If you are looking to start a new hobby outdoors catching the sunset, bird watching or getting closer to nature, you need a pair of binoculars. Binoculars come in different forms and we have created a list of the best binoculars under 50 that will help you grow in your hobby.
A quality set of binoculars will give you a better and more detailed view of the objects you are glassing. At long ranges, it will help you zoom in on the targets and get to have a closer look. Besides, the close focus in binoculars provide the best views of small targets at up close distances.
What Makes a Great Binocular under 50
In binoculars, just like any other optic, you get what you pay for. With such a budget, the quality and features might not be the same as the high-end models. But still, the binoculars should have the basic features that are expected of binoculars.
Firstly, the binoculars should have a quality glass and good lens coatings to maximize light transmission and yield quality images rich in color, brightness and clarity.
Furthermore, a great pair of binoculars under 50 should have a magnification power that suits your intended usage. With the right magnification, you will be able to get the most out of it and make your expeditions more memorable.
The other essential features the binocular should have include a long eye relief, lightweight yet durable construction and a housing that is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof for usability in all weather conditions.
Best Binoculars under 50
Choosing the right set of binoculars is not always an easy thing considering the plethora of models available on the market. If you are having a hard time finding the best binoculars under 50, here are the best models to choose from. Let’s have a look.
1) Celestron – Outland X 10×25 Binoculars
First up, we have Celestron – Outland X 10×25 Binoculars. This compact pair of binoculars is made with great features that make it by far the best binoculars under 50.
Celestron made the binocular with versatility in mind. With its compact and lightweight design. it is perfect for use from the trail to the ballpark and to the concert hall. It is simple to use and has twist-up eyecups to enhance eye comfort during use.
Furthermore, this pair of binoculars is built to offer exceptional optical performance. It boasts premium BaK-4 prisms glass that optimizes image quality and color richness. It also features multi-coating on the lenses to reduce glare and ensure excellent light transmission.
To withstand the rigors of outdoor use, the binocular is sealed with solid O-rings and filled with dry nitrogen gas. It also boasts a rugged, armored exterior that provides additional protection from elements along with a secure, anti-slip surface.
Features
- Twist-up eyecups
- Rugged, rubber armored body
- Waterproof and fog proof
- BaK4 prisms
- 10x magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Moisture resistant neoprene carrying case
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Comfortable eye relief
- Easy to use
- Tripod adaptable
- Lightweight and compact size
Cons
- Hard to focus
2) TQYUIT 20×50 Binoculars
If you are looking for a budget binocular that is suitable for family use, you have found it in the TQYUIT 20×50 Binoculars. This models it ideal for adults and children. It is also a great pair for a wide range of outdoor activities like watching wildlife and scenery, astronomy and concerts.
The optical performance of this binocular is outstanding. It has a large 50mm objective lens that guarantees clear and high-quality image views even at 20x magnification power. Furthermore, it boasts BaK4 prisms and fully multi-coated film lens that work together to maximize image brightness, clarity and sharpness.
When it comes to construction, the binocular has a robust housing that is covered with a moisture proof rubber armor. The armoring provides an abrasion-resistant and non-slip design for added protection in the field. The binocular is also waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions.
Features
- 20x magnification power
- Durable rubber armor
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Central focus wheel
- Right eyepiece focus ring
- BaK4 prism optical path
Pros
- Simple to use
- Superb low light performance
- Versatile
Cons
- Cheaply made
3)SkyGenius 10 x 50 Binoculars for Adults
The SkyGenius 10 x 50 Binoculars is one of the best binoculars under 50 for viewing wildlife. Built with wildlife enthusiasts in mind, this optic comes with virtually every feature you will need to have the best experience viewing wildlife.
With a wide field of view of 367ft/1000 yards and a high 10x magnification, the binocular is perfect for viewing wildlife in different habitats. Optically, it is made with BAK4 prisms to enhance contrast and resolution. It also uses FMC multi-layer broadband green film which provides true color reproduction.
For added convenience, this pair of binoculars is built with a larger center focus knob that makes it simple to operate and easy to focus. Besides, the rubber covered eyepiece is adjustable to accommodate eyeglass wearers and ensure comfortable glassing during lengthy sessions. The binocular is also tripod compatible to maximize comfort when you are watching something for a long time.
Features
- Large center focus knob
- Adjustable eye cups
- Rubber armored body
- BaK4 prisms
- 10x magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Tripod compatible
- Generous eye relief
- Ease of use
Cons
- Cheap plastic part
4)Bushnell H2O Compact Roof Prism Binocular
Next up, we have the Bushnell H2O Compact Roof Prism Binocular. This set of binoculars is full-features yet compact in size and very simple to use. It has a moderate magnification power of 8x and a close focus distance of 15 feet which make it ideal for virtually any outdoor pursuit.
The binocular is built ready for use in any environment. It is O-ring sealed to prevent moisture, dirt and dust from entering the optics. Additionally, the optical tube is purged with nitrogen to enhance thermal stability and keep the lenses free of fog.
Regarding construction, the binocular has a non-slip rubber armor that absorbs shock while providing a firm, anti-slip grip. The eyecups are designed to twist up and enhance glassing comfort with or without eyeglasses. Additionally, the binocular features a large center focus knob for simple adjustments.
Optically, this optic is made with BaK4 prisms that enhance resolution and color accuracy. It also has fully multi-coated optics that ensure high level of light transmission.
Features
- 8x magnification
- Large center focus knob
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Non-slip rubber armor
- BaK4 prisms
- Multi-coated optics
- 15ft close focus distance
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to hold and use
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not for use in low light conditions
5)Simmon ProSport Porro Prism Binocular
If you are in the market for a versatile and budget-friendly glassing tool, the Simmon ProSport Porro Prism Binocular is your ideal option. It is ideal for hunting, sports activities and other outdoor adventure activities.
The picture quality of this outdoor binocular is outstanding. It boasts an oversized 50mm aperture that enhances performance in low light settings by drawing in more light. It also features fully multi-coated optics that offer high levels of light transmission and provide incredibly clear and bright images in any situation.
For enhance protection in the field, the binocular is made with a rugged rubber armor that also provides a positive, antis-slip grip even when you are wearing gloves. Also included is a center focus system that is not just simple to operate, but also smooth to focus.
Features
- 10x magnification
- Fully-coated lenses
- Rubber armored body
- BK7 prisms
- Center focus
- High-quality optical glass
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Easy to operate
- Stunning picture quality
Cons
- Short eye relief
- Wide and slightly heavy
6) BRIGENIUS 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars
As one of the best binoculars under 50, the BRIGENIUS 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars will help you get the most out of your outdoor pursuits, capture and record the beauty around you. It is perfect for birding, hunting, outdoor sports, concerts and much more.
Built with a high 10x zoom power, this pair of binoculars will let you observe your subjects with great detail. The large 42mm objective lens captures all the light transmission and yields quality image views. It also provides a wide field of view of 305ft/1000 yards to ensure that nothing is left undiscovered.
The binocular is built with a central-right adjustments to ensure quick and straightforward approach. It also boasts advanced multi-coated FMC coatings that maximize light transmission to produce remarkably clear and bright sight pictures.
Furthermore, this roof prism binocular is waterproofed to resistant light water and be usable in all weather conditions. It also features a durable structure that is rubber armored to enhance shock resistance and give you an anti-slip grip.
Features
- BaK4 roof prism
- Odorless rubber armor
- Waterproof construction
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 10x magnification power
- Center focus wheel
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Easy to hold and use
- Good magnification
- Bright and clear optics
- Great for many activities
Cons
- No sharpness
7) Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars
The Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars is your best option if you are always travelling. It has a very compact size that fits easily in a pocket or backpack so you can carry it everywhere you want.
Though compact, this pair of binoculars has a high 12x magnification. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications even at longer distances. Besides, it is designed to work in poorly lit environments for added versatility.
To accommodate all users with or without eyewear, the binocular has adjustable eyecups. The long eye relief combined with the large eyepiece making glassing comfortable even when you are using the binoculars for long.
Furthermore, this pair of binoculars is made with BaK4 prism and fully multi-coated lenses that increase light transmission and provide a good image that is bright and rich in color. It is also durable and life waterproof to be operable even in adverse weather conditions.
Features
- FMC broadband lens coating
- Adjustable eye cups
- Waterproof construction
- Center and right eye focus system
- High 12x zoom power
- Rubber armored body
Pros
- Compact, lightweight and ideal for travel
- Long eye relief
- Easy to hold
- Good for both adults and kids
Cons
- Made of plastic
Also Read,
Best Binoculars under 50 Buying Guide
Explained below are the important factors to consider when shopping for the best binoculars under 50.
Magnification Power
Magnification in binoculars varies from one product to the other. The kind of activity you will be using the binocular for dictates the magnification power.
Typically, binoculars with moderate magnification power are the best for observing targets at close and medium ranges. For birding, hunting, wildlife observation and concerts, a pair with 7x-10x will do.
On the other hand, you will need a higher magnification of 12x and above for star gazing and astronomical observation.
Eye Relief
Simply put, eye relief is the maximum distance from the eyepiece of the binocular to your eye from where you get a full field of view of the target. It is measured in mm/inches and is important to enhancing comfort during use. Whether you wear glasses or not, look for binoculars that has at least 15mm eye relief.
Close Focus Range
While all binoculars available out there are capable of focusing objects at a distance, few models are able to focus on objects that are up close. The close focus range shows you the closest distance in feet that the binocular can focus effectively.
If you are more interested in studying things like insects, ants and butterflies, you will need a pair of binoculars with a close focus range of 5 to 6 feet.
Weight
The next thing to consider is the weight of the binoculars. Compact and lightweight binoculars are the best in terms of portability and versatility. You can use it them for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Besides, they won’t take a toll on your arms when you are glassing for extended periods.
Weatherproof Construction
The best binoculars under $50 should be built ready for use in any environment. A pair that is O-ring sealed and filled with either argon pr nitrogen gas will offer a lifetime of water and fog protection. Also look for a binocular that comes with a rubber armored body. The rubber armor will provide additional protection from elements and give you a slip-resistant grip in wet environments.
FAQs
- What magnification is best for binoculars?
It depends majorly on the kind of application you will using it for and your preference. For most outdoor pursuits, 6x to 10x magnification is sufficient. However, you will need more magnification power of at least 12x for star gazing and astronomical use.
- How much is a good pair of binoculars?
The price range of binoculars is very wide to meet the budget needs of every user out there. You can spend as low as under $50 to as high as over $2000 depending on your budget.
- Do binoculars affect eyesight?
No. Binoculars will do no damage to your eyesight if you use them correctly. However, using the binoculars to look at the sun or other ultra-bright objects directly can affect your eyesight.
Final Thoughts
The world of binoculars is wide and evolving constantly. All the binoculars we have listed in this article offer the basic features that these glassing tools have. They are not just affordable, but also simple to use, durable and reliable. No matter the model that you end up choosing, we hope that you have found the post to be of great help.