Binoculars for the Outdoors: A Guide for Adventurers

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves an adventure in the wilderness then it’s likely you’d be lost without a couple of pieces of equipment. A compass and map is likely high up on your list of must-haves, but another important piece of equipment that no outdoors person should be without are binoculars. Whether you need to check out your surroundings in more detail to ensure you’re travelling in the right direction in the back country, or you need to get a closer look at the deer you’ve been stalking for the last few hours, binoculars are the ideal instrument to do just that.

But the burning question is, what are the best binoculars for outdoors? Which outdoor binoculars are the best binoculars for hunting, or which are the best binoculars for birding in the country? If you plan on going outdoors for hunting, birding, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing or indeed any outdoor activity, choosing the most suitable binoculars for your outdoor activity is vital to get the most out of them.

In this product round up and buying guide for outdoors binoculars, we’ve put together our best binocular picks for outdoor adventures. We’ve suggested models from a range of binoculars brands that fit in to a range of price brackets. We’ve got the best budget binocular, small binoculars, powerful binoculars and some expensive and some affordable models.

Outdoor binoculars come in all shapes and sizes. For tramping in the country, more compact and less bulky binoculars with a 28mm lens may be most suitable to keep weight down, and comfort and portability up. For outdoor activities such as static bird watching in a hide, more standard, slightly more bulky models with 42mm lenses will be a better option as they’ll provide brighter images with a wider field of view. This is similar for hunting binoculars too, where an 8x42 model is most loved. When it comes to choosing binoculars for the outdoors, the most important factors to remember, regardless of your weight and size requirements for your specific outdoor activity, is to always opt for binoculars that are waterproof and offer the durability you need to withstand any bumps and scrapes. In addition, we always suggest choosing the very best quality binoculars you can afford on your budget in order to achieve the very best glass quality so that the binoculars offer bright, crisp images with little distortion and colour trueness. In saying that, there are some much more affordable binocular models on the market these days that, thanks to advancements in optical manufacturing, offer high definition glass for a fraction of the price that they have traditionally cost.

With all that said, it’s time to delve in and take a look at our top picks for outdoor binoculars. We’ll consider a compact model for tramping and then some full sized models that would all be a great companion on your next adventure in the beautiful New Zealand country.

Outdoor Binoculars: Top 10 Choices

• Vortex Diamondback HD 10x28 Binoculars
• Vortex Crossfire HD 8x42 Binoculars
• Bushnell H2O 2 10x42 Roof Binoculars
• Nikon Monarch M5 ED 10x42 Binoculars
• Bushnell Engage 10x42 Roof Binoculars
• Athlon Midas G2 10x42 UHD Binoculars
• Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars
• Zeiss Victory SF T* 8x42 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 Binoculars
• Vanguard Endeavour ED IV 10x42 Binoculars

Vortex Diamondback HD 10x28 Binoculars

If you’re looking for binoculars for hiking in the country, or for conducting outdoor pursuits whilst travelling overseas, then it’s likely that weight and comfort will be key features governing your choice of binoculars. If you’re looking for affordable, compact binoculars that aren’t as bulky as other full sized binocular models, then you can’t go wrong with these 10x28 binoculars from the Vortex Diamondback HD range. As their name suggests, this 28mm binocular model is constructed with quality high definition glass that significantly reduces distortion and allows them to produce crisp images with fantastic colour fidelity. In the great outdoors, durability is key, and these binoculars have nailed it. A rugged rubber armour and waterproof design means that you can trust them to perform in the field. Comfort is accounted for with a soft neck strap which means you can have them around your neck for use at a moments notice. It’s important to note that due to their smaller lenses, these binoculars may be more portable and lighter in weight, but they also don’t perform as well in lower light conditions as other full sized models will. Day time images seen through these binoculars are bright and vivid but in the lower light periods of the early morning and late evening, they won’t perform quite as well as their larger counterparts.

Features:

• HD lenses
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Dielectric multi-layer prism coatings
• ArmorTek ® scratch-resistant coating
• Waterproof
• Adjustable eye cups
• Centre focus wheel
• Diopter adjustments
• 16mm eye relief
• 1.8m close focus
• 113m field of view
• 377g

Pros:

• Great compact and lightweight model for hiking or backpacking
• Durable and waterproof
• Good close focus
• Wide field of view for their size
• HD glass for bright, clear views
• Exceptional Vortex warranty

Cons:

• Small lens size means they’re better suited to day time viewing

Vortex Crossfire HD 8x42 Binoculars

Part of Vortex’s entry level line of binoculars, these 8x42’s from the Crossfire line are far from ordinary. Known for their exceptionally priced high definition optics, Vortex include HD glass in this 8x binocular model, meaning that they offer crisp, clear, colour true images with little distortion, for a great affordable price.

Features:

• HD optical system
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Waterproof
• Rubber armour
• Adjustable eye cups
• Centre focus wheel
• Diopter adjustments
• Tripod adaptable
• 17mm eye relief
• 1.8m close focus
• 114m field of view
• 786g

Pros:

• Great affordable option that comes with HD glass
• Decent eye relief for eye glass wearers
• Durable and ready for the outdoors
• Great binoculars if you want expensive features at an affordable price
• Awesome Vortex warranty
• Come with special binocular carry case

Cons:

• Could be more lightweight

Bushnell H2O 2 10x42 Roof Binoculars

The Bushnell H2O 10x42’s are a fantastic, affordable, entry level waterproof binocular for outdoor use. Whether you're using your Bushnell H2O 2 10x42’s for bird or nature watching, hunting or marine activities, you can depend on them to withstand the elements and give you with the clearer, more magnified view that you want. Other more expensive models offer more eye relief and a shorter close focus but if you’re after binoculars for general observing when you’re out in the country and you’re on a budget then these do a great job.

Features:

• Waterproof
• Anti slip finish
• Diopter adjustments
• Fully multicoated lenses
• 15.6mm eye relief
• 3.6m close focus
• 102m field of view
• 629g

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Relatively lightweight for full sized binoculars
• Very affordable
• Rubber armour for durability

Cons:

• Close focus not as good as some other models
• Eye relief could be better

Nikon Monarch M5 ED 10x42 Binoculars

The Nikon Monarch M5 ED 10x42 Binoculars were a brand new offering from Nikon in 2020. This awesome new upgrade to the traditional Monarch line of binoculars is packed with amazing quality features that make for exceptional viewing. The M5’s produce images with decent brightness and clarity and overall are very impressive for their price. They could do better on their field of view and close focus but make up for this with their optics.

Features:

• ED glass
• Phase coating
• Dielectric coating
• Fully multicoated optics
• Compact and lightweight
• Waterproof
• 18.4mm eye relief
• 2.4m close focus
• 102m field of view
• 640g

Pros:

• HD lenses produce bright images with plenty of clarity
• Very good eye relief which is great for eye glass wearers
• Plenty of lens coatings for clarity

Cons:

• Field of view could be better
• Close focus could be better
• Not the cheapest binoculars in their class

Bushnell Engage 10x42 Roof Binoculars

The Bushnell Engage 10x42 Roof Binoculars are ideal for use in all outdoor environments thanks to their all weather resistant lens coating. Built with ED glass, they produce bright, clear and crisp images. A decent eye relief makes them great for those who wear glasses. They’re relatively lightweight for their size which makes for increased comfort.

Features:

• Waterproof and fog proof
• Multi coated optics for clarity and brightness
• Barrier lens coating for oil and debris
• Locking eyepiece diopter
• Twist up eye cups for comfortable views
• P3C phase coating
• ED glass
• Dielectric coating
• 18mm eye relief
• 2.4m close focus
• 113m field of view
• 666g

Pros:

• ED glass with plenty of coatings for bright, clear images
• Good eye relief - some of the highest available
• Decent field of view

Cons:

• Could have a more ergonomic design for increased comfort

Athlon Midas G2 10x42 UHD Binoculars

The Athlon Midas GEN II 10x42 UHD Binoculars are ruggedly designed to perform exceptionally, and produce brightness and clarity, no mater the conditions. Athlon is a relatively unknown brand in New Zealand but they’re highly regarded across the world. These awesome binoculars offer incredible images thanks to UHD glass, and really punch above their weight for their price. Lightweight and with a wide field of view, we really love these binoculars.

Features:

• UHD glass
• Fully multicoated optics
• Dielectric prism coatings
• Phase corrected
• XPL lens coating against dirt
• Waterproof
• 15.2mm eye relief
• 2.5m close focus
• 115m field of view
• 660g

Pros:

• Ultra high definition glass
• Special lens coatings to repel dirt
• Great close focus for viewing near by animals or bugs
• Quite a wide field of view

Cons:

• Eye relief is quite short so not good for those who wear glasses

Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars

Another firm favourite from Vortex, the Viper HD’s are a step above other lines from the brand. Offering incredibly high definition glass with a heap of coatings, they produce bright, clear images that rivals binoculars that have much higher price tags. An optical masterpiece, these awesome full sized binoculars give hunters, shooters and outdoor enthusiasts a premium option with all the features they need.

Features:

• HD glass
• Fully multicoated optics
• Dielectric prism coatings
• Phase corrected
• ArmorTek ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating on lenses
• Waterproof
• Tripod adaptable
• 18mm eye relief
• 1.98m close focus
• 124m field of view
• 694g

Pros:

• Plenty of coatings to prevent distortion and produce bright, clear, crisp images
• Comes with comfort neck strap and special binocular harness
• Amazing Vortex warranty
• Special lens coatings to prevent scratches
• High quality construction that offers comfort in use

Cons:

• One of the more expensive models on the market
• Ever so slightly heavier than other models but virtually unnoticeable

Zeiss Victory SF T* 8x42 Binoculars

The Zeiss Victory SF T* 8x42 Binoculars offer optical perfection that will allow you to experience the most exciting hunting or animal watching moments you’ve only previously dreamed of. Built with the very best quality fluoride glass, these incredible binoculars aren’t the most affordable but they are the most impressive. Ticking all the boxes with an exceptional field of view, eye relief and image brightness, they’re worth the expensive price tag.

Features:

• SCHOTT fluoride glass
• ZEISS T* Coating
• SmartFocus Concept
• ErgoBalance Concept
• LotuTec® water repelling coating
• Waterproof
• 18.3mm eye relief
• 1.5m close focus
• 148m field of view
• 790g

Pros:

• Exceptional quality lenses produce the brightest, clearest views out of all of the binoculars in our line up
• Very long eye relief
• An incredibly wide field of view

Cons:

• Slightly on the heavy side
• Much higher price tag than other models

Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 Binoculars

The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 Binoculars are the ideal companion for bird and nature watchers alike, and are perfect for keen hikers who want a budget friendly binocular. These binoculars perform well optically for their price however their porro prism design makes them more bulky than other models. They’re not fully waterproof so if you can stretch to something slightly more expensive then we always suggest doing so to achieve a waterproof finish.

Features:

• BAK4 porro prisms
• Multicoated optics
• Centre focus wheel
• Twist-up rubber eyecups
• Rubber armoured housing
• 12mm eye relief
• 5m close focus
• 139m field of view
• 760g

Pros:

• Wide field of view
• Perform well optically for their price thanks to a porro prism design
• The most affordable option in our round up

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• Porro prism design makes them more bulky
• Very minimal eye relief

Vanguard Endeavour ED IV 10x42 Binoculars 

Vanguards top of the line model, the Endeavour ED’s always impress with their bright, clear images with little dispersion. They tick all the boxes when it comes to eye relief, field of view and close focus. A little heavier than other models but we’ll forgive them thanks to their other exceptional features.

Features:

• HOYA extra low-dispersion (ED) glass
• Phase-corrected SK-15 roof prism
• Advanced multiguard lens coating system
• Open-bridge configuration
• Durable magnesium-alloy housing
• Waterproof
• Tripod mountable
• Click-stop twist-up eyecups
• 19mm eye relief
• 1.8m close focus
• 114m field of view
• 786g

Pros:

• Good price point for their quality
• Great eye relief
• Very bright and crisp images with great color fidelity

Cons:

• Not the lightest model on the market but this is negligible

Features to Consider When Choosing Binoculars for Outdoors

Now that we’ve taken a look at which binoculars we think are the best for the great outdoors, let’s take a quick look at the key features you should always look for when choosing outdoor binoculars.

Magnification

When it comes to choosing the best magnification for outdoor activities, this really does come down to preference. In general, we’d usually suggest binoculars with either an 8x or 10x magnification as this offers a great balance between enough magnification to get a close view of animals, views, or birds of interest, whilst not being too effected by the slight movements of your hands. Most binoculars for the outdoors come in either of these magnifications and there’s a whole range of options to choose from.

Objective lens diameter

The objective lens diameter of binoculars refers to the size of the front lens of the binoculars. In general, the larger the lens, the more light the binoculars let in and the brighter the images will be. The trade off of this is that the larger the lenses, the heavier and bulkier the binoculars are. With this in mind, we’d suggest that binoculars for long distance hiking should have an objective lens of between 28mm and 34mm, and binoculars for birding and hunting should have a 42mm lens. That’s why we’ve suggested mainly 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars in this guide. As well as lens size, glass quality and coatings also has a great deal of affect on how bright and clear binoculars images are. If you can, we’d always suggest choosing the very best quality ED glass that you can afford to increase image quality.


Prism type

Binoculars can either have a roof prism construction or a porro prism construction. In short, roof prisms are the more modern, more compact design but they’re more expensive to make. Porro prism binoculars are more bulky but the design is easier to make and can mean that some more affordable porro prism binoculars will perform better optically than you may expect when looking at their price tag. For outdoor activities where you’re likely on the move and need to limit weight, we generally suggest roof prism binoculars to keep size and weight to a minimum.


Coatings

Binoculars are only as good as the glass that’s used to construct them and the coatings that are then added to their lenses. Always look for binoculars with fully multicoated lenses and where possible dielectric prism coatings. The more coatings the lenses have, the more light that will reach your eyes and the brighter and clearer the images will be.

Eye relief

If you wear eye glasses and will need to wear these whilst using binoculars, then the eye relief number is very import to you. Always look for binoculars with an eye relief of 17mm or more. This means that you can hold the binoculars 17mm away from your eyes (leaving space for your glasses) and still be able to see through them properly.


Waterproof and fog-proof

When you’re outdoors on your latest adventure, anything can happen. Water is definitely not a binoculars best friend, unless they have been nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed to prevent the water from getting inside them. Even if binoculars don’t get rained or, or dropped in a stream, those that aren’t waterproof can still fog up inside in damp conditions, rendering them unusable. Always opt for waterproof binoculars!


Size and weight

Binoculars vary in weight depending on the size of their objective lenses and also the quality of their construction. This means that binoculars that have the same specifications (for example 8x42) may vary between 100g and 200g depending on the model. If you’ll be tramping a long way on a multi-day walk in the NZ back country then size and weight are likely very important. With this in mind, you may want to opt for more compact binoculars with smaller lenses. If you’re looking for a general all round outdoor binocular then 42mm lenses are a firm favourite - just be sure to check out the weight of them before buying them. Most models are around 600-700g in weight as standard.


Durability

Binoculars that are used outdoors will always be more susceptible to bumps and knocks than those used on a tripod indoors. With this in mind, be sure to choose waterproof binoculars that have a durable rubber armour. Many models also use special dirt and water repelling coatings on their lenses to protect them.


Ready for Your Next Adventure? Try ScopeUout! 


And that’s a wrap! We hope that our selection of the best binoculars for outdoor activities has provided you with some great ideas for your next binocular purchase for use in the great outdoors. When buying binoculars for the outdoors, be sure to look for image quality, durability, waterproofing and comfort. When buying any optics in New Zealand be sure to purchase them from an authorised retailer such as ourselves so that they’re covered by a full NZ warranty.

What are you waiting for? Choose from one of the binoculars above or browse our entire range of waterproof binoculars now. Not sure what you need? Check out one of our buying guides or contact us!