The best binoculars in 2024 for astronomy, wildlife, sports fans, and more

Woman using binoculars in a forest
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Binoculars are a great item to have in one's bag if you’re scoping out wildlife for your next great shot, enjoy birdwatching, or love to go sightseeing or star gazing.

With all that time spent using them, I know just what you need to look for when picking out a product. In order to get the best pair for you, you’ll need to know what you want to use them for, how much weight you are willing to carry around with you, and your budget.

Depending on your brand preference and requirements binoculars can be pretty expensive, but the good news is you really don’t have to spend a fortune to get a pair that's right for you. My favorite overall pick is the Celestron Nature DX ED 12x50.

Sebastian Oakley with Swarovski binocualrs
Sebastian Oakley

For nearly two decades Sebastian has been pro sports photographer. Originally specializing in equestrianism, his photos have been used by The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and more. He is also a big country sportsman who can often be found in or around the shooting field, sailing on the open sea, or taking part in other country pursuits – usually with a pair of binoculars in his hand.

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsBig, bright optics that outperform the price★★★★½
FeaturesTravel-friendly with great build quality ★★★★
ValueWith their solid construction and great perfroming optics these exceed their price range★★★★
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsFor image stablized binos, there are the best in the business with crystal clear optics★★★★★
FeaturesImage stabilization is the party pice with these binos, turning shaky observations into smooth, still viewing★★★★½
ValueTheir cost is very high for most users, but you do get what you pay for★★★★
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsWith great performing optics, Nikon has left what's really matters, while getting rid of other things you don't need★★★★
FeaturesExtremely lightweight and compact make them perfect for observing wildlife cheaply ★★★★
ValuePriced competitively these binos are the perfect solution for anyone on a budget★★★★½
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsFor the price the optics offer great viewing in either daytime or night observations★★★★
FeaturesOffering a good magnification, solid construction, these are a great step-up option from budget offerings★★★★½
ValueFor thier price they offer a good price-to-performance ratio that most user will like★★★★½
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsThese are the best in the business, clarity is crystal clear, giving your observations that 3D pop★★★★★
FeaturesSolid construction, expectional optics, and the best materials used make these the best pair of binos out there★★★★★
ValueThese do come with a heavy cost, but when you want the best, you have to pay for it★★★★★
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsUnforitnaly, we did notice some color frining which can be distraticin when making observations in the daylight. Corners were also noticeably soft★★★½
FeaturesOffering great eve relief will benefit those who wear glasses. Due to thier size they will fit in anyone's hand. High magnification means greater observations across vast distances. ★★★★
ValueFor what you get, they are evenly priced in the market, but other do a better job for cheaper★★★★★
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsOptics are clear with great visibility, even when focusing on the samllest of subject, perfect for bird watching ★★★★
FeaturesExcellent waterproofing, wide field of view and solid construction make these perfect for all weather conditions ★★★★
ValueFor the price, they are quite possibly the best choice for keen bird watchers★★★★★
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsWith outstanding optical performance these are the perfect binos for stargazing★★★★½
FeaturesHigh 15x magnification, solid build, make these a weighty option, but the features out-weight the heft★★★★
ValueFor their price the outperfrom anything within the price range, and category★★★★★
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsGood optics that offer clear free far-reaching observations on the high seas, but you can expect a little distortion in the corners★★★★
FeaturesWith great waterproofing and ant-fog technology you can be use you can also spot your next sailing point with easy★★★★
ValueThey are priced well for the features they offer, but cheaper option are smaller if bulk is an issue★★★★
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1 Score
OpticsFor their price and ability the optics out perform our expectations★★★★½
FeaturesPacking a modest 8x magnification and being of solid construction these bino offer a great "all-round" feature to suit many types of observations★★★★
ValueExtremely cheap for what they offer, these binos are a great buy for anyone looking to have a great all-round experience with binos ★★★★★