If you’ve been browsing the world wide web looking for your sign to purchase a pair of quality binoculars within a reasonable price range, coming across this article might be it.
If you’re new to the ‘nocs scene, you’re probably thinking a good starting point is a pair of affordable binoculars that’ll show you what you’ve been missing.
First things first though. I’m going to be honest with you.
Coming up with a list of the best binoculars under $100 was not easy. Why? Because binoculars are expensive, y’all!!!
And I didn’t want to just list a bunch of cheap binoculars that you’ll regret buying the moment you test them out.
We are not about to tell anyone how to spend their hard-earned cash. But, there are benefits to opting for the features and quality available in most binoculars that are at least mid-range in price point.
That said, we feel totally confident that one of the lower-priced options on this list can provide what you’re after at a mere fraction of the cost!
So, through a feat of sheer determination, I’ve found some legit budget binoculars for under $100 (FINE. A few are right at $100) that I feel confident recommending.
Binocular price factors
You’re probably wondering why some binoculars cost as much as a weekend getaway while others are priced like, well, something a lot less extravagant. Well, binoculars are essentially a pair of telescopes fastened together and that sort of magnification just isn’t cheap.
Here’s the full scoop though:
Lenses
Behind the stellar optical performance of the bright, crystal-clear views you get with pricier binoculars lies in the lenses and the coatings applied to them.
Higher-quality glass is precision-engineered to reduce distortion and minimize the amount of light that gets scattered as it passes through.
Quality binoculars have lenses with multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings to reduce light reflections and increase light transmission. The highest level of lens coatings are fully coated with multiple layers and described as “fully multi-coated”.
While this may sound a bit tricky, neither “fully coated” or “multi-coated” are synonymous with “fully multi-coated”.
Crafting these lenses and applying the coatings with accuracy requires sophisticated equipment and skilled craftsmanship. That’s where the cost starts to climb.
And, it would follow that with larger lenses – particularly a larger objective lens size – the price will increase. Bigger lenses mean more light gathering, and more light means bright images. But those larger lenses? They’re not cheap.
Speaking of lenses, binoculars should also work whether you’re wearing glasses or you’re not! If you wear glasses, purchase a pair with long eye relief to help account for the extra distance between the ocular lenses and your eyes.
Prisms
Binoculars come with two types of prisms—roof or Porro.
The slick, streamlined ones have a roof prism and the more bulky a Porro prism.
Porro prism binoculars are generally more budget-friendly than roof prism binoculars primarily because they’re more straightforward in their design and, thus, more affordable to manufacture.
Like lenses, the glass quality of prisms matters and they also have coatings to increase light transmittance. As you might have guessed, better glass and coatings increase the price.
For prism glass, BAK4 is the best of the best. BK7 is the most commonly used and though it’s not considered as good as BAK4, it’s still very good at transmitting light. Less common is SK15, which falls between the other two in quality.
Materials and other components
Like in any product manufacturing, the type of materials and components used and how (and where) they’re manufactured make a big difference in price. The same is true for binoculars.
For example, chassis materials ranging from polycarbonate plastic to lightweight aluminum to magnesium alloy all have different price points.
As expected, the higher quality and more durable the material, the higher the cost. Plastic tends to be cheaper (and less sturdy) while metal alloys are pricier but offer better durability.
Other components like focus wheels, diopter adjustments, and eyecups can also affect the overall cost of binoculars.
More advanced features such as rubber armor coating for better grip, waterproofing, and fog proofing also contribute to the final price tag and as well as including lens covers, neck straps, or carrying cases, or providing a lifetime or even a limited lifetime warranty.
Our Top Binoculars Picks at a Glance
Best value for the quality: Celestron Outland X 8×42
Best broad view in a budget binocular: Vortex Optics Raptor 8.5×32
Best budget binoculars to take on the water: Bushnell H20 8×42
Best budget Nikon option: Nikon Aculon A211 10×42
Best super affordable option: Binoteck 10×42
Athlon Optics Neos G2 HD 8×42
- Field of view: 367'
- Close focus: 13.1'
- Eye relief: 17 mm
- Coatings: Fully multi-coated
- Fog and waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
These are undoubtedly one of the best budget binoculars available (though because they’re so impressive, we feel a little weird calling them “budget binoculars”).
Their solid build and fully waterproof and fog-proof design make them perfect for outdoor trekking in whatever weather conditions, while their stellar optics make everything from bird watching to scopin’ the stars that much more satisfying.
We give them two enthusiastic thumbs up for their high density BAK-4 prisms and fully multi coated optics that help deliver bright, clear, and color-true views.
They’re a bit on the hefty side, but hey, that just means they’re well made, right? And, sure, they might not outshine that pair of Swarovski’s I’ve been ogling that cost more than not only my first car, but also my second and my third, but they’re an absolute steal for the quality and performance.
Celestron Outland X 8×42
- Field of view: 368'
- Close focus: 13'
- Eye relief: 17.8 mm
- Coatings: Fully multi-coated
- Fog and waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
If you’re in the market for a pair of binoculars that offer a stellar mix of quality, functionality, and value, give these binoculars a peek.
First off, the views through these are so crisp and clear and with the BaK-4 glass prisms, the colors pop like you wouldn’t believe. It’s like HD for your eyeballs, folks!
The fully multi-coated optics work wonders for clarity and contrast, making every peep through them a delight.
Plus, these rugged beauties can take a beating and keep on ticking. Covered in rubber for that non-slip grip, they scream, “Bring on the adventure!” Whether you’re kayaking or trekking through dew-laden forests at dawn, the waterproof and fog-proof design means you won’t have to baby them.
A bit heavier than some of the others on our list, but the included neoprene carrying case and neck strap makes lugging them around easy peasy.
Good value, great performance, and they even look fetching—what’s not to love?
Vortex Optics Raptor 8.5×32
- Field of view: 390'
- Close focus: 15'
- Eye relief: 14 mm
- Coatings: Fully multi-coated
- Fog and waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
One of the more compact models on our list and pushing the boundaries of our $100 limit, these guys come in at a cool $99.
And what made us creep so very close to our budget with this pair, you ask?
First of all, they’re stylin’ with their Porro prism-enhanced retro charm. And secondly, they promise bright, crisp images thanks to their quality craftsmanship and fully multi-coated lenses.
A nitrogen gas purge means they won’t fog up during those steamy morning stakeouts, and the rubber armor not only offers a non-slip grip but ensures these Raptors can take a beating and keep on peeping.
Plus, at barely over a pound in weight, they’re light enough not to give you a workout but substantial enough to remind you they’re there.
We’re most impressed by their field of view, though. It can be tough to find budget binoculars with a broad enough view to take in everything you need, particularly when it comes to scanning the scene while bird watching. But, by golly, these guys did it!
So, if you’re looking for a pair that combines performance, style, and value—shining in clarity, lightness, and durability—all without needing to sell a kidney, then folks, these binoculars are it.
Bushnell H20 8×42
- Field of view: 360'
- Close focus: 15'
- Eye relief: 17 mm
- Coatings: Fully multi-coated
- Fog and waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
While many budget models are waterproof, these Bushnell H20 binoculars are made for the water. With their O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged build, these binoculars are like your down-for-whatever-outdoor-adventure pal.
Sure, they’ve got a bit of heft to ’em, but they’re durable and built to last. We’re talking a rugged, aluminum body with easy grip runners and texture on the bridge and the sides to help keep you from dropping them. It’s the sort of grip that says, “I’m not going anywhere”.
Not only are these rugged as heck, the views are fantastic, too! A fully multi-coated optical system combined with BAK-4 prisms results in bright images with high contrast and impressive color fidelity.
When it comes down to delivering bang-for-your-buck views that make every outdoor escapade more thrilling, these binoculars more than earn their stripes. Plus, with a lifetime warranty, you can adventure without worry.
Binoteck 10×42
- Field of view: 374'
- Close focus: 16.4'
- Eye relief: 10 mm
- Coatings: Fully multi-coated
- Fog and waterproof: Yes, but water-resistant - not waterproof
- Weight: 1.0 lbs
I’m going to be real honest – these binoculars aren’t my first choice. Why did I include them then? $40 is, like, so cheap for what you get. Fully multi-coated lenses and BAK-4 prisms bring through a bright, clear image, a shock- and slip-resistant rubber coating, and a pretty easy to use central focus wheel all in a seriously affordable pair of binoculars.
For the price, the optics are good, plus they’re lightweight yet sturdy enough to survive most adventures. I say most, because while they claim to be water-resistant, they’re definitely not waterproof.
If your wallet’s feeling light but your heart’s set on some solid binoculars, give these contenders a look.
Sure, they might not be the Hubble Telescope, but for their price and features, they’re a star in their own right.
The runner-up here are the Tasco Essentials 8×42. We opted for the Binotec’s though because for bird watching, the 185′ field of view just doesn’t quite cut it.
Nikon Aculon A211 10×42
- Field of view: 314'
- Close focus: 16.4'
- Eye relief: 11.6 mm
- Coatings: Multi-coated
- Fog and waterproof: No
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
These Nikon’s have got, well, not it all, but most of it! They provide a spectacular viewing experience even in low light conditions. We’re talking crisp, clear views made possible with multi-coated Nikon Eco-Glass (not fully multi-coated, though).
The eye relief here is a bit low, but we do appreciate the easy positioning that comes with the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups.
The durable rubber-armored coating is built to withstand rugged treks (or even being carelessly knocked down onto the kitchen floor…), plus it makes gripping so much more secure. And, while we wish they were water- and fog proof, they’re still a brilliant blend of quality, comfort, and reliability for folks looking to stay in the Nikon family.
