Binoculars are an essential tool for anyone who loves being outdoors and exploring the world around them. But picking out the best binoculars can be tricky if you’re not sure what to look for, especially when there are so many options available at every price point imaginable. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best binoculars under $500, whether you’re searching for something that won’t break your budget or hoping to find a top-of-the-line pair that will last you years of use and countless adventures. And you can also check our selected list of the Best Binoculars Under $300.
In this guide, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at six of the best binoculars currently on the market. After reading this article, you’ll know what to look for when buying binoculars, as well as how to compare the specs of these binoculars against one another and how to find a pair that will fit your needs perfectly. Whether you want top-quality for birdwatching or general use or are just looking to get started in astronomy or hunting, you’ll be able to make an informed decision after reading this article.
Top 3 Binoculars Under $500:
Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5: Binoculars Below $500
- Lightweight
- Premium ED glass
- User-friendly features
Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars: 10×42 Binoculars Under $500
- Exceptional image
- Right eye diopter
- Rubber-armored chassis and armored coating
Nikon 7548 MONARCH 7: 8×32 Binoculars Under $500
- Outstanding image with perfect colors
- Super wide field of view
- Rugged construction, water and fog proof
Want to purchase binoculars, but are not sure where to start? We’ve put together this list of the 6 binoculars under $500 to help you select the pair that will suit your needs best. Whether you’re looking for something that you can use when hunting or at a concert, there’s something on our list that will get the job done without breaking the bank.
With so many binoculars on the market, it can be hard to decide which pair to purchase. The best binoculars under the $500 range in price from $300 to $500 and below, making them affordable for most people’s budgets and their needs. If you’re thinking about buying new binoculars, these top six options are some of the best on the market today based on their unique features and affordable prices.
- Our Recommendation For The Best Binoculars Under $500
- Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5: Binoculars Below $500
- Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars: 10×42 Binoculars Under $500
- Nikon 7548 MONARCH 7: 8×32 Binoculars Under $500
- Upland Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars: Binoculars Under 50
- Maven C1 10X42mm ED Binoculars: Binoculars For The Money
- Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular: Hunting Binoculars Under $250
- Summary For Best Binoculars Under $500
- Frequently Asked Questions
- In Conclusion
If you’re looking to buy great binoculars, you have plenty of options from which to choose. But with so many on the market today, choosing the best ones can be difficult. These 6 binoculars are some of the highest-rated in their price range and should prove to be great investments that last you for years to come.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Choosing a pair of binoculars can be hard. There are numerous brands, sizes, and different features that you need to keep in mind when looking for a pair of binoculars. Luckily, we’ve listed some important factors you should take into consideration before making your final decision: weight, size, and magnification.
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 $500
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Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5: Binoculars Below $500
Best PickSo if you’re looking for binoculars with a good balance of performance and price, look no further than Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5. The MONARCH 5 is a full-sized pair of binoculars with high-quality glass that performs well in most situations. Another advantage to these binoculars is their overall size and weight. These optics feel solid in your hands but don’t add unnecessary bulk like some more expensive models do.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, no-frills pair of binoculars that won’t break your bank, Nikon’s Monarch line is a great place to start. I had my first pair of Nikon binos for a decade, and they were absolutely amazing—though I was young enough back then that I didn’t use them all that much.
The 7577 MONARCH 5 is a powerful binocular that has a lot to offer for birders, hunters, and outdoorsmen alike. These are my top pick for an under-the-radar pair of binos. At around $600, they’re not as expensive as some other options on our list but still pack quite a punch with their 10x magnification. They also have an impressive field of view at 378 feet at 1000 yards and can be used in low light situations without sacrificing image quality thanks to their multi-layer coating technology.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Premium ED glass
- User-friendly features
Cons
- Lack of right eye diopter
Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars: 10×42 Binoculars Under $500
Staff PickThe Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars are quite well-regarded in their price range, but if you’re on a strict budget and need to keep it below five hundred dollars, look no further. While they may not have all of the features that more expensive binos have, they still allow you to see up close without much trouble.
These binoculars from Vortex Optics are available in a 10×42 or 8×42 configuration, with BAK4 prisms and phase-coated prisms for crisp and clear images. They have a lifetime warranty and are water-resistant with fog-proof interior lens surfaces. The Viper HD binos come with tripod adaptors and a carrying case. Best of all, they were under $300!
Vortex Optics is not just a name they came up with within a marketing meeting. In fact, Vortex is serious about its optics. It’s why they brought in Carl Zeiss to develop some of their lenses for them. The Viper HD binoculars are no exception, with several features that make them stand out from other brands under $500.
Pros
- Exceptional image
- Right eye diopter
- Rubber-armored chassis and armored coating
Cons
- Nothing to complain
Nikon 7548 MONARCH 7: 8×32 Binoculars Under $500
Budget PickWhen it comes to binoculars under $500, Nikon’s MONARCH 7 line is hard to beat. These binoculars are durable and can be used for a variety of applications. They weigh 16 ounces, making them easy to carry around all day; their rubberized feel also gives you a more secure grip on them when trying to observe objects from far away.
If you want top-of-the-line binoculars for birding or stargazing, opt for a high-end pair like Nikon’s Monarch 7. The company’s flagship model packs in all of its most advanced features, including multi-layer roof prisms that boost light transmission and phase correction to eliminate ghosting and flaring.
The best binoculars are an optical instrument used for magnification that uses lenses to help you observe objects from far away. We reviewed many brands and models, including Nikon 7548 MONARCH 7 10x42mm. It’s a fully multi-coated lens with great low light performance, making it our best binocular under 500 dollars hands down. It’s affordable and ruggedly built, ensuring it will last through years of outdoor expeditions without fail.
Pros
- Outstanding image with perfect colors
- Super wide field of view
- Rugged construction, water and fog proof
Cons
- Lack of right eye diopter
Upland Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars: Binoculars Under 50
Upland Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars is one of our favorite optics brands, and their Perception HD binoculars are stellar. These binos have 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens diameter, which makes them large enough to offer good brightness but not so large that they’re hard to carry or use. You’ll pay a premium for them (they usually retail around $430), but it’s worth it.
The 10x42mm Perceptions from Upland Optics are a great set of binoculars for hunting, thanks to their wide field of view and good optics. They’re also reasonably priced at just over $400—making them one of the best sets you can buy for under $500.
Upland Optics has built a name for itself in producing some of the best binoculars. These powerful optics are ideal for birdwatching, stargazing, and general outdoor use. They offer sharp images thanks to their 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens. The f/5.2 aperture allows a bright view even in low-light conditions and provides enough depth perception to make distinguishing between objects easy in landscape or when panning across a scene.
Pros
- Clear and sharp view
- Waterproof, Fogproof, and a Durable Rubber Body
- Hiking-ready features
Cons
- Narrow field of view
Maven C1 10X42mm ED Binoculars: Binoculars For The Money
The Maven C1 10X42mm ED Binoculars feature a hard-anodized metal body and rubber armoring, which not only makes it resistant to drops but also makes it easy to hold. It’s coated with a dielectric coating, making it waterproof. The waterproof feature comes in handy if you don’t want your view obscured by water droplets. The binocular is also fog proof, meaning you won’t have trouble seeing through damp air or thin clouds.
These lightweight and durable binoculars are an excellent option for birders and wildlife watchers. Though they aren’t waterproof, they are water-resistant, which can be useful in inclement weather. When it comes to magnification power, 10X is a good number—it will allow you to see details up close but won’t leave you feeling like you need glasses afterward.
When you’re looking for a high-quality pair of binoculars for birding, hiking, hunting, or other outdoor activities—but don’t want to spend more than $500—the Maven C1 10X42mm ED binocular is your best bet. It features a large 42mm objective lens and a relatively long 10x magnification capability. As a result, it provides optimal brightness and light-gathering ability as well as superb close focus capabilities.
Pros
- Clear and sharp image
- Rugged build with waterproof, fog-proof, scratch-resistant.
- Affordable price
Cons
- Lack right eye diopter
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular: Hunting Binoculars Under $250
The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular is an excellent choice for those that want a high-quality binocular without spending a fortune. At just over six inches long, it’s easy to handle, fits comfortably in hand, and is good for use by kids and adults alike. The compact size makes it perfect for travel, as you won’t have to worry about having enough room in your luggage.
If you’re looking for a mid-priced, high-quality option in a 10×42 binocular, these are your best bet. They have fully multi-coated optics and an objective lens diameter of 42 mm. The field of view is 359 feet at 1000 yards and they weigh 28 ounces. Their close focus distance is 4.9 feet and they come with rainguard plus rain guard for ultimate protection.
If you’re looking for a good quality pair of binoculars, but don’t want to break your bank account in doing so, then Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular is one brand that you should definitely consider. With their Legend Ultra HD roof prism binocular, Bushnell has produced a product that offers both high-quality imagery and crisp resolution at an affordable price.
Pros
- Rain guard HD water repellent coating
- Magnesium chassis with 100% waterproof and fog-proof
- Sharp and clear view
Cons
- Short eye relief
Summary For Best Binoculars Under $500
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Best Pick | Check Price | |
Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Budget Pick | Check Price | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far can you see with 8x binoculars?
8x is the magnification power of the binoculars. It’ll make an object 8-time closer. A normal person can see something 12 miles far away and understand what it is, so, with 8x binoculars, he can see 96 miles far away! But you wouldn’t see so many details.
Are there any special features to look out for if I wear glasses?
You wear eyeglasses, you’ll binoculars with a long eye relief distance – at least 15mm. Or if your binoculars have a right eye diopter, you can adjust the sight of each scope individually to fit your eyesight, and you can use the binoculars without eyeglasses.
Will I need a tripod for my binoculars?
For low magnification binoculars, you don’t need to use a tripod. But when using a high magnification pair (20x), if the binocular doesn’t have image stabilization, you’ll need a tripod.
In Conclusion
But picking out the best binoculars can be tricky if you’re not sure what to look for, especially when there are so many options available at every price point imaginable. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best binoculars under $500, whether you’re searching for something that won’t break your budget or hoping to find a top-of-the-line pair that will last you years of use and countless adventures. Check out our list below!
