Go bird watching with these excellent binoculars

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, doubtless you’ve noticed a flash of color as bird flit from branch to branch, or caught sight of some wildlife that’s a bit too far away to identify with the naked eye. By taking advantage of a quality pair of binoculars you can catch sight of all the wildlife on your hikes, without ever interfering to do it!

Most versatile:

Occer compact binoculars

Not all binoculars need to be gigantic. If you’re traveling light or want to stow your binoculars in a pocket, then the Occer Compact Binoculars are an excellent choice. They feature 12x magnification, 25MM lenses, and are made of waterproof ABS plastic. This model also includes adjustable eye clips making them more comfortable for eyeglass users to wear. Since they have a low light feature, these are also a fantastic option, even if you end up hiking at dawn or into dusk.

Runner up:

Poldr compact binoculars

If you’re new to binoculars and want a compact pair that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag, the Poldr compact binoculars are an excellent option. They’re a scant of 2.2 inches across when folded, and they expand to 3.8 inches when you’re ready to use them, making them easy to tuck into a jacket pocket or bag. They feature 12x magnification and can see up to 1000 yards. These binoculars also have an easy focus knob, and BAK4 prism to reflect excess light so that you can easily find what you’re looking for when hiking or bird watching.

Lightweight:

Nikon 852

There are times when you want a premium option for your birdwatching adventures. In those cases, the Nikon 852 offers up a lightweight option that’s excellent for long hikes. It includes adjustable rubber eyecups for eyeglass users and has a minimum focus distance of 49.2 feet. The body of the binoculars feature a non-slip, rubber-coated grip, while the lenses are multicoated to deliver a clear view in almost any lighting conditions. There is also an adjustment knob to tweak your magnification from 10 to 22.

Fog free:

Bushnell prism binoculars

Not all binoculars are built to withstand the elements. If you live in a rainy area, snagging a pair of Bushnell binoculars delivers a fog-free, waterproof experience. They feature a slip-free grip thanks to the rubber armor, which also protects the binoculars if you drop them. They have 10x magnification, 42mm objective diameter, a large center knob for adjustments, and multi-coated lenses to deliver the best view possible.

Night vision:

GTHUNDER binoculars for total darkness

If you’re camping, stargazing, or just out late at night with your binoculars, you aren’t going to see everything. Unless, of course, you’ve got a pair of night vision binoculars like this stellar option from GTHUNDER. These binoculars are powered by batteries, and feature infrared illumination, which allows you to see your surroundings even when there’s absolutely no light to be found. You can use these to capture photos or videos without sound, and they feature a 4x zoom.

Bottom line

Binoculars are handy for various activities, but they’re especially helpful if you’ve taken up hiking or bird watching. Our favorite option is the Occer Compact Binoculars. They’re affordable, easy to carry on long hiking trips, and feature 12x magnification. With a waterproof body, eye clips for glasses wearers, and 25mm lenses, they’re an excellent versatile option that works for most people.