Buying a pair of the best budget binoculars is a great first step if you're thinking of trying out a new hobby like stargazing or wildlife watching. Binoculars have many uses — here at Space.com we're fans of using them for observing the night sky — and buying a good pair can be very costly, but it doesn't have to be. We've rounded up our picks of good-quality binos that won't break the bank, making them perfect for newcomers or youngsters who want to try out a pair for the first time.
If you have a limited budget, knowing what models are worth spending your hard-earned cash on can be difficult. Thankfully, our team of experts has scoured the market for good-quality binoculars that offer seriously great value. The models in this guide all cost under $200, and some even come in below $40, so no matter what sort of budget you're working with, we should have a suggestion to suit.
Binoculars can be used for amateur astronomy, observing nature, sightseeing, or getting a closer view of sporting events. Our experts have tried and tested the binoculars on this list to assess their quality of view and important features like build quality and comfort, so you can be sure you're buying a quality product.
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 today, and if you're looking for a lightweight pair for carrying around with you, check out our list of the best compact binoculars to find the most travel-friendly options. Those looking to focus specifically on stargazing may also want to look at our guides to the best telescopes and best budget telescopes.
Amazon Prime Day is happening later this week on the 16th and 17th of July, and Prime members will be treated to hefty discounts across thousands of products. The shopping event is a great time to shop for cheap binoculars, so you might want to hold off buying until Prime Day if you were considering a purchase.
Last year, the Celestron Cometron 7x50 — our top budget binoculars for stargazing — were reduced to just $23.75, and the Occer 12x25 went as low as $30.39. We don't know what this year's Prime Day offers will be just yet, but we'll be picking out the best space deals, so be sure to check-in regularly.
The quick list
A great value pair of entry-level binoculars from a trusted brand. Good for all-round use and for occasional skywatching sessions.
A large pair of binos that are suitable for enjoyable astronomy when combined with a tripod. They are a quality pair that are easy to adjust and focus.
You won't find 'good' full-sized binoculars for much less than this — a perfectly good pair for getting closer to the action, if that's all you need to do.
This palm-sized pair offer surprisingly pleasing image 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.
Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof — the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD are designed to withstand the highest impacts and inclement weather.
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 want something mainly for astro: If you want binoculars geared specifically towards astronomy, you'll likely want a better quality pair.
❌ You wear spectacles: The 12mm eye-relief is not suitable for glasses wearers.
🔎 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. It's no surprise coming from Celestron — one of the biggest names in astronomy — but given the low price point, you really are getting a seriously good deal.
The UpClose G2's 10x magnification offers a wide field of view, which is 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 and worthwhile 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 lack of chromatic aberration. You'd be hard pressed to find a better pair of binoculars for stargazing at this price point. In our tests, we were able to get excellent views of the Pleiades star cluster, along with Jupiter and its giant moons, and even the planet Uranus. If you've never stargazed through binoculars before, this pair will definitely give you the 'wow' factor.
Of course, as a budget pair, some compromises have been made. They have a fairly basic aluminum build with a matte rubber covering, making them water-resistant and able to withstand light rain showers, but they lack the nitrogen purging that you'll find on more expensive models. The static eyecups also only offer 12mm of eye relief, so they're not ideal for glasses-wearers. But if you're in the market for an entry-level pair, we think these are an excellent option for beginner stargazers.
- 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: These binos are huge and weigh over 2.2 lb / 1kg.
🔎 Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binocular: A great value pair of astronomy-friendly binoculars. The tripod adapter is especially welcome given the high magnification. ★★★★½
If you have a slightly larger budget, the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 are a worthy upgrade for anyone looking to enter into the world of stargazing or wildlife watching.
The optics are made up of high-quality BaK-4 glass, which is an improvement on the BK-7 glass found in many cheaper pairs, and offer clear and bright views thanks to the multi-coating. Glasses-wearers will be pleased to hear they have a generous 17mm of eye relief with fold-up eyecups, so they're easily compatible with spectacles.
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 view Jupiter and the four moons Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto using the SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars with excellent results.
We found these binoculars to offer great, accurate colors and we've encountered little chromatic aberration, which is always a big plus. The 60mm lenses on these binoculars 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 pair.
✅ 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 the 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 handheld without fearing the effects of shaking, and we've found it more than enough to get excellent views of wildlife or events.
We've 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.
The downside is that the Cometron binoculars use BK7 glass rather than the superior BaK-4. This is not surprising given the budget price point, but it does mean you might get a slightly fuzzier edge on your images rather than a perfectly shaped disk of light.
Still, the glass is multicoated, offering reductions in reflections and sharp images, and the binoculars are water-resistant, which will protect them against the odd splash or light rainfall. (Note however that they are not waterproof, so we wouldn't recommend using these near a body of water in case they fall in).
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 in your hand, making them easy to carry on walks, to sporting events or to concerts so you never miss a moment.
✅ 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 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 the 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 last Amazon Prime Day, so keep your eyes peeled this month for a similar bargain) and despite that price tag, they still offer great views.
You'll find high-quality BaK-4 multi-coated lenses on the Occer 12x25, which provide sharp images and beautifully accurate colors. We've been 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 thing we praised in our Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review. We also commented on their ergonomic design, our reviewer stating that they're great to hold thanks to their non-slip rubber coating. We found the focus wheel, neatly positioned in the center of the binoculars, to be very easy to use. Focusing is a breeze, and we were able to find our target quickly and comfortably. The eye cups are very comfortable — they're made of soft rubber and are foldable, allowing you to adjust them to your needs or preferences.
You get a neck strap bundled with the Occer 12x25 binoculars, 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 when, but we should note that there are no lens caps included with this model.
- 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 top-quality BaK-4 glass that is fully multi-coated.
✅ You wear spectacles: 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 an average pair of binos.
🔎 Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42: A good choice as a general-purpose binocular, they perform well for astronomy ★★★
We've chosen the Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 binoculars specifically as the best budget binoculars for younger users. Normally, we'd recommend the 10x50 alternatives, but the 8x42 specification makes these binos lighter and smaller while still providing great magnification and a good amount of light-gathering power.
That's not to say they're not worth purchasing if you're an adult: No matter your age, this is a solid pair of binoculars and a great starting point if you're on a budget. In our Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review, we praised the value for money they offer and their versatility, as they're a great model both for spotting wildlife or observing the night sky.
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 — but also great 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 fantastic budget binoculars. They're excellent quality and offer amazing value: The perfect pair of binos for a beginner.
If you're planning on taking your binoculars out on hikes, you'll probably want to consider a roof prism pair. The Aculon A211's Porro prism design, despite being better at creating a brighter image, will take up more room in your backpack.
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 blur at the outer edge.
The Nikon Aculon A211's10x magnification is ideal for astronomy (as long as you can keep them stable), and with excellent performance, they provide some great views of the night sky.
If you're a regular user of binoculars, you'll likely notice some of the shortfalls of the Nikon Aculon A211s, or at the very least where shortcuts have been made to keep the price down. But if you're fairly new to observing the night sky or wildlife watching through binoculars, you'll find these binoculars very comfortable to use and their views very pleasing.
- 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 will 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 ★★★★
Costing around $150, the Vortex Optics Copperhead HD binoculars aren't the cheapest on our list, but if your budget stretches this far, they're a seriously impressive piece of kit. These binoculars have been specifically designed for outdoor use, so they're capable of withstanding all conditions and can be used in all types of terrain. If you consider yourself a bit of an adventurer, these are the ideal binoculars for you.
They have tough rubber armor for a secure and non-slip grip, and they have been designed to withstand high impact should an accident happen. They are also waterproof (though we can't find their waterproof rating) and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging. In other words, you can use them in all temperatures without waiting for the lenses to clear.
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, but 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 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 are 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 how robust they are, the Bushnell H2O binoculars are small and lightweight, designed to be easy to stuff in a bag and travel around with. That's partly down to their aircraft-grade aluminum body, which is incredibly light despite its ruggedness — they're one of the lightest pairs of binos on this list, in fact. They're also pleasant to hold in the hands thanks to their non-slip rubber texture.
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.
We've seen these binoculars with a discount of around 50% at special deal events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, so if you're considering buying them, keep your eyes peeled this week and check our Amazon Prime Day space deals page to make sure you don't miss out.
| 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 great 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 glass, the large objective lenses and 10x magnification make them a great choice for budding astronomers. They are a perfect entry-level pair from a trusted optics brand.
Who makes the best cheap binoculars?
We think Celestron make the best cheap binoculars because they're an established brand that has such a wide range of binoculars at different price points, making it appealing for observers on all budgets.
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 binocular?
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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