Best binoculars in Australia

The best binoculars in Australia

• Best overall binoculars: Nikon Aculon A211 Zoom 10x50 Binoculars
• Best binoculars for birdwatching: Gosky EagleView 10x42 ED Binoculars
• Best binoculars for astronomy: Gosky 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars
• Best binoculars for hunting: Bushnell PowerView 10 x 50mm Porro Prism Instafocus Binoculars
• Best compact binoculars: Bushnell Powerview 10x25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binoculars
• Best night-vision binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars
• Best long-distance binoculars: Celestron 71454 Echelon 20x70 Binoculars
• Best whale-watching binoculars: Athlon Optics Midas G2 8x42 UHD Binocular
• Best 10x42 binoculars: Vortex DB-215 Optics Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars
• Best budget binoculars: Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 Porro Binoculars

Binoculars are 2 telescopes that are mounted side-by-side and aligned to point in the same direction. Each telescope has its own eyepiece. Binoculars magnify objects making them appear closer. Most people use binoculars for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hunting, stargazing, theatre and sports events.

When choosing binoculars, there are several things you should keep in mind such as your intended use, price range, optical quality and field of view. You should also factor in the binoculars' size and ease of use.

For this list, we evaluated numerous binoculars found in Amazon. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose the units for each category based on key product features to help you find the best binoculars for your needs.

Read our full methodology below.

We picked the Nikon Aculon A211 Zoom 10x50 Binoculars as the online best overall binoculars. They have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Featuring a compact and lightweight design, this Aculon A211 has ED glass, a dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating and Nikon's field flattener. They also have an easy-to-reach zoom knob for quick adjustments and a durable armoured coating for a non-slip grip.

There are arsenic-free eco-glass lenses for a clear view, offering a 100-metre field of view and up to 10x magnification power. The eyecups are also designed to be comfortable even during long periods of use.

Users said these binoculars deliver crisp and bright images in different lighting conditions, but they tend to lose a bit of sharpness when fully zoomed in.

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We suggest Gosky's EagleView 10x42 ED Binoculars as the best option for birdwatching. On Amazon, they have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

These 10x42 ED binoculars have premium extra-low dispersion glass to help minimise glare and ghost images during birdwatching. The feature also helps reduce chromatic aberration for sharpness and accurate viewing. According to Gosky, the binoculars are waterproof, thermally stable and offer a wide field of view for various purposes.

In addition, the EagleView comes with the brand's quick alignment smartphone adapter and a carrying case and lens caps for convenient storage. And while it's a wee bit expensive at over $600, these binoculars are extremely user-friendly and offer superb durability for long use.

Customers said these deliver crisp images even when fully zoomed in. The exterior is also non-slip and has an Argon-purged coating for better waterproofing. However, they're a little heavier than other models in the market.

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Our pick for the best option for astronomy is the Gosky 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

With 10x high-power magnification and 42mm objective lenses, these binoculars are perfect for a wide range of uses, including astronomy, birdwatching and casual use. The lenses are fully multi-coated, and the binoculars have a large BAK4 prism for crisper, clearer images.

For durability, these have a waterproof design and shock-absorbing rubber armour for protection. They also come with a smartphone adapter, lens covers and a carrying case. Additionally, they're tripod compatible, but you must buy the tripod adapter separately.

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When it comes to the best model for hunting, we recommend the Bushnell PowerView 10 x 50mm Porro Prism Instafocus Binoculars. This model has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 1,900 reviews.

An affordable option for hunting, these binoculars feature a camo design so you can easily blend in with the surroundings during hunts. They also have multi-coated options and multiple layers of coating on all lens surfaces, which the brand claims to increase light transmission and brightness.

When it comes to the build, these Bushnell binoculars feature a rugged housing for durability and a non-slip grip. The BK-7 prism glass also lends much-needed clarity and brightness for better viewing. However, some customers said images tend to get blurry around the edges.

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We picked Bushnell's Powerview 10x25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binoculars as the best compact binoculars. Not only are these affordable, but they are also easy to use. That's why they earned a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 1,400 Amazon reviews.

These folding roof binoculars feature non-slip rubber armour for shock absorption and a firm grip. The folding design also makes it easier to bring binoculars anywhere you go. And with BK-7 prism glass, it offers superb clarity and brightness for an entry-level option.

Customers gave positive feedback on the binoculars' ease of use, value for money and durable build. While some found the armour a bit slippery, this model remains a crowd favourite for casual use and beginners. The eyecups are comfy, while the lenses offer a field of view of up to 300ft. A few users said it's not the best option for night use, but this seems to be a minor issue.

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Celestron's SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars are our pick for the best night-vision binoculars. On Amazon, they have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Designed for stargazing, these SkyMaster binoculars feature a BAK-4 prism and multi-coated, anti-reflective layers for enhanced images even in low-light conditions. There's also a rubber armour coating that offers water resistance and a comfy grip, allowing you to use the binoculars in various conditions.

For fine focusing, they come with dioptre adjustment. And because they have 80mm lenses and 15x magnification, they provide enough zoom for night viewing. The rubber eyecups are comfortable as well—even for people who wear glasses. But because these have large lenses, the binoculars tend to be prone to light pollution.

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For long-distance viewing, we recommend the Celestron 71454 Echelon 20x70 Binoculars. This model has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

These binoculars are made for low-light use and long-distant viewing. They feature a 3.5mm exit pupil for the optimal amount of light, allowing you to see crisp and bright details with ease.

The 20x70 model offers the highest magnification in the Echelon series, which means you can pick out even the smallest subjects at the longest distances with this option. You can also use these for high-magnification viewing at night.

These are fully waterproof and hand-assembled in the US using Japanese optics. They also have the brand's XLT coating technology for a non-slip grip and superb optical performance.

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We picked the Athlon Optics Midas G2 8x42 UHD Binocular as the best option if you're into whale-watching. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

These Midas binoculars have UHD glass that allows you to view images with a minimal chromatic fringe. They also feature a dielectric coating that promises to reflect over 99% of light for crisper, cleared images and accurate colour reproduction. There's also an XPL coating to protect the lenses from dirt, oil and scratches.

Numerous buyers were impressed by the binoculars' bright images, ease of use and compact design. The multi-coated lenses provide superb light transmission for truer colours, while the eyecups are comfy even for glass wearers. For peace of mind, these also come with a lifetime warranty without needing to present any receipt.

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The Vortex DB-215 Optics Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars are our choice for the best 10x42 option in the market. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 2,000 customers.

With optimised select glass elements, these binoculars deliver clear resolution, cut chromatic aberration and fantastic colour fidelity. The lenses are fully multi-coated for increased light transmission, while the dielectric coating offers bright and crisp images.

For convenience, the adjustable eyecups can be twisted up and down. There's also a centre focus wheel that lets you adjust both barrels at the same time. And because it is rubber-coated, the binoculars are easy to grip while being protected from the elements.

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The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 Porro Binoculars are our choice for the best binoculars on a budget. They have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

With multi-coated options for better light transmission, these have 10x magnification and 500mm objective lenses to deliver sharp and bright images. They also have soft, folding eyecups for comfort and durable external armour to protect the binoculars from wear and tear.

Customers praised the product's durable build, comfy eyecups and reasonable price tag. These offer clear optics for crisp and bright images even at 10x magnification. The spring arrangement on the eyecups has also garnered positive feedback. Users said they're extremely comfy even during extended periods.

There were complaints about the right lens being unstable, which make focusing a bit of a pain. But this seems to be an isolated issue.

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How do binoculars work

Binoculars are 2 telescopes that are mounted side-by-side and allow you to see objects that are far away. Each telescope has its own eyepiece, and the 2 images are combined into one by your brain. This gives you a 3-dimensional image of the object that you're looking at.

The lenses in binoculars are what make them so special. The convex lens in the front gathers all the light from the object that you're looking at and focuses it into a single point. The concave lens in the back then spreads out the light, making the image appear larger.

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Types of binoculars

There are several different types of binoculars on the market, from small and lightweight units for everyday use to large and expensive models that offer superior performance.

• Compact/pocket binoculars. These are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry with you on hikes or other outdoor activities. They usually have lower magnification than full-size binoculars, but they're still great for general use.
• Full-size binoculars. These provide the highest magnification and image quality, making them ideal for birdwatching, stargazing or other uses where you need to see things in detail. They can be more difficult to hold steady, so they may not be the best choice for active pursuits.
• Waterproof/fog-proof binoculars. These are designed to withstand the elements, whether you're using them in rain or snow. They're a good choice for any outdoor activity, especially if you're likely to encounter inclement weather.
• Night vision binoculars. These use infrared technology to allow you to see in low light or even dark conditions. They're perfect for astronomy or anytime you need to see in the dark.
• Digital binoculars. These combine traditional optical binoculars with digital technology, allowing you to view and capture images or video. They're great for anyone who wants to document their adventures, whether you're an amateur astronomer or birdwatcher.

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How to compare binoculars

If you're in the market for a new pair of binoculars, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Here are 4 factors to consider when buying binoculars:

• Purpose. What will you be using your binoculars for? If you're an avid birdwatcher, you'll want a pair that's specifically designed for that purpose. But if you just need a general-purpose pair for hiking or other outdoor activities, any decent pair of binoculars will do.
• Price. Binoculars can range in price from under $100 to over $1,000. It's important to find a balance between quality and price that fits your needs and budget.
• Size and weight. If you'll be carrying your binoculars around a lot, you'll want to make sure they're not too big or heavy. But if you don't mind lugging them around, or if you only plan to use them occasionally, size and weight won't be as much of an issue.
• Optics. This is probably the most important factor to consider when buying binoculars. Make sure the optics are of good quality, with little or no distortion. Also, pay attention to the field of view and how easy it is to focus the binoculars.

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Cleaning your binoculars

If you're like most people, you probably don't think about cleaning your binoculars very often. But if you use them regularly, it's important to give them a good cleaning now and then. Here's how to do it:

1. Start by removing the lens caps and any other covers that are on the lenses.
2. Take a look at the lenses and see if there are any obvious fingerprints or smudges. If so, gently wipe them away with a soft, clean cloth.
3. Next, using a can of compressed air (or just your breath), blow away any dust or debris that may be on the lenses.
4. Now it's time to get rid of those pesky fingerprints once and for all. Dip a corner of a clean, soft cloth into some distilled water and lightly wipe the lenses in a circular motion.
5. Finally, dry the lenses with another clean, soft cloth. Make sure to go in a circular motion again so you don't leave any streaks.

And that's it! Your binoculars should now be nice and clean – ready for your next adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

• What are the best binoculars?

  We picked the Nikon Aculon A211 Zoom 10x50 Binoculars as the best options you can get online.

• What are the best binocular brands?

  Gosky, Celestron, and Nikon are some of the best and most popular binocular brands in the market right now. They offer various models for different use and price points.

• What do the numbers on binoculars mean?

  When you're shopping for binoculars, you'll notice that each pair has a number like "8x42" or "10x50" printed on it. These 2 numbers are the magnification power and the diameter of the objective lenses.

• How to focus binoculars

  If you want to get the most out of your binoculars, it's important to know how to focus them properly. Here are a few tips:

  • First, make sure that both eyes are open when you look through the binoculars. This will help you see more clearly.
  • Next, adjust the eyepieces until they are in focus for your eyes. You can do this by turning the knob at the top of the binoculars.
  • Finally, once you have the eyepieces in focus, you can then adjust the focus knob in the centre of the binoculars until the image is clear.

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