Want to bring the world closer? The best telescopes are one option but you shouldn't underestimate the power and portability of binoculars. With many night sky phenomena happening this week alongside Amazon Prime Day, such as Saturn making it's return to the night sky and the full moon, known as the buck moon, there couldn't be a better time to find the right pair of binoculars.
That's why, with the help of our expert reviewers, we have rounded up the best binoculars by price. Our guide covers a range of budgets from $50 through to full-on premium-priced models. However, you don't have to break the bank to get a quality pair of binoculars — even the lower-priced models we've chosen are excellent quality, all from brands you can rely on.
In our guide, we explore who and what each pair is best suited to and delve into their pros and cons. So read on and let us help you pick the best pair of binoculars to suit your pocket.
The quick list
Best premium
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These premium Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 binoculars offer stunning, sharp views of whatever you point them at and they're lightweight enough not to hurt your arms.
These Leica Trinovid 10x25 binoculars boast great image quality and they're compact enough to slip into a pocket.
Best under $300
Sturdily built with wide 70mm objective lenses, these Celestron SkyMaster Pro ED 15x70 binoculars are superb for stargazing.
Portable and powerful, these are fantastic multi-purpose binoculars whether you're stargazing, nature watching or more. And they're impressively well-built too.
Best under $200
Slim and lightweight but fog-proof and waterproof with it, these binoculars can stand up to all weathers.
Want to make the most of your money? These Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars offer excellent image quality and field of view for a pocket-friendly price.
Best under $100
These light-drinking Celestron SkyMaster binoculars 12x60 are superb for stargazers.
Waterproof, shockproof and fog proof, these are just what you need for outdoor adventures.
Best under $50
These entry-level binoculars are affordable and lightweight, superb for everything from stargazing to birdwatching and hiking.
Lightweight enough for smaller hands, well built and with a wide field of view, these binoculars are excellent for children.
Best binoculars by price 2025
Best premium for image quality
✅ You want amazing image quality: These binoculars offer sharp views edge to edge, all but eliminating chromatic aberration.
✅You want an easy to carry pair: Despite their power, these are lightweight enough that they're not painful to hold.
❌ You want image stabilization: You can buy models with image stabilization for a comparable price and some, such as the Canon 8x20 IS, are even cheaper.
🔎 These premium build Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 binoculars offer outstanding image quality, without the bulk associated with some other models. ★★★★½
If you're after superb image quality, you really can't go wrong with the Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 binoculars. In our guide to the best binoculars we rank them as top for optical performance. Nikon is known for its top quality optics, and these binos are well up to their usual standard.
In our review of the Nikon Monarch HG 10x42s, we called them "Possibly the best we've ever tested: insane optical quality in a slim, polished package," and that still stands. These binoculars offer sharp views edge-to-edge and all but eliminate chromatic abberation. Despite their quality, they're lightweight that you can hold them steady without needing a tripod.
Ideally, you'd want 50mm objective lenses for stargazing, but you shouldn't completely rule these out if that's what you have in mind. They boast solid construction with some serious waterproofing, and the premium feel extends to the bundled accessories, including a carry case, objective lens caps and cushioned neckstrap. Unless you absolutely have to have image stabilization, the Nikon Monarch HG 10x42s are an amazing pair of premium binoculars.
- Read our full Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 review
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Premium feel, lightweight and balanced |
Performance | Superb image quality |
Functionality | Locking diopter ring |
Best compact premium
✅ You want excellent optical quality: Premium materials and Leica's HDC multicoating help these binoculars deliver superb views.
✅You want a compact pair: These binoculars are pleasingly lightweight and their double-hinge system makes them easy to tuck away.
❌ You want low-light viewing: The small 25mm objective lenses mean you should look elsewhere if you're into stargazing.
❌ You want a waterproof pair: These are splash-resistant but not waterproof.
🔎 If you're not buying for stargazing, these Leica Trinovid 10x25 binoculars offer outstanding image quality, without the bulk associated with some other models. ★★★★
Leica is one of the most trusted names in the optics industry and while the Leica Trinovid 10x25s command a premium price, you're getting what you pay for. They boast premium glass and Leica's own HDC multi-layer coatings, designed to offer improved optical performance and durability.
With just 25mm objective lenses, we wouldn't recommend the Leica Trinovid 10x25 for low-light use, but these binos should otherwise deliver superb image quality, with the added bonus that you can easily slip them into your pocket. Glasses wearers will appreciate the adjustable eye-relief, too.
User reviews:
We've yet to go hands on with the Leica Trinovid 10x25s, but those who've purchased them sing their praises. They're impressed with the Leica Trinovid 10x25's build and image quality and their overall performance for bird-watching and nature watching. Many reviews praise these binos' compactness, including the way they fold up via a double hinge.
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Solid build, compact |
Performance | Brilliant |
Functionality | Adjustable eye relief |
Best for stargazing under $300
✅ You're into stargazing: These binoculars admit plenty of light and their magnification makes them great for skywatching on the go.
✅ You want an excellent pair of binos without breaking the bank: With excellent build quality, low-light performance and magnification, these represent superb value.
❌ You want to hold them for long periods of time: While you can hold these, since they're relatively heavy it can be tricky to hold them steady. We'd advise you use a tripod.
🔎 These Celestron SkyMaster Pro ED 15x70 binoculars may not fit in your pocket, but they're superb value and offer superb views if you're a stargazer. ★★★★½
These Celestron SkyMaster Pro ED 15x70 binoculars prove that you don't absolutely have to have a telescope to go stargazing. Thanks to their excellent low-light performance, they're superb for moon watching, planet spotting and surveying the night sky.
In our review of the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70, we said that they offer an "Amazing stargazing experience, with a good combination of magnification, aperture and portability."
This model is essentially the same except that Celestron has added extra low dispersion, or "ED" glass for even better image quality. They're impressively well-built too, so what's not to like, especially at this price?
The only snag is their weight. At just over 2kg, they can be hard to hold steady for extended periods of time and we'd recommend you take advantage of the slightly fiddly tripod adapter for long stargazing sessions.
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Robust build |
Performance | Excellent image quality |
Functionality | Tripod recommended to keep steady |
Best all-rounder under $300
✅ You want multi-purpose binoculars: These can handle virtually every use, from stargazing to birdwatching.
✅You want to use them in any weather: The Celestron Nature DX 12x56 binoculars are fully waterproofed and fog-resistant.
❌ You want to use them for extended periods: They're a little heavy so you could find your arms getting tired.
🔎 Offering bright and clear views, these Celestron Nature DX 12x56 are affordable and adaptable, an excellent all-rounder. ★★★★½
The Celestron Nature DX 12x56 are an excellent pair of binoculars, capable of handling most tasks. In our guide to the best binoculars, we rate them as the best for affordable stargazing.
With their 56mm objective lenses, they're excellent in low-light conditions. In our review of the Celestron Nature DX 12x56, we called them "A good quality, inexpensive pair of binoculars that we wouldn't hesitate to recommend".
We were particularly impressed how they handled and, in particular, the ease at which the focus knob turned. Though we thought images could be slightly sharper, we were still impressed by the image quality. Couple that with their excellent build quality and weatherproofing and you've got a great pair of all-round binoculars.
- Read our full Celestron Nature DX 12x56 review
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Well built, BAK 4 glass |
Performance | Excellent in all light conditions |
Functionality | Smooth focus wheel |
Best all-weather under $200
✅ You want an entry-level pair of binoculars: These binoculars are easy to use and ideal for beginners and hobbyists alike.
✅You'll be using them outside a lot: With their water and fog-proofing, these can stand up to rain and more.
❌ You want them exclusively for stargazing: It's worth looking elsewhere as these are not astro-specialists.
🔎 Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8x42: These are ideal all-weather 'go anywhere' binoculars; lightweight enough to carry around your neck, and capable of withstanding harsh weather. ★★★★
Want a pair of binoculars that can withstand torrential rain? If you're out in all weathers, the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binoculars are for you. They're water-sealed up to 1m and fog-proof with it, a serious step up from just splash-resistant.
But there's more to these binos than just their ability to handle a downpour. We rank them as the best binoculars for beginners. And, in our review of the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42, we were especially impressed that Nikon hadn't cut any corners when it came to optical quality.
After a quick set-up, we were treated to sharp and bright views, thanks in part to their superior BAK-4 glass. We found that they featured the lowest chromatic aberration of any similarly-priced binoculars we'd tested.
These aren't astro-specialists so don't buy them exclusively for stargazing. But they're lightweight enough to hang around your neck and are excellent for most other purposes.
- Read our full Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Well-built, waterproof down to 1m |
Performance | Sharp and bright views |
Functionality | Soft to touch, easy to hold |
Best value for money under $200
✅ You want a pair for astronomy: These binoculars are excellent for new stargazers.
✅ You want a wide field of view: At 6.5 degrees, it's easier to find and track objects.
❌ You wear glasses: The low eye relief could be a problem if you wear spectacles.
🔎 Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211: Especially excellent for stargazers, these offer Nikon quality at a surprisingly low price. ★★★★
With BaK-4 glass optics and FoV-enhancing Porro prisms, these Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars offers quality and performance well above their price tag.
In our best binoculars guide, we ranked them as the best for entry-level astronomy, thanks to its 50mm objective lenses and excellent quality.
Reviewing the Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 we found they were a delight to use, especially the smooth and resistant focus wheel. And while they're not technically waterproof, its easy-to-grip rubber armor should grant them some water resistance.
There's some chromatic aberration at the edge of their 6.5 degree field of view. But, even taking that into consideration, the Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 binoculars represent excellent value for money.
- Read our full Nikon 10x50 Aculon A211 review
Attributes | Notes |
Design | BaK-4 glass optics, textured thumb pads |
Performance | Sharp images, some aberration at edges |
Functionality | Easy to grip, low eye relief |
Best for low light under $100
✅ You're a budding astronomer: These binoculars' low light performance makes them excellent for stargazing.
✅ You wear glasses: These binos have excellent eye relief, thanks to their compressible eyepiece cups.
❌ You want a pair you wear around your neck: These binoculars are powerful but heavy with it.
❌ You want to hold them for extended periods: Because they're heavy, these binoculars are best used with a tripod.
🔎 Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8x42: These are ideal all-weather 'go anywhere' binoculars; lightweight enough to carry around your neck, and capable of withstanding harsh weather. ★★★★
Celestron is one of the leading names in astro-optics, and the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars are everything you'd expect from the company. We rank them as the best binoculars for long distance for beginners.
Boasting a generous lifetime warranty, these well-built binos let in enough light through their 60mm objectives to excel in low-light conditions. Their optics are multi-coated, top-quality glass and you're all but guaranteed bright, clear images.
The one snag is that, like some of the other Celestrons in this guide, they're quite heavy. You may find it tricky to hold them motionless, and they're too large for children to use.
Reviewing the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars, we were impressed by just how useful they were for stargazing. With a tripod, we were easily able to make out the Jupiter and the four four Galilean moons. Their daytime performance was nearly as impressive. For this asking price, weight aside, you can't go wrong.
- Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 review
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Excellent build quality, textured |
Performance | Bright, colorful images |
Functionality | Folding eye cups for extra eye-relief |
Best for outdoors under $100
✅ You want a pair that can stand up to punishment: These binos are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
✅You want peace of mind: The Vortex Optics Copperhead HD 10x42 have a lifetime warranty.
❌ You don't want to support a hunting company: Vortex Optics makes riflescopes and other hunting equipment.
🔎 If you're looking for a pair of binos that can stand up to serious punishment and boast excellent optical quality, the Vortex Optics Copperhead HD 10x42 binoculars fit the bill. ★★★★
Given that Vortex Optics caters to heavily to hunters, it's not surprising that the Vortex Optics Copperhead HD 10x42 are built to stand up to heavy duty use.
Fogproof, shockproof and waterproof, they feature in our best budget binoculars guide as the best for adventurers. Vortex Optics seems willing to back that up, offering a lifetime warranty on these binos.
Durability aside, the Vortex Optics Copperhead HD 10x42 aren't dedicated astronomy binoculars, but their 42mm objective should let in enough light for stargazing.
They're also ideal for terrestrial use, though with a close focus of just over 15 feet, they're best suited to mid to longer-range viewing. Their compact size makes them easy to pack away.
User reviews:
We've yet to review the Vortex Optics Copperhead HD 10x42s, but purchasers have plenty of positive things to say about it. They're happy with the image quality and their ease of storage.
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Compact design |
Performance | Excellent image quality |
Functionality | Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof |
Best for beginners under $50
✅ You want portability: These binoculars are lightweight, especially compared to some of Celestron's others.
✅ You want to view in low-light: These let in enough light for stargazing.
❌ You have glasses: The poor eye relief on this model could be a problem.
🔎 These Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars are an excellent, entry-level pair, lightweight and with a pocket-friendly price. ★★★★½
At under $50, the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars are an excellent pair of entry-level binoculars, ideal for beginners or hobbyists on a budget. We ranked them as the best budget binoculars in our best binoculars guide.
This pair offers great image quality, considering its price band. In our review of the Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 we said that "They’re the perfect entry-level product, though they come with caveats." Those caveats include poor eye relief, so those wearing glasses may want to think carefully.
However, they're pleasingly lightweight, especially compared to some of the other Celestron models in this guide. If you're a beginner looking to get into stargazing or nature watching, these Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars are a great place to start
- Read our full Celestron Upclose G2 10x50 review
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Compact, water resistant not waterproof |
Performance | Bright, colorful images, some glare |
Functionality | Easy to adjust, poor eye relief |
Best for kids under $50
✅ You're buying for kids: These binoculars are lightweight enough for small hands and easy to use.
✅ You're on a budget: If these binoculars get lost or damaged you won't be out a fortune.
❌ You want superb image quality: You can spend a little more and get better views.
🔎 Celestron Cometron 7x50: These are great child-friendly binoculars, suitable for adult beginners too, and they'll stand up to light punishment. ★★★★
If you're buying binoculars for children, you might balk at spending $200 on a pair. That's where the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars come in, which we rank as the best family binoculars.
They're lightweight enough that children can carry them, and while they're not technically drop or water proof, they're reasonably sturdy.
In our review of the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars we explained that they "Offer excellent views and remarkable value for money, all tied up in a lightweight package."
Their 50mm objectives are large enough to make them useful for stargazing and they're equally suited to daytime observations. It's also work keeping an out for binocular deals as we've even seen these drop past $25.
- Read our full Celestron Cometron 7x50 review
Attributes | Notes |
Design | Water resistant, not waterproof |
Performance | Excellent views |
Functionality | Surprisingly large exit pupil |
Harry joined Space.com in December 2024 as an e-commerce staff writer covering cameras, optics, and skywatching content. Based in the UK, Harry graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in American Literature with Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. A keen photographer, Harry has strong experience with astrophotography and has captured celestial objects with a range of cameras. As a lifelong skywatcher, Harry remembers watching the Perseid meteor shower every summer in his hometown and being amazed by the wonders of the night sky.
Best binoculars by price FAQs
What budget binoculars are actually good for stargazing?
While there are plenty of premium binocular options that are great for stargazing, there are also budget models that offer strong skywatching ability.
The Celestron Skymaster 12x60 binoculars offer a strong 12x magnification and 60mm objective lenses which allows plenty of light to be collected during viewing of faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters. They usually retail just over $100 but can be found over 20% cheaper during sales events.
Another budget pair that are great for beginner skywatching are the Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars, which offer 7x magnification but have relatively large objective lenses of 50mm. These binoculars are good for getting a wider view of all the night sky has to offer. The Celestron UpClose 10x50 binoculars offer more magnification for closer views and both pairs usually retail under $50.
What are the best value binoculars
The best value binoculars are going to be the models that balance premium optical quality and features without asking for a price tag near to $1000.
We think the Celestron Nature DX 12x56 binoculars offer excellent value for under $300, with extra savings during deals events. They have 12x magnification, 56mm objective lens and are weather sealed so you can take them anywhere.
Similarly, the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binoculars offer top-quality Nikon lenses with a good mid-range of magnification and objective lens diameters. They retail under $150.
Do I need expensive binoculars?
In short, it depends. First, you need to ask yourself what you will be using the binoculars for and what benefits you might get from top-tier perks like almost-zero chromatic aberration, image stabilisation and premium optics.
Nikon 10x42 Monarch binoculars have extra-low-dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses to ensure the sharpest views from edge-to-edge but they retail close to $1000. If you prioritise detail and the most realistic views, then these would be worth paying the premium for.
Assess your needs for a pair of binoculars and then look for certain models that may be worth the extra budget for premium features like AI recognition, image stabilization or the most advanced glass. We cover more of these features in our best binoculars and best smart binoculars guides.
Update log
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