Best full-size binoculars

Best full-size binoculars ($200 to $500)

Experts say the biggest jump in overall quality is from the least expensive binoculars (under $200) to the "sweet spot" price range of $200 to $500. In a 2005 review for Birder's World, Pete Dunn compared a $1,000 model with several binoculars priced just over $300, concluding that "almost every single binocular retailing for over $300 out-resolved the image offered by the high-priced entry." A comprehensive review by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology also notes that the best binoculars in this price range offer image quality and viewing comfort very close to that of binoculars priced at $1,000 and above.

The waterproof, fogproof and rubber-armored Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 binoculars (*Est. $250) get the best reviews in this price range (the ATB stands for "all-terrain binoculars"). Multiple expert reviews recommend these full-size, lightweight, 21.3-ounce roof-prism binoculars for birding, hunting (with camouflage coating available) and for butterfly watching (since they can focus as close as 8.2 feet). The Cornell Lab review calls the Nikon Monarch binoculars "lightweight, waterproof, and very comfortable," with "an image and feel that surpasses many models costing two or three times more." The optics are precision-aligned, with phase-coated Bak-4 roof prisms (the best type) and fully multicoated lenses. Reports also say the 330-foot field of view is quite good, and the 19mm eye relief and twist-up eyecups make them a good choice for eyeglass wearers.

Pete Dunn, in his 2005 review of binoculars for Birder's World magazine, says "There are others in this price range that are comparable, but for some reason, after an hour of testing and comparing, this is the glass buyers walk up to the counter with." We found few complaints about these binoculars, but ones we did see a few times regard the lack of caps for the objective lens and that the ocular lens caps are cumbersome to use. Cornell Lab's review says the image can be a little soft in the corners, but that the Nikon binoculars are still an excellent value. They have a tripod socket (handy for low-light use) and carry a 25-year warranty for manufacturers' defects, plus a "no-fault" warranty, which means that Nikon will repair accidental damage for a flat fee of $10.

The 10X version of these binoculars, the Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 binoculars (*Est. $300) are ranked higher at the Cornell Lab review than any other 10X binoculars in this price range. Though the eye relief is only 15.5mm, they're very light for 10x42 binoculars (21.1 ounces). The main drawback for the increased magnification is a slight loss of brightness and image quality. They're not as bright as the Monarch ATB 8x42 binoculars, and the Cornell Lab review rates their image quality a bit lower. A review at Optics4Birding.com reports some chromatic aberration (color separation) when viewing high-contrast objects in bright light, but the same review finds the focusing very smooth and easy and calls the Monarch ATB 10x42 binoculars an excellent value. In a Field and Stream review of hunting binoculars, Dave Hurteau says the Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 binoculars offer "very good optics at a very low price."

Although reviews say the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 are the best full-size binoculars in this price range, we found good reviews for several other binoculars. Cornell Lab's Ken Rosenberg compares the roof-prism Swift Ultra-Lite 8x42 binoculars (*Est. $300) to the very similar Nikon Monarch 8x42, saying "the Ultra Lites provided a slightly crisper, more contrasty, and brighter image than the Monarchs, and they brought out more of the colors on a drake Mallard in evening light." The Swift binoculars could also focus down to 5 feet, 4 inches, which is closer than the Monarch binoculars. However, at 25 ounces, the Swift binoculars weigh almost four ounces more than the Nikon binoculars. For all-day use, experts say small weight differences can make a big difference in fatigue.

The Leupold Wind River Pinnacle 8x42 binoculars (*Est. $400) focus as close as 6.6 feet, but that's their main advantage over the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 binoculars, which cost a hundred dollars less. Also, despite eye relief of 17.8mm, the Leupold Wind River Pinnacles get mixed reviews from eyeglass wearers. The Cornell Lab review gives them the highest "eyeglass-friendliness" rating, but several other reviews warn that they're not comfortable for anyone who wears glasses. If you wear glasses and are considering these, it would be a good idea to try them out first.

The Cornell Lab review recommends the Celestron Noble 8x42 binoculars (*Est. $250) ranking them just under the Leupold Wind River Pinnacle binoculars, but also far under the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 binoculars that cost just $50 more. The only reason to prefer them to the Nikon Monarch binoculars might be that the Celestron Noble's 341-foot field of view is a bit wider and that they focus down to 6 feet, 1 inch. All the Celestron Noble binoculars offer a lifetime, non-transferable warranty. Like the Nikon binoculars, they also add accident protection (at $25 per repair, including return shipping).

In a review of 56 mid-priced binoculars in Bird Watcher's Digest (and also available at Birdwatching.com, the site of authors Michael and Diane Porter), the Vortex Viper 8x42 binoculars (*est. $480) earn seventh place overall. The authors call these binoculars "the best binocular buy of all." The eye relief of 20mm is among the highest available. The binoculars are waterproof, fogproof and nitrogen purged and sealed. At 23 ounces, the weight is about average for full-sized binoculars.

Reports say the Pentax DCF HR II 10x42 binoculars (*Est. $360) are especially good in dim or fading light. A review on Optics4Birding.com states that Pentax has several models with good to excellent optics. These binoculars are waterproof and will resist damage even if submerged in three feet of water. They weigh 28.2 ounces.