![]() The downside is they're more expensive than the Nikon Monarch 8x42 and yet offer a much smaller field of view. The folding design means they also easily fit into your pocket. They have 8x magnification and come with a nice rugged, waterproof case. Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 ($380) : I have not tested these extensively, but I've used them enough to know that they're lightweight (10.9 ounces) and deliver a very good, sharp image.Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 Binoculars Photograph: Amazon If you want to keep going price-wise, the Swarovski EL 10x42 ($2,399) are deservedly legendary. Still, if you have the money and are serious about binoculars, the Monarch HGs are a great investment. Nikon's Monarch HG offer a slightly wider field of view and are brighter and sharper than the Vortex or the Celestron, though the price is accordingly higher. Nice Upgrade: Nikon Monarch HG 10X42 ($997).I have not tested a better binocular that costs less. You get great field of view (6.5 degrees), a sharp clear image, and very little chromatic aberration. That is to say, you'll find very little information about these online, but they're excellent binoculars, and the price is almost impossible to beat. The Celestron Regal EDs are what I call a sleeper deal. Another Good Budget Pick: Celestron Regal ED 10x42 ($329).For those on a budget, these are a great 10x42 option. These are the stronger magnification version of our top pick, and everything I say about those holds true for the 10x42 as well. Budget Pick: Nikon Monarch M5 10x42 ($285).The other options in this high-end category are the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 ($2,369) and the Zeiss Victory HT ($2,900). Unfortunately, they're also $2,849, but if you have the funds, you will not be disappointed. These are by far the brightest, sharpest lenses I've ever put to my eye. Really Nice, Insanely Expensive: The Leica Noctivid 8x42 binoculars are everything you'd expect from the Leica name, including being very expensive.This is a somewhat personal preference, but I like the slightly cooler colors of these compared to the Monarch M5s. Pentax/Ricoh's 8x43s are just a little bit sharper, clearer, and brighter than the Monarchs. Nice Upgrade: Pentax 8x43 ZD ED Binoculars ($799).The Nikon Monarchs still win out for me, but this is a very close second, and if you want something more colorful-which makes them much easier to find in your pack-these are a great buy. I've been testing the 8x42 for a while now and for the price, these are really nice. Another Solid Option: Nocs, best known for their compact, colorful 8x25s (our top pick for kids, see below), recently scaled up, releasing a 8x42 model ($295) and a 10x42.I find these to be roughly the same as the Celestron Nature DX ED model above. Another budget pick worth considering is Nikon's Prostaff line, which has an 8x42 model for $160. But for the price, these are a good entry-level option. They aren't quite as bright as the Nikon Monarchs, and I did notice more chromatic aberrations, particularly purple fringing. These are a solid buy for under $200 (they're often on sale for around $140). Budget Pick: Celestron Nature DX ED 8x42 ($169).On the other hand, if you plan to go birding in diverse locations, or are planning a big hunt in unfamiliar territory, it's often worth the extra money to get something a little more powerful.īe sure to check out our other guides, including The Best Gear to Make Your Backyard More Fun, The Best Hiking Gear, and How a Birdfeeder Can Bring You Joy. If you'd just like to watch some birds at the feeder in your backyard and perhaps overcome the limitations of the cheap seats at the ballpark, there's no need to spend a fortune. Finding the right pair of binoculars means first figuring out what you're going to use them for. ![]() Whether you're scouting terrain, watching birds in your backyard, or getting season tickets at Fenway, binoculars bring the world closer, making it sharp and clear far beyond what your eye is capable of seeing. Binoculars mean the difference between seeing a little gray bird and identifying a titmouse, cheering a home run and seeing the epic catch, or realizing that the 10-point buck is actually a doe standing in front of dead branches.
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