Best binoculars for kids 2024: Small and lightweight binos for younger users

Shared interests can bring a family closer together, but if you use binoculars yourself, there's a good chance your pair is too heavy or bulky for your child to hold by themselves. Thankfully, some companies also make pairs of the best binoculars for kids, which are smaller and easier to hold. 

In this guide, we've focused on binoculars that aren't necessarily toys but are small and lightweight enough for children to easily and comfortably use. They're also generally durable enough to withstand being dropped a few times.

If your child has a budding interest in birding or star gazing, then a pair of child-suitable binoculars might make a great gift for their next birthday. They tend to be small and portable, much like the best compact binoculars, and have many of the same capabilities as the best binoculars, without quite such a high price tag. You'll find pocket-money-friendly sets here, going all the way up to high-end offerings if you want to splurge.

It can be tough to find a pair of kid's binoculars that aren't cheaply made or somewhat of a novelty item, so we've kept this in mind when compiling the below list. In fact, most of the pairs we've featured here are binoculars that have been designed for adults but are perfectly suited to be used by smaller users as well. 

Our Space.com experts (and, in this case, their families) have carefully tested each of the binoculars on this list, noting the features they liked and the things that weren't so great, so you can pick your pair with confidence.

For night owls, we've rated the best night vision binoculars, or, if you want binoculars that measure distances, try our comprehensive rangefinder binoculars. If you aren't sure what makes for a good pair of binoculars for youngsters scroll down to the bottom of this guide for the best binoculars for kids FAQ.

Jamie Carter
Jamie Carter

Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of A Stargazing Program For Beginnersand is a senior contributor at Forbes. His special skill is turning tech-babble into plain English.

The quick list

Best binoculars for kids that we recommend 2024

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Best overall

Best overall: With in-built image stabilization, view the stars and birds without the wobble

Specifications

Magnification: 10x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Angular field of view: 6.5-degrees
Optical design: Porro II prism
Glass: BaK-4
Eye relief: 14.5mm
Weight: 39.2 oz (1.1 kg)
Guarantee: Limited warranty

Reasons to buy

+
Steady views
+
Excellent, high-quality optics
+
Generous eye relief

Reasons to avoid

-
Price is more suited for serious binos users
-
Quite heavy for smaller kids
-
IS requires a lot of batteries
Buy if:

You can afford to: Chances are if you're looking for 'kid-specific' binoculars, you won't want to spend a lot. But if you're lucky enough to have the budget to get the best of the best, you won't be disappointed. 

Your child will benefit from built-in image stabilization: These are the only binoculars on this list with built-in image stabilization — view the stars, wildlife, sports events and concerts without any wobble!

Don't buy if:

Your child won't use them often: They are a big investment, so if your child won't get much use from them, opt for a much cheaper pair.

Your child wants to use binoculars unsupervised: We strongly recommend these binoculars are used under supervision and with the neck strap attached to prevent drops and breakages.

The bottom line:

🔎 Canon 10x42L IS WP Binocular: Pricey but almost perfect for hand-held astronomy. In a market saturated with low-priced astronomy-centric binoculars, some clear, sharp and high-resolution optics and image stabilization wizardry make the waterproof Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars expensive but worth it. ★★★★★

It is difficult for anyone to remain absolutely still. And when using binoculars with large magnification, it means keeping a subject in your view can be quite the challenge — unless you use the support of a tripod. It's hard enough for adults, but for children? It's even more challenging.

Here's where the waterproof Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars step in. Yes, they are far, far more expensive than any other best binoculars for kids but they're also in a league of their own. Strong, easy to carry and utterly irresistible, using these binoculars completely transforms the experience of looking at the stars (or watching nature). They're the only set on this list to have built-in image stabilization (IS) — the same technology you'll find in Canon's expensive camera lenses, in fact.

There's a reason we gave these binos five stars in our Canon 10x42L IS WP review. Lots of reasons, in fact. We'd go as far to say that anyone who uses them, kids or adults, will be amazed by their capabilities. But since this is a specialist (and therefore expensive) piece of technology, we wouldn't recommend children use them without supervision. We'd also recommend a neck strap is used at all times to prevent accidental drops.

As for the actual technology supporting the Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars, you've got gyroscopic sensors on-board to detect any wobbling or shaking. If there is any wobble detected, actuators around the lenses of the binoculars move the lens in such a way to counteract the wobble. This stabilization (which requires two AAA batteries, just so you know) is just one of the reasons why these binoculars produce pin-sharp images. 

Whether you're looking at the moon, Jupiter or star clusters, you and your family are going to be treated to genuinely incredible views. It's not just the image stabilization you're paying for — inside are the ultra-low dispersion glass lens elements and 'Super Spectra' lens coatings.

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Canon 10x42L IS WP Binocular
AttributesNotes
DesignWaterproof design
PerformanceBright and colorful images
FunctionalityImage stabilization provides steady views

Best for detail

Best for seeing detail: Suited to older kids who are interested in detailed observations

Specifications

Magnification: 12x
Objective lens diameter: 60mm
Angular field of view: 5.3-degrees
Optical design: Porro prism
Glass: BaK-4
Eye relief: 17mm
Weight: 39.2 oz (1.1 kg)
Guarantee: Limited lifetime

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent light transmission
+
Deep sky astronomy is possible
+
Generous eye relief for glasses wearers

Reasons to avoid

-
Very heavy
-
Tripod is required for comfortable use
-
The supplied neckstrap is poor (thin)
Buy if:

You want to stargaze with them: The huge aperture drinks in loads of light and can be used for deep sky astronomy.

Your child wears spectacles: The eye relief is a generous 17mm so these are comfortable for glasses wearers.

Don't buy if:

You don't want to buy a tripod: The amount of wobble caused by the 12x magnification is too big to enjoy the views for any length of time without leaning them on something. In reality, this means purchasing a tripod.

You want something lightweight and portable: These binos weigh over 2.2 lb / 1kg.

The bottom line:

🔎 Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binocular: Great value for an excellent pair of low-light-friendly binoculars with fantastic specs and a quality design. The tripod adapter is especially welcome given the high magnification. ★★★★½

Weighing more than a kilogram, the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 is one of the heaviest sets of binoculars on this list, and because of that they may not be suited to really young children. They are, however, a great choice for kids who may have outgrown smaller, lower-power binos and want something with a larger magnification. 

This is a powerful and capable set of binoculars which makes viewing deep-sky objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy a joy — and so if you have an older kid who's a keen stargazer, these will make an excellent choice. Especially considering their affordable price point, typically available around $70.

Built around a Porro Prism design featuring BaK-4 glass and boasting multi-coated optics for bright and detailed views, the objective lenses of 60mm let in heaps of light. Thanks to the 12x magnification, these binoculars are perfect for spotting moon craters and resolving individual stars in clusters like the Pleiades and Hyades — but we wouldn't recommend purchasing them unless you have (or purchase) a tripod

In our Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars review, we talked about how much we appreciated having the extra stability of a tripod. It's something we'd call an absolute must for younger users — without a tripod, that 12x magnification can be endlessly frustrating, bordering on almost impossible if you're hoping to watch the night sky. The great thing about setting up a tripod, too, is that views can be shared between siblings or groups of children without having to adjust each time.

We're fans of the tough rubber coating found on the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars: It's a must-have for children, essentially shielding these binos from any accidental bumps or knocks. Even better, they come with a carrying case and lens caps, so when they're not in use they're safely packed away.

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Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binocular
AttributesNotes
DesignExcellent build quality
PerformanceExcellent light transmission
FunctionalityGenerous 17mm eye relief

Best for all-weather use

Best for all-weather use: These binoculars are also lightweight and won't break the bank

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 25mm
Angular field of view: 6.2-degrees
Optical design: Roof prism
Glass: BaK-4
Eye relief: 15mm
Weight: 9.2 oz (260g)
Guarantee: 3 years

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and portable
+
Dual-hinge folding design
+
Water and fog proof

Reasons to avoid

-
Specs aren't perfect for stargazing
-
Neck strap needs an upgrade
-
Roof‑prism
Buy if:

You're likely to use them in inclement weather: They are nitrogen purged with aids with waterproofing, fog proofing and dirt-proofing.

You're looking for a reasonably priced but good-quality all-round user pair: They sit at a price point of around $70 — that's a great price for top-quality optics and excellent build quality.

You want something pocketable: They weigh just 260g and have a dual-hinge design to fold them neatly away and pop them in your pocket.

Don't buy if:

You want binoculars primarily for stargazing: The little aperture doesn't let enough light in for anything more than moon observations, though your little ones will be able to see more light through them than you will.

The bottom line:

🔎 Olympus 8x25 WP II Binocular: The Olympus 8x25 WP II's seamless housing and exquisite optical system offer small but clear, crisp views of bright targets with stunning contrast. ★★★★½

Generally speaking, the relatively low 8x magnification and the 25mm objective lenses of the Olympus 8x25 WP II binoculars mean they're not so good for stargazing. They just don't have the appropriate light-gathering power to produce bright, sharp images that are necessary when viewing the night sky. However, when you're shopping for a child, your binocular must-haves change somewhat: You'll also have to consider weight, size and image quality. In that case, we've found these to be a rather good choice for kids.

In our Olympus 8x25 WP II review we found them to be a durable and kid-friendly option for young people who love the night sky and the great outdoors. In many cases, buying binoculars for a child for the first time may just be a test to see whether or not they enjoy the hobby. If it's something they become passionate about, you'd likely upgrade to a better quality, more powerful (and likely more expensive) set later on. Costing around $70, the Olympus 8x25 WP II is a good first choice. 

Sporting a roof-prism design, the BaK-4 optical glass of the Olympus 8x25 WP II binoculars makes for bright and clear images. Their small size means they're ideal for smaller faces, and they're easily adjustable thanks to a central hinge — ideal for passing between you and your child, or between siblings of different ages.

What really sets these apart as one of the best binoculars for kids, however, is their nitrogen sealing which makes them dirt-resistant, fog-proof and waterproof. It makes them ideal for use in inclement weather and means they're likely to withstand a bit of splashing. Though with their robust rubber coating, they're good to grip, meaning kids are less likely to accidentally drop them.

They're easy to fold up and carry in a pocket, and the paltry 260g weight is just a fraction of the weight of many skywatching-specific binoculars and is ideally suited to smaller hands and weaker arms. You can purchase them in 'Forest Green' or 'Deep Purple,' which may add to the aesthetic appeal for young users. The only thing we'd recommend, as we mentioned in our Olympus 8x25 WP II binoculars review, is to upgrade the neckstrap so it's more comfortable.

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Olympus 8x25 WP II Binocular
AttributesNotes
DesignExcellent, high quality build
PerformanceGood views of bright night-sky targets
FunctionalityLow light-gathering prowess

Best all-rounders

The Celestron Nature DX 8x42 and accessories on a white background

Even though the Nature DX 8x32 binoculars have a magnification that's suitable for children, they also include a tripod mount, ideal for users who can't keep still. (Image credit: Amazon)

Celestron Nature DX 8x32 Binocular

Best all-round binoculars: The Celestron Nature DX 8x32 are affordable, versatile and durable

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 32mm
Angular field of view: 7.4-degrees
Optical design: Roof prism
Glass: BAK4
Eye relief: 17.5mm
Weight: 17.98 oz (510g)
Guarantee: Limited lifetime

Reasons to buy

+
Versatile for day and night
+
Waterproof for use in all weathers

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey pair for kids
-
Not designed specially for skywatching
Buy if:

You're looking for a good all-rounder: These are general-purpose binoculars that can be used day and night in any weather.

You want to share the views with others: They are tripod mountable so once you've had a look at what's in the field of view, you can show someone else without them having to readjust.

Don't buy if:

You want something stargazing specific: These are a generalist pair for casual observations. Though you'll be able to get good views of the moon and other bright celestial subjects, you'll want something with a bigger aperture for stargazing.

The bottom line:

🔎 Celestron Nature DX 8x32 Binocular: A great all-round pair that will see you through many years of stargazing as well as wildlife watching and getting closer to sporting action. ★★★★

Reasonably priced and ideal for using in a range of situations, the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 makes for one of the best pairs of binoculars for kids. They're lightweight enough for smaller hands to hold on to, and their coating gives them good grip, making them less likely to slip from smaller hands.

Better yet, they're covered in a waterproof coating, making them resistant to rain and ideal for using if the weather isn't great. It'll also protect them from the odd splashes.

It's worth noting that the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 binoculars haven't necessarily been designed for stargazing. Called Celestron 'Nature', these are part of Celestron's nature-watching binos. That said, they can still get some great general views of the night sky as long as your child isn't looking to gaze too deeply at Jupiter and its moons. They're a solid all-rounder, but wouldn't be our first choice if your kid is most interested in the night sky.

We particularly like how comfortable these binoculars are to use. The Celestron Nature DX 8x32 have a larger eye relief (17.5mm), which makes them great for glasses-users. The BaK-4 prisms ensure great contrast and sharp images, too. Couple that with the multi-coated lenses and you're going to get excellent light transmission.

We're also pleased that these binoculars have a built-in tripod mount, something that's not all that usual in a pair this size. Their 8x magnification means that extra stability is often needed to get the best views. Mounting binos is also a good idea if views are going to be shared between the family or a group of kids: everyone can take a look without needing to refocus.

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Celestron Nature DX 8x32 Binocular
AttributesNotes
DesignWaterproof design
PerformanceVersatile for day and night
FunctionalityNot designed specifically for skywatching

Best for the whole family

Best for the whole family: With handy shock resistance and waterproofing

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Angular field of view: 7.2-degrees
Optical design: Roof prism
Glass: BaK-4
Eye relief: 42mm
Weight: 20.2 oz (572g)
Guarantee: 7 year warranty

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and waterproof 
+
Long eye relief design
+
Premium feel in the hand

Reasons to avoid

-
One of the more expensive options
-
Average-quality lens caps
-
Neckstrap isn't the best
Buy if:

You are looking for a pair of 'go anywhere' binoculars: These binos are kid-friendly but also a great quality pair for adults.

Durability is a must: Not only are they guaranteed to be fog and waterproof, but they also feature a shockproof rubber coating.

Don't buy if:

You don't want to spend too much: Though they are good value for money, they are still usually between $110 and $150 which is one of the more expensive models on this list.

The bottom line:

🔎 Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42: Reasonably priced and easy to use, the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binocular is suitable for beginners and hobbyists alike who want bright, sharp optics in a compact device. ★★★★

Are you looking for a pair of binoculars that not only your kids can use, but you can use too? The Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 might be a good choice: these are binoculars that are small and lightweight enough for children to use with ease, but offer excellent optics that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

In our Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review, we praised the mirror-coated prisms and multi-coated lenses used here, which resulted in clear and sharp views. They're not the cheapest binoculars, however — prices typically fluctuate anywhere between $100 and $150 — but they are great for beginners thanks to how easy they are to use. We'd highly recommend them for glasses wearers, too, thanks to their larger-than-usual eye relief.

What really makes these binos stand out is their fog and waterproof protection, making them suitable for just about every weather condition. They're guaranteed up to 1m/3.3 feet for 10 minutes, just so you know. Great for kids is their non-slip rubber coating, making them easy to hold — and, importantly, giving them a bit of resistance should they be bumped or knocked.

As mentioned before, 8x magnification with a 42mm objective lens is perfect for kids' binoculars, and this pair from Nikon is just that — perfect for light-gathering and stargazing. Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are also available in 10x30, 10x42 and 8x30.

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Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42
AttributesNotes
DesignWaterproof and fogproof
PerformanceSharp and bright views
FunctionalityPremium feel in the hand

Best value for money

Best value for money: This inexpensive pair of binoculars are great for viewing the stars

Specifications

Magnification: 7x
Objective lens diameter: 50mm
Angular field of view: 6.8-degrees
Optical design: Porro prism
Glass: BK7
Eye relief: 13mm
Weight: 27.3 oz (774 g)
Guarantee: Limited lifetime

Reasons to buy

+
Great value for money
+
Wide exit pupil

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof
-
Cheaper, BK7 glass
Buy if:

You're on a tight budget: For a full-sized pair of binos, you won't find much cheaper than this pair.

You don't know if the hobby will last: At the time of writing these binos are less than $35; it's a relatively risk-free way of seeing if your child's hobby will last.

Don't buy if:

You want the best quality glass: This pair uses the inferior BK7 glass which means the edges will appear more blurred than if BaK-4 glass was used.

Your child wears spectacles: The 13mm eye relief is no good for glasses wearers — they likely won't be able to see the entire field of view. 

The bottom line:

🔎 Celestron Cometron 7x50 Binocular: If you are looking for a very inexpensive entry to the joy of binocular skywatching, you can't do much better than Celestron's Cometron 7x50. ★★★★

If you're on a budget or don't want to break the bank in case your child ends up not enjoying using binoculars, ther Celestron Cometron 7x50 is an excellent choice. They're not the most compact binos on the market but they're small enough for children to use — and thanks to their large aperture, they're still capable of letting in a lot of light.

In our Celestron Cometron 7x50 review, we called these binoculars "remarkable value for money". Typically costing between $40 and $55 (sometimes less, if you're lucky), you're unlikely to get binos of this quality for any less. With 50mm objective lenses and a 7x magnification, they provide a fantastic introduction to stargazing for kids.

It also helps that the optics in the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars are great considering their price point. You're getting multi-coated optics, and a stargazing-focused Porro prism. Their exit pupil is larger than normal, too, which guarantees maximum light at night and in low-light conditions.

However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind — though these are to be expected given the budget price we're dealing with here. It's worth noting that the Celestron Cometron 7x50s use BK7 glass rather than BaK-4, which is not as favorable. And despite being listed as water-resistant, remember that's not the same as waterproof, so you won't be able to use these in heavy downpours. 

Keep those things in mind, though, and you can have a pair of binoculars that offer truly excellent value for money.

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Celestron Cometron 7x50
AttributesNotes
DesignWater-resistant (not waterproof)
PerformanceUseful for other subjects in the daytime
FunctionalityWide FOV

Best lightweight option

Best lightweight: The Occers offer optics that perform surprisingly well for the size and price

Specifications

Magnification: 12x
Objective lens diameter: 25mm
Angular field of view: 273-degrees
Optical design: Porro prism
Glass: BaK-4
Eye relief: 15mm
Weight: 8.8 oz (249g)
Guarantee: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Foldable eyecups
+
Wide field of view
+
Feels robust in the hand

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof
-
No lens caps
-
Short eye relief
Buy if:

You want a pocketable pair: They weigh just 8.8 oz / 249g and fit nicely in the palm of your hand. Not only are they great for kids, but they double up as a good second pair when you don't want to take a large pair with you.

Don't buy if:

You need something waterproof: These are fair-weather binoculars; they would probably be fine in a light shower but nothing beyond that.

The bottom line:

🔎 Occer 12x25 compact binoculars: Ideal for keeping in your pocket and the perfect size for children and small hands, and surprisingly good quality. ★★★½

If you're looking for one of the best sets of binoculars for kids, look no further than the Occer 12x25. Super lightweight with non-slip rubber and an easy-to-hold grip, these binoculars are great for smaller hands — and they still offer excellent views to boot.

In our Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review, we praised the sharp images thanks to the binoculars' BaK-4 multi-coated lenses. We were also pleasantly surprised by the fact there wasn't much visible chromatic aberration (i.e. color fringing), which is always a bonus. In terms of comfort, this may be a small pair but their foldable rubber eyecups are extremely comfortable to use, and its center focus wheel is nice and simple to operate.

This is a compact and tough set of binoculars, and so even without a case, we'd be confident in slipping them in a pocket. They do come with a neck strap, though, which we'd recommend kids use to prevent any accidental drops. They're lightweight enough that they're find around the neck over long periods, too. 

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Occer 12x25 compact binoculars
AttributesNotes
DesignLots of texture for good grip
PerformanceBright and colorful views
FunctionalityWide FOV

Best for young kids

Best for young kids: These Nat Geo binoculars are bold and bright with optics to match

Specifications

Magnification: 6x
Objective lens diameter: 21mm
Angular field of view: 6.6-degrees
Optical design: Roof prism
Glass: BK7
Weight: 6.49 oz (184g)
Eye relief: Not specified
Guarantee: 5 years warranty

Reasons to buy

+
Rugged design
+
Very affordable
+
Kid-friendly colors 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for spectacle wearers
-
BK-7 glass (BaK-4 would be preferred)
-
Not water/fog proof
Buy if:

You are buying for a young child: The bright colors and rugged design, as well as being reasonably priced make these a great pair of first binoculars.

Don't buy if:

You're buying for an older child: Though young children will love the brightly colored binos, older children would be better off with a more sophisticated pair.

The bottom line:

🔎 National Geographic 6x21 children's binoculars: These are a big step up from a pair of toy binoculars and they sit at a price point that warrants them being treated with respect, but one that doesn't break the bank. ★★★½

The National Geographic 6x21 binoculars are tough, small, and easy to carry. They come in bright yellow or green colors, making them hard to misplace, and eye-catching for kids. There's a reason for that: this is the only pair of binoculars on this list that have been manufactured with children in mind. Don't let that put you off, though: these binos are still more than a toy, offering surprisingly good views.

In our National Geographic 6x21 Children's binoculars review, we called them "a big step up" from toy binoculars. We think this pair makes a great starting point for the youngest children who are showing an interest in looking at the night sky or bird-watching. And if their hobby blossoms, a more powerful set can be purchased later.

Their strong polycarbonate housing means they're protected against knocks — and the included wrist strap and case means they're less likely to get dropped. Just like many grown-up binoculars, the National Geographic 6x21 binos have a roof prism design and use BK7 glass which offers clear, sharp views.

They don't have the largest magnification in the world, however, offering only 6x, and their 21mm objective lenses don't have the best light-gathering abilities, meaning deep stargazing is likely out of the question. They're great for looking at the moon after dark, though, and the anti-reflective coating on the lenses make for lovely, bright images.

Since kids tend to find it harder to stay still than adults do, the smaller amount of magnification can help everything seem more stable. The higher the magnification is, any little wobbles are also magnified. Reduced wobble makes finding and focusing on things like the Moon easier. They lack substantial eye relief, and as we found in our , the eye cups are poor quality — so we wouldn't recommend them for kids who wear glasses.

For terrestrial viewing, they do the job of magnifying sporting action, birds and other wildlife perfectly adequately for a very young user, even indoors. If you can put up with their shortcomings, these are a great little cost-effective option as an introductory pair of binoculars, ideal for getting young children interested in stargazing and nature spotting. Our young (five-year-old) test subject preferred these over the aforementioned Occer pair purely because they are bright yellow.

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National Geographic 6x21 children's binocular
AttributesNotes
DesignErgonomic for small hands
PerformanceAcceptable performance considering the price
FunctionalityNot good enough for stargazing

Best for glasses wearers

Best for eyeglasses wearers: The Opticron Adventurer's are tough, durable, waterproof

Specifications

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Angular field of view: 7.5-degrees
Optical design: Porro prism
Glass: BaK-4
Eye relief: 18mm
Weight: 22 oz (623 g)
Guarantee: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Great value binoculars
+
BaK-4 glass
+
Waterproof

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited to older kids or adults
-
Reasonably heavy
-
Poor close focus
Buy if:

You want the best quality glass: These binos utilize top-quality BaK-4 glass that is fully multi-coated.

The child wears glasses: These binos have a generous 18mm eye-relief, so the young person will be able to see the entire field of view, even when wearing glasses.

Don't buy if:

You're buying for a young child: At 623 grams, these are fairly heavy binoculars that young children may struggle to hold.

The bottom line:

🔎Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 Binocular: They are good but not great, performing well for astronomy but having little to make them stand out in a competitive field. ★★★

We highly recommend the Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 binoculars for children who want to view the night sky. Their 8x magnification with a 42mm objective lens is slightly lower than we'd normally recommend for adults, but it means they're lighter and smaller — perfect for kids. Even better, their long eye relief ensures they're a great choice for those who wear glasses.

In fact, in our Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review, we consider these an excellent value pair of binos. We praised their high-quality BaK-4 glass, multi-coated lenses and Porro prism design, which offers excellent, bright views. That's coupled with a waterproof body and a protective armor, which makes them ideal for kids. As a bonus, you'll get a soft case, a neck strap and lens covers with the Optiron Adventurer T WP 8x42 in the box, meaning they're protected right from the word go.

All these factors help to make night sky viewing easy and enjoyable for kids. The Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 binoculars are an ideal entry-level option for kids with a serious interest in astronomy, but they're just as good during the day for wildlife and landscapes. They're also available in other specifications, including 6.5x32, 8x32, 10x42, 10x50 and 12x50.

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Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 Binocular
AttributesNotes
DesignTough rubberized coating
PerformancePoor close focus
FunctionalityNarrow FOV

Best binoculars for kids Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best binoculars for kids?

What is better 8x or 10x binoculars for kids?

8x magnification binoculars are better for kids that are happy to see a wider field of view. But a slight boost to 10x will help children spot subjects close-up and better fill the view (provided the field of view is narrower). Anything more than that and you'll need something that is tripod adaptable.

Why do kids see better in the dark with binoculars?

Children can see better in the dark than adults. Their pupils can dilate wider, improving their night vision by increasing light-gathering power. They also have more rods — light-sensitive cells on the retina that aid low-light viewing — making it possible to give a child smaller binoculars that are easier to carry and hold but allow less light in than yours. They'll still see a glistening night sky, whereas, with the same pair, it might not look as impressive to an adult.

How do I know which binoculars are best for children?

Binoculars can be a great starting point for budding young astronomers and nature watchers, yet there are some things worth considering before purchasing them for children. Above all, be wary of 'toy binoculars.' They are much cheaper and generally more visually appealing to children (often found in toy stores), but their performance will be much different from the standards of 'proper binoculars' and will therefore affect enjoyment and learning. Knowing what to look for in a pair of kids' binoculars is essential.

What features should I look for in a kids binocular?

A few key features to look for in children's binoculars are:

1. Make sure the binoculars aren't too heavy or bulky for a child to hold steady. If they are, ensure they have a tripod adapter.

2. Magnifications of 7x to 10x are generally the best for skywatching.

3. Porro prisms and BaK-4 glass are best for stargazing. 

4. Foldable designs are convenient and portable.

It's worth checking how much you can physically adjust the binoculars. Binoculars have a degree of flex to better fit individual faces, particularly the distance between the eyes (this is called the interpupillary distance). The more flex, the more likely they will fit a smaller face comfortably.

How heavy should kids binoculars be?

We recommend pairs weighing less than 10 oz (283g) for young children (four to seven years). Older kids and teenagers can generally handle standard-sized binoculars well but can still benefit from a more lightweight pair with lower magnification so as not to experience too much wobble.

Binoculars can tire even grownup users with prolonged use, so it's important to factor in weight when choosing a pair for a child. Children can struggle to keep an image steady with even mid-weight binoculars.

What is the best magnification for binoculars for kids?

If the weight of your binoculars can cause image shake and affect the stability of your view, so too can magnification. High-powered binoculars with a magnification above 8x can make it tough for smaller hands to keep the view steady, as any movement from the hands also gets multiplied by the magnification amount. Since a shaky image can prove frustrating and ultimately bore younger users, having low-powered, stable binoculars can enhance their enjoyment.

Lower-magnification binoculars also produce a wider field of view than high-powered/higher-magnification binoculars, with several benefits for all users, especially children. High-powered binoculars zoom in closer to the subject you're looking at, but low-powered binoculars, with a wider field of view, make finding objects quickly much easier. They also help locate fast-moving objects such as birds (as they are in the frame for longer) and can significantly improve a beginner’s coordination and accuracy.

My kid struggles to hold binoculars steady, what should I do?

Here are some tips from our page on How to Hold Binoculars Steady.
1. Get a comfortable, firm grip on the binoculars
2. Tuck the elbows into the body, preferably against the ribcage or place them on something stationary like a wall or fence.
3. Use a tripod with a binocular mount for prolonged use with heavier binoculars.
 

What size aperture should binoculars for children have?

The bigger the better for low light viewing, but kids can see better in the dark than adults so this is less important for young observers.

The aperture of binoculars refers to the diameter of the front lenses and affects the amount of light that reaches the rear lenses. It is the second number after the magnification and is written in millimeters. So, a pair of binoculars that are rated at 7x30 offers a magnification of x7 and a diameter of 30mm.

That aperture can make a big difference to the experience of using binoculars, especially in low light and at night, so we recommend using a pair of binoculars with a 40mm or above aperture to let in more light, especially for night-time stargazing.

Essentially, larger objective lenses mean brighter images. The best binoculars will have fully multi-coated optics and BaK-4 glass (rather than BK7). There are cheaper instruments available, which will still give enthralling views of the heavens, but you won't be getting the absolute best image possible.

How durable are kids binoculars?

The models reviewed and rated in our guide take durability into account. Kids are typically still developing motor skills so a pair of binoculars for kids may take a tumble more often than a pair for adults.

Anything can happen when you're out in the field, so to prolong the life of your binoculars and ensure the best possible user experience for as long as possible, it's sensible to purchase the most durable pair that meets your needs. This doesn't have to mean the most expensive, as many, including those above (like the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60), come with some form of protective rubber coating, and some are even waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof (these will list nitrogen purged as a specification).

Anything that minimizes accidental damage can only reduce your worry and add to your child's enjoyment of binoculars and the incredible views of nature and the sky above that binoculars can open up. Look for binoculars that come with a neckstrap so they don't end up on the floor by accident.

How much do the best binoculars for kids cost?

How we test the best binoculars for kids

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best binoculars for kids to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every binocular through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each binocular designed for kids is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.

Each pair of binoculars is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each binocular and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.

We look at how easy they are to operate, whether eye relief can be adjusted for spectacles wearer if a binocular comes with appropriate accessories or carry bags and also make suggestions if a particular set of binos would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on binoculars for kids, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

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Jamie Carter
Contributing Writer

Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners, and is a senior contributor at Forbes. His special skill is turning tech-babble into plain English.

With contributions from