These Black Friday binoculars deals are a fantastic way to observe nature up close without disturbing the peace. With these amazing binoculars deals, you can get the right pair of binoculars for much less, whether you're looking for birds, whales, planets, or stars.
At a casual glance, binoculars look all the same and in essence do the same thing. But every pair is unique, with particular features that suit them to one type of sightseeing.
Some models, such as Nikon's 10x42 ProStaff 3S or ACULON A211 8x42, have wide fields of view, making them ideal for sightseeing trips in nature. Bushnell's Powerview 20x50 model has larger lenses that can achieve much higher magnifications; this makes them perfect for astronomy. Sometimes you might want less magnification too, such as those on the Celestron 8x42 Outland X, which are perfect for viewing wildlife from afar or on bumpy boat rides.
Even the best of us can feel a little confused with all of the technical details involved in describing binocular lenses. To help you find the ideal pair at the best price, Live Science has compiled the top binoculars bargains.
If you want to nature-watch with your kids, then check out our list of the best binoculars for kids as well. Or, you can alternatively keep them entertained with these deals on educational science kits for kids.
- Check out binoculars deals at Best Buy
- Browse Amazon's deals on binoculars
- See the savings on binoculars at Walmart
- Take a look at the binoculars deals available at B&H
- Target has a selection of binoculars available
Best binoculars deals
How to choose your binoculars
Haven’t decided which pair of binoculars is right for you? Here are some things to consider: How do you plan to use the binoculars: bird and nature watching, or skywatching? Some binoculars are made for being out in nature when the sun is bright, for instance, or perhaps a rugged, shock-resistant coating is in order for a heavy-duty adventure. After you have that figured out, as well as your budget, here’s what to look for when scanning the stores for the best binoculars deals:
Magnification and lens size: The two numbers that describe binoculars refer to the magnification (first number) and lens diameter. For instance, a set of 10 x 52 binoculars are equipped with 10x magnification and 52 millimeter lenses. Both 8x and 10x magnification are considered optimal to prevent shaking and show a stable image nearby and far away. Lens size determines the amount of light let in. In low-light settings, you might want binoculars with lenses that are larger than 42 mm.
Field of view: The FOV indicates how wide an image can be seen through a binoculars' lenses. The wider the FOV, the easier it will be to find what you’re looking for. However, there are trade-offs. The higher the magnification, the lower the FOV. According to Bushnell, companies measure FOV in feet at 1,000 yards, or the field of view you’d have if you were to measure it from 1,000 yards away.
Size/shape: Depending on where you plan to lug your binoculars, the physical size and weight can matter. Big and bulky might be fine for one adventurer, while another is interested in pocket-friendly binoculars that still feature powerful optics.
If you're ready for an outdoor adventure, keep checking back for more deals on binoculars for 2021.
