The best bird-watching binoculars must have quality optics, be weather-proof and comfortable to use for long periods of time. After all, if you're a seasoned birder, you'll know there's nothing worse than sitting in the damp with binoculars that simply don't sit right in your hands. In this guide, you'll find a range of options, including some of the best image-stabilized binoculars as well as the best binoculars for kids.
In winter, a good pair of binoculars can bring you closer to seasonal highlights like Snow Buntings characteristically flitting across open fields, social Redpolls feeding in small, busy flocks, and, if you are lucky, the undeniable shape of a Snowy Owl perched in the distance. Up close, binoculars also excel at letting you appreciate detail; you will be able to pick out the subtle patterns and flashes of red on Woodpeckers or the striking colors of the intelligent Blue Jay.
There's often not a lot of difference between the best binoculars and the best bird-watching binoculars. There's actually a lot of overlap. But bird-watching binoculars in particular need to be comfortable, portable and have the best possible optics. This is where coatings and Extra Dispersion glass have a distinct advantage, as they eliminate chromatic aberration and optical defects you often see in highly contrasted scenes—like viewing birds against a bright sky.
The quick list
Best overall
They're very expensive, but if you have the budget, the Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars have unrivaled optics and excellent build quality.
Best all-rounder
As you'd expect from a Nikon product, the Monarch HG 10x42 offers excellent image quality and a solid, sturdy build. These small and lightweight binoculars are fantastic all-rounders.
Best mid-range
These high-performance binoculars provide impressive views for the price — a great 'next pair'.
Best premium
With a super-stylish design and unironically crystal-clear sharp optics, the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars are worth every penny of their premium price point.
Best value for money
Without breaking the bank, these binoculars offer sharp views from edge-to-edge and will give you hours of enjoyment.
Best image stabilized
Image stabilization is surprisingly useful for bird-watching, and these 10x42s from Canon are the best we've used.
Best binoculars for bird-watching 2025
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Best overall bird-watching binoculars
✅ You want unrivaled sharpness: The image quality you'll get with these binoculars is second to none.
✅ You want impressive quality construction: With a slick diopter wheel and and a patented covering, the Leica Noctivid 10x42 binos feel every bit as premium as they are.
❌ You're on a budget: These binoculars are exorbitantly expensive and aren't a good choice if you're on a budget.
❌ You're a beginner: You'll benefit from a more affordable set of binoculars, like the Celestron Regal ED 10x42.
🔎 Leica Noctivid 10x42: Arguably the absolute best binoculars on the market, the Noctivid 10x42's image quality is beautifully sharp, crisp and free of chromatic aberration. They're built to a high standard, but have a very premium price tag to match. ★★★★★
As you’d expect from a Leica product, build quality, resilience and durability sit at the heart of the Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars, but so does sublime lens and image quality. After more than a century of expertise in optical design, these new-generation Leica binoculars feel stylish and elegant — providing you're prepared to pay a premium.
The view through these binoculars is crisp, bright and wide, and brightness is especially excellent, even in dull, overcast and misty conditions. The color delivery is flat and slightly cooler than we were expecting, but the field of view is well corrected, with special glass elements used to combat any appearance of color fringing and chromatic aberration at the edge of the frame. In fact, in our Leica Noctivid 10x42 review, we said these may be the only binoculars we've ever tested to have no signs of discernible chromatic aberration. The result is a super high-definition image with an outstanding level of detail.
There’s a premium feel to these binoculars that established bird-watchers will appreciate, especially when it comes to capturing targets in flight. The focus feels light and smooth, and the large eyepieces are easy to fit to different viewing styles. They're coated with a patented material that makes them durable and hard-wearing, and of course they're waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging. Despite their small size, they feel weighty in the hand, but the grippy outer shell ensures they always feel safe and secure.
- Read our full Leica Noctivid 10x42 review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Weighty and solid with patented coating |
Performance | Unrivalled optics, waterproofing and anti-fogging |
Functionality | Great diopter wheel, lacks tripod mounting point |
Best all-rounder
✅ You want something small and lightweight: These binoculars only weigh 1.5 lbs, making them easy to carry around.
✅ You want excellent optics: You'll get fantastic views through these binoculars, with edge-to-edge sharpness.
❌ You're on a budget: These are premium binoculars — with a premium price tag to match.
❌ You need image stabilization: You'll need to rely on your own steady hand with these binoculars. Try the Canon 10x42L IS WP.
🔎 Nikon Monarch HG 10x42: "You get what you pay for" really does ring true with these binoculars: They're expensive, but they're premium in just about every way. Fantastic image quality, great build, and they come with plenty of useful accessories in the box. ★★★★½
The Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 binoculars offer a sleek design with a rubber-armored coating covering the strong magnesium alloy body, making them durable and easy to grip, especially in cold or rainy weather. Tthey’re also waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring clear vision in all conditions. It's what you'd expect to get from a premium set of binoculars, and thankfully, the Monarch HG 10x42 doesn't disappoint.
The Monarch HG 10x42 binoculars boast extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, which reduces chromatic aberration and enhances color accuracy. They feature a locking diopter ring, which reduces the risk of defocusing when not looking through them, and a very smooth focusing wheel makes finding your focus spot nice and easy to begin with.
There are some nice extra features, too, like a padded neck strap, suctioned eye cups and an included premium carry bag. Everything about these binoculars feels premium: They might be expensive, but you know you're getting your money's worth right out of the box.
Most importantly, the views you'll get through these binoculars are beautiful. As we said in our Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 review, you'll get edge-to-edge sharpness through each eye, and there's barely any perceivable chromatic aberration to speak of.
The Monarch HGs feature a wide field of view (394 ft at 1000 yds), making it easy to track fast-moving birds. They’re comfortable to wear for long periods, helped by the fact they're rather light and compact. At only 1.5 lbs, they're also easy to carry around without weighing you down.
- Read our full Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Lightweight and strong magnesium alloy body |
Performance | Edge-to-edge sharpness, no perceivable chromatic aberration |
Functionality | Smooth focusing wheel, useful locking diopter ring |
Best mid-range
✅ You want to upgrade from your beginner pair: They're an excellent choice to upgrade to without spending thousands.
✅ You want weatherproof binoculars: They are waterproof up to a depth of one meter, and the lenses themselves are water-repellant.
❌ You're on a tight budget: These aren't the most expensive binoculars on the market, but there are certainly cheaper options, like the Celestron Regal ED 10x42.
❌ You want image stabilization: If you want to see a bit further with image stabilization, check out the Canon 10x42L IS WP.
🔎 Olympus 8x42 Pro: These mid-price binoculars absolutely impress when it comes to image quality, and their small size and lightweight body make them great for traveling with. ★★★★
Coming from a renowned brand, you know you're buying a good product when it comes to the Olympus 8x42 Pro binoculars. With a mid-range price point, they aren't going to quite rival the most expensive binoculars on our list in terms of performance and build quality, but they're a great choice if you want to upgrade from your beginner pair of binoculars and don't have a ton of money to spend.
In our Olympus 8x42 Pro review, we were impressed with the build quality given their price. Despite being lightweight, the binoculars feel solid and well-constructed, and they sport a rubberized texture that ensures they feel secure in your hands. They're nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging, and they're also waterproof, so you won't have to worry about taking them out in bad weather.
Since these are part of Olympus's Pro range of binoculars, they come with high-performance Zuiko optics and ED lenses — the same as you'll find in Olympus's camera range. It results in fantastic light transmission, far better than you'd expect given their class. Images are also sharp and clear all the way to the edge of the frame, and we only saw a tiny bit of fringing around contrasted objects when observing birds sitting high up in trees against the bright sky.
Our optics writer has been testing the 10x42 model, and although the 10x magnification is slightly shakier and narrower for birdwatching, we've loved spotting and identifying a range of birds from the comfort of the couch — goldfinches, Eurasian blue tits, sparrows and even a bullfinch. In fact, after testing every single pair of Celetron 10x42s in a recent group test, these Olympus binos performed better than all of them.
- Read our full Olympus 8x42 Pro review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Well built, compact but sturdy |
Performance | Sharp and clear views from edge to edge |
Functionality | Waterproof and fogproof |
Best premium
✅ You’re serious about bird-watching: The price tag here means the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars aren't a good choice for casual bird-watchers.
✅ You care about style: These binoculars are seriously good-looking.
❌ You need a light pair of binoculars: At 29.5 oz, these are slightly heavier than most of the competition.
❌ You're on a budget: These are prohibitively expensive if you're on a budget. There are many more affordable options in this list.
🔎 Swarovski EL 8.5x42: Just like the crystalware that Swarovski is known for, the EL 8.5x42 binoculars are bright and crisp. The optics are seriously beautiful, and the binoculars themselves are nice to look at too — if a little heavier than their competitors. ★★★★½
All binoculars in the Swarovski EL series offer an open-bridge design, superior handling, comfort and premium glass, and of course, this EL 8.5x42 variation is no different. These premium binoculars are seriously high quality, made with magnesium housing that feels like it offers serious durability without adding too much excessive weight.
We think these binoculars are very stylish looking, too, thanks to their natural green coloring (great for staying camouflaged) and the Swarovski Optik hallmark emblazoned above one eye cup. It's a nice little touch without being too over-the-top and flashy.
The Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars deliver exceptional clarity thanks to their fluoride-containing HD lenses that minimize color fringing. As you’d expect from a manufacturer with a long history of exemplary glass cutting, there’s also a huge level of brightness and crispness that’s hard to match elsewhere. There’s excellent close focusing up to 1.5 m, too, along with edge-to-edge sharpness that makes looking through these binoculars a delight.
With 8.5x magnification, the Swarovski EL 8.5x42s possess a fair bit of power in terms of magnification for distance viewing, which may set them apart from other binoculars in the same price bracket — it's a nice compromise without needing to go up to 10x magnification. But ultimately, it’s in the brightness and clarity of the image that these binoculars really begin to show a marked difference from the competition.
If you have big bucks to spend, it's also worth checking out the Zeiss Victory SF 8x42.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Magnesium housing, eye-catching green color |
Performance | Flouride-containing HD lenses deliver exceptional quality |
Functionality | High magnification power |
Best budget
✅ You’re starting out: If you're new to birding, we think these are one of the best options available to you on a budget.
✅ You want a pair of versatile binoculars: These are compact and comfortable to use and can be put to good use in several environments.
❌ Astronomy is your main reason for buying: You'll likely want something with around 15 to 20x magnification
❌ You want sharpness across the whole lens: For that, we'd recommend choosing the Celestron Regal ED
🔎 Celestron Nature DX ED 10x42: We think this is the best choice as your first time binocular purchase if you're an aspiring birder or wildlife spotter. They perform just as well as more expensive models ★★★★
The Celestron Nature DX ED 10x42 strikes an appealing balance between optical quality and everyday usability, and all at a great price point. We'd particularly recommend them for nature lovers and prospective or beginner birders.
Design-wise, the unit feels solid and comfortable in hand, with a rubber-armoured polycarbonate body that offers a secure grip in the field. At about 705 g, they are on the heavier side for a 10x42 pair, but in our hands-on Celestron Nature DX ED 10x42 review, we still found them comfortable, even for extended use. Thoughtful touches like tethered eyecup caps and attached objective covers means you are less likely to lose them.
We found the inclusion of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass significantly reduced chromatic aberration when compared with other models without ED glass. Images are sharp and clear with good colour accuracy. While edge softness at full magnification is noticeable, as to be expected at this price point, the overall viewing experience is great. They perform well in low light, too, should you want to use them for the odd bit of stargazing.
The Nature DX ED are waterproof and fogproof, with nitrogen purging that keeps images clear even when moving between warm and chilly environments.
It's only had a couple of niggles, the focus wheel is fairly firm, though this might loosen over time, and the eye relief is fairly short for glasses wearers.
Overall, these binoculars offer a well-rounded package, delivering high-quality optics and reliable performance for a broad range of outdoor observing tasks, all without breaking the bank.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Good build, solid in the hand, on the slightly heavy side |
Performance | Great views with next to no noticeable chromatic aberration and good color accuracy. |
Functionality | The magnification level is suitable for handheld viewing. Waterproof and nitrogen purged. |
Best for low-light viewing
✅ You want some of the best binoculars on the market: These have a premium price tag, but they're a seriously premium product.
✅ You want great low-light vision: Their 50mm objectives and the glass used are specifically designed to maximize light transmission.
❌ You're on a budget: These come with a very big price tag, so if you're on a budget, try the Celestron Nature DX 12x56.
❌ You want compact binos: They're big and heavy, so opt for another pair if size is a concern.
🔎 Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8x50: Seriously expensive but seriously good quality, the larger 50mm objective lenses are excellent for viewing wildlife at twilight or in shaded woodlands. ★★★★½
The Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8x50 binoculars are eye-wateringly expensive, but with a premium price tag comes a seriously premium product. You know you're getting something good with a Leica product, and the Ultravid HD-Plus 8x50 binoculars didn't disappoint us in our full Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8x50 review. If you can afford them, they're among the best binoculars for bird-watching you can buy.
Their sleek and simple design makes them inconspicuous out in the field, with a matte black rubber armor that sits over a magnesium housing. We had no issues holding them, but as the rubber is quite smooth, they could become slippery in wet weather, as there's no texture for added grip. They're not the smallest or lightest binoculars to carry around, at 2.2 lbs, but we still found them comfortable to hold.
Thanks to their 50mm objective lenses, we were able to stay out later after dark than we could with a pair of similar spec 42mm or 32mm binoculars. Plus, the integrated SCHOTT HT (High Transmission) glass is specifically designed for high transmission to maximize light throughput. Not only does this make them good for use at dawn or dusk, but they'll excel for birdspotting in shaded woodland or forest areas.
We did notice some vignetting, which was eliminated when we moved the binoculars down the nose a little — a bit frustrating, but it could have just been down to our face shape. Still, they're insanely sharp and we saw no signs of chromatic aberration — aside from the vignetting issue, they're practically flawless.
Still, they are incredibly expensive. If you want to observe wildlife and birds in low light, there are plenty of budget options available on the market — just make sure you get a pair with large objective lenses.
- Read our full Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8x50 review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Superior build quality, glass specifically designed to maximize light transmission |
Performance | Great low-light performance, excellent sharpness |
Functionality | No sign of chromatic aberration |
Best value for money
✅ You don't want to break the bank: Despite excellent performance and build quality, these binoculars aren't going to cost you the earth.
✅ You wear glasses: With a huge 20.2 mm eye relief, these are a great option for anyone who wears glasses.
❌ You're not an avid bird-watcher: If you want something for more all-round use or for stargazing, the Celestron Nature DX 12x56 are more affordable.
❌ You like resistance when focusing: The focus wheel of the Celestron Regal ED 10x42 felt a little loose, so focusing requires careful precision.
🔎 Celestron Regal ED 10x42: Without breaking the bank, the Celestron Regal ED 10x42 binoculars offer fantastic performance. They look great, their optics are excellent, and it's hard to pick fault with them. ★★★★★
In our full Celestron Regal ED 10x42 review, we poured a lot of praise onto the optics. A whole host of optical technologies, including BaK-4 glass and field-flattening tech, ensure that these binoculars consistently offer some of the best views around. You'll get a seriously impressive field of view with no distortion, and the image is sharp from edge to edge thanks to flat-field technology. And even when looking at high-contrast images — like dark tree branches against a bright sky — we saw minimal chromatic aberration.
A tiny nitpick is the fact that the focus wheel felt a little loose. We found it easy to knock accidentally, which means needing to find your focus point again. It's a minor issue, and could be something specific to our review unit, but it's worth bearing in mind.
A neck strap obviously isn't the be-all and end-all of a good pair of binoculars, but the strap supplied with the Celestron Regal ED 10x42 binoculars is one of the most comfortable we've ever used. That sort of extra touch is what makes the Celestron Regal ED range feel like a premium product, even though the price tag of these binoculars puts them well under most of their competition.
Still, given the price point of these binoculars, it's hard to mind too much. You'll only get better optics and performance if you pay four figures or more: At this price point, you'll struggle to find anything more impressive. While we reviewed the 10x42 variant, the 8x42 model is just as good, and many birders prefer an 8x magnification.
- Read our full Celestron Regal ED 10x42 review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Textured rubber body for comfortable holding |
Performance | Flat field technology ensures sharp views from edge to edge |
Functionality | Focus wheel a little loose, very comfortable neck strap |
Best for long-range
✅ You want good magnification: With 12x magnification, these Celestron Nature binos are great for viewing birds and animals further away.
✅ You're just getting started in bird-watching: These binoculars are inexpensive, so they're a great pair to start out with.
❌ You want something lightweight: They can become heavy after long periods of handheld use. Take a look at the Nikon Monarch HG 8x42s instead.
❌ You want the sharpest views possible: They're fine for the price, but you'll need to spend more if you want pin-sharp views. We recommend the Leica Noctivid 10x42.
🔎 Celestron Nature DX 12x56: The high magnification makes these a great pair of bird-watching binoculars, and their budget price is appealing. They're not pin-sharp, but for the money, they're great value. ★★★★½
The Celestron Nature DX 12x56 binoculars aren't the smallest or lightest on this list, but given their high magnification, that's to be expected. That 12x magnification is great, and makes bird-watching a pleasure, especially for newcomers. Their largest objective lenses — 56mm — make them ideal for use in low light, too, so if you want to spot nocturnal birds after twilight, these are a great choice.
Despite being bulky, we like the design of the Celestron Nature DX 12x56 binoculars. Their natural green tone helps you blend into your surroundings, and the rubber grip means they always feel secure in your hand. They can get heavy after long periods of use, so tripod-mounting them is an option if you need to give your arms a rest — although you will need to purchase an adapter to be able to do so.
As we discussed in our Celestron Nature DX 12x56 review, you'll get clear and detailed images through these binoculars thanks to their BaK-4 glass. While the binoculars aren't quite as sharp as we'd have liked, images are bright and full.
We did, however, notice a bit of chromatic aberration in high-contrast images, but given the price point of the binoculars, this is somewhat expected. If you can afford to stretch your budget, a pair of binoculars with ED glass will eliminate harsh color fringing.
The Celestron Nature DX 12x56 binoculars are also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about getting caught out in a bit of rain.
- Read our full Celestron Nature DX 12x56 review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Attractive green finish with comfortable grips |
Performance | Powerful magnification, great in low light |
Functionality | Heavy, but can be tripod-mounted |
Best image-stabilized
✅ You have shaky hands: Image stabilization can make a huge amount of difference when bird-watching.
✅ You want waterproof binoculars: They are Canon's first, and currently only, fully waterproof pair of image-stabilized binoculars (others are only water resistant).
❌ You want higher magnification: The 15x50 or 18x50 IS All Weather binoculars from Canon will suit you nicely.
❌ You're on a budget: As great as these binos are, they come at a price. If you don't want to spend as much, consider the Nikon Stabilized 10x25 binoculars.
🔎 Canon 10x42L IS WP: These binoculars are expensive, but image stabilization is a game-changer for bird-watching, and the optics here are fantastic. ★★★★
It's hard to put into words how great using a pair of image-stabilized binoculars is until you've actually tried it. For bird-watching, it can be game-changing, allowing you to get closer to your subjects than ever, with a beautifully crisp, clear and, most importantly, stable image.
These binoculars shine when it comes to image quality, as we mentioned in our Canon 10x42L IS WP review, and they are among the best binoculars we've ever used. They feature glass from the 'L' series of camera lenses, with 2 Ultra-low Dispersion elements on each side, and flat-field technology to ensure sharp views from edge to edge. We saw barely any chromatic aberration on birds in flight or when looking at a bright, full moon, and we were able to follow a flighty kingfisher effortlessly.
They're also Canon's first, and currently only, pair of fully waterproof binoculars with image stabilization. The All-Weather models are great, but they're only water-resistant. Plus, the 10x42L IS WP are also fogproof. The image stabilization is activated by clicking a single button on the top side of the body, with a small light indicator to show whether it's on or off, and it has an auto shut-off to preserve the battery.
- Read our full Canon 10x42L IS WP review
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Bulbous design, but comfortable to hold |
Performance | Image stabilization is fantastic |
Functionality | Waterproof and fogproof |
Best for details
✅ You want image stabilization: IS can make a huge amount of difference when bird-watching.
✅ You're a beginner birder with a big budget: While their price isn't the most beginner-friendly, they're fantastic for seeing the finer details to better identify birds.
❌ You're on a budget: Image stabilization doesn't come cheap — the most affordable pair is around $500.
❌ You want something compact: They are big and heavy — try the Nikon 12x25 stabilized binoculars instead (if you're happy with a lower magnification).
🔎 Canon 18x50 All Weather IS: A fantastic pair of binoculars for identifying birds and observing their finer details up close. The image quality isn't as good in the distance, but they're excellent for viewing subjects close by. ★★★★
When it comes to birdwatching as a beginner, using an 8x or 10x pair can be affordable and lightweight to carry, but it can make identifying unknown birds challenging if they're not particularly close. We tested the Canon 18x50 All Weather IS binoculars for three weeks and thought they were fantastic for observing the finer details of birds and small mammals.
While they are big and heavy, we didn't find them uncomfortable to hold, and although they aren't fully waterproof like the Canon 10x42L IS WP, they are water-resistant (but not fogproof). The image stabilization clicks into gear with a single button and instantly steadies the shaky 10x magnification. Thanks to these binoculars, we were able to accurately identify a number of small birds that were much harder to make out with another pair with 10x magnification. The bright yellow wings of goldfinches, blue heads of blue tits and yellow bellies of grey wagtails were a beautiful sight to see.
When looking further afield, we did notice a loss of clarity, saturation and overall sharpness, so their strengths definitely lie in close-up subjects as opposed to wildlife in the distance.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Big and heavy, but simple to use |
Performance | Better performance when viewing subjects close to you as opposed to in the distance |
Functionality | Image stabilization at 18x is perfect for bird identification |
Best smart binoculars
✅ You have a big budget: The exceptionally high price will be out of reach for many users.
✅ You want to take photos and videos of what you can see: It has stills and video capabilities.
❌ You want a compact binocular: They're on the heavier side.
❌ You're more interested in stargazing: As they only identify wildlife, they're an unnecessary spend for astronomy.
🔎 Swarovski Optik AX Visio 10x32: An eye-wateringly expensive pair of binoculars that provide AI-enhancements for bird and mammal identifiation, plus image and video sharing. ★★★★
If you'll allow us to venture into 'silly-money' territory for a moment, the Swarovski Optik AX Visio 10x32 are very cool. While you can use them as a standard pair of binoculars, their real talent is the AI-enhancement to identify up to 9,000 birds and other animals, and you can also connect them to the Merlin app.
Not only that, but there's a mode dial in between the eyecups, like what you'd find on a camera. There are eight modes to choose from — Merlin Bird ID, Mammal ID, Camera (Photo/Video), Share Discoveries, Compass, Favorite 1+2 and Open API. Not only can you take 13MP photos and HD videos of your discoveries, you can then manage and share your files with the Swarovski Optik Outdoor app.
We saw minimal optical flaws in our full Swarovski Optik AX Visio 10x32 review, and described looking through them as like a trip to the optician. As impressive as they are, they are undoubtedly incredibly expensive, but you'd never need to buy another pair of binoculars for birdwatching again as long as you lived.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | A heavy binocular with the inclusion of a mode dial |
Performance | Exceptional optics |
Functionality | AI Bird and Mammal identification |
Comparison
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Magnification | Objective lens diameter | Field of view: | Minimum focusing distance: | Eye relief | Weight |
Leica Noctivid 10x42 | 10x | 42 mm | 443 ft / 135 m | 6.2 ft / 1.9 m | 19 mm | 1.88 lbs (853 g) |
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 | 10x | 42 mm | 394 ft / 120.2 m | 6.6 ft / 2 m | 17mm | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
Olympus 8x42 Pro | 8x | 42 mm | 43 ft / 13.1 m | 4.9 ft / 1.5 m | 16 mm | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
Swarovski EL 8.5x42 | 8.5x | 42 mm | 436 ft / 133 m | 16 ft / 4.9 m | 20 mm | 1.84 lbs (835 g) |
Celestron Nature DX ED 10x42 | 10x | 42 mm | 309 ft/ 103 m | 6.5 ft / 2 m | 14.3 mm | 1.55 lbs (705 g) |
Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8x50 | 8x | 50 mm | 352 ft / 107.3m | 11.5 ft (3.5 m) | 17 mm | 2.2 lbs (1,010 g) |
Celestron Regal ED 10x42 | 10x | 42 mm | 370 ft / 113 m | 4.9 ft / 1.5 m | 20.2 mm | 1.69 lbs (768 g) |
Celestron Nature DX 12x56 | 12x | 56 mm | 315 ft / 96 m | 9.84 ft / 3 m | 16 mm | 2.26 lbs (1.03 kg) |
Canon 10x342L IS WP | 10x | 42 mm | 341 ft / 104 m | 8.2 ft./ 2.5m | 16 mm | 2.2lbs (1.1kg) |
Canon 18x50 All Weather IS | 18x | 50 mm | 194.3 ft / 59.1 m | 19.7 ft / 6 m | 15 mm | 41.6 oz (1,179 g) |
Swarovski Optik AX Visio 10x32 | 10x | 32 mm | 367 ft / 111.9 m | 9.8 ft / 3m | 17.8 mm | 38.4 oz (1,090 g) (without battery) |
Contributing experts & product testers
Chad Witko is a Specialist in Avian Biology for the National Audubon Society's Migratory Bird Initiative. He is a nationally recognized ornithologist and birder with expertise in bird ecology, species distributions, migration, and vagrancy. He currently lives in southeastern Vermont with his partner and daughter.
Chad has contributed to our FAQs.
Jase Parnell-Brookes is the Managing Editor for e-commerce for Live Science and Space. Previously the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching at Space, Jase has been an editor and contributing expert across a wide range of publications since 2010. Based in the UK, they are also an award-winning photographer and educator, winning the Gold Prize award in the Nikon Photo Contest 2018/19 and named Digital Photographer of the Year in 2014. After completing their Master's degree in 2011 and qualifying as a teacher in 2012, Jase has spent the last two decades studying and working in photography and publishing in multiple areas, and specializes in low light optics and camera systems.
Jase has reviewed the Leica Noctivid 10x42, Nikon Monarch HG 10x42, Celestron Nature DX 12x56, Celestron Regal ED 10x42 and the Canon 10x32 IS in this guide.
Gavin has over 30 year experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography.
He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters, cameras straps and more.
Gavin has reviewed the Olympus 8x42 Pro in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What strength of binoculars is best for bird-watching?
This will be a personal preference, but most bird-watchers will prefer a magnification between 8x and 10x. Lower magnification binoculars tend to be smaller, and so will be easier to carry and transport around, while high magnification binoculars will be bulky and harder to stabilize (unless they have IS built-in).
A higher magnification will allow you to get closer to the action, which some birders may prefer — we've recommended the Celestron Nature 12x56 binos in our guide for that reason, with their powerful 12x magnification. For most bird-watchers, though, 8x magnification is plenty strong enough.
Are 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars better for bird-watching?
Both are good choices, and it depends on personal preferences. 8x42 binoculars have a magnification of 8x, while 10x42 have a magnification of 10x. Typically speaking, the 8x42 binoculars will be smaller, and it'll be easier to get a steadier image with them. But 10x42 binoculars will allow you to see objects further away, which some birders may prefer.
What do binoculars numbers mean?
Next to most binoculars' names, you'll see two numbers, like 8x32 or 10x42. The first number relates to the magnification strength of the binoculars, and the second number is the objective lens diameter. So a 8x32 set of binoculars has a magnification of 8x and a lens diameter of 32mm. The higher the magnification, the further you'll be able to see, and the higher the lens diameter, typically speaking the more light the lenses will let in.
What are some of the most common birds to spot in your backyard?
We asked Avian Biologist Chad Witko, who told Live Science, "Birds can be found in every neighborhood, and the birds you’re likely to see around your home depend mainly on the regional variation, surrounding habitat, and type of green space. Providing feeders, water, and native plants will help attract birds to your outdoor space — the species most people encounter are drawn to these features and tend to tolerate human presence and altered landscapes. Familiar visitors include doves, woodpeckers, crows and jays, chickadees and titmice, sparrows, blackbirds, finches and hummingbirds. You might also see species like House Sparrows, European Starlings and Rock Pigeons in urban areas."
Do you need image stabilization for bird-watching?
Image stabilization isn't a must, and in fact most of our suggestions for the best bird-watching binoculars don't include it. It's a very nice feature to have, though, particularly on higher-powered binoculars, and once you've tried it, you might find it hard to be without it.
Avian Biologist Chad Witko told Live Science, "Some binoculars on the market come with image stabilization, which can be a game-changer for individuals with physical disabilities. However, the technology can add significant cost and weight. Consider opting for binoculars with 8x or 10x magnification — anything higher can be difficult to hold steady. Learning proper technique, or adapting what works best for your body, is just as important as the gear. Hold the barrels with both hands using a relaxed but steady grip, plant your feet, or find a stable seated position, and keep your elbows close to your body to reduce shake. Some birders find it easier to rest binoculars on a monopod, lap, or wheelchair armrest for added support. A binocular harness is often more comfortable than a neck strap, distributing weight evenly and keeping binoculars accessible without strain. Good technique and thoughtful adaptations can make a big difference."
What are the best techniques for quickly locating and focusing on a bird through binoculars?
We asked Aviation Biologist Chat Witke, who told us, "The simplest and most effective way to locate a bird with binoculars is to spot it with your naked eye first. Once you’ve locked onto it, slowly and steadily raise your binoculars to your eyes, without looking away. In most cases, the bird will appear near the center of your view. Pay attention to the surrounding visual cues, such as branches, patches of sky, or distinct vegetation patterns. These reference points can help you reorient quickly if the bird isn’t immediately in the frame."
Are thermal/night vision binoculars good for bird-watching?
If you like the idea of watching nocturnal birds after dark, thermal/night vision binoculars can be a valid option, as they allow you to see better than the human eye can without much light. These tend to be very expensive, however, and the image quality through them will be much less than a standard pair of binoculars.
What should beginners look for in bird-watching binoculars?
When buying your first pair of bird-watching binoculars, you first need to consider budget. Deciding how much you can afford will help you narrow down your options — you don't want to spend too much if you're unsure it's a hobby you're going to continue with. You should look for a well-made pair of binoculars, ideally with a rubberized coating to protect them. Checking for lens coatings is also a good idea, too: Fully multi-coated lenses will offer much better image clarity than those without.
You should also consider how and where you're going to use them. If you plan on traveling with them, a compact pair will be more beneficial: Look for binoculars with 8x magnification or less, as these tend to be smaller. But if you're mostly wanting to bird-watch from your own yard, a larger pair — which are often cheaper — would be an option. Larger binoculars also allow you to mount them on a tripod, which will give you much steadier views with more powerful binoculars.
Do I need waterproof binoculars for bird-watching?
You don't need waterproof binoculars for bird-watching, but it's a nice extra to have. It's easy to get caught in a rainstorm, and having the peace of mind that your equipment is safe from inclement weather is a big bonus. But unless you plan to bird-watch near lakes and other bodies of water, full submersion waterproofing isn't necessary.
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing binoculars for birdwatching?
Chat Witko, National Audubon Society, told us "Key factors include magnification and objective lens size (8x42 is the standard all-purpose recommendation), field of view (wider is better for finding birds), close focus distance (how near you can focus—important for observing nearby birds or butterflies, with anything under 10 feet being reasonable), eye relief (especially for eyeglass wearers), weight and ergonomics, waterproofing, and optical quality. Optical quality refers to the clarity, brightness, and color accuracy of the image you see — better glass and coatings reduce distortion and provide more accurate colors, especially in challenging light. While premium optics offer superior clarity and low-light performance, there are excellent mid-range options that balance quality and affordability for most birders."
Latest updates
November 14, 2025: Changed Celestron Regal ED 10x42 to 'best budget', changed Celestron Nature DX 12x56 to 'best for long range', changed OM System 8x42 Pro to 'best mid-range', changed 'best image-stabilized' to Canon 10x42L IS WP, added Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8x50 as 'best in low light', added Canon 18x50 All Weather IS and added Swarovski Optik AX Visio 10x32 as 'best smart binoculars'.
How we tested the best binoculars for bird-watching
Our binoculars are reviewed either by in-house experts or by freelance writers with extensive experience in using and reviewing binoculars. Our reviewers will have used and reviewed dozens, if not hundreds, of sets of binoculars, giving them a very strong view on features that do and don't make for a good pair of binoculars.
We thoroughly test each pair of binoculars we review, assessing numerous factors including their build quality, optics, features and price. We'll spend several weeks with a pair of binoculars before we write up our review, using them in real-world situations. For binoculars intended for bird-watching, that's the primary activity we will use them for in a range of different locations — whether that's songbirds, birds of prey, birds in safari parks, small birds perched in a backyard, high up in forests and more. For more generalist binoculars, we may use them in other situations, too, such as general nature watching, stargazing or even events-watching.
During the review process, we will use binoculars as if we were using them naturally in our day-to-day work and lives, testing how well they function in normal use. We'll carefully check for things like chromatic aberration and other image defects, and see how well they can handle bright and high-contrast situations. If binoculars are waterproof or water-resistant, we'll also test them within their given limits.
Ultimately, we'll consider the price of a pair of binoculars and assess whether it's justified, and who the intended user might be. The price may not affect our final verdict, but like all factors of an item, it's something we will take into consideration.
