Binoculars For Sale

For birdwatchers, binoculars are a necessary tool, but choosing the right pair can be difficult with so many types available. Three years have passed since we released our Rangefinders guide, so this summer we once more enlisted the help of seasoned birdwatchers and professional ornithologists to evaluate a variety of optics. During the three days of the 2019 Audubon Convention in July, dozens of participants flocked to a park in Milwaukee to examine almost fifty pairs of binoculars from sixteen different firms in a variety of conditions.

On a scale of 1 to 10, our tiny army of volunteers evaluated the models based on several criteria, such as eye relief, color rendition, brightness, and clarity. (See the section on how we created our rankings below for a more thorough explanation of our methodology.) To maintain uniformity, we examined optics that were 8×42 or comparable in size. Because they are bright and offer a large field of vision, 7- or 8-power binoculars are preferred by most birdwatchers because they make it simpler to locate and track birds in flight. Even though they are lightweight, optics with objective lenses—the glass at the tube’s fat end—smaller than 30 mm aren’t bright enough to display detail in low light. Optics with objective lenses larger than 42 mm are heavier.

A word on pricing: Many of these models are available for less in-store and online, but the indicated price is the manufacturer’s recommended retail price. Our top choices in each price range provide clear, vibrant views, so you can concentrate on the birds, even though selecting a pair of binoculars ultimately comes down to personal preference.