Whales are stunning and magnificent sea mammals. While they are the largest sea creatures on the planet, they are very difficult to see. They hardly get close to humans, so you will have to watch them from a distance. If you like to watch whales whether, on a boat or the seashore, a quality pair of the best budget binoculars for whale watching is a handy item to have
A quality pair of binoculars for whale watching will bring the whales closer to your eyes so you can see every single detail of these wonderful sea creatures. This will help make your whale watching more fun. However, the are so many binoculars available on the market currently that finding the right pair becomes taxing.
To help, have made a list of some of the best budget binoculars for whale watching available on the market today. These binoculars are remarkably affordable, easy to use, and functional. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look.
Our Best Budget Binoculars for Whale Watching At A Glance
- Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars
- Nikon 7239 Action 7×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
- Athlon Optics Midas Binoculars for Adults and Kids
- Wingspan Optics FieldView 8X32 Compact Binoculars
- Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof Binoculars
- Nikon 8252 Aculon A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binocular
- Aurosports 10×25 Binoculars for Adults and Kids
Best Budget Binoculars for Whale Watching
1) Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars
The Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars are some of the best budget binoculars for whale watching out there. They boast a wide array of user-friendly and high-quality features at a remarkably affordable price.
For starters, these binoculars specifically designed for use in wet conditions. They are IPX7 waterproof which means that they stand being dropped in water. Additionally, they are nitrogen purged to prevent fog build up internally and externally that occurs when there is a sudden change in temperature and humidity.
Moreover, these binoculars provide a massive field of view of 305 feet at 1000 yards. This way, you will be able to scan the whales with ease and keep track of them as they move with ease. Additionally, they have a large focus knob for simple adjustments, a long eye relief for comfortable glassing and twist-up eye cups which facilitate fast viewing.
These top-performing binoculars also feature multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission for bright and clear image views. They also boast premium BaK-4 prisms which provide high-quality sight pictures even in low light settings. In terms of construction, they are durability built to give you many years of field use and they also boast a non-slip rubber armor which cushions the optics from harsh impact, shock and weather elements.
Features
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Long eye relief
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Durable construction
- Rugged non-slip rubber armor with soft textured grip
- Premium BaK-4 prism
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Fog proof and shockproof
- Twist up eye cups
- Large center focus knob
2) Nikon 7239 Action 7×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
Nikon makes high-quality optics and the Action 7×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular is not an exception. This binocular has virtually every feature that you need for whale watching. Plus, it is very simple to use and ideal for all, beginners and professional alike.
Featuring a 7x magnification, this pair of binoculars provides a wide viewing angle to help you spot whales with ease. You will also be able to track the whales easily as they move away. Furthermore, the large 50mm objective lens paired with multi-coated optics provide bright, clear and sharp as razor images in any light settings. The binocular also boasts BaK-4 high index prisms that provide high-quality image views.
Like all Nikon All-Terrain Binoculars, the 7239 EX is built to offer reliable performance in any weather condition. It is nitrogen filled and sealed with strong O-rings to provide reliable waterproof and fog proof performance in any weather condition. In terms of construction, it features a durable yet lightweight metal chassis which stands rough outdoor handling, shock and impacts. It also has other noteworthy features such as a long eye relief, central focus wheel and turn-and-slide rubber eyecups for added convenience.
Features
- Wide field of view
- 7x magnification
- Quick central focusing
- Long eye relief
- Bright, multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof construction
- Rugged rubber armor
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- Neck strap and carrying case included
3) Athlon Optics Midas Binoculars for Adults and Kids
If you are looking for the best budget binoculars for whale watching for family use, look no further than the Athlon Optics Midas 8×42 Binoculars. These binoculars are light as feather, simple to use and ideal for both adults and kids.
Unmatched optical performance awaits you when you get these binoculars. They feature ED glass which reduces chromatic fringing to provide high resolution and color-rich image views. The lenses also feature multiple layers of advanced coatings for bright and clear image views. Not to mention the multi-layer prims coatings that maximize light transmission for bright image production.
Another strength about this pair of binoculars from Athlon is the durable housing. It has a metal chassis that tough as nail but very light. Moreover, it is argon purged to provide reliable waterproof and fog proof performance. To top it all, this binocular has a non-slip rubber armor and a long eye relief for comfortable glassing with and without glasses.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Premium ED glass
- Long eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable magnesium chassis
- Non-slip rubber armor
4) Wingspan Optics FieldView 8X32 Compact Binoculars
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the FieldView 8X32 Compact Binoculars from Wingspan Optics. These pocket-size binoculars are light as feather, portable and ideal for a wide range of outdoor applications among them whale watching.
They feature a crystal-clear focus which provides high-quality images that are rich in detail in any light settings. Furthermore, the 8x magnification brings distant targets eight times closer and with the wider field of view, you are guaranteed of effortless target spotting.
These binoculars are built ready for rugged outdoor use. They have a non-slip grip for secure and comfortable handling even in wet conditions. They are also made with high-quality materials for greater durability and come with a lifetime warranty so you are assured that you are getting a quality product.
Features
- Versatile 8x magnification
- Crystal clear focus
- Wide field of view
- Non-slip grip
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Compact design
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Tripod adaptable
5) Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof Binoculars
Another best budget binoculars for whale watching in our list is the Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof Binoculars. These binoculars are designed and made using the latest waterproof and fog proof technology. They are sealed with high-quality O-rings and nitrogen purged to provide a lifetime of reliable weatherproof performance.
Bushnell made these binoculars with comfort in mind. They are as light as feather for ease of use and convenient portability. They also feature high-quality BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transmission for bright and crisp clear sight pictures.
When it comes to construction, these binoculars are built with high-quality materials which make them virtually indestructible. The rugged rubber armor included cushions the optic from bumps, harsh impact and shock for long-lasting durability. Additionally, it provides a firm, non-slip grip in wet conditions and protects the binoculars from salt corrosion which is relatively high in oceans and seas.
Featuring
- Premium BaK-4 prisms
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Wide field of view
- Porro prism design
- Durable, non-slip rubber armor
- Durable construction
- Stunning HD clarity
- Sleek design
- 7x magnification
- Large 50mm objective lens
6) Nikon 8252 Aculon A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binocular
Next on our list is the Aculon A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binocular. Whether you are watching whales on a boat or on the shore, these binoculars will give you unprecedented performance that will make your whole expedition fun and memorable. They even have an adjustable zoom power that is ideal for watching whales at varying ranges.
What makes these binoculars stand out is the outstanding optical performance. They deliver high-quality image views in every magnification setting. They also perform pretty well in any lighting condition thanks to the multicoated eco-glass lenses which maximize light transmission.
Another good thing about the binoculars is the durable construction. They are toughly made to stand virtually any punishment you subject them to. To add on that, they have a durable rubber-armored coating which provides a sure, non-slip grip even when your hands are wet or sweaty. They are also fully waterproof and fog free for all-weather performance.
For added convenience, these binoculars have a lightweight, ergonomic design for ease of use. The rubber eyecups allow for snug viewing during extended periods and are adjustable to fit all users even those who wear eyeglasses/sunglasses. You can also mount them on a tripod for sung, hands-free glassing especially during lengthy whale watching sessions.
Features
- Easy-to-reach finger-adjustable zoom
- Durable construction
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Tripod mountable
- Adjustable 10-22x magnification
- Multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Durable rubber armored coating
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups
- Waterproof and fog resistant
7) Aurosports 10×25 Binoculars for Adults and Kids
If you are looking for a budget binocular that you can use to spot whales as you take a walk on the beach, this is it. This pocket-size binoculars from Aurosports are light as feather for easy portability and ease of use. They also fold into a compact size so you can carry them wherever you go.
You can use these binoculars during the day as well as in low light settings. With the 10x magnification, you can easily watch whales even at long distances. Moreover, they are designed to provide a wide field of view which helps you spot whales easily while you are on land. They also feature BaK4 prism HD vision and FMC lens coating which offers better light transmission for razor sharp optical clarity.
While these binoculars are compact in size, they are built to provide unbeatable durability. They are crafted from high-quality ABS plastic to stand rough handling. They also have a rugged rubber armor which provides shockproof performance as well as an anti-slip function even when your hands are wet. Above all, this set of binoculars is fully waterproof for use in both good and harsh weather conditions.
Features
- High-quality construction
- Rugged rubber armor
- Waterproof construction
- FMC lens coating
- Compact in size and lightweight
- Low light night vision
- 10x magnification
- Large field of view
- BaK4 prism
See Also
Best Budget Binoculars for Whale Watching Buying Guide
Choosing the best budget binoculars for whale watching isn’t something you should do on a whip. Here are some of the important things to consider that should help you find the best model possible.
Magnification
Magnification is the first thing you should consider. It tells you how close the whales will appear when you look through the binoculars. For whale watching both on land or on the boat or ship, it is best to get a model with between 7x and 10x magnification.
If you are on a boat or ship, a magnification of 7x or 8x will serve you right. You will be able to hold the binoculars steady even when the waves make the water vessel unstable. Additionally, these binoculars provide a wide field of view which helps you spot the whales with ease and keep track of them as they move.
Weather Resistance
Binoculars for whale watching worth buying must be fully waterproof and fog free for all-weather performance. They should be O-ring sealed to prevent water, dust and dirt from entering the optics. They should also be purged with argon or nitrogen gas to prevent buildup of fog both internally and externally which is occurs when there is a rapid change in temperature and humidity.
Objective Lens
The other thing to consider is the size of the objective lens. The larger the lens, the more light the binoculars collect. This results to bright and clear image production even in low light settings. However, the size of the objective lens affects the binoculars weight and size. Binoculars with extra-large objective lenses are heavy and cumbersome to hold and carry. A tip is to get binoculars with not more than 50mm objective lens to find the perfect balance between size and weight.
Weight
Whether you will be watching whales on the land or on the boat/ship, it is important that you get binoculars that are lightweight for easy portability. Lightweight binoculars are easier to hold and carry during lengthy glassing sessions. They are also easier to use. If the binoculars you are using are heavy, ensure that they are tripod adaptable so you can take the heavy weight off your hands.
Quality Optics
If you want to see every detail of these majestic sea mammals, go for binoculars that offer excellent image brightness and clarity. Binoculars with premium extra-low dispersion glass offer high resolution and great color fidelity. Also make sure that the binoculars optics are either fully multi-coated or fully-coated. This will guarantee maximum light transmission for bright and clear views.
Eye Relief
It is also important to check the eye relief that the binoculars have especially if you wear eyeglasses. Eye relief is the maximum distance between your eyes and the binoculars eyepiece. If the eye relief if long, you will get comfortable views with or without glasses. This aids in quick target identification and less eye strain during lengthy glassing sessions.
FAQs
- What is the best magnification for whale watching?
When it comes to watching whales either on a boat or on land, binoculars with between 7x and 10x magnification will do. This magnification is enough to bring distant whales closer. It also offers a wide field of view which makes it easy for you to locate and track moving whales with ease.
- What do numbers on binoculars mean?
The numbers found in binoculars represent the magnification power and the size of the objective lens. In a 7×50 binoculars for example, 7x is the magnification power while 50 is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters.
Final Thoughts
We do hope that the information in this review has give you some insights into the best budget binoculars for whale watching. As you have seen, you have a lot of model to choose from. All binoculars listed above are not just well built, but also functional and reliable. Give one of them a shot and use them to watch the beauty of these majestic sea creatures while on land or on the water.