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Best binoculars for bird watching, stargazing, wildlife and sport
The best binoculars for long-distance viewing will give you crisp and clear views of nature, the stars, sports and more.
Some pairs of binoculars can be upwards of £1,000, but the best bargain binoculars we found were under £150 and still give you amazing results. We test every pair with a diverse panel from birdwatching novices to avid twitchers.
We buy every pair of binoculars we test and accept no freebies from brands.
Find out what we thought of binoculars from Nikon, RSPB, Swarovski, Zeiss and more.
The best binoculars
Only logged-in Which? members can view the binoculars test results below.
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| Binoculars | Price | Score | Image quality | Ease of use | Magnification x objective lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations. Unlock tableFirst month £5, then £11.99 per month, cancel at any time Already a member? Log in | 94% | ||||
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| 89% | |||||
| 86% | |||||
| 86% | |||||
| 82% | |||||
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| 76% | |||||
| 72% | |||||
| 72% | |||||
| 68% | |||||
| 45% |
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Dates tested: March 2024 and August 2022. Page last checked: May 2025. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
Magnification is how much a pair of binoculars magnifies an object. Objective lens is the diameter of the binoculars objective lens – the larger it is, the brighter the image produced.
The binoculars we've tested
All of the binoculars we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
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Celestron Nature DX 10x42 Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 13.5 x 12.6 x 5.2cm (HxWxD); 629g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 2 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 101 metres
Eye relief 14mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens cleaning cloth included, tripod mountable, 10-year warranty
Jessops MKII 10x42 Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 14.5 x 18 x 8cm (HxWxD); 956g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 2 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 101 metres
Eye relief 15mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens cleaning cloth included, tripod mountable, one-year warranty
Leica 10x42 Trinovid HD Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 14 x 11.7 x 6.5cm (HxWxD); 730g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 1.6 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 113 metres
Eye relief 15mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens-cleaning cloth included, not tripod mountable, two-year warranty
Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 15 x 13 x 5.4cm (HxWxD); 585g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 3 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 122 metres
Eye relief 15.7mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap and carry case included, not tripod-mountable, 10-year warranty
Nikon ProStaff P7 10x42 Binoculars
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Most recently tested August 2022
Size and weight 15 x 13 x 5.5cm (HxWxD); 600g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 3 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 122 metres
Eye relief 15.7mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap and carry case included, 10-year warranty
Olympus 8x40 S Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 18.3 x 14.2 x 6cm (HxWxD); 715g
Type Porro prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 8 x 40mm
Close focusing distance 4 metres
Field of view at 1,000m 143 metres
Eye relief 12mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap and carry case included, five-year warranty
Praktica Falcon 8x40 Binoculars
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Most recently tested August 2022
Size and weight 145 x 180 x 55cm (HxWxD); 730g
Type Porro prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 8 x 40mm
Close focusing distance 6 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 143 metres
Eye relief 12mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens-cleaning cloth included, tripod mountable, two-year warranty
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Qunse X28 Mini Pocket Small Binoculars
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Most recently tested August 2022
Size and weight 112 x 106 x 30cm (HxWxD); 200g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 25mm
Close focusing distance Not stated
Field of view at 1,000 metres 108 metres
Eye relief 12mm
Need to know Neck strap and lens-cleaning cloth included
RSPB Avocet 10x42 Binoculars
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Available from RSPB (£165), Viking Optical Centres (£165)
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Most recently tested August 2022
Size and weight 15 x 12.7 x 5.7cm (HxWxD); 615g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 3 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 101 metres
Eye relief 16.9mm
Other key features Lens caps, neck strap and carry case included, five-year warranty
RSPB HDX 10x42 Binoculars
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Available from RSPB (£650)
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 14 x 12.5 x 5.1cm (HxWxD); 660g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 2 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 113 metres
Eye relief 15.2mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens-cleaning cloth included, tripod-mountable, 10-year warranty
Swarovski EL 10x42 WB Swarovision Field Pro Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 16 x 13.1 x 6.1cm (HxWxD); 840g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 3.3 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 112 metres
Eye relief 20mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, storage bag, lens-cleaning cloth, soap and cleaning brush included, 10-year warranty
Viking 10x42 Badger Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 14 x 12.5 x 4.7cm (HxWxD); 590g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 3 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 102 metres
Eye relief 13.3mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens-cleaning cloth included, tripod-mountable, five-year warranty
Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars
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Most recently tested August 2022
Size and weight 14.5 x 13 x 7 (HxWxD); 605g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 1.52 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 100.5 metres
Eye relief 15mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case, chest harness and lens-cleaning cloth included, tripod-mountable, lifetime warranty
Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 Binoculars
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Most recently tested March 2024
Size and weight 15 x 12.8 x 5cm (HxWxD); 795g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 2 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 115 metres
Eye relief 18mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens-cleaning cloth included, not tripod-mountable, two-year warranty
Zeiss Terra ED 10x42 Binoculars
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Most recently tested August 2022
Size and weight 14.2 x 12 x 4.8cm (HxWxD); 725g
Type Roof prism
Magnification x objective lens diameter 10 x 42mm
Close focusing distance 1.6 metres
Field of view at 1,000 metres 110 metres
Eye relief 15mm
Need to know Lens caps, neck strap, carry case and lens-cleaning cloth included, two-year warranty
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How we test binoculars
We select bestselling binoculars from popular brands and retailers and put them through our tough tests.
We buy every product we test and don't take freebies from brands. How we test and our testing results are also verified by a panel of our own research experts to ensure we're being thorough and fair when telling you about the very best binoculars.
As well as our rigorous testing, each pair of binoculars is tried out by a panel of men and women of different ages. The group includes hard-core bird watchers, as well as those new to the hobby, so we get a diverse set of views. This helps us to determine which are the best binoculars for long-distance viewing.
We regularly revisit the binoculars on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them, we do.
Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
Ease of use
We assess:
- how easy it is to adjust and focus each pair of binoculars
- how comfortable and secure they feel to hold
- how easily they can be used while wearing glasses
Image quality and brightness
When spotting birds with the binoculars, testers judge each pair on:
- how crisp and clear the image is
- how comfortable they are with the brightness of the image
- how easily they are able to spot, track and view nature at near and far distances
The best binoculars for long distance give vivid detailed images, even in lower-light conditions.
Waterproofing and durability
- We subject each pair of binoculars to a heavy shower and check the lenses to see if any water gets inside.
- We check the binoculars for signs of structural weakness and stress-test their straps.
So far we haven't found a single pair that lets in any water, but the best binoculars have straps that won't fray after a short use.
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Types of binoculars
There are two main types of design: roof prism and porro prism. Each type differs in the way the prisms channel light through the binoculars to your eyes. The shape of the binoculars helps you to tell these apart.
Roof prism binoculars
These have an H-shaped design, where the eyepiece and the binocular tubes are in a single, straight line.
Roof prism binoculars are the more modern of the two types and tend to be more compact.
Expect to pay slightly more for the improved durability and lightweight design compared to Porro prism binoculars.
Porro prism binoculars
These have a traditional M-shaped design, where the eyepiece and the lens are not in line.
In the middle of the binoculars is a mechanism that can be turned to slightly alter the position of the tubes.
It used to be that Porro prism binoculars provided a clearer, sharper image than roof prism binoculars, but that's not really true any more.
These binoculars are also far bulkier than roof prism binoculars, so may be a burden to carry on a lengthy hike.
Monoculars vs binoculars: how do they differ?
In terms of how they're used and the technology inside them, there really isn't anything to split monoculars from binoculars.
They do exactly the same thing, but with monoculars you look through one eyepiece rather than two.
Monocular pros
- Often cheaper to buy than binoculars, as they're smaller and require less materials to make.
- As they're half the size of binoculars, they're more portable and lightweight.
- They can also be easier to focus, especially if you have slightly different prescriptions in each of your eyes. You only need to bring the image into focus for the one eye you're using.
Monocular cons
- Keeping one eye shut for a long time can become uncomfortable and you might strain the eye you're using to look through the monoculars if you do it for too long.
- Monoculars have a thinner field of view than binoculars, meaning that you'll see a thinner picture than you would at the same magnification through binoculars. This can make it challenging to spot and track moving objects, especially birds.
See also: How to buy the best telescope
What do the numbers on binoculars mean?
When someone talks about binoculars' numbers, they're referring to the level of magnification and the diameter of the objective lens. These affect how closely you can observe an image and how bright it will be, respectively.
The numbers are usually displayed on the side or central focusing wheel of the binoculars. The higher the numbers, the greater the magnification and brightness.
For example, 10 x 42 binoculars would magnify an image by 10 times, and the objective lens diameter would be 42mm, meaning it should produce a brighter image than if the lens were 25mm.
Brightness is not determined solely by the objective lens diameter, though – other factors, such as the materials the lens is made from and any coatings it has, will also have an impact.
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What strength binoculars are best?
This depends on what you want to use your binoculars for.
Bird watching, whale watching and other wildlife viewing A magnification of 8-10 and an objective lens diameter of 32-42mm is ideal. We've mainly tested binoculars of this spec, so log in or sign up to discover the most popular brands and find out which topped our tests.
Star gazing and astronomy You can use a variety of magnification levels depending on how closely you want to view specific objects or take in a wider field of view. Anything from 7x to 25x can work well.
You'll want as wide an objective lens diameter as possible, so your binoculars can take in as much light as possible so you can see the sky clearly – 42-100mm is considered good.
Hiking, sport and general use You'll probably want a pair of binoculars that are more compact and durable, so smaller magnifications of 6-8 and objective lens diameters of 25-28mm should be fine.
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What is field of view and what does it mean?
For binoculars, field of view describes how wide an area you can see through the binoculars. Sometimes it's written in degrees, but usually it's written as a number, referring to metres.
That number will be the width of the scene visible through the binoculars from 1,000 metres away. The greater the field of view, the wider the image you can see.
For example, a pair of binoculars with a field of view of 150 metres means that if you look at a spot that's 1,000 metres away, your view from one side to the other will be 150 metres wide.
Higher magnification binoculars are more zoomed in and focus on a smaller area, so you'll have a tighter field of view when you look through them. This can make it trickier to keep objects in view, especially if they're on the move, such as birds.
Best binoculars features explained
Binoculars can often be described in baffling language. While you don't need to know everything about their design, an understanding of some of the key terms and features will help you buy the pair that's right for you.
- Objective lens diameter The measurement of the lenses at the end of the binoculars where light enters them (in millimetres). The larger the measurement, the more light the binoculars can take in, making the image appear brighter (all other factors being equal).
- Central focusing wheel Used to bring an image into focus for both eyes equally. It should be used in combination with the dioptre adjustment (see below).
- Dioptre adjustment This compensates for differences in the prescriptions of your eyes and helps you to get an evenly clear image. It should be used in combination with the central focusing wheel.
- Eye relief The distance between your eyes and the magnification lenses, which are the lenses you look through (measured in millimetres). Most binoculars have twisting eyecups that give you extra eye relief if you're not wearing glasses. Those wearing glasses shouldn't need to use the eyecups.
- Tripod mounts Binoculars with magnifications of 10x or higher will be tricky to hold steady by hand. Some are tripod-mountable, which keeps them steady so you can see clear, high-magnification images without too much wobble.
How to focus binoculars
To see the best possible image, it’s essential to focus your binoculars properly.
Most have a central focusing wheel and a dioptre adjustment for focusing images. The dioptre adjustment is an important feature, as it adjusts only one lens and so compensates for eyes that have slightly different prescriptions. The central focusing wheel, on the other hand, adjusts both lenses simultaneously.
Follow these five easy steps to get the best image possible:
1. Move the central hinge
Look through your binoculars at a plain scene, such as grass or sky, and move the central hinge until you see a single, bright circular image.
2. Cover the right barrel
Cover the barrel that has the dioptre adjustment. This is usually on the right-hand side.
3. Use the central focusing wheel
Look at a fixed object in the distance through the remaining lens, then use the central focusing wheel to focus the binoculars until the image appears clear and sharp.
4. Cover the left barrel
While looking at the same image, cover the left barrel.
5. Use the dioptre adjustment
Uncover the lens that has the dioptre adjustment (usually the right lens) and adjust it for your other eye to make the image appear clear and sharp. Now both lenses should produce a perfectly crisp and clear image for both your eyes.
Can you use binoculars with glasses?
Mostly, yes. The eye relief measurement tells you the furthest distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see the whole field of view. If you wear glasses, look for eye relief of more than 14mm, or 17mm if you wear thick glasses.
Most binoculars have sliding eyecups or rubber eyepieces that can be rolled back, allowing the eye to sit closer to the lens. It’s best to try a number of pairs while wearing your glasses before buying.
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