spend a bit more. It features Extra-Low Dispersion glass, which greatly improves the overall quality of your image. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Celestron Nature DX is a great choice.
The Nature DX is also a great binocular for kids!
The Celestron Nature DX (8×42) binoculars are a great choice for kids as well. Check out our list of the best binoculars for kids across different price points. For a full review of the Celestron Nature DX, check out our article on The Best Budget Birding Binoculars on Planet Earth!
Notes And Questions
We Are Not Experts!
We want to make it clear that we are not experts in birding binoculars. Our reviews are written from the perspective of a beginner and novice birder. We try to keep them simple and focus on the best features of each binocular with the birder in mind.
Why Are Most Birding Binoculars 8×42?
Every binocular that we recommended is an 8×42, meaning it has an 8x magnification and 42mm objective diameter. We prefer this option for birding because it provides the best combination of weight, size, brightness, magnification, and field of view. However, most models have different sizes available, such as 10×42 or 8×30, to suit different preferences.
How Did We Select This List Of Binoculars?
Our process for reviewing and selecting these birding binoculars included:
- Visiting local dealers and testing each optic personally
- Talking to each manufacturer about important features such as lens quality, coatings, warranties, etc.
- Spending countless hours on their website researching all of the technical information, reviewing brochures and guides, and sending numerous emails for the information we couldn’t locate
- Reading many other online reviews and expert opinions
We did our best to find the best binoculars across all price ranges, keeping in mind that everyone has a different budget and varying levels of birding.
We Are Human!
We acknowledge that we may make mistakes from time to time. If you read anything that doesn’t sound right or has changed, please let us know and we will get it fixed.
What Are Your Favorite Binoculars For Bird Watching?
We would love to hear about your favorite binoculars for bird watching! Please share your thoughts with us.
What Is Most Important To You When Choosing Birding Binoculars?
When choosing birding binoculars, what is most important to you? Is it the optics, field of view, weight, magnification, quality, glass, lens clarity, brightness, crisp performance, 8×42 power, lightweight, eye relief, wide field of view, close focus, specifications, ergonomics, durability, focusing, warranty, roof prism, multi-coated lenses, heavy or optical performance, image quality, eyeglasses, wider field of view, lens coatings, ed glass, chromatic aberration, objective lenses, spotting scope, adjustments, porro prism, waterproof binoculars, image clarity, extra-low dispersion glass, quality optics, waterproofing, color rendition, water-resistant, low light conditions, smaller lenses, binocular models, 10×42 binoculars, tripod adapter, lens diameter, color fringing, locking diopter, or something else? Let us know!
Lastly, some of the links to Amazon and Adorama are affiliate links. That means if you decide to purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you! This money helps pay for the cost to run this site. Thank you in advance!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best magnification for bird watching?
The best magnification for bird watching depends on the type of birds you are observing and the environment you are in. For most bird watching, a magnification of 8x or 10x is recommended. Higher magnifications can make it difficult to keep the image steady, especially if you don’t have a tripod.
What type of binoculars are recommended for bird watching?
The best binoculars for bird watching are typically roof prism binoculars because they are more compact and easier to hold steady than porro prism binoculars. They also tend to be more durable and waterproof, which is important if you plan to use them in wet conditions.
Which is better for bird watching, 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars?
Both 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars are good choices for bird watching. The 8×42 binoculars offer a wider field of view, making it easier to locate birds, while the 10×42 binoculars offer more magnification, which can be helpful for observing birds at a distance. Ultimately, the choice between 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars will depend on your personal preferences and the type of bird watching you plan to do.
What are the best compact binoculars for bird watching?
The best compact binoculars for bird watching are those that are lightweight, durable, and offer good image quality. Some of the top options include the Nikon Monarch 5 8×42, Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8×28, and Zeiss Terra ED Pocket 8×25.
What are the best binoculars for bird watching under $100?
While you may not get the same level of quality as with more expensive binoculars, there are still some good options available for under $100. The Bushnell Falcon 10×50, Celestron Nature DX 8×42, and Wingspan Optics Spectator 8×32 are all popular choices for bird watching on a budget.
What are the best binoculars for wildlife viewing?
The best binoculars for wildlife viewing are those that offer a wide field of view, good magnification, and excellent image quality. Some of the top options include the Vortex Optics Viper HD 8×42, Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8×42, and Swarovski Optik EL 10×42. These binoculars are all designed to provide a clear and detailed view of wildlife, even in low light conditions.