If you're just starting out in stargazing or wildlife watching, owning a pair of the best budget binoculars is a must.
Crucially, being new to the hobby, you'll want something that's affordable but also up to the task, offering you great views of the sky. Our experts have selected a range of budget binoculars, all offering great quality optics that have even surprised us at times.
Binoculars can be used for many things, whether that's watching sporting events, wildlife spotting or looking at the night sky (obviously, our use of choice here at Space.com). No matter what you're using them for, though, owning a good pair is important. You want to consider your binoculars' build quality, the quality of the glass and, if you're a glasses wearer, the size of the eyecup relief they offer.
If you have a limited budget, knowing what models are worth spending your hard-earned cash on can be difficult. The models in this guide are all expert-approved and cost under $200, with some even coming in below $40, so no matter what sort of budget you're working with, we should have a suggestion to suit.
If you have a little more money at your disposal and are looking to upgrade, we also have a guide to the best binoculars on the market, and if you're looking for a lightweight pair for carrying around with you, check out our list of the best compact binoculars. Those looking to focus specifically on stargazing may also want to look at our guides to the best telescopes and best budget telescopes.
The quick list
A great value pair of entry-level binoculars from a trusted brand. Good for all-round use and occasional skywatching sessions.
A large pair of binos suitable for astronomy when combined with a tripod. This quality pair is easy to adjust and focus.
You won't find good full-sized binoculars for less than this — it's a perfectly good pair to get closer to the action..
This palm-sized pair offers surprisingly pleasing images given their low price point and pocketable design.
Great value binoculars with top-quality glass. Their rubber-like armor makes them ideal for children to use worry-free too.
The Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars are sleek, well-made and offer great value optics in a wide field of view.
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Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof, the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD are designed to withstand the highest impacts and inclement weather.
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, these binoculars are incredibly shock- and weather-proof, but they're best for terrestrial observing.
Best budget binoculars we recommend in 2024
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Best overall
✅ You're a beginner astronomer: If you've already owned a pair of binoculars these won't be impressive, but they're great for newcomers.
✅You want to share views: The UpClose G2 are tripod-adaptable, and you can lock on to your target to share the view with friends or children.
❌ You wear spectacles: The 12mm eye-relief is not suitable for glasses wearers.
❌ You want the sturdiest binos: Their basic aluminum build with matte rubber coating is not as shock- or weather-proof as other models in this guide.
🔎 Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 Binocular: Great for an entry-level pair, they would be a good choice for astronomy groups on a budget ★★★★½
The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars have won the top spot on our list of the best budget binoculars thanks to their fantastic optics. Celestron being one of the biggest names in astronomy, that's not too surprising, but given their low price point, we think they offer great value.
The UpClose G2's 10x magnification offers a wide field of view, perfect for scanning the star clusters of the Milky Way. The 50mm objective lenses let in just enough light to make viewing at night an enjoyable experience.
The optical system is made up of Porro prisms and multi-coated lenses, and in our Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars review, we were very impressed by the bright images and the lack of chromatic aberration visible on them. You'd be hard pressed to find a better pair of binoculars for stargazing at this price point.
Naturally, we tested the UpClose G2s by looking at the night sky, and we were impressed with the views we managed to get of the Pleiades star cluster. We were also able to gaze at Jupiter and its moons with clarity, along with Uranus. These binoculars will certainly provide you with the "wow factor" if you're new to stargazing through binoculars.
As this guide promises, the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars are a budget pair, however, so it's no surprise that there have been some compromises made to keep the cost down. Their body is a basic aluminum build with matte rubber coating, so they're water-resistant but they lack the nitrogen purging you'll find on more expensive models. You'll also want to approach with caution if you wear glasses, as the static eyecups only offer a relief of 12mm.
- Read our full Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Basic no-frills design |
| Performance | A pleasingly low amount of chromatic aberration |
| Functionality | A good entry-level pair for general use |
Best for detail
✅ You want to stargaze with them: The huge aperture drinks in loads of light and can be used for deep sky astronomy.
✅ You wear spectacles: The generous 17mm eye relief is comfortable for glasses wearers.
❌ You don't want to buy a tripod: The 12x magnification will also magnify any wobble by that amount, so you'll need a tripod to enjoy still views.
❌ You want something lightweight: At over 2.2 lb / 1kg, these binos are huge.
🔎 Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binocular: A great value pair of astronomy-friendly binoculars. The tripod adapter is especially welcome given the high magnification. ★★★★½
The Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars aren't the cheapest pair on our list, but they're still reasonably-priced and an excellent contender on our list of best budget binoculars.
The optics are made of high-quality BaK-4 glass, which is noticeably better than the cheaper BK-7 glass you can find in many budget binoculars. BaK-4 glass gives you multi-coated lenses so you can expect beautifully sharp views, excellent clarity and great natural colors.
In our Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 review, we were very impressed by their build quality: They come with a rubber coating that has pimples where your hands rest to aid with grip. The only downside is that they're very big and heavy, so not great for carrying around with you. That said, you can mount them to a tripod to set yourself up for longer viewing sessions — something we'd strongly advise since the large 12x magnification will increase the effect of shakes when you're using them handheld.
This level of magnification does come with advantages, of course. You'll get much more detailed views, which makes these binoculars a great choice for astronomy. We were able to get great views of Jupiter and the four moons Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto using the SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars.
Glasses-wearers will be pleased to hear these have a generous 17mm of eye relief with fold-up eyecups, so they're easily compatible with spectacles.
We found these binoculars to offer great, accurate colors and little chromatic aberration, which is always a big plus. The 60mm lenses allow in a great amount of light, which makes them ideal for using at night. If you want detail and don't mind having to use a tripod, these binoculars are well worth considering.
- Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binocular review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Excellent build quality |
| Performance | Suitable for astronomy |
| Functionality | Generous 17mm eye relief, tripod mount |
Best for stargazing
✅ You're on a tight budget: For a full-sized pair of binos, you won't find much cheaper than this.
✅ You don't need anything fancy: These binos will get you closer to the action; if that is all you need them for, they are a perfectly reasonable option.
❌ You want the best quality glass: This pair uses inferior BK7 glass which means the edges will appear more blurred than if BaK-4 glass was used, though for the price, we can't complain.
❌ You want to use them around water: They are water resistant, so fine in light rain, but nothing more.
🔎 Celestron Cometron 7x50 Binocular: If you are looking for a very inexpensive way to enjoy skywatching, you can't argue with the Celestron's Cometron 7x50. ★★★★
In our Celestron Cometron 7x50 review, we called these binoculars 'remarkable value for money'. Two years on, we still stand by that statement, and we've not found any other models that make these binos any less of a bargain.
As the name suggests, you'll find large, 50mm objective lenses in the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars, along with a 7x magnification. That's not the largest magnification you'll find on the market, but it means you can use these binoculars handheld without fearing the effects of shaking, and we've found it more than enough to get excellent views of wildlife or sporting events.
We even found the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars a great choice for stargazing. They may not be the most powerful, but their Porro Prism design enables them to offer wide, wobble-free views of the night sky.
Given the Cometron 7x50's budget price, some compromises have been made, of course. These binoculars use BK7 glass, so your views won't be quite as sharp or bright as if they were made of BaK-4. You might also get a slightly fuzzy edge. But the glass is at least multi-coated, which somewhat helps to improve the visuals you're getting. The binoculars are also water-resistant, meaning you don't have to worry about the odd bit of rain or splash.
Overall, the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars aren't perfect, but their price point makes them the ideal budget pair, whether you're a beginner or just watching the purse strings.
- Read our full Celestron Cometron 7x50 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Basic, porro-prism |
| Performance | Good for celestial and terrestrial viewing |
| Functionality | Wide FOV, short eye-relief |
Best for portability
✅ You want a pocketable pair: This pair only weighs 249g and fits perfectly into your hand.
✅ You want a wide field of view: They're great for covering large areas such as fields or savannas.
❌ You need something waterproof: These binoculars are fine for use in light showers, but not in heavier rain.
❌You want something for astro: The 25mm objective lens diameter is half of what we'd recommend for astronomy.
🔎 Occer 12x25 compact binoculars: Ideal for keeping in your pocket day-to-day. They're surprisingly good quality and provide great views given their low price. ★★★½
If you want a pair of small, lightweight binoculars that are easy to slip into a pocket and carry around, the Occer 12x25 binoculars are a fantastic choice. They're super cheap (we've seen them as low as $30) but still offer great views.
They boast high-quality BaK-4 multi-coated lenses, which provide sharp images and beautifully accurate colors. We were pleasantly surprised with how little chromatic aberration is visible with these binos, too: Notably, they had less chromatic aberration (i.e. color fringing) than the Celestron Outland X 10x42, which are almost double the price.
The image quality is just one of the things we praised in our Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review. We also found their design to be well thought-out and very ergonomic, and their non-slip rubber coating makes them comfortable to hold in the hand. The focus wheel in the center of the binoculars is very easy to use and we were able to focus on our target with ease every time. We're also a fan of the folding eye cups, which makes the binoculars adjustable to your individual needs and suitable for glasses wearers.
The Occer 12x25 binoculars come with a neckstrap, adding extra value. As basic as it sounds, it's a very useful addition that protects them when in use, preventing accidental drops. There's also a carry pouch to keep them safe, but we should note that this model does not come with lens caps.
- Read our full Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lots of grip, portable |
| Performance | Bright and colorful views, minimal chromatic aberration |
| Functionality | Wide FOV, pocketable |
Best for young observers
✅ You want top-quality glass: They utilize BaK-4 glass that is fully multi-coated.
✅ You wear glasses: These binos have a generous 18mm of eye relief, allowing glasses wearers to enjoy the entire field of view.
❌ You want something to use in your garden: The close 5m focus is below par for backyard bird- and bug-watching.
❌ You want the 'wow' factor: Though there's nothing wrong with them, they are a very average pair of binos.
🔎 Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42: A good choice for general-purpose binoculars, they perform well for astronomy ★★★
If you're wanting a pair of binoculars for your curious-minded child, we think the Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 are an excellent choice. We've purposefully chosen the 8x magnification variant here — a 10x50 alternative is available — as it's lighter and smaller, ideal for littler hands while still being powerful enough to offer excellent views.
But the Opticron Adventurer T WP binos are also a great choice for adults, too. Whatever your age, this is a high-quality pair of binoculars, particularly if you're a beginner and on a budget. In our Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review, we praised the value for money they offer, as well as their versatility.
There are numerous impressive features on the Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 binoculars considering their budget price point. Their Porro prism design is just one of them, and the fact they make use of high-quality BaK-4 glass which allows for beautifully clear and colorful views. As a bonus, they are dew-resistant, waterproof and have a coating of rubber armor — all things that are very useful in the hands of occasionally clumsy children. You'll also find a neck strap, lens covers and a carrying case in the box to help keep the binoculars protected when not in use.
These binoculars are a particularly good choice for astronomy, although they're versatile enough to be used in the daytime, too. That said, we should point out that the close 5m focus isn't great for watching the fauna in your backyard. Given their price and wealth of features, though, they're a great choice for children or for adult beginners on a budget.
- Read our full Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Durable coating |
| Performance | Good for astronomy, not great for nearby subjects |
| Functionality | Narrow FOV, long eye-relief |
Best for newcomers
✅ You want an affordable means of stargazing: If you want to get a closer look at the night sky from home without breaking the bank, these will serve you well.
✅ You want to share views: They are tripod-adaptable, so more than one person can see the same view without re-finding and focusing.
❌ You wear glasses: The eye relief is just 11.8mm, so glasses wearers will really struggle to see the entire field of view.
❌ There's very limited space in your backpack: The Porro Prism design takes up more room than a roof prism pair.
🔎 Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211: These are a good option if you're just looking for a basic pair of binoculars that you won't expect too much from ★★★
Best known for making excellent cameras, Nikon also puts its optics mastery into binoculars, and the Nikon Aculon A211 are a great example of that. They're excellent quality and offer amazing value — the perfect pair of binos for a beginner.
In our Nikon Aculon A211 binoculars review, we praised the bright and sharp views they offer. Using top-quality BaK-4 glass really makes a difference, making colors accurately pop and ensuring your views are crystal clear. The 50mm objective lenses let in a lot of light at night, and the 6.5-degree field of view is ideal for observing starfields and nebula — though you should expect to see some image blurring at the outer edge.
The Nikon Aculon A211's 10x magnification is ideal for astronomy (as long as you can keep them stable), and they provide great views of the night sky. However, if you're planning on getting some binoculars to take out and about with you, you'll likely want to consider a different pair. The Aculon A211s have a Porro Prism design, which gives them a better, brighter image overall, but they are also larger and will take up more space in your backpack than a roof-prism pair.
These binoculars do have some some shortfalls owing to their budget price, though: if you regularly use binoculars, especially more expensive pairs, you might notice the corners that Nikon have cut in order to keep the price down. But as a beginner user, you probably won't know, and you'll find these a very impressive pair of binoculars indeed.
- Read our full Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Nicely designed with a few quality shortcuts |
| Performance | Fine if you don't expect too much |
| Functionality | No good for glasses wearers |
Best for adventurers
✅ You want to take them across adventurous terrains: They are designed to withstand the highest impacts.
✅ You like getting value for money: Their impressive specs coupled with a lifetime warranty is attractive.
❌ You don't want to buy from a company associated with hunting: The company's focus is very much on hunting and shooting.
❌ You want only the best image: Though we have yet to complete a full review, there have been user reports of blurred edges and some chromatic aberration.
🔎 Vortex Optics Copperhead HD 10x42: Great if you need a rugged and reliable pair out in the field ★★★★
At around $150, the Vortex Optics Copperhead HD binoculars are one of the more expensive pairs of binoculars on this list, so if you're on a very tight budget these ones probably aren't for you. But if you're happy to spend a little extra, you'll end up with a truly excellent pair of binoculars that rivals more expensive ones on the market.
The Copperhead HD binos have been designed especially for outdoor use, so they're capable of withstanding just about any weather conditions. They're waterproof, nitrogen-purged to reduce fogging and they have a tough rubber armor designed to withstand high impact. If you're an outdoorsy type who likes to head out on adventures, consider these the ideal binoculars for you.
We've not yet been able to review the Copperhead HD 10x42 binoculars, but their 10x magnification combined with a 42mm lens diameter is more than adequate for gazing at the stars. We're not sure we'd call them a dedicated pair of astronomy binoculars, though, more of a solid all-rounder.
So whether you're viewing nature, watching wildlife or gazing at the moon, these binoculars would be a good buy, delivering impressive views and great durability for their price point.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Roof prism, compact |
| Performance | Good for general observers |
| Functionality | Waterproof, shockproof, nitrogen purged |
Best lightweight durable pair
✅ You want use them around water: Accidents happen, but with the Bushnell H2O range you can rest easy knowing they're IPX7-rated.
✅ You're buying for a child: These binos are very durable and will withstand knocks and drops while remaining lightweight.
❌ Your main discipline is astrophotography: These are best for terrestrial observing.
❌ You want outstanding image quality: Though durable, the image quality isn't the best; if you're looking for amazing optics, you'll be disappointed.
🔎 Bushnell H2O 10x42 A lightweight but hardy pair of binoculars that produce good images thanks to the high quality glass and fully-multicoated lenses. ★★★★
You can really put the Bushnell H2O binoculars through their paces if you want to. This hardy pair of binoculars boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating and can withstand submersion in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes without getting damaged (hence the 'H2O' in its name). You can also rest assured that they'll survive in foggy conditions and harsh weather.
Despite being incredibly robust, however, the Bushnell H2O binoculars are surprisingly small and lightweight, and we've found them easy to stuff into a bag without taking up too much space. Thanks to their aircraft-grade aluminum body they're very light — one of the lightest pairs of binoculars on our list, in fact, weighing in at just 22.2oz/629g. Thanks to their non-slip rubber texture they feel great in the hands, too, and you know they're not going to easily slip out of your grasp.
But it's not just their comfort and durability that make the Bushnell H2O binoculars stand out. They feature BAK-4 glass, and the lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance the contrast and provide the user with true-to-life color. The minimum focusing distance is 11.18 feet (3.6 m), which might be short enough to use in your backyard to watch birds and bugs, depending on the size of your garden. The image isn't amazing, but it's good enough to get closer to the action.
Bushnell believes in this product so much that they offer a 20-year product warranty, whereby they will repair or replace the binoculars if they should fail.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Porro prism, rugged exterior |
| Performance | Top optics for true-to-color views |
| Functionality | Lightweight, waterproof |
Best budget binoculars: Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best budget binoculars?
We think the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars are the best binoculars for those on a budget; you will struggle to find another pair that strikes the balance between quality and affordability like they do. Though they're not made of the best available glass, the large objective lenses and 10x magnification make them a great choice for budding astronomers. They're a perfect entry-level pair from a trusted optics brand.
Who makes the best cheap binoculars?
We think Celestron makes the best cheap binoculars because it's an established brand with a wide range of binoculars at different price point.
What is the best binocular under $200?
If you're happy to spend a bit more, we think the Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 are a fantastic pair of binoculars under $200. However, if you wear eyeglasses we'd recommend trying them out before buying because they don't have a huge amount of eye relief.
What is the best binocular under $100?
We recommend the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 as the best binocular under $100 and the best budget binocular overall due to their low price, light weight and their impressive stargazing ability.
I struggle to hold binoculars steady, what should I do?
1. Get a comfortable, firm grip on the binoculars
2. Tuck your elbows into your 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 (check the binoculars are tripod-compatible before purchase). On this list, the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 and the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 are both tripod-compatible.
For more tips, consult our full guide on How to Hold Binoculars Steady.
What features should I look for in budget binoculars?
A few key features to look for in budget binoculars are:
1. A good balance between affordability and quality.
2. Magnifications of 7x to 10x for skywatching, and objective lenses of at least 50mm for astronomy.
3. Porro prisms and BaK-4 glass, which are best for stargazing.
4. Tripod adaptability if they're heavier or if you suffer from shakey views.
5. Long eye-relief of 17mm or above if you wear spectacles.
How we test the best budget binoculars
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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