Are you looking for high powered binoculars for long distance applications, you have come to the right place. In today’s buying guide, we will take you through all the information you need to buy the best binoculars for long distance.
High powered binoculars are versatile set of binoculars ideal for a wide range of applications. From long range hunting to astronomy, star gazing and long-range shooting, these optics make a handy sighting tool for every outdoor enthusiast out there.
Compared with other high-powered optics like spotting scopes and telescopes, binoculars for long distance use are easy to use and much more convenient to carry around. This goes a long way to make them the go-to optic for applications that require high zoom magnification.
What Makes a Great Binocular for Long Distance?
There are multiple features that make a binocular great for long distance glassing and the main one is high zoom power. The higher the magnification a binocular has, the further you will be able to glass with.
Secondly, the binocular should have a large aperture of at least 50mm. The larger the objective diameter is, the more light the binocular collects inside the optics.
The other important attributes of the best binoculars for long distance include:
- Great low light visibility
- High quality glass elements
- Waterproof, dust proof and fog proof construction
- Comfortable and adjustable eyecups
- Generous eye relief
- Good lens coating on all air to glass surfaces
Best Binoculars for Long Distance
The market of binoculars is so diverse owing to the ever-evolving technological advancements taking place in the optics industry. Here is a roundup of the very best high-powered models ideal for long distance applications.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1)Nikon ACULON A211 16×50 Binoculars
Nikon ACULON A211 16×50 binoculars are hands down the best binoculars for long distance. Featuring a high 16x magnification and a large 50mm objective lens, this pair of binoculars yields bright and high-quality images of targets at any distance.
These binoculars are built with portability in mind. Even with the high zoom power, they are designed to be as light as possible along with superb ergonomics. Besides, the entire body is rubber armored to ensure non-slip grip during use.
Another highlight of the Nikon ACULON A211 16×50 binoculars is ease of use. The large central focus knob is simple to operate and focus even when you are wearing gloves. Furthermore, the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups ensure that you have a comfortable time using the binoculars with or without eyeglasses.
In addition to everything else, this pair of binoculars is designed with an aspherical eyepiece lens that eliminated image distortion even at the lens periphery.
Features
- Rubber armored body
- High 16x magnification power
- Aspherical eyepiece lens
- Multilayer coated lenses
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups
- High-quality Eco-glass lenses
- Center focus type
Pros
- Smooth focusing system
- Manageable weight
- Large field of view
- Bright and clear optics
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not weather resistant
2)Celestron – SkyMaster 15×70 Binocular
If you are looking for a pair of binoculars that is ideal for astronomy and long-distance terrestrial viewing, you have found it in the Celestron – SkyMaster 15×70 binocular. Celestron is a brand that is well known for its high-quality yet cost-effective optics and this binocular is not any different.
It has an oversized 70mm objective lens and 15x magnification power to bring you closer to targets. Even in low light settings, this optic yields brilliant and clear image views. This is made possible by the large aperture that works in tandem with the multi-coated optics to ensure optimal light transmission.
Furthermore, the binocular has ultra-sharp focus across the entire field of view. The large center focus makes focusing a breeze, while the long eye relief makes the binocular eyeglass friendly.
In terms of construction, the binocular is built with high quality materials and rubber armored to provide ultra-firm grip. A carrying case is also included for easy travel and safe storage.
Features
- 15x magnification
- Large center focus knob
- Tripod adapter included multi-coated optics
- Large 70mm objective lens
- High-quality BaK4 prisms
- Water resistant construction
- Rubber armored body
Pros
- Tripod ready
- Long eye relief
- Great low light performance
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Slightly heavy
3)UncleHu 20×50 High Power Binoculars
When it comes to performance and value, the UncleHu 20×50 High Power Binoculars are hard to beat. Available at a remarkably low price, this pair of binoculars offer excellent long-range performance in all situations.
The large 26mm eyepiece makes full use of the 20x magnification. It provides a large and clear field of view for quick scanning and finding of targets. Moreover, the binocular has a large 50mm objective lens, 18.5mm thick BaK4 prism and multi-coated aspheric lens. With all these optical features, you are guaranteed of unmatched image brightness and clarity in all light conditions.
For added convenience, the binocular boasts an easy focus system with non-slip texturing. The rubber skid protection provides extra shield from shock and elements, while ensuring soft, non-slip grip.
In terms of construction, the binocular has an all-metal structure which is more durable than models made of plastic. With the quality make, the internal optical components are well protected from damage.
Features
- Anti-skid design
- Right eyepiece focus ring
- Central focus wheel
- Tripod interface
- All-metal construction
- IP55 waterproof and fog proof
- 5mm thick BaK4 prism
- Multi-coated aspheric lens
- 26mm large eyepiece
Pros
- Versatile
- Crystal clear optics
- Quality construction
Cons
- Hard to focus and use
4)SkyGenius 10 x 50 Binoculars
SkyGenius 10 x 50 binoculars are the best binoculars for long distance for the budget conscious buyers. While this set of binoculars are cheap and versatile. they don’t cut any corners on quality and performance.
They are built with a large 50mm lens diameter to enhance low light performance. The 10x zoom power will bring you closer to the distant targets and give you the best detail. Even better, this pair of binoculars are easy to hold steady without the need to use a tripod.
With a mere weight of 1.76lbs, the binocular is portable and comfortable on the hands during long glassing sessions. When it comes to construction, this optic adopts a durable structure with an odorless and non-slip rubber armor. The rubber armoring gives it a sleek appearance and makes it more resistant to wear.
Moreover, this binocular is equipped with adjustable eyecups to accommodate all users with or without eye relief. A smooth and large central focus knob is also included to make it easy to operate and focus.
With all these handy features, this pair of binoculars is an ideal companion for birding, hunting, wildlife watching among other outdoor adventure activities.
Features
- 10x magnification
- Rubber armored structure
- Multi-layer lens coatings
- Large center focus knob
- Adjustable eye cups
- Big 50mm objective lens
- Diopter system
Pros
- Large field of view
- Quality and clear optics
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Not built for long term use
5)Maven C4 56mm ED Binocular
Next up, we have the Maven C4 15x56mm ED Binocular. Optimize for long distance observations, this pair of high-end binoculars come with a ton of phenomenal features that make it outstanding.
It is built with the most durable materials to guarantee durability. This makes it ideal for use even in the most unforgiving conditions. Furthermore, it is waterproof, fog proof and designed with scratch resistant lens coatings for added protection in the field.
The optical performance of this high-powered pair of binoculars is a force to reckon with. It utilizes dielectric coated Schmidt-Pechan system, a system that produces exceptionally clear and bright image views. On top of that, the binocular boasts a big 50mm objective lens to maximize low light performance.
Features
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- 15x magnification power
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Durable polymer frame
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Silky focus mechanism
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Exceptional picture quality
- Generous depth of field
- Edge to edge clarity
Cons
- Heavy
6)Zeiss Conquest 18×56 HD Binoculars
Zeiss Conquest 18×56 are the best binoculars for long distance for the money. These binoculars feature a high 18x zoom power that provides outstanding brightness and clarity of targets at extended ranges.
Whether you are into hunting, bird watching or astronomy, this pair of binoculars makes for a valuable companion. It is versatile and very easy to use for users of all levels. Besides, it has a unique design that guarantees superior ergonomics.
Thanks to its HD lens system, it yields a clear field of view without any distortion. Besides, the large 56mm aperture collects more volume of light inside and provides a wide field of view. The binocular also boasts T* multi-coated lenses that ensure high levels of light transmission.
The Zeiss Conquest 18×56 Binoculars are also designed and built with durability in mind to withstand the test of time.
Features
- LotuTec water shedding outer coating
- 18x magnification power
- Premium HD lens system
- 56mm objective lens
- 7mm exit pupil diameter
- Zeiss T* lens coatings
- Large focusing wheel
Pros
- Robust and durable construction
- Comfortable and smooth focus mechanism
- Great optical clarity and precision
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Big budget
7)Vortex Optics Razor UHD Binoculars 18×56
Vortex Optics Razor UHD 18×56 Binoculars is another high-end binocular ideal for long range observation. When you want to take your birding, hunting or astronomy to the next level, this is the binocular to use.
The 18x magnification and big 56mm objective kens provide ultra-high-definition optical quality in all lighting conditions. This coupled with the index-matched color corrected lenses ensure ultimate resolution and color accuracy in the entire visible spectrum. Besides, this binocular has the best anti-reflective lens coatings to boost light transmission and prevent glare.
Not only is the binocular’s optical performance outstanding, but also its build quality. It features a magnesium chassis that brings increased strength without the weight. The binocular also boasts a true hinge design that offers superior ergonomics during use.
For all weather use, this pair of binoculars is argon purged and O-ring sealed against water and dust. It also boasts an Armortek coating that makes the exterior lenses scratch proof and resistant to oil and dust.
Features
- Right-eye diopter
- Smooth center focus wheel
- Magnesium chassis
- Waterproof and argon purged
- Twist-up eyecups
- 18x magnification
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Rubber armored body
Pros
- Non-slip grip
- Lightweight and durable
- Spectacular picture quality
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Also Read,
Things to Look for in the Best Binoculars for Long Distance
Build Quality
The first and most important feature to look at is build quality. In binoculars, the quality of construction and type of materials used are directly proportional to durability and performance. Therefore, go for a binocular that is optimized for durability.
Optics Configuration
When it comes to long distance observation, optics configuration plays a big role in determining the quality of images generated. For the best binoculars for long distance, we recommend that you get a model that has a large objective lens, quality lens coating and high-end glass elements like extra-dispersion or fluorite glass.
Magnification
The next important thing to consider is magnification. This is what brings you closer to the faraway targets. Irrespective of whether you plan to use the binoculars for hunting, bird watching, astronomy, wildlife watching or any other application, you will need a high magnification of at least 10x for long distance use.
Eye Relief
In binoculars, eye relief go a long way to enhance glassing comfort. This is particularly the case for those people who wear eyeglasses. The longer the eye relief, the more comfortable the binoculars will be to use. A tip is to get a model that boasts at least 16mm of eye relief.
FAQs
- What are the ideal uses of long distance binoculars?
Long distance binoculars are as versatile as the compact, mid and full-size binoculars. They are great for a variety of outdoor activities which include bird watching, stargazing, hunting and wildlife viewing, in addition to admiring sceneries and astronomy among others.
- How far can you see with 12×50 binoculars?
How far you can see with 12×50 binoculars depends on a number of things such as the quality of the optics the binocular is built with and the weather condition. On average, a high-quality pair of binoculars will let you focus on targets from a distance as far as 1000m in a favorable environmental condition.
Final Thoughts
Binoculars for long distance are a great tool for viewing objects outdoors. They work well in a wide range of environments and are ideal for a ton of applications. When making a purchase, remember to take into account the kind of activity you will be using the binoculars for. Hopefully, this article has steered you in the correct path and you are now able to find a binocular that works best for your specific needs.