Binoculars are useful tools in any situation, whether you’re birdwatching, looking at the night sky, or watching the game at your favorite stadium. If you’re on the market for an affordable pair of binoculars that won’t break the bank, take a look at this list of our top five best binoculars under $300. Our handy dandy buyer’s guide will help you choose the pair that’s right for you, and our reviews will help you decide which one fits your needs! And you can also check our selected list of the Best Binoculars Under $50.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a hunter or bird watcher, binoculars are incredibly useful tools to have in your arsenal, and they can be the difference between bagging that prize buck or failing to catch that rare eagle in flight. Thankfully, it’s possible to get high-quality binoculars without spending hundreds of dollars per pair on binoculars you only use once or twice per year.
Top 3 Binoculars Under $300:
Nikon MONARCH 5 8×42 Binoculars: Binoculars Under $400
- adjustable eyecups
- Very close minimum distance
- Lightweight
Vortex Optics DB-205 Binocular: Hunting Binoculars Under $300
- Large field of view
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Durable
Nikon ACULON A211 Binoculars: Night Vision Binoculars Under $300
- Large lenses
- Variable zoom
- Adjustable eyecups
If you’re looking to buy binoculars, $300 is an ideal price point – it’s not cheap enough that you have to sacrifice your binoculars ’ durability or quality, but it’s not so expensive that you can’t afford them if you choose the wrong ones. There are many good options in this price range, but these five are our favorites because they strike the best balance between price and performance. If you spend $300 on binoculars and don’t get one of these models, you won’t be happy with your choice in the long run.
The right pair of binoculars can make your next outdoor excursion much more enjoyable, whether you’re watching an eagle soar on the horizon or trying to spot whales in the ocean. If you’re in the market for new binoculars but aren’t sure which ones are best under $300, consider the five options below before making your decision.
- Our Recommendation For The Best Binoculars Under $300
- Nikon MONARCH 5 8×42 Binoculars: Binoculars Under $400
- Vortex Optics DB-205 Binocular: Hunting Binoculars Under $300
- Nikon ACULON A211 Binoculars: Night Vision Binoculars Under $300
- Orion UltraView 10×50 Binoculars: Birding Binoculars Under $300
- Pentax AD 8×25 WP Binocular: 10×42 Binoculars Under $300
- Summary For Best Binoculars Under $300
- Frequently Asked Questions
- In Conclusion
That can mean many different things to many different people, but when it comes down to it, there are five criteria that any pair of binoculars should meet in order to be considered the best binoculars. These criteria include weight, ease of use, size and folding capabilities, image quality, and battery life.
Quick Shopping Tips:
So you want to know how to choose the best binoculars. With so many options out there, it can be hard to make sense of them all. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or an outdoor adventurer, having a quality pair of binoculars is a must! While they might seem like an unnecessary purchase, they can make all of your future expeditions that much more enjoyable and easy to navigate.
Binoculars Size and Weight
Binoculars come in different sizes. However, you should go for lightweight models when choosing a binocular for your outdoor activities. You’ll understand this more if you’ve ever had to leave your binoculars at home because it’s become a burden.
Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter
Surely you’ve noticed us writing something like 10×50 after the names of the binoculars we recommended above. The magnification is written first and it refers to the extent your magnification enlarges the image you are seeing. A 10x magnification means the binocular enlarges the image you are seeing 10 times. As you know, binoculars are all about bringing distant objects closer to you.
The objective lens determines the amount of light that enters your binoculars. The bigger the objectives, the more the light that enters the binoculars,s and this results in clearer images. Also, binoculars with bigger objectives are able to function well in low light conditions.
Waterproofing
Waterproof binoculars have sealed O rings and are also hermetically sealed. And water will not penetrate or get inside the binoculars. The degree of water resistance varies. Some binoculars can withstand being emerged in the water while some can only withstand light showers.
Anti-Fog Treatment
Fogging occurs when water penetrates your binoculars and condenses on the lens. The effect of this is reduced image quality. Fog-proof binoculars are filled with inert gases. Fogproof binoculars are waterproof but not all waterproof binoculars are fog-proof.
Types of Glass
It’s important that high-quality glasses are used to manufacture binoculars to improve their functionality. And we selected binoculars with high-quality glass materials. Our binoculars transmit light well and produce images of high contrast and resolution.
Lens Coatings
The essence of coating the lenses of binoculars is to reduce glare and improve light transmission. Binoculars are either multi-coated or fully multi-coated. And what you get are colorful and vibrant images. All binoculars on our list have multi-coated lenses and have excellent optical activity.
Our Recommendation For The Best Binoculars Under $300
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Nikon MONARCH 5 8×42 Binoculars: Binoculars Under $400
Best PickNikon MONARCH 5 8×42 Binoculars are their MONARCH 5 model, which offer excellent image quality, a soft case with strap and cover lens caps. They come with multi-coated optics that provide a clear view in any lighting conditions, and they have a rubber armor coating that helps protect against shock and slipping while providing added grip. These binoculars offer bright images and comfortable viewing at an affordable price.
This is arguably one of Nikon’s best-selling binoculars and it comes with a wide field of view (331 feet at 1,000 yards) and aspherical lenses that produce clear images. Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, they are easy to use and even easier on your wallet. The Monarch line is known for its durability and quality so you can rest assured these will last you a long time.
The Monarch 5 is one of Nikon’s best binoculars on sale, with a range of advanced features that appeal to both hunters and birdwatchers. They’re comfortable to hold and pack plenty of light-gathering power to let you see everything in incredible detail. If your price range is only around $250, these are probably going to be your best bet.
Pros
- adjustable eyecups
- Very close minimum distance
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lens caps
Vortex Optics DB-205 Binocular: Hunting Binoculars Under $300
Staff PickThe Vortex Optics DB-205 is a top-notch binocular with unmatched quality and durability. It features BaK-4 prisms, multi-coated optics, and nonslip rubber armor that keeps your hands from slipping. It is extremely lightweight at 14.5 ounces (including its accessories), making it easy to carry around all day long.
The Vortex Optics DB-205 is one of my favorites. They look good, feel good in your hands, and offer superb image quality for a bargain bin. The DB-205 are great binoculars on their own, but they’re made all that much better by Vortex’s warranty program. Not only do you get a no-hassle warranty with these binoculars; you also get to pick which replacement model you want once yours break!
The Vortex Optics DB-205 is a great first pair of binoculars for kids and adults alike. The field of view on these 10×42 binos is wide, which makes it easy to track birds, wildlife, or even your favorite player at a sporting event. Their large size makes them easy to hold steady and use for extended periods of time. They’re also one of the most affordable pairs you can buy in their price range.
Pros
- Large field of view
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Durable
Cons
- Mild distortion at edges
Nikon ACULON A211 Binoculars: Night Vision Binoculars Under $300
Budget PickThe Nikon ACULON A211 Binoculars are a high-quality model that is waterproof and fog proof. These binoculars feature a wide field of view, so you won’t miss any of what’s going on around you. These binoculars also come with features that make them ideal for hunting or birdwatching in low light conditions, including an adjustable ocular lens, multi-layer coating, and night vision capabilities.
Nikon is well-known for producing high-quality optics, and these binoculars live up to that reputation. The Nikon ACULON A211 10×42mm binocular features fully multi-coated optics, a BAK4 prism, and a weight of 28.6 ounces. Each unit comes with a case, neck strap, and cleaning cloth.
The Nikon ACULON A211 binoculars have a multi-coated lens that’s designed to block out light and give you a brighter image. They’re also water and fog-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about using them in even challenging weather conditions. The Nikon ACULON A211 is available on Amazon for $294.95. If you’re looking for binoculars at a great price, these are definitely worth checking out!
Pros
- Large lenses
- Variable zoom
- Adjustable eyecups
Cons
- Long minimum focus distance
Orion UltraView 10×50 Binoculars: Birding Binoculars Under $300
The Orion UltraView 10×50 binoculars is a cheap pair of binoculars that don’t compromise on quality. The price point makes them an ideal pair of binoculars for beginners. They come with a roof prism design and provide bright, clear images. Plus, they have rubber armoring which ensures you won’t drop them accidentally. They are waterproof and fog proof and can be used in most weather conditions.
The perfect binoculars under $300 are right here at Orion. These ten by fifty binoculars have a fully coated lens, so they’re very clear with beautiful color fidelity and contrast. The field of view is wide with excellent depth perception and image brightness. These are great for birding, but also for general use. In fact, these might be our favorite binos under 300 bucks!
Orion’s UltraView 10×50 binoculars are packed with features that help you get closer to nature. They have fully coated optics for superior brightness and clarity, multi-coated prisms for maximum color fidelity, rubber armor to keep your hands comfortable, and twist-up eyecups to let you look through them in comfort no matter what your height. For added convenience, they also have a tripod adapter plate so you can use them with tripods or monopods.
Pros
- Excellent eye relief
- Clear image
- Wide-angle
Cons
- Quality control issue
Pentax AD 8×25 WP Binocular: 10×42 Binoculars Under $300
The Pentax AD 8×25 WP Binocular (starting at $196) is an exceptional option for those who love to travel. These binoculars have a rubber armor design, making them shockproof and waterproof up to 3 feet in the water. The top portion of these binoculars is made from nitrogen-filled polycarbonate, so you know they are incredibly durable. They also come with multi-coated optics and BaK4 prism prisms.
The Pentax AD 8×25 WP is an impressive little binocular that definitely deserves a place on your shortlist of serious options. It’s currently selling for around $170, making it one of the most affordable—yet high-quality—binoculars in its class. That’s not to say there aren’t a few downsides; these drawbacks are minor, however, and shouldn’t detract from your overall experience if you go with these binocs.
With more than 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon, there’s no doubt that Pentax AD 8×25 WP binoculars are a quality product. At less than $200, they’re great for birdwatching or stargazing—and you can use them in low-light situations without sacrificing image quality. These also happen to be waterproof and fog-proof, so you don’t have to worry about taking them out in adverse weather conditions.
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Small lenses
- 8x magnification
Cons
- Loose hinges
Summary For Best Binoculars Under $300
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Best Pick | Check Price | |
Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Budget Pick | Check Price | |
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| Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers (specs) on binoculars mean?
Model numbers on binoculars tell you their strength, magnification power, and size of the objective lens diameter, in millimeters. In 8×42 binoculars, “8” is the magnification power and “42” is the diameter in millimeters) of the objective lenses.
What is the difference between 8-power and 10-power binoculars?
8-power binoculars offer a wider field of view, an important feature you will want if your main objective is birdwatching or stargazing, or scanning the horizon. 10-power offers a closer, more detailed view, ideal for when you want to observe wildlife up close.
What features are important to consider when shopping for binoculars?
Size and weight are important, as are optics and protective features like rubber coating, as well as waterproof and fog-proof construction. Other factors include whether or not the binoculars are tripod adaptable, what kinds of light conditions they work best in, and their intended use.
In Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a pair of binoculars, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. One of the best ways to choose the right pair for you is to consider what you’ll be using them for. Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself to help decide what kind of binoculars would be best for you. We hope that this article was able to help you find the Best Binoculars Under $300 that are right for you. If you have any questions about the different types of binoculars or which ones are best for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.
