Letter of Recommendation: Quality Binoculars
If you enjoy watching birds, airplanes, or ships, you need binoculars.
If, like I was until this year, you’re using some $50 binoculars you picked at random from Amazon because they’re “good enough” and they weren’t dirt-cheap, this post is for you.
Over the past year I have collected, tested, sold, and given away a bunch of different binoculars, and in this post I share recommendations for good binoculars at three different price points.
These binoculars provide either 8x or 10x magnification. I find either suitable for birding & general use1. They are all a joy to use and the image quality of even the cheapest binoculars listed here was a revelation — it was so much better than the entry-level Bushnell binoculars I’d been using previously.
Images in this post are from the binoculars’ manufacturers; I didn’t find time to photograph my own copies for this post.
A note on purchasing
Buy used. I bought none of these new, and the price points reflect used prices for a good copy. In general, I buy all my optics & cameras used.
A guide to shopping for used optics is beyond the scope of this post, but some quick pointers: KEH sells some binoculars, but they don’t have a large inventory. Same goes for MPB. KEH generally grades their used items conservatively; MPB less so.
Aside from that, you’re probably looking at eBay2, where all the usual caveats apply: look at photos, look at seller feedback, read descriptions carefully, and ask questions.
Under $100: Nikon Trailblazer
The Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 and 10x25 are both great. They’re available for under $100 new; less if you find a used copy.
These are lightweight, capable, and waterproof. The Trailblazer 8x25 is my go-to for long hikes or outings where space & weight are otherwise an issue.
Under $500: Canon 10x30 IS
The Canon 10x30 image-stabilized binoculars are excellent. They provide a slightly wider field of view than the Trailblazer 10x25, but of course they gain image stabilization, which I find to be tremendously helpful. The only downside is that these are not waterproof, so if rain is in the forecast you’d better bring the Trailblazer instead.
There are two versions: the 10x30 IS and 10x30 IS II. Buy whichever you find a good deal on; I’m not sure what the differences are between the versions, but I was very happy with the original version.
I bought these used and, several months later, sold them to my dad when I saw KEH selling my next recommendation at a great price. I see that Canon USA is selling refurbished copies for $440; that’s a good choice if you don’t want to take a chance on a used copy.
Under $1000: Canon 10x42 L IS WP
I apologize in advance: the only phrase I can think of that describes the Canon 10x42 L IS WP binoculars is holy shit. Compared to the Canon 10x30 IS, these binoculars gain a much wider field of view, waterproofing, a tripod mount, and Canon’s L designation. I am awestruck every time I look through these; it’s like being immersed in an IMAX movie3. It’s seriously incredible.
The downside to these (aside from the cost) is that they’re fairly heavy; they weight a bit more than 2 pounds. I haven’t found this to be an issue for me, but if you anticipate using these for extended periods without a monopod, it may be something to consider.
With just a little patience and luck, you can find a good used copy for well under $1000. I got mine from KEH, in “bargain” grade, for around $650 IIRC. Unlike most “bargain” items from KEH, they’re in pretty rough shape; they’ve obviously been well-used and there are even a couple scratches on the front elements4. Even so, they’re working reliably, and despite a few scratches the image quality is incredible.
If you’re looking for something longer, for ships at sea or astronomy, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Nikon and Canon both have a lot of other good options, and offhand I know Canon makes some longer (larger, and more expensive) image-stabilized options. ↩
I will note in particular that if an item is listed on eBay by a Japanese camera seller with good feedback ratings, the photos and description are probably very accurate and honest. Note, though, that optics listed as “EXCELLENT” or “EXC+5” by these stores may have some flaws, and you should read the description carefully. Also, optics shipped to the US from Japan are considered “gray market” (meaning they weren’t imported by the manufacturer) and it may be difficult or impossible to get them serviced. So it’s a risk. That said, these binoculars are relatively simple and robustly-built products compared to e.g. cameras or autofocus lenses, and they’re unlikely to fail unless you really abuse them. ↩
I assume, anyway. I’ve never seen an IMAX movie. ↩
If you wish, you can attach 52mm filters in front of the front lens elements for protection. Choose quality filters, of course. I’m using these UV filters from K&F Concept on mine. ↩