Binocular Reviews Home > Birding Binoculars > BBR's Best Birding Binoculars 2024 Awards
Welcome to the prestigious Best Binoculars for Birding 2024 winners page, showcasing the top performers in various sub-categories.
This page ifprms an integral part of the 2024 BBR Bino Awards.
In addition to presenting this year's winners, we also shine a spotlight on previous winners that continue to stand out and deserve your attention. Explore the finest binoculars for birding and discover excellence across the years.
Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 BinocularsIn addition to securing the title of the best mid-sized binoculars of 2024, the 8x32 Swarovski NL Pure binoculars stand out for me as being the ultimate choice for birding enthusiasts, especially if you are goung to be doing some travelling for your birding.
Their unmatched image quality and precision in color reproduction ensure that every detail is vividly rendered, which, I am sure you will agree is an essential feature for birding binoculars.
Beyond their exceptional optical performance, these binoculars boast an elegant ergonomic design, crafted from premium materials and built with durability in mind. Their sturdy construction guarantees not only a delightful viewing experience but also a reliable instrument capable of enduring a lifetime of use.
While other mid-sized binoculars may excel in specific aspects, the NL Pure 8x32 sets the standard with a remarkable BBR score of 95%, solidifying its status as the pinnacle of performance and quality. Without hesitation, I declare them the overall Best Mid-Size Binocular 2024 on BBR, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest instruments I've ever tested.
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Main Strenghts
Main Specs & Features:
General, All-Round, Value-for-Money, Birding Binos for use in a variety of conditions & environments
If you seek enhanced low-light performance, mid-sized binoculars, including top tier binos like Swarovski's above, may not offer the ideal solution. In this section, I'm focused on identifying exceptionally high-performing instruments without breaking the bank. While not inexpensive, these winners strike an impressive balance between performance and price - an optimal sweet spot, in my view.
In addition to their commendable price-to-performance ratio, these binoculars must exhibit a range of other attributes essential for all-round birding excellence. A wide field of view, for instance, is among the key features that render them ideal choices for birding enthusiasts.
Two Winners
Both the GPO Passion ED 8x42 (awarded in 2021 & 2022) and the Hawke Frontier 8x42 ED X binoculars (honored in 2021 & 2022) stand as formidable contenders. Renowned for their exceptional performance in birding, these binoculars set a high standard that proved challenging for any newcomer to surpass this year.
Having evaluated numerous top-tier binoculars, I found none that could outshine these two in terms of general, all-round birding capabilities. Thus, for the second consecutive year, I've chosen to designate joint winners, allowing you to decide which model best suits your preferences. Listed in alphabetical order, the two premier 8x42 birding binoculars for 2024 are:
German Precision Optics (GPO) has masterfully crafted an instrument that epitomizes excellence in birding binoculars. By integrating premium quality materials, advanced coatings, and impeccable workmanship, this GPO Passion ED delivers unparalleled brightness and clarity at a remarkably competitive price point. The result is a binocular that offers an exceptionally wide field of view, making it the ideal choice for all-round birding enthusiasts.
Excellent Quality Image
The GPO Passion ED 8x42 binoculars incorporate many top-end features and components including ED (extra-low dispersion glass) elements in the lenses, Schmidt-Pechan roof prisms that are both dielectrically coated, and phase-corrected that all come together to a bright, superior quality image.
Extremely Wide Field of View
As most birders will know, having a wide field of view is an extremely important feature as it enables you to more easily find and then follow your subjects, this is especially true of the small faster-moving ones at closer range. At 426ft wide at 1,000 yards, these GPO binoculars have an extremely wide view that ranks up there with the very widest 8x42 binoculars that I've ever come across.
As well as great quality optics, I found these GPO binoculars to have an excellent build quality and a general performance that was well above what I would expect to find in just about every area.
Main Highlights & Details:
Outstanding Quality at a Reasonable Price
Sharing similarities in width of view, eye relief, and close focusing distance, the remarkable Hawke Frontier 8x42 ED X binoculars bear resemblance to the GPO Passion ED's above in many aspects.
High-Quality Optics & Exceptional Image
Similar to the GPO model, the Hawke Frontier ED-X integrates ED glass elements in its lenses and features phase-corrected and dielectrically coated roof prisms. A distinguishing factor lies in the inclusion of extra water-repellent coatings on the outer lens surfaces of the Hawke binoculars. These features contribute to a superior optical performance, earning them an impressive 9/10 score for optical components and nearly perfect 9/10 for image quality - qualities rarely found in binoculars at this price level.
Wide Field of View
Measuring 426ft wide at 1,000 yards, these Hawke binoculars have the same extremely wide view as the GPO above, both of which rank up there with best and both are what I would consider as being wide-angle binoculars which as I have already mentioned is often especially important for many types of birding.
Main Highlights & Details:
Outstanding Quality at a Reasonable Price
Considering the level of optical and exterior components used and the high quality of their construction, the relatively low price point of $349 / £389 is seriously impressive:
Made in Japan, the Opticron Imagic incorporates just about the highest level of optics that you could wish for (especially at this price), but almost more importantly, this quality is backed up with a superior image.
Exceptional build quality and I do like the fact that the Fujinon HC has it's own unique styling which really sets it apart from the many, many other very generic looking instruments currently flooding the market.
The victor in this category stands as the epitome of excellence in birding binoculars - a pinnacle of quality that surpasses any I have tested and reviewed here on BBR. It caters to individuals who demand nothing but the finest, regardless of the price.
Recipient of the prestigious binocular of the year award in 2016, the latest iteration of the 8.5x42 Swarovski EL stands unrivaled in the realm of birding binoculars. With an astounding 93% rating on the BBR scoring scale - the highest achieved to date, it remains the pinnacle of birding optics, making it a definitive choice for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate viewing experience in 2024.
Noteworthy Highlights:
Earning a flawless 10/10 for both optical components and resulting image quality, the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 delivers an unparalleled viewing experience. Its utilization of premium glass, advanced coatings, and technical prowess ensures a view that few can match and none can surpass. Indeed, the view through the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 is simply exceptional: a highlight that warrants no exaggeration.
The build quality, along with the materials and components used throughout the product, including its accessories, sets an industry standard.
Furthermore, boasting 20mm of eye relief and excellent eyecups, it offers unparalleled comfort during extended viewing sessions. While its field of view may not be class-leading, it stands among the best in its size category, especially considering its slightly more powerful 8.5x magnification. A wide field of view, as we know, is a crucial feature for most birding endeavors.
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Whilst these Hawke binoculars are designed with marine uses in mind, they have a number qualities and features that make them a perfect birding binocular for use at closer ranges and or when light conditions are not ideal, yet you still want something a little smaller and more lightweight to carry about than a full sized instrument.
This includes a lower 7x magnification, that enables the very wide field of view which is great for quickly locating and then following fast or erratic moving birds at closer ranges (like in your back garden or a forest).
The lower power also ensures they maintain a relatively large exit pupil which helps maintain a bright image in sub-optimal light conditions.
Highlights Include:
For more information, take a look at the video below as not only do I go over some of the main features of these very interesting Hawke marine binoculars, but I also discuss how they are perfect in a number of areas other than the marine world.
The very moderate 6x power combined with mid-size 30mm lenses and a traditional Porro-prism shape all combine to produce an extremely versatile and easy to use binocular suitable for older children and adults alike and I could easily put it forward as a contender in many categories. Already a winner in the main BBR Awards section as the best low-cost binocular, I have no hesitation in describing them as an excellent choice for many types of close-range wildlife observation and birding, be that in forests or just your back garden.
6x30 Configuration
Combining a 6x magnification with 30mm lenses makes for an interesting combination and I am somewhat surprised that it is not more commonly found: Firstly it produces 5mm exit pupils (30÷6) which is more than decent and for a mid-sized instrument is large, which along with quality optics and coatings play a big part in maintaining a bright image in low light conditions.
As well as helping produce a larger exit-pupil the lower power also makes it easier to maintain a more steady, shake-free view. Another huge advantage is that it helps produce a wider view. Measuring 420ft wide at a distance of 1000yds, the field of view on these is really impressive allowing you to quickly locate objects (especially smaller ones) and then follow them if they are fast and erratic moving (like birds for example). So as a close-range birding binocular (be that in forests or just backyard birding), or a binocular to take to an outdoor sporting event where you will see more of the action without having to pan the view about, these are certainly a good choice.
Porro Prisms
Whilst not as compact, at this lower price point Porro prism binoculars like these are often optically superior, delivering brighter, better quality views when compared to low-cost roof prism binoculars. For the reasons why, see Cheap Binoculars – Is a Roof or Porro Prism Best? and I found these Opticron Savanna WP binoculars to be an excellent case in point as they produce a remarkably bright image considering the small 30mm lenses and in my opinion, the quality is easily amongst the best in this class and matches that of far more expensive instruments.
With it's 32mm lenses, this Opticron Discovery WP PC is not in the strictest terms a true compact like those featured down below, and would certainly not win the award for the most compact binocular out there.
However, due to a very clever design, it is still a very small binocular and less bulky than most mid-sized instruments and thus it is my pick as an excellent choice for a "compact" birding binocular to use in low light conditions.
By utilizing a really condensed optical design this incredible Opticron Discovery has the same outer dimensions as many of the larger true compacts yet is way smaller than most other mid-sized binoculars with similar-sized objectives.
Thus the real beauty of this is that the combination of the larger 32mm objectives and the really high-quality glass and coatings means that you still get the same higher performance of high-end, mid-sized optics (when compared to a true compact), but in a package that does not look out of place in a line-up of these true compacts! Unless the size is critical, it is a definite win-win situation but is especially important if you need or want to maintain a good low-light performance.
If you compare the Opticron Discovery's dimensions (LxHxW) of 4.3in (10.9cm) x 1.8in (4.6cm) x 4.6in (11.7cm) with that of a genuine pocket-sized compact like the Swarovski 8x25 CL Pocket binoculars above, with its dimensions opened out dimensions of 4.3in (10.9cm) x 1.8in (4.6cm) x 3.9in (9.9cm), they are very similar and it is only once you fold them, that the double hinge designs of the Swarovski and the Steiner above have the advantage.
Add to this 17mm of eye-relief, a very wide field of view (393ft @ 1000yds), and an extremely close minimum focusing distance of only 3.9ft then you have a go-anywhere, take anywhere binocular that excels in most situations and especially good for birding, wildlife, travel, outdoor sports and butterfly, flowers and other close-range observation! Superb.
Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 BinocularsUpdated with a fully multi-coated optical system the Pentax Papilio II is now better & more versatile than ever.
The general build-quality is excellent, which is especially impressive when you consider their relatively low price point which I have found to be a common theme on all the Pentax Optics that I have used, tested and reviewed in the past. I really like the feel of the binocular in the hands and whilst the low-geared focus mechanism is not great for making rapid adjustments from near to far, it makes it very easy to fine tune the focus and achieve a perfectly sharp image.
With their incredibly close minimum focusing distance these are ideal for the close observation of things like butterflies or flowers when out in the field or for use in a gallery or museum.
Other optical highlights include quality BaK4 reverse Porro prisms and aspherical lens elements for a quality and brightness of view that is impressive for a compact binocular at this price level.
Keeping this in mind as well as the fact that they are also very small, lightweight, with a very good quality, bright view (for a compact), and a reasonably wide field of view, it means these Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 binoculars are extremely versatile and thus make a good general use, all-round compact ideal for use in a wide range of areas.
Therefore even though they may not scored as highly as other compacts I have reviewed over the years, I feel that their versatility and relatively low price point makes them a deserved winner in this class.
Main Specs & Features:
With a BBR score of 83% these Steiner 8x24 Wildlife binoculars is one of the best compact binoculars that I have ever reviewed. Due to the double-hinge body design & roof prisms these are a true pocket sized binocular.
If budget is not your primary concern and you are simply looking for the best-of-the-best pocket-sized compact binoculars then you need not look any further than the Swarovski CL 8x25 Pocket.
Pentax VD 4x20 WP Binocular & MonocularsA compact binocular that splits into two to form a two monoculars, that you can share or if you want join them together end-on-end to make a 16x spotting scope! The Pentax VD 4x20 WP is a set of optics that the Transformers would be proud of!
Very small, lightweight, shareable, tough, waterproof, with an excellent quality, bright view, and a good low light performance for a compact. This Pentax VD 4x20 WP Binoculars also has an extremely wide field of view and extremely close minimum focus distance, that is easy to use (large exit pupil) with minimal image shake (low power).
As well as all this, if you also include that it also converts into a monocular or a scope it all adds up to make for an incredibly useful and versatile instrument, that I can see being a great option in many areas, but with their low power is great for viewing things like birds at closer ranges and thus is great for Backyard Birding and or Forest Birding.
Main Specs & Features:
In stark contrast to the low-power 6x30 Opticron's below, these very powerful 16x binoculars from Kite Optics are a very different beast, but just like them, they were a real revelation to me when I tested them and proved to be far better than I had ever wished or hoped for.
Image Stabilization
Firstly IS technology has come a long way in recent years and as I say in my review of them, the first time I turned the Kite APC 16x42 binoculars on and looked through them I was blown away by just how much more stable the image was. This lack of image shake enabled me to fully enjoy and take in all the extra image detail that the high 16x power provides, which for birding, in particular, is not only enjoyable but can be important when trying to identify LBJ's (little brown jobs) or very similar species with only minor differences in markings.
16x42 Configuration
This unique and somewhat extreme combination does have it's down-sides which I go into in great detail in my review which I urge you to read if you are interested, but for long-distance observation of just about anything, but in particular wildlife and birds where you may be at the coast, on a lake front, on rolling hills or out in wide-open fields and don't want the hassle of carrying about a tripod, then these Kite APC IS binoculars are well worth considering.
