Best Binoculars & Binocular Reviews Website

In-depth Reviews of the Best Binoculars
My interest in binoculars and indeed in optics in general began whilst I was working as a safari guide (field guide) in South Africa, where as part of my job, I used bins almost every single day. The idea for The Best Binocular Reviews website came about from the frustration I felt whilst looking for a new pair for myself - It was really difficult to find any good information as well as unbiased and objective evaluations on the web about any of the models I was interested in.

Thus the aim of this site (BBR) is to help in some small way by providing useful information on binoculars and related optical products, as well as completely unbiased reviews on selected products and brands and offer tips and guides to those looking into buying a pair.

Latest Articles & Site News:

Vortex 8x42 Razor HD Binoculars - Winner Binocular of the Year 2012The Best Binoculars of 2012 & 2013

Now already into it's third year, the BBR Annual Awards is a way for me to showcase the very best binoculars that I have reviewed on this site.

This year the competition to win an award was tougher than ever as the pool of bins that I have full tested and reviewed continues to grow.

So to take a look back and see which bins impressed me the most in 2012 and early 2013, view the 2012 BBR Annual Award Winners

 

Latest Sales, Deals, Rebates & Cashbacks:

Stars & StripesUS - Over 50% Off Bushnell Trophy Binoculars

Bushnell Trophy XLT BinocularsAmazon.com are offering a discount of more than 50% on the excellent range of Bushnell Trophy XLT Binoculars, which also includes the 10x42 Bone Collector Edition bin pictured on the right.

But hurry, you need to act fast as this deal is only valid for a limited time and while stocks last.


US FlagUK - £20 Rebate on Vanguard ED Binoculars

Vanguard Endeavor ED binocularsVanguard have extended their offer of a £20 rebate in the UK on all their Endeavor ED and Spirit ED models.

What is most incredible to me is that both the 8.5x45 Endeavor ED and the 10x42 Spirit ED have won my award for the the Best Value For Money Binocular in the past... and that was without taking into account any sort of a discount or deal!

 

Best Value For Money Bird Watching Bins

Bird Watching Binoculars
I have already written in depth as to what makes a great birding binocular and have a page that lists the best value for money binoculars that I have reviewed, so the next logical step was to combine them to make the: Best Value Birding Binoculars.

Wide Angle 10x42s

Minox 10x42 BV BRW Binoculars
In optics, the width of view and magnification are inversely related, so the more power usually means a narrower field of view.

Thus you need to choose the right balance for your needs between image detail and how wide you want your view to be.


 

Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 BinocularsExpensive vs Cheap Binoculars

May 2013

Someone recently sent in a question to me, wanting to know what the differences between a cheap and an expensive pair of binoculars were and if those difference were worth the extra cost.

With some pairs costing well under $50 (£50) and others in excess of $2000 (£2000), with a whole spectrum in between, it is well worth knowing where the extra money goes and if it is always worth it to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

 

 

Safari Binoculars:

Perfect for travel, wildlife viewing and able to hold their own as birding binoculars. Below are a couple of the best: >> View all Binoculars for Safaris.

Vanguard 10x42 Spirit ED

Vanguard 10x42 Spirit ED Binoculars
High quality optics including extra low dispersion glass, phase correction coatings on Bak-4 prisms wrapped in a tough, lightweight body.

Minox 8x33 BL Binoculars

Minox BL 8x33 Binoculars
Quality mid-size fog & waterproof binoculars featuring an open bridge design & high quality optics ideal for taking on a safari holiday.

 

Birdwatching binocularsBirdwatching Binoculars

Whilst it is possible to enjoy bird watching without them, binoculars along with your bird book are the most essential tools to any birder.

But with so much choice, which pair is right for you and your specific "type" of birding? Take a look as I review some of the best, cheapest, lightest, smallest, strongest birding binoculars in the market and point out what features to look out for when choosing your next pair of birding bins.


 

My Reviews: Quality Not Quantity

I get quite a lot of people asking me why I have not reviewed a specific binocular. Not only is it impossible for me to review every set of binoculars on the market, but sometimes too much choice can be a bad thing - for example I find that when I visit many websites that sell binoculars, I am often baffled by the sheer amount of binoculars all being described as the greatest on earth, or I am sometimes disappointed by the quality of binoculars being described as the ultimate binocular.

My aim is to provide you with the best reviews of some of the best binoculars... not the most.

When deciding which binoculars to test, I try and select good quality, higher specification pairs (Best Binoculars), as these are what I am mostly interested in and I feel it is pointless for me to spend days using, photographing, filming and then writing about a device that I know I would not recommend to anyone.

If I test a pair of optics that I think they are rubbish, I will say so. It is more likely that rather than being completely bad, they will have certain features that fall short of the mark in my opinion and I will highlight them in my write-up. I would also like to point out that I am in now way compensated or influenced by any manufacturer, distributor of supplier to provide a positive review and they are all my own and truthful opinions.

 

Recent Reviews May 2013

Below is a selection of my most recent full and in-depth evaluations:

 

Night Owl Optics NOB5X Night Vision Binoculars

The Gen1 NOB5X with its massive 5X magnification and large 50mm objective lenses ensure a close up view, yet with still a bright image.

Built in IR Illuminator ensure that it can be used even in complete darkness and is perfect for security, hunting, general wildlife observation and camping trips.

Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Night Vision Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 7/10 73%
Excellent
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 6/10

 

Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 Binoculars

Weighing just 17.6oz ounces and measuring 4.7 inches long by 4.5 inches wide, it's hard to believe Swarovski can pack so much of their renowned optical excellence into such a compact unit and make it just that bit more affordable, but they have.

Ideal for anyone looking for a premium compact binocular to take travelling, on safari, hiking, camping or to a sporting event, the CL Companion includes their legendary Swarotop & Swarodur anti-reflection coatings as well as phase correction and Swarobright coatings on the roof prisms producing an excellent high quality image even in low light situations.

Price: (5/6) High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 9/10 88%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 10/10
Optical Quality: 8/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 9/10

 

Night Owl Optics iGen 20/20 Night Vision Viewer

A high performance digital night vision monocular that comes with a built in Infrared emitter for use in total darkness.

The iGen can also capture still images and record video to an external device.

Exposure and gain control ensure plenty of flexibility and the best possible image in all ambient light conditions.

Price: (5/6) High Value Night Vision Monoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 7/10 73%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 8/10
Optical Stats: 7/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

 

Vanguard 10x42 Spirit XF Binoculars

With optical features like fully multi-coated lenses, phase correction coatings on the Bak-4 Roof prisms all contained in a lightweight, tough, water and fog proof open bridge body these inexpensive binoculars really are great value for money.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 78%
Excellent
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 9/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

These Binoculars are On SaleDiscounted Binoculars: Vanguard are currently offering a $25 Mail-In Rebate on these bins in the USA and are for sale at a reduced price on Amazon.co.uk in the UK
>> Check Prices
 

Vanguard 10x42 Endeavor ED Binoculars

Vanguard`s top-of-the-line Endeavor ED binoculars features include an ergonomic, open-bridge design, a wide view angle, BaK4 roof prisms, anti-reflection coatings end ED glass that all help to deliver exceptional light transmission to produce a excellent quality image.

The body is Nitrogen-charged and o-ring sealed making them both waterproof and fogproof to take on the most challenging weather conditions.

Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 9/10 87%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 9/10
Optical Stats: 9/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 8/10

These Binoculars are On SaleDiscounted Binoculars: Vanguard are currently offering a $50 Mail-In Rebate on these bins in the US and a £20 cashback in the UK
>> Check Prices
 

Luna Optics 1x26 LN-EM1-MS Night Vision Monoculars

The Gen2+ Luna Optics LN-EM1-MS night vision monocular, is light and compact enough to be comfortably carried anywhere. The unit features all-glass multicoated optics providing bright image and a very wide Field Of View and a built-in 2-power level IR illuminator allowing for short distance observation even in complete darkness.

It operates on just one AA type battery, and can also be accessorized with optional head-mask, large magnification lenses and extended range IR illuminators.

Price: (6/6) Expensive Night Vision Monoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 7/10 80%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 9/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 9/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

 

Vortex 8x42 Razor HD Binoculars

The use of the very best quality optical components and coatings like high density ED glass lens elements and dielectric and phase correction coatings on the roof prisms contribute to producing an extremely high quality and bright image.

These Vortex binoculars ooze quality and the water and fogproof body is nice and light as well as strong thanks to a magnesium chassis. I also really like the exterior design that is both comfortable and secure to hold.

Price: (5/6) High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 9/10 90%
The VERY Best
Body Stats: 9/10
Optical Quality: 10/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 9/10

 

Bushnell 10x42 NatureView BinocularsBest Binoculars under $200 / £200:

Whilst I don't recommend that you get yourself the cheapest binoculars available (under $30) and I am not sure if you can say that at $200, they are cheap binoculars. But you can get some really great value for money optics at this price that are not only far superior to the almost unusable really cheap binoculars, but compare surprisingly well to many top of the range options. >> Best Cheap Binoculars under $200 / £200

 

Night Vision DevicesNight Vision devices:

Open up a whole new world after dark. I take a look at the difference between night vision glasses and other night vision devices, including binoculars, monoculars and night vision scopes as well as discovering how they work and what features to look out for when deciding which one to buy >> Night Vision Glasses & Devices.

 

Binoculars for AstronomySkymaster Celestron binoculars for astronomy:

Perfect as astronomical binoculars, the Celestron Skymaster Binoculars (Celestron 15x70) feature high quality BAK-4 prisms and a tripod adapter bringing you excellent performance at a great price. Recommended for newcomers as well as astronomy enthusiasts >> About Celestron Binoculars, Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars.


 

Bushnell Marine binocularsMarine binoculars:

Binoculars that are specifically designed for a watery environment need to have special qualities, these include being tough and fully waterproof, some float and others come with a compass and are also rangefinder binoculars. Take a look at my guide to the >> Best Marine Binoculars.

 

 

Nikon SHE Safari Monarch 10x36 Womens BinocularsWomen's Binoculars

Most binoculars have a strong masculine look to them, but a few manufacturers have decided to design binoculars with a softer, more feminine look to them.

From safari & birding binoculars, to optics ideal as a functional, stylish accessory to a day at Wimbledon or the races. >> Binoculars for Women.


 
 
Meopta Optics at Eagle Optics
 

Annual Bino Awards

Annual Binocular Awards
Best Binocular Reviews Annual Binocular Awards 2010, 2011 & 2012
>> More Details.