Are you looking for the best budget hiking binoculars? In this post, we are going to take you through the best hiking binoculars available on the market today. These binoculars make the perfect companion during hiking. They are compact, durable, lightweight, and great for travel.
Given the wide range of binoculars available, finding the best model for hiking can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Not all binoculars are ideal for hunting. Whether you are buying your first hiking binoculars or looking for an upgrade, we have a list of the best budget hiking binoculars to help you choose right.
What Makes a Great Binocular for Hiking?
A great pair of binoculars for hiking is made of several attributes and the first one is lightweight construction. Hiking calls for a lightweight binocular that is convenient to use and easy to carry from one point to the other.
Furthermore, the binoculars should be well-built using hard-wearing materials. The chassis should be rubber-armored to provide a non-slip grip and extra protection from shock and impacts.
The other attributes that the best budget hiking binoculars should have include:
- Waterproof and fog-proof construction for unimpeded use in the hiking fields
- A smooth focus mechanism
- Comfortable and adjustable eyecups
- A generous eye relief of at least 15mm
- Multi-layer lens coatings that fight glare and maximize transmission of light in low light
7 Best Budget Hiking Binoculars
1) Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42
If you are an avid hiker, the Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8×42 binoculars are specially made for you. These binoculars are very compact and great for hiking and backpacking. Weighing less than a kilogram, the binoculars are incredibly light and easy to carry and hold on the hands
Featuring a 42mm objective lens, the binoculars collect optimum light needed for bright and vivid image views. The multicoated eco-glass lenses enhance light transmission for bright, sharp and color accurate images even in low light conditions.
The binoculars are built to last. They are built with high-quality materials to enhance durability and ensure many years of field use. Better yet, the whole unit is covered with a durable rubber armor coating which gives you an ultra-firm grip even in wet conditions or when your hands are sweaty.
With the long eye relief, this unit is eyeglass-friendly. It comes with turn-and-slide rubber eyecups to accommodate eyeglass wearers and ensure comfortable viewing during long hiking sessions. Overall, these are cheap yet quality hiking binoculars from one of the most reputable optic brands.
Features
- Smooth central focus knob
- Durable rubber armor coating
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- Aspherical multicoated eco-glass lenses
- Ergonomic non-slip grip
Pros
- Affordable
- Multipurpose functionality
- Lightweight body design
- User-friendly
Cons
- Some parts are made of plastic
2) Bushnell Powerview Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular 8×32
The Bushnell Powerview Compact Binoculars have everything you need to make your hiking excursion better and more fun. It’s decently affordable, durable and eye-catching as well.
The optical performance of these binoculars is commendable. They feature BK-7 high quality prism glass for optimum light transmission and fully coated optics for bright, clear and color accurate images. Thanks to the wide field of view, you get to easily identify fast-moving targets.
The binoculars are compact, light and convenient for hiking. They don’t add any unnecessary weight when you pack them with other hiking gear. Besides, the lightweight design makes them comfortable to hold and carry for long hours. They also come with a neck strap and carrying pouch for easy portability.
Another impressive feature about the unit is the rubber armor. It not only enhances the durability of the binoculars by absorbing shock, but also gives you a secure, non-slip grip in all weather conditions. They also have a diamond-cut texture on the sides for comfortable grasp.
Features
- Non-slip rubber armor
- Fully coated lenses
- BK-7 high quality prism glass
- Center focus system provides sharp image views
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
Pros
- Cheap
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Multiple accessories included
- Easy to use
Cons
- Made in China
3) Wingspan Optics EagleScout 10×42 Binoculars
The Wingspan Optics EagleScout 10×42 Binoculars is another top-notch pair of binoculars suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities. It has a powerful 10x magnification which provides the detail that you need when hiking, bird watching and camping among other outdoor activities.
The binoculars are very light, portable and easy to carry around. At only 5 Oz, you don’t have to worry about hand fatigue when carrying or holding them for long hours.
With fully multi-coated lenses, the binoculars provide bright and clear images even in low light conditions. The large 42mm objective lens collects optimum light for bright and color accurate images.
When it comes to construction, the binoculars offer unbeatable durability. They are made with high-quality materials to ensure many years of field use. Besides, they are fully waterproof and fog proof, so you can use them in rainy or humid environments.
Overall, these high-powered binoculars are perfect for new hikers and nature lovers looking for a quality yet less expensive pair of binoculars.
Features
- Unparalleled durability
- Weatherproof
- Fully multicoated lenses
- Sharp and crystal clear focus
- Powerful 10x magnification
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact, lightweight and great for hiking
- Anti-slip exterior grip
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- A few quality control problems
4) Celestron-Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
The Celestron-Nature DX 8×42 are mid-sized binoculars suitable for multiple outdoor activities. They strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. You can use them for bird watching, camping and hiking among other outdoor activities.
These binoculars are ideal for viewing long-distance targets. The 8x magnification brings distant targets closer, while the wide field of view gives you comfortable target views at any distance.
The binoculars provide great image details. The fully multi-coated lenses provide optimum light transmission for bright and sharper images. On top that, the phase-coated top-notch BaK-4 prisms reduce light reflection for better resolution and image contrast.
When it comes to construction, this model features a polycarbonate housing which is both durable and lightweight. The rubber armor enhances durability and provides a non-slip grip. For added reliability in different weather conditions, the binoculars are fully waterproof and nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging. You can use them in rainy and humid environments and they won’t get spoilt.
To top it all, the binoculars are suitable for eyeglass wearers. Thanks to the twist-up eyecups, you can easily customize the eye relief to the most comfortable viewing position even with your eyeglass on.
Features
- Fully multicoated lenses
- Durable and lightweight polycarbonate housing
- Rubber armored
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Twist-up eyecups
- Phase-coated high quality BaK-4 prisms
Pros
- Compact, light and easy to carry around
- Non-slip grip
- Multiple accessories included
- Easy to use
- Perfect for every adventure
Cons
- Blurry images at maximum magnification
5) Bushnell Falcon 10×50 Wide Angle Binoculars
The Bushnell Falcon 10×50 Wide Angle Binoculars is the go-to binoculars if you are looking for a multi-purpose pair of binoculars. These full-size binoculars are suitable for various outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting and bird watching among others.
They are well-made and easy to use. They provide a wide field of view with vivid images even at the highest magnification. This feature makes them ideal for viewing fast-moving targets.
Weighing about 27 ounces, this unit might not be the lightest on the list but it’s fairly light. It won’t weigh during your hiking trip.
In terms of durability, the binoculars boast a durable and sturdy design to ensure many years of field-use. Besides, it has a rubberized, abrasion-resistant finish which gives you a non-slip grip even when your hands are sweaty or when you are hiking in wet conditions.
To top it all, the large 50mm objective lens collects optimum light for bright image views. The lenses are also fully coated to enhance light transmission and reduce light reflection. The result is brilliant and vivid image views even in low light situations.
Features
- Fold down eyecups
- Rubberized, abrasion resistant finish
- Auto focusing Porro prism
- Sturdy and durable make
- Full lens coating
Pros
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Non-slip grip
- Easy to use
Cons
- Short eye relief
6) Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 10×42
The PROSTAFF 7S 10×42 are another quality hiking binoculars from the Nikon brand. The binoculars offers the best value for money. They are well-made, easy to use and suitable for all users, beginners and professionals.
Weighing about 1.42 pounds, these binoculars are lightweight, compact and great for hiking. You can hike with them for long hours and not get tired. The lightweight design also makes them comfortable to hold.
The 42mm objective lens paired with the versatile 10x magnification give you the best views whether you are hiking up the mountains or across the county. Furthermore, the lenses are fully multi-coated to ensure maximum light transmission needed to provide bright, clear and more natural views.
The binoculars are built to handle anything thrown at it. The robust housing ensures a lifetime of field use, while the shock -absorbing rubber coating gives you a secure non-slip grip, even in wet conditions. Besides, the unit is fully waterproof and fog proof, so you can use it in wet weather conditions. Overall, these multi-purpose binoculars are reliable and perfect for almost every outdoor activity.
Features
- Eyeglass-friendly
- Non-slip rubber armored coating
- Fully multilayer coated lenses
- Fully waterproof and fog free
- Robust and durable construction
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Compact, lightweight and portable
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Multipurpose application
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
7) Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars
Hiking gets better and more enjoyable with the Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars. This compact pair of binoculars offers the best true-to-life details so you can explore nature to the best. The 10x magnification gets you closer to nature. It also gives you a wide field of view which provides quality and comfortable target views.
When it comes to the optical performance, the binoculars feature superior optics which provide high resolution images with amazing color reproduction. The BAK4 prism and MultiGuard FMC coatings also makes the images brighter and clearer.
The binoculars are durably made to provide many years of field use. They also feature a shock-absorbing rubber armor which enhances durability and ensures an ultra-firm non-slip grip regardless of the weather conditions.
For all weather reliability, this unit is fully waterproof and fog free. It is O-ring sealed to lock out moisture, dust and debris. You don’t have to worry about it getting water damage when the rains catch up with you while still in the field.
Another unique and impressive feature about the binoculars is the smartphone connectivity which works with almost all smartphones. This connectivity allows you to take photos with your smartphone. You can later show them to your family and friends.
Features
- Robust solid construction
- Superior HD optical performance
- Modern, user-friendly design
- Compatible with almost all smartphone brands
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Twist-up eyecups
- Rainproof and fog proof body
Pros
- Multiple accessories included
- Lightweight and compact
- Generous eye relief
- Snug, non-slip grip
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
See Also
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Budget Hiking Binoculars
When looking for the best budget hiking binoculars, these are some of the important factors you should consider in order to make the correct buying decision.
Magnification
Magnification is one of the most important feature in binoculars. It indicates how much larger the targets will appear. Generally, binoculars with large magnification give clearer image details. But, the bigger the magnification, the smaller the field of view.
When it comes to hiking, medium-powered binoculars are the best. Binoculars with either 8x or 10x magnification are sufficient. 10x is excellent for long-distant targets, while 8x is suitable for up-close and moving targets
Image Brightness
The image brightness in any hiking binoculars depends on the size of the objective lens. The larger the lens the better, but the heavier the binoculars becomes. Hiking binoculars with large objective lenses of above 50mm provide bright and clear images regardless of the lighting conditions. On the down side, such models are heavy and expensive as well. To strike the perfect balance between performance, portability and budget, look for a binocular with an objective lens of not more than 42mm.
Weatherproof
Hiking is an outdoor activity that takes place season after season. To safeguard your binoculars against potential water damage and internal fogging, the body should be O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled respectively. Having these two properties ensures worry-free performance in any weather conditions.
Lens Coating
The quality of images that appear on the objective lens of the binoculars can either make or break your hiking trip. The more the lens coating, the better the optical performance especially under low light conditions. These coatings enhance light transmission which results to production of brilliant, clear and more natural images. Binoculars with fully multi-coated/fully-coated lenses are the best when it comes to hiking.
Field of View
Field of view indicates how much target area you’ll be able see clearly when you look through the eyepiece without moving the binoculars around. The larger the field of view the better. Binoculars with wide and clear field of view let you scan a wide area quickly and keep track of fast-moving targets easily.
Eye Relief
The other important factor to consider is the binocular’s eye relief. This is particularly important if you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses when hiking during the day. Eye relief is the maximum distance between your eyes and the binocular’s eyepiece. Try to look for binoculars with adjustable eye relief as it allows for customized eye relief.
Weight
Hiking binoculars should be as lightweight as possible. However, it shouldn’t compromise on its quality. A lightweight binoculars is easy to hold on your hands, carry around the neck and comfortable to hold for long hours. Look for binoculars that are well-balanced in terms of weight and quality. Such binoculars are either have aluminum or poly-carbonate housing.
FAQs about the Best Budget Hiking Binoculars
- Are budget hiking binoculars worth it?
Absolutely. These binoculars are not only affordable, but also decent in quality. Some offers similar features found in high-end hiking binoculars. They are also easy to use and suitable for other outdoor activities not just hiking.
- What is the best way to clean binocular lenses?
The lenses of your binoculars are highly sensitive. You should exercise caution when cleaning them. Use a soft or microfiber cloth to wipe clean any dirt, dust, oil and fingerprints. You can also use a soft towel but be careful not to scratch the coatings.
- How much should you spend on a hiking binoculars?
It depends. If you are on a budget, you can get decent and quality binoculars under $100 or between $100 and $200. You can also get more expensive models if you are looking for a high-end product.
Conclusion
If you had never thought seriously about getting a budget hiking binocular, I hope that this buying guide has changed your mind. All the binoculars listed above are durable, quality and highly versatile. They are proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent quality pair of binoculars. Use our guide above and get yourself the best unit for your next hiking trip.