A borescope is an essential bit of kit for those who work in the automotive, plumbing or construction industries. It allows you to peer into tight spaces with a camera probe, so you can identify the problem and a possible fix without opening everything up. There are plenty of options on the market, ranging from sub-£50 devices that are geared towards hobbyists to ones that come in at over £100 for professionals. The new Rove RS2 sits firmly on the premium end of the scale.

If you haven't heard of Rove before, it's because it's a new entrant to the professional tools sector. The company is best known for making dash cams for the consumer market and the RS2 is its first foray into borescopes. And it's targeting mechanics, plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, home inspectors and serious DIY users with the device’s extensive features.

But how does it stack up against existing products on the market like the Depstech DS500 or the Bosch UniversalInspect? Is it worth its premium price tag? And does it deserve a spot on the list of the best borescopes? I’ve been testing the device to find out.

Rove RS2: Price and availability

The Rove RS2 only launched in May 2026 so its availability remains limited. It’s currently retailing exclusively on Amazon US with an RRP of $159.99. This puts it at the premium end of the market; similar two-way articulating borescopes generally sit around the $120 to $140 mark.

At first glance, it’s hard to justify buying the device based on price alone. Afterall, borescopes with very similar specifications from more established brand Depstech costs significantly less. Take the Depstech DS650. Its specs are broadly identical to the Rove RS2 but it’s $30 cheaper.

However, several of Rove RS2’s features aren’t found on similarly priced models. The camera angle of view is up to 90 degrees on the Rove RS2, for example, whereas this is just 70 or 80 degrees on competitor models. It also offers up to 4x digital zoom with autofocus, while most models offer just 2x digital zoom. And then there’s the ultra-slim probe, which, at 6.2mm, is small enough to fit into standard plug holes. There are devices that tick off the Rove RS2’s features individually but none that covers all of them.

Rove RS2: Specification

Rove RS2: Build & handling

The Rove RS2 is similar to other borescopes on the market so it won’t feel alien to use if you’re replacing an existing device. For new users like me, it’s intuitive enough that you don’t need to refer to the user manual. Unlike cheaper alternatives, this is an all-in-one device where the articulating probe is attached to the display. That means there’s no need to connect it to your phone or download an app to use it, which is helpful if you’re at a work site where things can easily get dirty or if there’s limited wifi connectivity.

The main body houses the 4.3″ IPS LCD display plus a compact control panel on the handle with buttons that you can easily operate using one hand. These let you adjust the focus and lighting as well as record videos and take photos. Sitting between the buttons is a wheel for controlling the probe articulation. The wheel is accessible on both the front and the back of the handle. On one side of the main body there’s also a USB C charging port, a slot for microSD card and a hard reset button should the device malfunction. The 2600 mAh rechargeable battery, providing up to 4 hours of power, is behind a screwed-in panel in the handle.

Protecting the display is a hard black plastic casing that has been reinforced for drops, dust and general wear and tear. It feels sturdy but it would have been nice to have a rubber coating on the handle for improved grip and on the rest of the casing to reduce noticeable scratches. The Rove RS2 does come with a cushioned carry case so you can keep it with other tools without worrying too much about accidental damage.

What really distinguishes this device from its competitors is the probe. At 6.2mm, it’s among the slimmest available - most others are upwards of 7mm - which means you can insert it into plug sockets, with the mains switched off, of course. At the probe head is a camera that's surrounded by a cluster of six LED lights. Immediately behind the camera head is about an inch of nylon braiding that protects the probe while allowing it to be flexible enough for articulation. The rest of the probe is a semi-rigid gooseneck that makes it easier to insert the camera into crevices. At 1.6m, it's long enough for most exploratory situations.

The probe is two-way articulating, which means you don’t need to remove and reinsert it for a better view in many situations - just adjust the articulation. Rove expects the probe to withstand upwards of 8,000 bends with correct usage. You should double-check the degree of articulation if this is a key feature for you. On my device, the articulation was up to 180 degrees but it seems Rove has since updated its devices to 210 degrees.

In terms of accessories, Rove includes a 32GB microSD card that comes installed in the ready-charged device so you can use it straight out of the box. There’s also a spare probe cap, two lens cleaning cloths and a USB C cable that can be used to charge the device to transfer data from the microSD card to a laptop. There are no hooks or magnets though so this device can only be used for visual inspections.

Rove RS2: Performance

There’s a lot to love about the Rove RS2. In particular, it was helpful to be able to adjust the brightness of the lights to get the right contrast depending on whether the camera was pointed at a smooth, reflective surface or in total darkness. It’s also possible to digitally manipulate the image on the device. I could, for example, play around with the zoom and the orientation of the image to get the best view. And despite the slightly clunky feel of the handheld display, I was able to operate it using just one hand with minimal effort, which was necessary when adjusting the probe for a better view.

However, there were some limitations in the image quality. In some testing scenarios, the visuals on the display were extremely grainy. Initially I thought it was just an issue with the display but after checking the saved images and videos, it seems to be an ISO problem where the camera just isn’t coping well with the low light conditions. The video setting offered slightly clearer visuals than even the display for diagnostics but smaller issues might be obscured by the graininess. Some of this can be mitigated by adjusting the positioning of the probe or the lighting, but it can be frustrating to do if you’re not already a pro.

There are two other things that might be worth bearing in mind. The first is that the device weighs over 500g, which is near the heavier end of the spectrum. You could reasonably control it using one hand, but the extra weight might put you off from doing so for long periods of time. Also worth noting that the probe articulation becomes harder to adjust when the gooseneck is slightly bent so you’ll struggle to reach the full articulation promised.

Rove RS2: Overall verdict

For a new entrant to the borescope market, the Rove RS2 ticks off a lot of features that will suit professionals and serious hobbyists. It’s intuitive to use and requires virtually no setup so you can hit the ground running even if it’s your first time picking up a borescope. However, while the price point places this device firmly on the premium end of the market, I’m not sure the price is entirely justified - especially if you’re just an occasional user.

A big let down for me was the graininess of the imaging, which affected both the live display and photos captured using the device. The video resolution was better but it’s more hassle to constantly transfer the recording to a laptop for viewing. It also lacks magnet and hook attachments, which means you can only use the device for diagnostics. It’s not an issue for every trade but it’s certainly a useful feature to have.

For me, the only reason you should pick the Rove RS2 over competitor brands is for the ultra-slim probe. Otherwise you could buy something very similar for quite a lot less money. That said, if you spot a good deal then it’s certainly still worth considering.

Alternatives

Svbony is a Chinese company with a name that stems from its original intention, ‘Specialized Vision Bring Our New Yearning’. Maybe that loses a little in translation, but the outfit has been going since 2009, making astronomical telescopes and cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, and optical accessories. Svbony has racked up more than 100,000 customers in over 100 markets along the way, so it’s definitely a global player with some star quality, especially when it comes to viewing the night sky.

The SV28Plus HD spotting scope that I’m reviewing here is advertised as being ideal for birdwatching, wildlife observation, target sports, camping, scenery and moon gazing, all of which is typical spotting scope territory. The ‘Plus’ is an upgraded version of a popular entry-level scope that adds new coatings, a detachable eyepiece, an improved mobile phone mount and retains the original’s tabletop tripod accessory and carrying bag. You’re potentially getting a lot for very little outlay, so long as it all works. It’s never going to be one of the best spotting scopes, but it’s certainly one of the most affordable.

Svbony SV28Plus HD: Specifications

Svbony SV28Plus HD: Price

The Svbony SV28Plus HD Spotting Scope typically costs around $62 / £82 / AU$109 in the USA, UK, and Australia, respectively, but it’s often discounted, so it can pay to shop around. How does that stack up against the competition? Most of the spotting scopes that we’ve reviewed start at around $359 / £459 / AU$699 for the Bushnell 20-60x65 Prime and $369 / £299 / AU$399 for the Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56 ED Micro.

Prices can go up fast and far, with top-quality items like the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 costing $1,999 / £1,399 / AU$3,955, and there’s the Leica APO-Televid 65 / 25-50x WW ASPH eyepiece at $3,199 / £2,425 / AU$4,990. Taking the whole price range into consideration, the cost of the Svbony makes it pretty irresistible if you just want to dip your toe into spotting scope waters (and yes, it’s waterproof).

Svbony SV28Plus HD: Design & Handling

The first factor in the design that you come to, at least if you’re starting at the back, is the eyepiece. There are typically two choices when selecting a spotting scope: some have a straight eyepiece and others have a 45-degree angled eyepiece. I personally favor the 45-degree variety, and most other people seem to as well, as it tends to make for a more comfortable and natural viewing position. That’s a tick in the first box on my wish list for the Svbony.

Next up, I like that the Svbony has a generous magnification range of 25x through to 75x and everything in between, akin to a powerful 3x ultra-telephoto zoom range. For one thing, it gives plenty of versatility for viewing different kinds of subjects at varying distances. For another, when subjects like birds and small animals are difficult to locate through a scope, you can start with minimum magnification to get your bearings, then zoom in. Magnification is adjusted via a grippy, rubberized control ring on the circumference of the eyepiece.

There are actually two adjustments on the eyepiece. Whereas the magnification ring is fairly central, the second, at the rear, adjusts the eye relief. It’s basically a twist-action rubber eyecup that starts off fitting flush with the rear optical element and can be moved further back on a sliding scale. Not just a comfort consideration, it also helps to tailor the scope to people who do or don’t wear glasses.

I’ve talked mostly about the eyepiece so far, but I’m not done yet. An upgrade over the previous edition of the scope is that you can unscrew the eyepiece and remove it altogether. Why would you want to? Well, for one thing, it has a standard 1.25-inch thread, so you can easily swap it out for one with a different magnification or for specialist applications like astronomy, or maybe even fit a compatible camera.

Moving on from the eyepiece, there’s a forward-facing control knob extending from the top of the barrel for adjusting the focus setting. It needs to be precise, yet covers a fairly generous range from a minimum focus distance of 8m / 26ft to infinity (and beyond?). To enable sufficient precision and wide-ranging adjustment, the focus knob works through five full 360-degree rotations from its shortest to longest settings.

Although relatively inexpensive to buy, the Svbony is advertised as being fog-proof and waterproof, the latter with an IP65 rating. Those ‘Ingress Protection’ numbers mean that the scope scores a maximum of 6 for resistance to the ingress of dust. However, it only scores 5 out of a maximum of 9 for water resistance, so it should be waterproof against rain and low-pressure jets, but not against high-pressure power washers, and it can’t be continuously submerged in water.

Optical highlights include a Porro BaK4 prism, which means that the optical prism is made from high-quality Barium Crown glass and has good light transmittance to enable a bright, clear view. That’s also helped by the relatively large 70mm objective diameter of the front element. The scope is FMC (Fully Multi-Coated), another upgrade in the new ‘Plus’ version being that the lens coatings have changed from green to A5 wine red. The claim is that the red coloring can more effectively reduce glare when working against the light, helping to improve clarity and color rendition.

To further help reduce ghosting and flare, the objective element and its new coatings can be effectively shielded from angular light by an extended sunshade, or what I’d call a ‘hood’ in lens terminology. It’s easy to use; you simply pull it forward if and when needed.

A quick look at the underside of the scope reveals a tripod mounting plate. The rectangular plate has a textured rubber surface to enhance grip and a metal socket with a standard 1/4-inch thread, universally used for attaching cameras and other optical devices to tripods.

Svbony SV28Plus HD: Performance

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of optical quality, considering the rock-bottom selling price of this scope. I was pleasantly surprised that it delivers a reasonably sharp, crisp, and bright viewing image, with fairly accurate color rendition. Birds, wildlife, sporting targets and pretty much any other subject you can think of appear well detailed even in dull, shadowy conditions as well as under bright sunlight. And for the latter, the coatings and extended sunshade work well to maintain clarity and contrast.

Both the magnification adjustment ring and focus knob work fairly smoothly. However, the scope lacks separate coarse and fine focus control knobs, so a lot of twisting can be required of the single focus control if you need to go from near to far, or vice versa.

The mini-tripod that’s supplied as part of the kit is comparatively disappointing. It looks and feels fairly flimsy, and its short, fixed height won’t be of much practical use out in the field. It’s actually described as a ‘tabletop tripod ’, which I guess is okay if you happen to have a table close at hand. On the plus side, the tripod has a tilt and pan head, although only the tilt mechanism can be locked in place.

The mobile phone mount is another part of the kit that’s been upgraded in the ‘Plus’ edition. I’ve seen some bad feedback regarding the earlier version, so I was hoping the new one would be good. Those hopes were unfounded, as it turned out. The mount is fiddly to use, and while its spring-loaded clamp grips the phone firmly enough, it relies on a simple plastic cup that slips over the eyepiece to hold it to the scope. It’s certainly not securely fixed in place, and I nearly suffered my phone falling off the scope twice. I lost faith in the phone mount after that and didn’t risk using it again.

Other push-fit items that are more likely to stay in place when you want them to are the front and rear lens caps. They’re non-essential parts of the kit, but I’m glad to see them included, considering the down-market price, as I’m a bit precious about my glassware no matter how much or how little I’m paying for it.

The performance of the ‘free’ carrying bag is pretty much on par with the rest of the extras. It just about does the job, but it looks and feels a bit flimsy, from the material it’s made from to the zipper that runs along its top side.

Svbony SV28Plus HD: Verdict

The Svbony SV28Plus HD is amazingly cheap to buy for a spotting scope, especially one that has Porro BaK4 prism optics, a generous magnification range, adjustable eye relief, and an interchangeable eyepiece. As a spotting scope, it simply works, and works pretty well. It delivers a reasonably sharp, bright, clear viewing image, and the magnification and focusing controls work well enough.

It lacks the luxury build, fancy features and quality design of up-market spotting scopes but, for casual and occasional use, I think it serves really well. The little extras are less impressive, namely the tabletop tripod, carrying bag and especially the mobile phone mount. All things considered, however, I reckon it’s an absolute steal at the price.

Alternatives

Hong Kong-based Dwarflab has unveiled Draco, a new smart telescope that aims to push automated astrophotography beyond what’s currently possible with today’s compact all-in-one instruments.

A direct rival to the Seestar S50 Pro that was announced recently, Draco is built around a fast 90mm (3.5-inch) f/3.8 optical system — significantly larger than the 50mm-class (2-inch) smart telescopes that have become popular over the last few years — and introduces several features more commonly associated with dedicated astrophotography setups.

Like all smart telescopes, Draco automates virtually the entire imaging process through the Dwarflab app. After you select a target, the telescope automatically focuses, calibrates, tracks, captures images, and stacks them live, while Pro Mode gives experienced users manual control over exposure, gain and filter selection.

The telescope’s optics use a folded optical design that packs a 90mm aperture and 340mm focal length, while the fast f/3.8 focal ratio gathers more light faster. That should reduce the time needed to image faint objects. While most smart telescopes rely on stacking many shorter exposures, the Draco combines built-in autoguiding with a rotating CMOS sensor that physically compensates for field rotation, allowing much longer exposures while operating in its standard alt-azimuth mode. According to Dwarflab, users won’t need a separate guide scope, equatorial mount or even polar alignment to achieve long-exposure images of up to five minutes. Images can be exported as FITS files as well as JPG, PNG and TIFF images.

Another major upgrade is the imaging sensor. Draco uses a 1/1.3-inch, 50-megapixel CMOS sensor that operates in two modes. For deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies, it bins pixels together to produce approximately 12-megapixel images with improved sensitivity. For the moon and planets, it switches to the sensor’s full 50MP resolution to capture finer detail.

Draco comes in two versions. The Standard Edition (US$1,299 / £1,199 / AU$2,199) includes an internal dual-band H-alpha/OIII filter for nebula imaging and an integrated solar filter that automatically moves into place for solar observations.

A second SHO Edition (US$1,499 / £1,349 / AU$2,499) replaces the internal solar filter with an additional sulfur filter, allowing automated capture of the three narrowband wavelengths used to create classic Hubble Palette images. Instead, it includes an external solar filter.

Both versions weigh around 5.5kg and include a built-in battery that can power up to five hours of observing.

The launch comes as competition in the rapidly growing smart telescope market intensifies. In recent months, ZWO introduced its Seestar S50 Pro with upgraded optics and a larger sensor, while Vaonis expanded its range with the Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2.

Bushnell has unveiled its new R7 Series of binoculars, a completely redesigned flagship range that replaces the long-running Forge Series and brings a new optical system aimed at birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and professional outdoor users. Available across five models, the range spans everything from a wide-field 8x42 through to a powerful 15x56 that Bushnell believes could even act as an alternative to a spotting scope in certain situations.

The biggest change comes inside. The R7 42mm and 50mm binoculars use Field Flattener lenses made from lanthanum glass, designed to correct the natural curvature of the image plane and maintain sharpness across almost the entire field of view. That should mean birds, wildlife and landscape details stay crisp not only in the centre, but right towards the edges as well. For anyone spending hours scanning trees or tracking moving subjects, that flatter and more consistent view could make a real difference.

Bushnell has also equipped every model with its ED Prime Glass, paired with dielectric prism coatings and PC3 Phase Coatings. The combination is designed to reduce chromatic aberration and colour fringing while improving contrast, resolution and colour accuracy. It should also help the R7 Series maintain a brighter image when conditions are less than ideal, whether you are observing wildlife beneath heavy tree cover or working around dawn and dusk.

Despite being positioned as Bushnell's new premium range, the R7 binoculars have been designed to remain relatively portable. A magnesium chassis and open-bridge construction keep the body strong without adding unnecessary weight, with the R7 8x42 and 10x42 measuring 14.9 x 12.9cm and weighing 770g. The 8x42 looks particularly interesting for birdwatching, offering a very wide 142-metre field of view at 1,000 metres, while the 10x42 delivers 115 metres. Moving up the range, the 10x50 offers 113 metres, while the 12x50 provides 97 metres.

The R7 15x56 takes a slightly different approach to the rest of the family. Rather than using the Field Flattener system, it employs Abbe-König prisms to maximise light transmission at its much higher 15x magnification. It offers a 78-metre field of view at 1,000 metres, 18.5mm of eye relief and a tripod adapter for longer viewing sessions. Bushnell also includes its BridgeSet IPD Stabilizer, effectively allowing you to lock your preferred interpupillary distance so the binoculars can quickly return to the same setting after being packed away or transported.

Viewing comfort appears to have been a major consideration across the entire range, too. Eye relief sits between 18mm and 19mm depending on the model, making the R7 Series particularly appealing to glasses and sunglasses wearers, while three interchangeable rubber eyecup designs are supplied for different viewing preferences. All five models are IPX7 waterproof and feature Bushnell's EXO Barrier coating to repel water, oil, dust and dirt, while the entire range is covered by Bushnell's Lifetime Warranty.

The R7 8x42 will cost $589.99 / £579.99, while the R7 10x42 is also $599.49 / £579.99. Both the R7 10x50 and R7 12x50 are priced at $699.99 / £639.99. Sitting at the top of the range is the R7 15x56 at $799.99 / £849.99.

The four smaller models include a Bushnell Vault Lite Chest Pack, while the 15x56 comes with its own protective case and BridgeSet IPD Stabilizer.

AI is apparently coming for everything. Cameras can now recognize subjects before you've even decided what you're photographing, phones can remove strangers from the background of your vacation photos and apparently even spotting scopes are getting clever.

But just how smart are these so-called smart birding optics? Having spent a month with the GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1, I decided there was only one scientifically rigorous way to find out: try to make it identify something that wasn't actually a bird.

The Vision Master is a seriously clever bit of kit. It's a smart AI spotting scope that can recognize real birds through its built-in identification system, with more than 1,500 species available directly on the device and even more when connected to the GoBirding app.

In normal use you simply press the AI button, position your feathered subject inside the red box that appears on-screen, and within a few seconds it'll tell you what you're looking at. That's all very impressive, but naturally my next thought was: what happens if I cheat?

So I went hunting for fake birds. Not particularly convincing fake birds, either. I tried cuddly toys, teddy birds and various artificial bird-shaped objects that, to a human being from a reasonable distance, could at least vaguely pass for something with wings.

I even recruited a seagull-shaped figure that my own daughter made out of paper plates while at kindergarten for the experiment. Surely, I thought, somewhere inside all that clever AI was an algorithm just waiting to see a beak, two wings and roughly the correct silhouette before confidently announcing that my dog's toy was a herring gull.

Nope.

Again and again, I put my fake feathered army in front of the Vision Master, pressed the AI identification button and waited for my triumphant "gotcha" moment. It never arrived!

The scope simply wasn't interested. Teddy bird? No. Cuddly seagull? Nope. Artificial bird scarer? Still no. I repositioned them, changed angles and generally behaved like someone who had suddenly developed a worrying obsession with proving that a stuffed animal was wildlife. The Vision Master refused to play along.

Rather embarrassingly, the only thing successfully fooled during this experiment was me. What impressed me is that the Vision Master clearly isn't just searching for something vaguely bird-shaped before throwing a species name onto the screen.

There appears to be considerably more happening behind the scenes, analyzing enough visual information to distinguish an actual bird from the sort of thing you'd find in a pet shop or hanging above somebody's vegetable patch.

Of course, this isn't an ISO-certified scientific examination of artificial intelligence. My testing equipment consisted largely of toys and an unreasonable determination to catch the Vision Master making a mistake.

But it does demonstrate why AI identification inside smart optics could become genuinely useful rather than simply another feature that manufacturers can print on a box. When I pointed the Vision Master toward actual birds during my month of testing, identification was impressively fast. When I deliberately pointed it toward impostors, it knew something wasn't right.

And that's perhaps the biggest compliment I can give it. I went into this little experiment hoping for a funny photograph of the GoBirding Vision Master confidently identifying a stuffed seagull as some exotic coastal species. Instead, I came away even more impressed by the technology.

Smart birding optics are still relatively new, and I'm sure somebody, somewhere, will eventually find something ridiculous enough to confuse one. But after spending far too much time waving fake birds in front of the GoBirding Vision Master, I'm admitting defeat.

The birds were fake. The intelligence apparently wasn't!.

Read the Review

If you've enjoyed this slightly weird experiment and want to learn more about this AI spotting scope, I highly recommend taking a look at our full GoBirding Vision Master review for more details

ZWO has announced the release of the Seestar S50 Pro, a much-anticipated upgrade to its original Seestar S50 model that popularized smart telescopes in 2023.

Although this new all-in-one smart telescope remains a 50mm apochromatic refractor, its optics have been upgraded to a four-element apochromatic lens with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, which is designed to improve star sharpness across the frame — especially in the corners — and reduce chromatic aberration. It's also got a slightly increased focal length of 260mm (f/5.2).

Another critical hardware upgrade is to a 1/1.2-inch CMOS sensor, which increases the resolution to 3840×2160 pixels (4K). The original Seestar S50 achieved 1920x1080 pixels (HD) from a native 1/2.8-inch Sony IMX462 CMOS sensor. It also has a 2.8-degree field of view, up from the S50’s 1.46 degrees. Finished images are 8.29 megapixels, and it’s now possible to put the ‘scope into equatorial mode for longer, more stable exposures.

That’s all in line with the upgrades seen on the more recent Seestar S30 Pro, as is the addition of a wide-angle lens. The S50 Pro has a 3840×2160-pixel (4K) quality wide-angle lens — based on a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor — with a 63-degree field of view. In addition to making it easier to manually find objects, the wide-angle camera can also be used to take nightscape images (such as of the Milky Way), create star-trail images and timelapses, and produce constellation images (with automatic identification and annotation).

Other hardware changes include a 67% larger battery (10,000mAh, up from 6,000mAh) for around nine hours of operation, and doubled onboard storage (128 GB). The Seestar S50 Pro can also now be networked, with the app adding several new built-in image processing tools. Three built-in filters — UV/IR cut, dual narrowband light-pollution (OIII 30nm / Hα 20nm) and a dark-frame — are also included.

In July, ZWO released a limited, numbered product, the Seestar S30 Pro Total Solar Eclipse Edition, to mark mainland Europe’s first total eclipse of the sun since 1999, on August 12, 2026. It's essentially a black version of the standard Seestar S30 Pro, a smaller, more portable smart telescope, and an upgrade of the Seestar S30.

The new Seestar S50 Pro comes as rival Vaonis releases its Vespera 3 and Vespera Pro 2 smart telescopes.

The Seestar S50 Pro is available for pre-order now for $999 / £899, with shipping expected to start at the beginning on September.

See our full guide to the best smart telescopes

From its birth in the 1940s up until the fall of the Berlin Wall, Eastern Bloc manufacturer Praktica built a cult following around its no-nonsense, slab-like SLR cameras, offering similar performance to big-name Japanese rivals but at Škoda prices. Today, the Dresden factory is sadly shuttered, but the Praktica name lives on, currently adorning, among other things, a range of suspiciously cheap binoculars. Various configurations all come in at around the $55 (£40) mark, including this chunky set of 10x50s.

The Falcon 10x50s are at the bulkier end of Praktica’s lineup, so if you’re after something to slip into a pocket or daypack, these aren’t it. But if it’s raw enlarging power you need, then, on paper at least, the 50mm objective lenses and 10x magnification should provide enough welly for everything from trainspotting to stargazing.

So, what does the world look like through a pair of bargain-basement binoculars? Will you be tickled pink, or seeing red? And are they among the best budget binoculars you can buy?

Praktica Falcon 10x50: Specifications

Praktica Falcon 10x50: Price

The Praktica Falcon 10x50 binoculars are available from various retailers for a paltry $55 / £40 / AU$78. That’s at the very bottom end for a pair of nockers of this spec, and is less than a third the price of Nikon’s equivalent, the Action 10x50s.

A rifle through the internet throws up an array of alternatives for similar money – it’s a crowded market for cheap binos – but Praktica’s offering at least has some kind of brand heritage behind it.

Praktica Falcon 10x50: Design & Handling

Given the budget price, don’t expect a premium unboxing experience. The basic cardboard packaging contains the binoculars themselves, a simple, lightly padded case, a lens cloth, and a hardly confidence-inspiring strap that you’ll need to thread into place yourself and hope for the best. Think “My First Spy Kit” and you won’t be too far off the mark.

However, the actual binoculars themselves have a reasonable solidity to them, with a vaguely rubber-like coating and knobbly grips in all the right places. Ignore the odd blemish and wonkily applied logo, and some dubious flexing of the eyecups, and there’s little to complain about. My pair sports a classic black finish, but there’s also a beige option for covert desert ops.

Lens caps are provided for both front and rear sets of glass, but don’t expect them to remain in your possession for long. They’re slack-fitting and fall off at the slightest provocation – I defy anyone to squeeze these binos back into their case without dislodging at least one cap – so it’s only a matter of time before you’re down to three, then two…

Glasses wearers are catered to by fold-down eyecups. At least, that’s the theory. In practice, I found that with just 13mm eye relief, they swiftly flip back, unbidden, to their original position, and no amount of refolding will persuade them to stay put. Thankfully, the diopter adjustment works a treat, and there’s also some spare focus adjustment beyond max range, so many of us should be able to fling our jam jars aside and rely on Praktica’s optics for 20/20 vision.

Where the Falcon 10x50s really begin to turn things around, though, is in the quality of the mechanicals. Both hinge and focus adjustment are surprisingly smooth, weighty, and stable, and wouldn’t embarrass a pair ten times the price. These things are a genuine pleasure to operate. But can they really be any good to look through?

Praktica Falcon 10x50: Performance

Given the measly price tag and the various build-quality niggles, I was almost scared to lift the Falcon 10x50s to my eyes. But orders are orders, and, to my amazement, with a tweak of the focus wheel, the vista ahead of me shimmered into view with near-perfect clarity. Distant blobs became living, breathing sheep and cows. Indistinct squiggles resolved into crisply defined foliage. And overhead, I was able to zero in on what turned out to be a kestrel, individual feathers twitching as it circled above its quarry.

The Prakticas’ innards, as might be guessed from their old-school appearance, consist of traditional Porro prisms coupled to "multi-coated" lenses. (Coated with what, they’re not saying.) And everything works together absolutely splendidly. The hefty 50mm objective lenses draw in enough light to give a bright, colorful image even on a dreary day, and they carry on performing at night, with the moon’s craters rendered in crystal clarity and not a trace of chromatic aberration around its edge.

A 122m field of view at 1,000 compares favorably to rival binos, particularly given that the entire image remains impressively sharp and bright almost to the edges.

The high magnification means these are best used with elbows propped on something to keep the image stable, but their somewhat plastic build has the advantage of keeping the weight down a little, so they’re not overly tiring to hold. While they won’t tripod-mount directly, a cap unscrews to reveal a thread for a tripod adapter. You’ll need to fork out for that separately, though.

There’s no mention in the specs of waterproofing, so it's probably best to check the weather forecast before slinging these over your shoulder on your way out.

Praktica Falcon 10x50: Verdict

Praktica’s Falcon 10x50s are so cheap they can’t possibly be any good… and yet, they somehow produce admirably clear images, equal to many a much more expensive pair.

From their don’t-look-too-closely finish to their no-frills case and strap, they aren’t pretending to be anything but a budget option. But once you start adjusting and focusing them, there’s really nothing to complain about: they hinge smoothly, and the focus is rock-solid. And Praktica itself seems supremely confident in its quality control, throwing in a reassuring 25-year warranty with every pair.

One thing to bear in mind: that meaty magnification comes at the price of portability, so these aren’t the best choice to keep about your person in the hope you might one day hear the elusive squawk of a capercaillie.

But if you essentially want to, well, make things look bigger, and don’t care what anyone else thinks, these fit the bill perfectly, and you’ll struggle to do better without splurging significantly more on a premium-brand alternative.

Alternatives

The best spotting scopes have remained relatively traditional pieces of equipment for decades. You mount one on a tripod, point it toward a subject, focus manually and enjoy a magnified view. It is a formula that works incredibly well, which perhaps explains why the category hasn't seen the same technological transformation as cameras, phones or even binoculars.

The GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1 wants to change that. This is what GoBirding describes as a smart spotting scope, combining a powerful long-range optic with autofocus, focus-by-wire manual control, optical image stabilization, a built-in imaging sensor, 4K video and, perhaps most interestingly, AI-powered bird recognition.

Having spent a full month using the Vision Master, I think GoBirding has managed to create something far more interesting than just a spotting scope with a built-in camera.

The technology actually changes how you can use a spotting scope in the field. I could observe a bird, identify it, capture a photograph or video, send the view to my phone or tablet, and log the sighting through the GoBirding app, all without swapping between several different pieces of equipment.

That makes the Vision Master particularly appealing for somebody beginning their birding journey. You don't necessarily need years of identification knowledge to understand what you're looking at, because the scope can help you along the way.

Equally, I can see enormous appeal for experienced birders who already recognize the familiar species around them but occasionally encounter something unusual and want a second opinion.

And importantly, none of these smart features stop it from functioning as a spotting scope. You don't have to identify every bird, connect a phone every time you use it or constantly record footage. If you want to observe something in the distance, you can do exactly that.

This balance between traditional spotting and smart functionality is one of the Vision Master's greatest strengths.

The Vision Master is expected to launch on Kickstarter around August 20 2026, with Early Bird pricing starting at $649 – approximately £490 / AU$940. Once it reaches general retail, the official price is set to rise to $999, which works out at around £750 / AU$1,450.

That is certainly premium territory but, given just how much technology GoBirding is combining into one device, it also makes the early Kickstarter offer particularly attractive.

GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1: Specifications

Zoom: 30x optical, up to 120x hybrid

Sensor: 1/2.7-inch CMOS

Video: Up to 4K/30fps; 1080p/120fps

Viewfinder: 1080p Micro OLED, 0.49-inch

Stabilization: OIS (optical image stabilization)

Storage: microSD, up to 512GB (not included)

Battery life: Around 6 hours of continuous use

Waterproofing: IP65

Dimensions: 11.7 x 3.22 x 4.3 inches / 297.6 x 82 x 110mm

Weight: 32.8oz / 932g (inc tripod mount)

GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1: Key features

A lot is going on inside the Vision Master, but its defining feature is undoubtedly its AI bird identification system.

Using it couldn't be much simpler. Press the dedicated AI button on top of the scope and a red identification box appears within the display. Position your bird inside that box, give the system a moment to examine the subject, and the Vision Master attempts to tell you exactly what you're looking at.

I particularly like that GoBirding hasn't made this functionality dependent on having your phone connected or a perfect internet connection. More than 1,500 species can be recognized directly by the scope, making the system genuinely useful when you're somewhere remote.

Connecting to the app opens up the much larger cloud-based database, which expands that figure to more than 10,000 species.

There is also something rather addictive about being able to log sightings as you go. Birdwatching has always had a wonderful collecting element to it, with many enthusiasts recording species they've seen, locations they've visited and particularly memorable encounters. The Vision Master brings that experience neatly into the digital age.

However, I don't think the Vision Master should be thought of purely as a birding product. Remove AI identification from the equation, and you still have a stabilized electronic spotting scope capable of autofocus, manual focusing, photography and 4K video.

That makes it perfectly usable for observing other wildlife, landscapes or any distant subject where a conventional spotting scope might otherwise be used.

The ability to connect a phone or tablet is another surprisingly useful feature. Looking through a spotting scope has traditionally been a rather individual experience, but putting the live image onto a larger external screen immediately makes it much easier to share an observation with another person.

This could be fantastic for families, wildlife guides, educational groups or anybody introducing someone else to birdwatching. Instead of continually adjusting the tripod and swapping people behind the eyepiece, everyone can see what the scope is seeing.

GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1: Build & handling

For a completely new category of spotting scope, GoBirding has hit the nail on the head when it comes to build quality.

My immediate impression when taking the Vision Master out of the box was just how premium it felt. There is a reassuring solidity to the body, the controls feel purposeful and nothing about it gives the impression that GoBirding has treated the hardware as secondary to the technology inside.

That is particularly important because smart optical products can sometimes feel like electronic gadgets first and serious optics second. The Vision Master doesn't. It feels like something designed to be taken outside and used as an actual piece of field equipment.

What impressed me even more was that all this technology hasn't resulted in an unnecessarily complicated user experience. I've used plenty of smart products where simply pairing the device to a phone, navigating menus or activating supposedly simple features feels like an exercise in patience.

The Vision Master is refreshingly different. The interface is logical, connecting it to the GoBirding app is straightforward, and I think even somebody with limited experience of connected devices could become comfortable with it remarkably quickly.

That accessibility is important if GoBirding wants this technology to appeal beyond early adopters. Someone buying a spotting scope shouldn't need to be an expert in wireless networks and smartphone settings before they can enjoy watching wildlife – and thankfully, the Vision Master never gave me that feeling.

Operationally, it also manages to strike a nice balance between automatic and manual control. Autofocus is extremely convenient when moving between different subjects or distances, while the focus-by-wire manual system gives you greater control when you want to precisely place focus yourself.

I did occasionally find the autofocus a little slower than I would have liked, particularly when dealing with subjects where there wasn't an immediately obvious point for the system to lock onto. However, having that manual option means it never becomes a major limitation.

In many situations, I actually enjoyed manually focusing the scope, and the electronic viewing system makes it easy to see when your subject snaps into focus.

As with any high-magnification spotting scope, I would still favor using the Vision Master on a tripod whenever practical. The optical stabilization is useful, particularly at the lower and middle parts of the zoom range, but once you begin pushing toward extreme magnifications, a solid support makes the entire experience more enjoyable.

GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1: Performance

After a month with the Vision Master, the AI bird recognition has been the feature that impressed me most. In straightforward conditions, it is extremely quick. Press the AI button, position the bird inside the identification area, and within seconds the scope can return an identification.

There isn't a complicated procedure to learn and that immediacy makes the feature something I genuinely wanted to use, rather than something I tested once for the sake of the review. More importantly, the recognition itself is remarkably intelligent.

I decided to see whether I could fool it. Rather than pointing the Vision Master toward an actual bird, I tried fake birds and even bird-shaped toys, including a seagull dog toy. I expected that at some point I'd convince the AI that one of these objects was alive.

I failed.

I tried multiple times, but the Vision Master refused to identify my fake birds as genuine species. In the end, it turned out that I was the fool rather than the AI.

It sounds like a slightly ridiculous test, but I think it demonstrates something important about the sophistication of the recognition system: it isn't simply looking for something vaguely bird-shaped and throwing out the nearest match.

That gives me considerably more confidence in the feature as a practical birding tool. No identification system should replace learning about the wildlife around you, and there will always be difficult subjects, unusual angles or poor viewing conditions that challenge recognition. But I found the Vision Master to be impressively reliable throughout my time with it.

I also think the AI makes the Vision Master useful for a surprisingly broad range of birders. Beginners can use it almost like an interactive field guide, building their knowledge as they discover new species. More experienced birders can simply leave identification switched off most of the time, then activate it when something unfamiliar appears.

Then there is the camera.

I've tested plenty of binoculars, monoculars and spotting scopes with built-in image and video capture, and there is often an obvious imbalance between the two. One mode might produce respectable results while the other feels included merely so the manufacturer can put another feature on the specification sheet.

That isn't my experience with the Vision Master. Still images have a very respectable level of resolution and detail for an integrated spotting-scope camera sporting a small sensor, especially when shooting within the optical zoom range.

Fine feather detail is well represented when the light is good, and photographs are more than capable of documenting a sighting properly rather than merely providing a blurry reminder of what you saw.

The ability to capture RAW files is another welcome addition, particularly for photographers who want greater control over their images afterward.

I don't think anyone should expect this small-sensor system to replace a dedicated mirrorless wildlife camera and a large telephoto lens, but that isn't really the point. A camera setup capable of offering comparable reach can become large, heavy and considerably more expensive.

What the Vision Master gives you instead is the ability to observe a bird one moment and capture a photograph of the same view the next.

Video performance is equally impressive. Within the optical zoom range the 4K footage can look good, retaining a good degree of detail and producing genuinely useful wildlife clips rather than simply recording shots.

Once you push beyond optical magnification into the digital portion of the zoom range, detail inevitably becomes softer. That isn't something unique to the Vision Master; digital magnification always comes with some image-quality penalty because you're effectively enlarging information already captured by the sensor.

Even so, I've used plenty of competing optical devices claiming similar photographic and video capabilities, and I think the Vision Master performs extremely well by comparison.

I would personally keep image and video capture predominantly within the optical range when quality is the priority, treating the additional digital reach as something to use when seeing or identifying the subject is more important than extracting maximum detail.

Everything is recorded directly to a microSD card, which also makes the workflow refreshingly straightforward. You can view footage through the GoBirding app while you're in the field, or remove the card and transfer the files to a computer when you get home.

That combination of observation, identification and imaging is what ultimately makes the Vision Master so compelling. None of these functions feels completely isolated from one another. You spot the bird, focus on it, identify it, photograph or record it, and then log what you've found. It's one continuous experience.

GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1: Verdict

The GoBirding Vision Master APL-ETF-M1 is one of those products that initially sounds like it might be trying to do too much. An autofocus spotting scope, camera, 4K video recorder, AI bird guide and connected smartphone device all rolled into one could easily have become a complicated technological experiment.

Instead, after using it for an entire month, I've come away genuinely impressed. The build quality is excellent, the controls and interface are remarkably approachable, and the AI identification feels genuinely useful rather than gimmicky.

Being able to point the scope at a bird, press one button and have the species identified within seconds is an incredibly powerful tool, particularly when combined with the ability to build a record of what you've seen.

Its photographic and video capabilities also surprised me. I've used enough image-capturing optics to approach these features with relatively modest expectations, but the Vision Master produces some of the best results I've seen from this category. Stick to its optical zoom range, and both stills and 4K footage can contain an impressive amount of detail.

There are limitations. Autofocus isn't always instantaneous, and digital zoom inevitably softens fine detail. And the eventual $999 (approximately £750 / AU$1,450) retail price puts this firmly into premium territory.

But groundbreaking technology rarely arrives at bargain-basement prices – and when you consider how many separate functions the Vision Master combines, the price becomes considerably easier to understand.

More interesting is the Kickstarter Early Bird price. With pledges expected to start at $649 (£490 / AU$940) when the campaign launches, there is a sizeable $350 saving compared with the eventual retail price.

At $649 I think the Vision Master becomes considerably easier to recommend, especially for someone who may otherwise be considering buying a spotting scope, camera adapter and other birding accessories separately.

As with any Kickstarter campaign, early backing is naturally different from walking into a retailer and buying a finished product off the shelf. However, based purely on the Vision Master I've spent the past month using, GoBirding already has an impressively polished product on its hands.

It's also worth remembering that some premium smart binocular systems occupy significantly higher price brackets while offering their own variations on identification and connected functionality.

In that context, even the Vision Master's $999 retail price starts to look interesting, while the $649 Early Bird offer looks particularly strong.

Most importantly, I think GoBirding has done something genuinely difficult here. It hasn't allowed technology to get in the way of birdwatching. Instead, the technology adds another layer to the experience.

You can still simply point the Vision Master toward a distant bird and enjoy watching it. But when curiosity gets the better of you, one press of a button can tell you what you're looking at. Another can capture a photograph or start recording 4K video. Open the app, and that fleeting encounter can become part of a permanent record of your birding adventures.

For a first-generation smart spotting scope, that's an extraordinary achievement. The GoBirding Vision Master doesn't just feel like another spotting scope with some clever electronics inside; it feels like the beginning of an entirely new category. After a month of using it, I'm very excited to see where GoBirding takes the idea next.

Editor's note: As with all crowdfunding projects, there is no guarantee that the final product will match the early depictions in the campaign – or that the final product will be completed or delivered at all. DCW does not endorse this or any other crowdfunding campaign.

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Complement your spotting with the best cameras for wildlife photography along with the best lenses for bird photography and wildlife.

Looking for the best budget binoculars? Then you are in the right place; I have picked out some brilliant binos that will do a great job without spending a fortune – and I'll even help you find the best price.

Binoculars come in a wide variety of sizes, different types (such as roof or Porro prism) – and inevitably at very different prices; the very best binoculars can cost you hundreds if not thousands. But not everyone wants to spend a fortune.

If you’re hunting a bargain, you might need to settle for products that have been around for a few years longer than the very latest and greatest models, which for most intents and purposes function just as well.

While it’s tempting to cast your eyes towards unknown brands in the hope of saving a few bucks, I have selected lower-priced examples from reasonably respected names. You'll not only get the peace of mind that comes with buying from a recognized manufacturer, but also worthwhile warranties – of up to 10 years, in some cases.

So what do I mean by 'budget' binoculars? I'm focusing on products with a ceiling price of around $100 / £100 / AU$200, with many options retailing for a good deal less. So without further ado, let’s drill into the best budget binoculars around.

Best budget binoculars for value

I was blown away by how much performance the Praktica Falcon 10x50 binoculars deliver for a bargain price. The massive 50mm objective lenses paired with 10x magnification draw in impressive amounts of light, resolving distant sheep, foliage, and circling kestrels with sparkling clarity. Even at night, I found the moon’s craters appeared crisp and chromatic-aberration-free.

The hinge movement and focus adjustment felt wonderfully smooth and stable, far exceeding what I expected at this price point. Handling is straightforward, aided by a grippy rubberized finish and solid overall weight.

You will notice where costs were saved. The fit and finish are basic, the neck strap feels insubstantial, and the loose lens caps fall off constantly. Glasses wearers should note that the 13mm eye relief makes the fold-down eyecups tricky to keep in place, though the diopter adjustment compensates well. Additionally, they lack waterproofing and are far too bulky for a coat pocket.

Despite those grievances, I found their optical clarity and smooth handling to be mightily impressive for the price, offering an unbeatable, budget-friendly entry into stargazing and wildlife viewing.

Read our full Praktica Falcon 10x50 review

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Best budget binoculars for birdwatchers

I found the Nikon Action 10x42 binoculars to be an impressive, budget-friendly choice that punches well above its price tag. Featuring a classic Porro prism design, 10x magnification, and large 42mm objective lenses with multi-layered optical coatings, they deliver surprisingly bright, crisp, and clear views in daylight with virtually no visible chromatic aberration.

I was particularly impressed by the robust aluminum-alloy build wrapped in a protective, grip-friendly rubber armor. Thoughtful handling features like turn-and-slide rubber eyecups, a smooth central focus wheel, and an adjustable interpupillary distance make the binoculars comfortable and intuitive to use. The wide 119m field of view at 1,000 meters makes panning and tracking wildlife a breeze.

I did notice a few tradeoffs to keep in mind. Weighing 1lb 11oz (790g), they are somewhat bulky, which might tire users with smaller hands during long outings. They are not waterproof, lack a direct tripod thread (requiring an optional adapter), and the loose lens caps can easily detach in a bag. However, if you do not mind a bit of extra bulk, they offer incredible value for wildlife watching and general observation.

Read our full Nikon Action 10x42 review

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Best budget binoculars for astronomy

The Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars are a classic, budget-friendly option designed almost like a mini-telescope for stargazing. Combining a massive 70mm objective lens diameter with 15x magnification, they allow you to scan deep-sky objects, open star clusters like M29, and distant galaxies like M81 and M82 that remain hidden to smaller optics.

I was thrilled by the bright, exquisitely close-in views and sharp image quality across nearly the entire field of view. The generous eye relief also makes viewing comfortable, particularly for spectacle wearers. Weighing 1.36kg (3lb), they are pretty hefty but are nevertheless light for their size, making short handheld observations possible. Celestron even includes a handy L-shaped tripod adapter and a basic shoulder bag.

However, I noted a few construction tradeoffs to keep the price insanely low. They lack waterproofing and nitrogen purging, and the objective lens caps tend to fall off easily. Due to their high magnification and lightweight build, they are prone to shake during long sessions, so I recommend pairing them with a sturdy photographic tripod. Overall, I find them to be an incredible bargain for casual astronomers exploring dark skies.

Read our full Celestron Skymaster 15x70 review

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Best compact budget binoculars

These Nikon Aculon T02 10x21 binoculars are an amazingly compact and portable choice for everyday observation. Roughly the size of a coaster and weighing under seven ounces, this pocket-sized device is easy to slip into a bag or coat for sporting events, concerts, and travel.

Despite its diminutive size, I was impressed by its performance in daylight. Featuring multi-coated optics and BK7 roof prisms, it renders subjects bright, colorful, and sharp with excellent contrast. I found the thoughtful design touches very convenient, such as the twist-up eyecups, central focus wheel with ridged rubber, and an adjustable hinge for inter-pupillary distance.

I did notice a few trade-offs inherent to its ultra-small footprint. Because of its lightweight construction, hand wobble causes slight image judder, and its smooth finish lacks a textured rubber grip. Additionally, the modest 21mm objective lenses limit light gathering, making image clarity fall off as light drops around dusk. It is also not waterproof, and the small, untethered lens caps are easy to lose. Overall, for an affordable price, I find it to be an outstanding companion when maximum portability is your priority.

Read our full Nikon Aculon T02 10x21 review

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Best budget binoculars for beginners

The Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 binoculars are an exceptionally affordable option for beginners interested in birdwatching, wildlife, or basic stargazing. Equipped with 10x magnification and large 50mm objective lenses, they gather plenty of light to yield bright, colorful, and surprisingly sharp images – even under low-light conditions and in the night sky. Pointing them at the Moon revealed crisp details, including lunar mountains casting shadows along the surface.

To achieve such an approachable price point, I noted a few compromises in construction and optics. The aluminum body is wrapped in a smooth faux-rubber cover that lacks textured grip, and the unattached lens caps feel easy to misplace. Optically, the BK-7 Porro prisms produce subtle blurring near the edge of the field of view and minor purple fringe around very bright objects. The minimum focus distance sits at 23 feet, limiting close-up backyard viewing.

Ultimately, if you handle them carefully, I found these binoculars deliver impressive visual performance for the price. They are a fantastic, budget-friendly gateway into casual observation.

Read our full Celestron UpClose G2 10x50 review

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Best budget binoculars for water resistance

The Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 binoculars offer an exceptionally compact and affordable way to achieve serious magnification. Combining 16x power with a slim roof prism design, they fold down into a remarkably small package that easily slips into a travel bag or onto your belt.

I was impressed by the rugged build quality. The aluminum body features a protective rubber coating with integrated thumb indents, providing a firm grip. Their water-resistant design and lightweight 13-ounce build make them a great companion for hikers, sports fans, and bird watchers on the move. The sturdy central hinge and focus controls stay securely in place during operation, and the simple neck cord means there are no loose parts to worry about losing.

Because they utilize 32mm objective lenses and BK-7 glass, I noted that they perform best during bright, sunny days, excelling at mid-distance viewing between 10 and 20 meters. Views lack high contrast or deep color saturation, and the 26-foot minimum focus distance rules out close-up backyard viewing. However, for a rediculously low price, these portable binoculars offer an unbeatable blend of high-reach power and convenience.

Read our full Celestron Up Close G2 16x32 review

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Best budget binoculars for opera and concerts

The Eschenbach Glamour 3x25 opera glasses are an elegant, premium-feeling accessory designed to enhance your theater or concert experience. Made in Germany from solid aluminum-zinc alloy, they feel reassuringly substantial in hand while remaining compact enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket.

I was impressed by the bright, clear views provided by the 25mm objective lenses, even under dim venue lighting. The 3x magnification offers a wide field of view that brings stage performers into focus without introducing image shake. I appreciated the smooth central focus wheel, the folding bridge for interpupillary adjustment, and the included detachable neck chain and velvet pouch.

I did notice a few minor drawbacks during use. The metal eyepieces lack a rubber surround, meaning cold metal presses against your eye sockets. Additionally, the 3x magnification offers only modest reach, and the unabashedly retro, gold-trimmed design may feel overly ostentatious for casual sporting events. However, for theatergoers seeking a stylish, durable viewing aid, they are a wonderful, high-quality choice.

Read our full Eschenbach Glamour 3x25 review

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What to look for in budget binoculars

Binoculars have lots of different specs, but the two key ones to consider are magnification and lens size. Most binoculars list both in their product name; you'll notice that their names tend to include figures such as "10x20" or "6x30". These numbers refer to the magnification factor and lens size, respectively.

So in the above example, we've got a choice of binoculars with 10x magnification and 6x magnification. You might think it'd be a matter of picking the binoculars with the largest possible magnification, but in practice, it limits your field of view, which can make things harder to spot.

The second number refers to lens diameter. A larger lens will make the image appear brighter and clearer, especially in low light, but will also make the binoculars bigger and heavier (and probably more expensive).

This means it's worth considering the combination of magnification and objective lens size that will best work for your hobby or subject – and budget.

Read more:
The best binoculars
Best opera glasses
Best binocular harnesses
Best binocular tripod adapter
Best spotting scopes
Best night vision goggles
Best telescopes for astrophotography

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Today's best prices compared

Smart telescopes like the Seestar S30 Pro have changed astrophotography and, arguably, urban astronomy. The Seestar S30 Pro Total Solar Eclipse Edition takes that same compact, automated imaging concept and packages it for one of the biggest astronomical events of the decade — continental Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999.

This is not a ground-up redesign for the August 12 event. Internally, it’s very close to the standard Seestar S30 Pro, combining a 30mm apochromatic refractor, motorized mount, dual cameras and image-processing software into a compact unit controlled entirely from a smartphone. Within minutes of powering on, it can align itself to the sky, slew to a specified target and begin stacking exposures to reveal galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and, of course, the sun and moon.

What changes here is the presentation. The Eclipse Edition adds a black-and-gold finish, a diamond-ring eclipse graphic, limited-edition numbering, themed packaging and a new magnetic solar filter. That makes it particularly appealing to eclipse chasers and collectors who want a travel-friendly telescope that easily fits in a camera backpack that’s ready for solar observing out of the box.

Specifications

Price

The standard Seestar S30 Pro is priced at US$699/£649/AU$1,000, while the Total Solar Eclipse Edition costs US$799/£719/AU$1,150. That makes this limited model US$100/UK£70/AU$150 more expensive. The Seestar S30 Pro includes a more basic solar filter, but is the teardrop-shaped solar filter provided with the Total Solar Eclipse Edition worth the extra money? It’s not — a third-party, 3D-printed solar filter made with Baader AstroSolar film is available for around US$32/UK£27/AU$52 and is of better quality. What you’re paying for with the Total Solar Eclipse Edition is a new black-and-gold finish, a numbered edition, eclipse-themed packaging, a custom app experience and an all-round collectible appeal. This is less a standard upgrade path and more a special-edition purchase for eclipse season.

For deep-sky imagers, its EQ mode — which compensates for the Earth’s rotation — is an option, though that does require the purchase of the Seestar TH10 Fluid Tripod Head (costing US$79) (or any equatorial wedge).

Design & Handling

At first glance, the Seestar S30 Pro Total Solar Eclipse Edition looks far more distinctive than the standard white model. While the regular Seestar S30 Pro has a clean, Apple-like appearance, this limited-edition’s black finish feels more appropriate for astronomical equipment. Many users will prefer the darker color, particularly on a device intended for night-sky and solar work.

The eclipse decoration is tastefully executed. The body features an image of an eclipsed sun at second contact — the “diamond ring” moment — with “Total Solar Eclipse Edition” written underneath in gold. There is also gold S30 Pro branding on the narrow side, while the Seestar name and logo are picked out in gold on the reverse. ZWO has extended the theme to bespoke packaging, so it feels like a complete commemorative edition rather than a standard model with a sticker applied.

Each device also comes with limited-edition numbering and a commemorative plaque, reinforcing the sense that this is aimed at collectors as well as users. There is also a device-locked themed app experience, with eclipse-specific visuals and connection animations. None of this changes image quality, but it does make the edition feel more special.

The practical design advantage is the official solar filter. It is teardrop-shaped, supplied in its own small case and attaches magnetically to the front of the telescope. It’s exactly the kind of accessory eclipse travelers need: compact, quick to fit and properly integrated.

The telescope itself remains highly portable. At 3.6 lbs (1.65kg), it’s small enough to fit in a camera backpack alongside a mirrorless body and a couple of lenses. The included tabletop tripod is solid, though users working from a backyard, balcony or crowded eclipse-viewing location will likely prefer to mount it on a full-size photographic tripod for better height and positioning.

Performance

For night-sky imaging, performance is essentially that of the standard Seestar S30 Pro. After powering on and connecting through the smartphone app, the telescope automatically plate-solves the sky, determines its position, slews to a selected object, focuses and begins capturing short exposures. These are stacked in real time, gradually improving detail and reducing noise as the total integration time increases. The 8.3MP Sony IMX585 telephoto sensor gives more scope for cropping and post-processing than the original 2MP Seestar S30, while the Sony IMX586 wide-angle camera supports alignment and wide-field imaging modes.

The Total Solar Eclipse Edition’s real focus, however, is solar imaging. With the magnetic solar filter attached, the Seestar can locate and track the sun through the app, then capture still photos, video or timelapse sequences. A still photo is the quickest way to record sunspots and is saved directly to a smartphone. Timelapse mode is especially useful for eclipse work, with selectable intervals of 1-60 seconds, making it possible to document the changing partial phases with minimal intervention.

For crisp solar results, though, technique matters. The Seestar’s autofocus needs a high-contrast feature to lock accurately, so the best approach is to tap directly on a prominent sunspot and perform autofocus there. That should be possible on Aug. 12. Focusing on the edge of the solar disk is tempting, but it can leave the center slightly soft. Manually increasing gain can also help the system lock focus more confidently.

The supplied solar filter is convenient and well integrated, but it is not the sharpest option available. It produces an orange view of the sun, and filters of this kind are generally not as fast as white-light filters. In practice, that can mean slower exposures and a little softness compared with a good white-light filter. We placed a homemade solar filter made with Baader AstroSolar film, which gave a noticeable improvement in the sharpness of both sunspots and the solar limb.

The best workflow is not necessarily a series of still images of the sun, which would mean staring at a smartphone during the precious seconds of totality (when, of course, the solar filter must come off). Switching to video mode and capturing around 10-15 seconds of footage gives better material for post-processing. Video is saved to the Seestar’s internal memory and can be accessed by connecting a computer to the USB-C port, with ZWO’s ASI Studio software used to include, extract and stack the best frames to produce a cleaner, sharper final image.

For the 2026 total solar eclipse, the appeal is obvious. Eclipse photography is stressful because the critical phases happen quickly, particularly second contact, totality and third contact. A small automated telescope that can track the sun — perhaps while the photographer manages a separate camera and long lens — may be extremely useful. It will not replace a carefully planned high-resolution eclipse rig, but it makes a lot of sense as a guided, compact solar imaging companion. Just remember to remove the solar filter at second contact!

Functionality

If you plan to capture images of the partial phases of the solar eclipse — whether you’re going to be in the path of totality or not — get in place well ahead of first contact. That’s because the Seestar S30 Pro can take a little time to find the sun. In our tests, it immediately slewed away from the sun twice before giving up, then asked us to perform a calibration — a laborious process in which the entire telescope must be turned about 40 times before its sensors get a grip on where it is. However, once it was locked on to the sun, it stayed there.

The Seestar app is central to the entire experience. It acts as the controller, sky atlas and imaging interface, handling alignment, target selection, focusing, capture and processing. The telescope has very few physical controls, so anyone buying into the Seestar system needs to be comfortable with full smartphone operation.

For deep-sky imaging, the app offers the familiar automated workflow: select an object, allow the telescope to slew, and watch the stacked image build on screen. FITS export is available for users who want to process deep-sky images in software such as Siril, PixInsight, DeepSkyStacker or Photoshop. That gives the Seestar S30 Pro more longevity for users who start with one-button imaging but later want more control over the final result.

As with all app-dependent devices, there is a long-term caveat. Without the app, the telescope cannot meaningfully operate, so this is not the kind of optical instrument likely to be passed down for generations in the same way as a traditional refractor. It’s best thought of as a compact, capable and collectible imaging appliance for the solar eclipse and beyond.

Verdict

The Seestar S30 Pro Total Solar Eclipse Edition is best understood as a limited, eclipse-ready version of the standard Seestar S30 Pro. It does not bring a major optical or sensor upgrade, so anyone expecting a fundamentally different telescope will be disappointed. Its strengths are portability, automation, solar-readiness and its eclipse-themed presentation.

For eclipse chasers, the appeal is strong. Critically, it’s small enough to travel with, simple enough to operate quickly, and capable of tracking the sun while capturing stills, video or timelapse sequences. For collectors, the numbered black-and-gold finish gives it an appeal the standard white model does not have. For general astrophotographers, the decision is less clear. The standard Seestar S30 Pro plus a third-party Baader film solar filter may be the better-value route, especially if sharp solar detail matters more than collectability. The supplied magnetic filter is convenient, but not the last word in solar sharpness.

Alternatives

See our complete guide to the best smart telescopes

The Canon 10x42 L IS WP binoculars have dropped to $1,598 in the Amazon Prime sale, down from $1,698.01 and saving you $100.01 on one of the finest pairs of image-stabilized binoculars money can buy.

• Today's top Amazon binocular deals- up to 55% off!
• See our favorite Amazon camera deals in our dedicated hub!

There is no getting around the price. These are the most expensive image-stabilized binoculars I have found in the Amazon sale, and a $100.01 reduction might not initially look as exciting as some of the larger discounts appearing elsewhere. Even so, I still think this is a deal worth paying attention to.

The Canon 10x42 L IS WP sits at the top of our guide to the best image-stabilized binoculars, and it has earned that position for good reason. Canon combines powerful stabilization with premium L-series optics, producing a bright, sharp, and remarkably steady view that cheaper models struggle to match.

The 10x magnification provides plenty of reach for birdwatching, wildlife, marine observation, and distant landscapes, while the large 42mm objective lenses help deliver a bright image in more challenging light. The weatherproof construction also makes them far better suited to serious outdoor use than many less expensive stabilized binoculars.

What really separates them from the competition is the complete viewing experience. The stabilization makes handheld observation feel calm and controlled, while the high-quality glass reveals fine detail with excellent clarity. During longer sessions, that steadier image can also make viewing considerably more comfortable.

At $1,598, these binoculars remain extremely expensive, but they are also completely top-of-the-line. This is one of those occasions where you genuinely get what you pay for, and even with a relatively modest $100.01 saving, I would still choose them over almost any other image-stabilized binoculars on the market.

With warmer summer nights creating perfect conditions for stargazing, now is an excellent time to invest in a telescope.

We are now into the final hours of Amazon’s four-day Prime sale, though, and the deals are set to end at midnight BST. If you have been waiting to buy a scope for exploring the night sky, this is your last chance to act before prices return to normal and the best discounts disappear.

• See all of today's Amazon camera deals

🇺🇸 Telescope deals in USA

Top US retailers:

🇺🇸 Amazon: Cheap prices on camera gear
🇺🇸 Adorama: Big discounts on cameras and tech
🇺🇸 Walmart: DSLR, Mirrorless & action cameras
🇺🇸 B&H Photo Video: Deals on camera brands
🇺🇸 Best Buy: Save on TVs, laptops, appliances
🇺🇸 Unistellar: Smart telescopes direct from the makers

• Back to the top ⤴

🇬🇧 Telescope deals in the UK

🇬🇧 Amazon: Cheap prices on camera gear
🇬🇧 Unistellar: Save up to £800 on smart telescopes
🇬🇧 John Lewis: The best for electrical deals
🇬🇧 Jessops: Deals from an iconic camera store
🇬🇧 Park Cameras: Top camera & lens prices
🇬🇧 Wex Photo Video: Great deals on the latest kit
🇬🇧 Very: Telescopes, GoPros, Canon cameras
🇬🇧 Clifton Cameras: Celestron telescope specialists

Check out our guides to the best telescopes, and to the best smart telescopes

The Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 binoculars have dropped to just $145.29, down from $209.95, and saving you an impressive $64.66 on one of the best-value binoculars for astronomy and stargazing.

The combination of powerful 20x magnification and enormous 80mm objective lenses makes these binoculars particularly well-suited to exploring the night sky. They gather far more light than a typical pair of everyday binoculars, helping reveal brighter, more detailed views of the Moon, star clusters, and other celestial sights.

That high magnification also brings distant subjects considerably closer, making the SkyMaster 20x80 a compelling alternative for anyone who wants to begin exploring astronomy without immediately investing in a telescope. Using both eyes can also create a more natural and immersive viewing experience.

These are substantial binoculars, however, and you will need a sturdy tripod to enjoy them at their best. The powerful magnification exaggerates even the smallest movement, while the large lenses add weight, so trying to hold them steady for long periods is not particularly practical.

Once mounted securely, though, they offer a brilliant way to scan the night sky from your garden or take a closer look at distant landscapes during the day. Their combination of light-gathering ability, reach, and straightforward operation makes them an excellent choice for beginner and enthusiast stargazers alike.

At just $145.29, the Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 binoculars offer a huge amount of astronomical viewing power for the money. With a $64.66 saving, this is one of the strongest stargazing deals I have spotted and a brilliant opportunity to bring the night sky considerably closer.

We are now into the final hours of the Amazon Prime sale, but unlike previous years, worthwhile memory card discounts remain surprisingly difficult to find. The ongoing global shortage of flash memory has driven relentless price increases since the beginning of the year, leaving far fewer genuine bargains available.

It is not all bad news, though. I have searched Amazon even more thoroughly than usual and uncovered several Prime deals that genuinely stand out. With the sale ending at midnight BST, this is your last chance to grab one before the remaining discounts disappear and prices potentially rise again.

• See all of today's best Amazon camera deals

Best SD (256GB)

Best SD (512GB)

Best microSD

Best CFexpress Type B

Best CFexpress Type A

How to choose

There are a few things to consider when shopping for a memory card. First and foremost is the type of card. The SD format is the most widely adopted standard, and these are further split into SDHC (High Capacity) and SDXC (eXtended Capacity) variants. All my picks are SDXC cards, which enable greater capacity than the other variants.

Then there are microSD cards, which are much smaller and commonly used in physically smaller devices, such as drones and action cameras.

CFexpress is the format adopted by pro-level equipment - most use Type B cards, but Sony mirrorless cameras use Type A cards. The best CFexpress cards offer blistering read/write speeds, but this performance comes at a price – though not too steep a price, thanks to the deals I've selected!

Capacity is the next consideration. Simply put, the greater a card's capacity, the more images (or video) it can store. However, it's not always best to go for the highest possible capacity; many photographers prefer to split their images over several cards for safety. There's often a sweet spot of capacity and price, and the deals I've picked reflect this.

Next comes performance, which measures a card's read and write speeds. The former determines how quickly you can download images from the card to the computer, but the latter is more important as it dictates how fast data is written to the card and thus affects the burst rate of your camera when shooting a rapid sequence of stills or the resolution and frame rate of the video it is capable or recording. If a card can't keep up with the camera, it will grind to a halt as it struggles to write data to the card.

Last but not least is the brand. All cards are great until they fail, and while no card is completely fail-safe, investing in a trusted manufacturer of memory cards offers a greater guarantee of reliability. All the brands that make my list are tried and trusted brands.

The Canon 12x36 IS III binoculars have dropped to $734.95 in the Prime Day sale, down from an RRP of $879, and saving you an impressive $144.05on a powerful pair of image-stabilised binoculars.

Binoculars offering 12x magnification can reveal considerably more distant detail than traditional 8x or 10x models, but that additional power also makes every small movement of your hands much more noticeable. This is where Canon’s image-stabilisation system becomes particularly valuable.

At the press of a button, the stabilisation helps settle the view, making distant wildlife, birds, aircraft, and landmarks easier to follow. The difference can be immediately noticeable, especially during longer viewing sessions when maintaining a steady handheld image becomes increasingly difficult.

Despite their impressive magnification, the Canon 12x36 IS III binoculars remain relatively compact and lightweight. This makes them far easier to carry than many high-powered binoculars, while the stabilisation means you are less likely to need the additional weight and inconvenience of a tripod.

The 36mm objective lenses also provide a useful balance between brightness and portability. They may not gather as much light as larger 42mm or 50mm binoculars, but they help keep the overall design manageable for travel, birdwatching, aviation events, and days spent observing wildlife.

At $734.95, these are still premium binoculars, but meaningful discounts on Canon’s image-stabilised optics are always worth paying attention to. With a $144.05 saving, powerful 12x magnification, and a steady handheld view, this is one of the most interesting binocular deals in the Amazon sale.

We are now into the final hours of the Amazon Prime sale, and there are still some excellent savings available across binoculars for birdwatching, wildlife observation, travel, marine use, and stargazing. However, with the event ending at midnight BST, this is your last chance to secure these prices before the deals disappear.

Having spent years testing and using optics in the field, I know that the biggest discount does not always represent the best value. That is why I have focused on the binocular deals that are genuinely worth your attention. If you have been waiting to buy, now is a good time to act to avoid missing out.

• See all of today's best Amazon camera deals
• See all of today's best binocular deals

US: Best binocular deals

UK: Best binocular deals

Exploring the planets and distant nebulae with a telescope is great fun – but it can be hard work for the beginner. And it can be a freezing experience in the middle of winter too! A new breed of smart telescopes is changing all this. Instead of looking through an eyepiece, a camera in the telescope beams the image to your phone or tablet - so you can stay in the warm, whilst you leave the telescope outside. And you can control the position of the tripod remotely - using the app to guide you automatically to the most interesting things in the night sky.

These smart telescopes are expensive - but market-leader Unistellar is slashing up to $690 off its Odyssey smart telescope – and knocking $750 off its Evscope 2 model.…

See also best telescopes for beginners, and the best telescopes for kids

Leica has made smartphone photography through binoculars a whole lot easier, thanks to a new partnership with US company Ollin.

The result is the Ollin snapshot adapter for Leica Geovid Pro binoculars, a simple but clever accessory designed to let users quickly capture what they are seeing through their binoculars using a smartphone. Whether it is wildlife, birding, hunting, or simply recording a memorable sighting in the field, this adapter turns the Leica Geovid Pro into something far more versatile.

The idea is simple: the adapter holds almost any smartphone securely in place using magnetic brackets, allowing the phone’s camera to line up with the binocular eyepiece. Once attached, users can shoot stills and videos directly through the binoculars, effectively turning their smartphone into a powerful telephoto camera.

Leica says the smart magnetic system ensures precise alignment with repeatable accuracy, which should make the whole process far less fiddly than traditional digiscoping setups. Different smartphones can be connected using the Ollin snapcase or magnetic tab, both of which are available separately. Better still, the adapter’s flat design means it can be left on the eyepiece during normal binocular use, making it quick to switch between observation and photography.

Alongside the new Ollin adapter, Leica Sports Optics has also introduced the Leica Geovid Pro 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars in a new olive green finish. Going forward, olive green will be used to identify the Geovid Pro line, while the Geovid R range will remain in black, and the top-end Geovid AB+ models will appear in Flat Dark Earth. It is a small change, but one designed to make Leica’s rangefinder binocular lineup easier to understand.

The Leica Geovid Pro range is already one of the most advanced binocular systems in Leica’s sports optics lineup, combining premium optics with over 30 years of rangefinding experience. The models feature Pro Applied Ballistics Ultralight ( a specialized, entry-level ballistic solver tier that calculates long-range shooting solutions) with G1/G7 support and more than 740 factory-loaded cartridges preinstalled, along with access to Leica’s wider database.

The Geovid Pro binoculars also feature Leica’s open-bridge design for a secure grip, as well as a built-in compass. This allows users to target and retrieve terrain points for navigation using Leica Pro Track, making the binoculars as much about precision and fieldcraft as they are about pure observation.

The Leica Geovid Pro 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars in olive green are available now from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and specialist retailers, priced at $3,639 / £2,470.

The new Ollin snapshot adapter for Leica is priced at $229 / £129, with additional models also available for other Leica binoculars and Leica spotting scopes.

Birdwatching has always been an accessible hobby – and the binoculars and, occasionally, monoculars that aid it are steady sellers. But its clichéd image of bearded middle-aged men hiding in undergrowth looks in danger of being increasingly usurped by younger Gen Z ‘twitchers’.

Indeed, in the UK, the RSPB currently offers free admission to its reserves to anyone aged between 16 and 24. Surprising to me, birdwatching is claimed to be the second biggest hobby for those within the Gen Z age bracket (second only to jewellery making). But RSPB research suggests that birdwatching has risen by 47% for people of all ages this past decade.

As with the sometimes ‘zen’ aspect of photography itself – and the world, and my busy mind, seeming to slow down as I compose my shot – birdwatchers similarly talk about not thinking about anything else as they observe our feathered friends.

They also speak of the observation of wildlife as a way in which to reconnect with nature and themselves. According to a recent BBC article, apparently just hearing birdsong can boost serotonin levels – making us happier overall.

If only there was a way to combine the two disciplines of birdwatching and photography to achieve maximum nirvana – and have some great images to show for it.

Well, there actually is, in the shape of binoculars that also feature an integral camera. These allow for the capture of stills and video, either to a removable media card or a smartphone via remote app.

Of these my top choice, if money was no object, would be the Swarovski Optik AV Visio 10x32 (review here), binoculars with an integrated 13MP camera that I’ve previously tested for Digital Camera World.

The further bonus here is on-board AI identification of birds and animals that mostly gets it right, if pointed at wildfowl and wild deer, although it did struggle identifying a turtle in my local pond. However, the optical quality is simply stunning – and you won’t need a bulky camera and massive telephoto lens to get up close and personal to skittish wildlife.

Another option I have personal experience with is the HikMicro Habrok 4K HE25LN, a 4K resolution device that incorporates a digital camera, offers infrared night vision and a distance-measuring laser rangefinder to boot.

Our guide to the best binoculars with cameras currently describes it as having the best night vision on the market; perfect for when you don’t want failing light to curtail observation. Fortunately, it is also suitable for daylight observation. Weighing less than the Swarovski alternative, this choice is also almost a third of its price.

So, if you want to both observe birds, general wildlife and capture a photo or video of your visual quarry, while leaving behind the bulky camera kit, a pair of binoculars with a built-in camera can make for an ideal alternative.

You might also like…

Check out the best binoculars, best monoculars and best image-stabilized binoculars.

GoBirding is preparing to enter the smart optics space with the Vision Master Smart AI Spotting Scope, a new all-in-one birding device that combines long-range observation, 4K imaging, subject tracking, and AI-powered bird identification in a lightweight handheld design - and to me, that sounds awesome!

The Vision Master, model APL-ETF-M1, is being billed as the world’s first professional AI-powered smart spotting scope and camera, and also the first spotting scope with native hardware AI.

Designed for birders, wildlife watchers, and outdoor creators, it aims to replace the traditional combination of scope, camera, phone, field guide, and notebook with a single connected device.

At the heart of the Vision Master is its AI bird identification system, which uses both on-device and cloud recognition. GoBirding says the scope can identify more than 1,500 bird species offline, with that expanding to more than 10,000 species when connected through the companion app. Sightings can also be automatically recorded, helping users build and manage their own personal bird encyclopedia over time.

The optical and imaging specifications are equally ambitious. The Vision Master offers 30x optical zoom and up to 120x hybrid zoom, giving users the reach needed for distant subjects, while 4K/30fps video, high-resolution stills, slow-motion, and time-lapse modes bring it closer to a dedicated imaging tool.

Hardware optical image stabilization is also included, which should make handheld observation far more usable at longer focal lengths than software-only stabilization systems.

GoBirding has also built in intelligent autofocus with real-time subject tracking, designed to help keep birds sharp and centered even when they are moving. The wider ecosystem is handled through a dedicated app, which brings together bird maps, data management, social sharing, and encyclopedia tools. Wi-Fi and cellular dual-link support should also make it easier to share images and sightings from the field, even when birding in more remote locations.

Battery life is rated at up to six hours of continuous use or 72 hours on standby, with fast charging and external power bank support for longer days outdoors. Backed by 15 years of optical research and development through Apexel, the GoBirding Vision Master Smart AI Spotting Scope is expected to launch on August 31, 2026, with pricing currently listed between $699 and $999, though the expected retail price is also being quoted at $699 to $799 depending on configuration and bundle options.

Why would I choose to pay an amount for a monocular that could, if I chose another brand, get me either a very capable, sturdy, and long-lasting pair of binoculars or five budget-priced monocular alternatives?

Well, sometimes the ultimate in portability combined with benchmark-raising performance is what I’m after.

Enter the freshly tooled Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular, its key specifications being an at-first-modest-sounding 8x magnification wedded to a 25mm objective lens.

Like the simultaneously released Noctivid Compact 10x25 and 8x25 binoculars from the same manufacturer, this monocular comes with a knurled leather finish, which not only looks great but provides a nicely firm grip.

A compact cylinder measuring 112x40mm, this monocular comes with an attachable wrist strap, a brief instruction manual, and a lens cleaning cloth included, along with a cylindrical, zippered carry pouch fashioned from soft leather to keep my investment protected.

What’s further appealing about this monocular is that it is supplied with an additional, separate, close-up lens. This coin-sized optic has its own placeholder sewn into the lining of the supplied pouch.

When attached to the main body of the monocular, it provides a closest viewing distance of between 25-30cm, whereas, without it, the closest focus distance is a more standard-sounding two meters.

So, while the Leica Monovid 8x25 may be 'just' a monocular at initial glance, is it, in fact, a more versatile and flexible viewing accessory than first meets the eye?

Leica Monovid 8x25: Specifications

Leica Monovid 8x25: Price

While not in any sense 'cheap', the manufacturer’s suggested asking price of $699 / £510 / AU$1,050 here feels almost reasonable for a Leica optical product with that iconic red dot. I, however, need to mention that I could alternatively pay a fifth of that asking price and still bag a well-performing monocular from a recognizable rival. But then it wouldn’t be a Leica.

At the time of writing, I also spotted marginally better deals to be had online if hunting around (fortunately, our widget below does the hard work for you). You’re never going to make massive savings on a Leica – it’s not that sort of product – but, as ever, it pays to do a little consumer research before purchase.

Leica Monovid 8x25: Design & Handling

The single-tube design of this black-liveried monocular might have you thinking at first glance it would be tricky to achieve a tight – not to mention level and steady – grip. Yet in practice, the almost industrial-looking knurled leather surface prevents fingers from sliding about.

I found myself using it with both hands: one to hold the device steady and the other to adjust the focus wheel to achieve critical sharpness. Once I’d alighted on a sharp image, however, I found the monocular could be used single-handedly, further supported by the rubber surround of the twist-up eyecup resting against my eye socket. Attaching the provided strap would also aid stability.

It certainly feels weightier in the palm than the official 152g weight quoted by Leica suggests on paper. The fact that the focus ring is also large and ridged makes finding this crucial control very easy when my eyes are otherwise engaged on the subject matter. Overall, handling is very intuitive. The Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular’s design is very minimalist and pared-back, after all, so it’s not like there are a load of operational options to distract or confuse, aside from the ability to add a close-up lens.

Because this additional/optional lens fits the core slender setup so well, there were a couple of times I forgot I’d previously attached it – and then wondered why I couldn’t focus properly on subjects further away.

Leica Monovid 8x25: Performance

The compactness here suggests a device that potentially could take the place of opera glasses if attending the theater, as well as being used as a general travel device for bringing the faraway closer when sightseeing or on a city break.

It’s also a perfect tool for taking on walks through the countryside, as it won’t weigh me down. And if I spot an unfamiliar and interesting bird in a nearby tree and want a closer look, so much the better. Commendably, I didn’t notice any instances of chromatic aberration when using the Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular, though I was actively searching for such artifacts on bright days and when training its lens on high-contrast subjects.

Despite the diminutive size, there is sufficient rigidity and heft to the monocular that I found it possible to hand-hold the device steady enough to get a commendably wobble-free view of subjects. Okay, so an 8x magnification is not going to be particularly challenging, but it does feel like Leica has attempted to maximize the pleasure and performance that can be had from a unit of this modest size. Fortunately, the degree of detail and clarity here feels exceptional enough to justify the equally exceptional asking price.

If adding the provided extra 25-30cm close-up lens, keeping the intended portion of your subject in frame and in focus is a little trickier, but again detail is such that I was able to pick out the veins in the leaves of the magnolia tree in my garden, and get a close-up of a bee collecting pollen from the bluebells that seem to be almost an invasive species this spring season. That said, I can’t see myself using this lens as much as the core 8x magnification lens that is integral to the device, but I do admire the thought and flexibility provided.

Leica Monovid 8x25: Verdict

Most of us will automatically opt for a pair of binoculars when we want to bring the faraway up close and personal without moving an inch – or when we physically cannot get closer to the subject under observation. By default, then, that makes the even more portable alternative of a monocular a specialist tool. Add the additional cost of owning a Leica-branded monocular, and we are narrowing the possible target market further.

However, there is no denying that in terms of giving a performance that belies its diminutive size and, on paper, an average 8x25 specification, the Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular is one of the sharpest monoculars I’ve handled. Handling of contrast is such that views pleasingly take on an almost three-dimensional depth.

The close-up/macro lens sewn into the carry pouch that can be screwed into position to change close focus to 25-30cm, rather than two meters, adds to the versatility and appeal for any amateur botanist or wildlife watcher. In effect, we are getting a two-in-one tool, which means spending big on this pocket-sized viewer hurts a little less than it would otherwise.

Alternatives

A big magnification is great when I want to pull the faraway up close and personal. Unfortunately, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view. This means it’s sometimes hard to track subjects once they start moving about.

But what would happen if there were one catch-all device that didn’t necessitate a compromise? Enter zoom binoculars, of which the Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 is the latest example. If you’ve ever wanted to shift from a wide field of view to a higher-powered close-up – and back again – then here’s an example worth considering. There’s also the added enticement of a large multi-coated 50mm objective lens to let in as much light as possible and thereby allow observation to continue for longer, even into the hour of dusk.

As with the rest of its non-zoom Action range, which succeeds the previously available Aculon A211 series, Nikon is marketing these Chinese-manufactured binoculars as beginner-friendly. Part of that is down to the asking price, which looks very reasonable indeed on paper. But a specification like the one quoted above has resulted in a large, not particularly light pair of binoculars, with a very traditional – perhaps dated – look. So, potentially it’s not all good news, especially if portability is a key concern.

On a more positive note, there will be those who actively prefer a chunkier pair of Porro prism binoculars (as opposed to typically more compact roof prism alternatives), including those with bigger hands. The increased size and weight also help to maintain a steady view when handheld. It’s worth noting there’s no image stabilization mechanism built into these binos, and there’s no tripod screw thread either. Ultimately, whether the Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 delivers for you will be partly a matter of personal taste.

What I’m concerned with for now is how they perform and whether the very affordable asking price has meant any corners have been cut. We shall see…

Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50: Specifications

Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50: Price

Though the price puts the Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 at the top of Nikon's seven simultaneously released Action binoculars series for 2026, at $179 / £179 / AU$299, it’s still not going to break the bank.

And even if this were a 10x50 specification model without the option to vary magnification up to 22x, what’s being asked still seems very fair. I found this newer model to be cheaper than the older Nikon Aculon A211 series binos with similar specifications, which likewise received praise at the time for their value-for-money proposition.

If you need the ability to vary magnification in one device and don’t mind a chunky and weighty build in comparison with compact roof prism binoculars, I believe you won’t go far wrong in checking out the Nikon Action 10-22x50.

Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50: Design & Handling

With a regular Porro prism-type design, my first impression of these binos is that they look and feel distinctly old school – despite their newness. However, there is a trick up the manufacturer’s sleeve that raises them above a traditional viewing device for pulling the faraway closer. As noted in my introduction, Nikon is affording us the option to smoothly zoom between a standard 10x magnification and a generous 22x with a flick of our thumb. And another plus: a body big enough to house a 50mm objective lens has ensured that it can be used handheld without any slight hand tremor causing visible image judder. At least at lower magnification.

In practice, grip is further aided by the soft yet firm rubber-armored exterior, while weight is kept down – yet solidity supplied – via an aluminum alloy construction. However, they still weigh as much as a regular bag of sugar, so I wouldn’t want to be hand-holding these to observe for longer than strictly necessary. One option would be to use them with a tripod. No screw thread for direct attachment is included, but Nikon does offer adapters to allow this, as optional extras.

Also found in the box is a soft canvas carry pouch the size of a primary school satchel, a shoulder/neck strap, and protective caps for both front lens elements and rear eyepieces. Although these binoculars are physically big at a width of 7.9in (200mm), length of 8in (202mm), and depth of 2.6in (66mm), a central folding mechanism allows for the variation of interpupillary distance between 56–72mm, so they best match up with my own eyes.

Instead of the familiar dioptric adjustment ring encircling the right eyepiece, there’s a lever for incrementally adjusting magnification from the minimum 10x to the maximum 22x option. This can be operated via the forefinger or thumb when hand-holding. It's slightly stiff to the touch, but this promotes a slow and steady zoom transition that is probably easier for my brain to cope with, especially if going between the two extremes of magnification and back again.

Further incremental settings marked on the same ring are set at 12x, 15x, and 18x magnification. There’s no 'click' when we arrive at each setting, meaning that the zoom operation is smooth.

Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50: Performance

With a huge objective lens potentially gathering lots of light and multilayer lens coatings further maximizing transmission and doing a great job of it, in my opinion, the Nikon Action 10-22x50 binoculars are a definite option for those wanting flexibility when it comes to magnification, plus clear and crisp views in a variety of conditions.

It’s worth noting, however, that zooming in immediately presents a noticeably narrower field of view and a tunnel-like effect, particularly pronounced at the maximum 22x setting, with the requirement to re-adjust focus as you do so.

It’s at the minimum 10x magnification that the view appears brightest and sharpest, with a good level of contrast and three-dimensional depth delivered. Indeed, at this setting, as with the Nikon Action 10x42 binoculars I was testing out at the same time as these, results seem to transcend what I would expect of 'budget' binoculars. I struggled to find any instances of chromatic aberration/purple fringing, either, despite looking for it in bright conditions; so, bravo to Nikon for that.

One further caveat, though: the more I increased magnification, the trickier I found it to hold the binoculars sufficiently steady to be able to avoid image judder and a shaky-looking view. So that’s something to take into consideration when weighing up whether this option is right for you.

If you’re regularly going to be using the maximum 22x magnification option, especially for prolonged periods of observation, investing in Nikon’s optional tripod adapters for this model may prove a must. It’ll also give your hands and arms a rest.

Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50: Verdict

Allowing for both wide-angle viewing and detail-rich close-ups, there’s flexibility in these zoom binoculars for sure. But unfortunately, I found them a little too big and heavy at just shy of 2.2lbs (1kg) for my personal taste. That’s despite the aluminum build attempting to keep the setup relatively light and manageable, as well as reassuringly solid-feeling.

Clarity and brightness of image, at least at the 10x setting, is particularly impressive – and their value for money really cannot be faulted. So, if you have larger hands or bulging biceps and are prepared to handhold these binoculars for extended periods (or invest in Nikon’s TRA-2 and TRA-3 adapters so they can be tripod-mounted), then go for it.

Alternatives

As a purveyor of luxury optical goods, Leica is the go-to German brand for anyone wanting premium binoculars delivering a dizzying level of sharpness, but who maybe doesn’t want to step up to the eye-watering cost of an alternative pair from Swarovski for even greater clarity.

Like its rival, Leica appeals to me not just for its class-leading clarity but, potentially, for offering a product that should last a lifetime of use. Yes, they may be priced at a premium, but there’s no way they’ll make me feel short-changed. Not in the long run.

Leica’s latest Noctivid Compact 10x25 binoculars are all about a small size, yet a big performance. At least that’s the idea. From first pulling them out of the box, they fortunately match the billing by being no bigger in the palm, when folded, than a cassette Walkman. Which means I can slide them easily and conveniently into a jacket pocket for transportation.

Rather than a conventional rubber surround – alternatively available for this unit – I plumped for the even more premium version with a leather finish. Leica says this is the same leather used on its camera models. The surface has an almost industrial-looking, knurled finish, which means it doesn’t slip through the fingers.

Unusually, it also means the device smells great – at least fresh out of the box. I’m not sure how long that will last with prolonged use. However, the price should ensure this is a device that will be taken care of.

Stylish exterior and diminutive form factor aside, the other core points to focus on here are that this Leica product offers a respectable 10x magnification plus a standard-sized 25mm objective lens. But being a Leica, I’m expecting performance that raises the bar above what I’d expect from binoculars with outwardly identical specifications from a regular brand.

So, what I want to drill into now is, does the compactness compromise visibility and operation at all, or does the performance live up to – or exceed – expectations?

Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25: Specifications

Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25: Price

As I’d expect from Leica, its premium look and feel Noctivid Compact 10x25 binos are reassuringly pricey at a manufacturer’s suggested price of $1,099 / £890 / AU$1,790 for the leather-armored version I'm testing. Mind you, that counts as relatively affordable for this brand and the personal status of owning that iconic red Leica logo. There is also a (slightly) cheaper rubber variant at $999 / £765 / AU$1,590.

Interestingly, the equally new Noctivid Compact 8x25 alternative is retailing for the same price at the time of writing. The physical dimensions of this lower-magnification variant are the same; it just weighs fractionally less and has a slightly wider field of view.

More affordable than both these Leica options is the recent, excellent-performing Kenko VcSmart Light 14x30. This portable alternative boasts greater magnification and a larger objective lens, plus built-in image stabilization. The downside is that it does mean a slightly larger and heavier pair of binoculars, but not by much. Check the alternatives at the end of this piece for more.

Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25: Design & Handling

Supplied with a snug soft leather carry pouch, strap, and slide-on plastic eyepiece protectors, the roof prism-type Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25 binoculars are a thing of minimalist beauty in terms of design. At the same time, there’s nothing that feels extraneous or overly flashy to me; everything feels solid and well-made.

Despite being small, the aluminum construction has a definite weight to it that immediately reassures, even if the official 13oz (359g) is comparable to that of a basic point-and-shoot pocket camera. Curiously, the rubber-armored variant of this model weighs slightly more at 13.5oz (379g).

It’s also worth noting that this premium pair is nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging, furthering its suitability for use in the wet and the wild. Leica claims they’ll remain watertight at a depth of 16ft (5m).

The lenses here are tethered to a static metal frame from which they fold outwards or back inwards. This allows for interpupillary distance adjustment, enabling them to line up comfortably and precisely with my own eyes, so what I’m seeing is a perfect circle. Twist-up rubber eyecups also provide a degree of operational comfort and can be adjusted depending on whether you’re wearing glasses.

A familiar non-slip, ridged focus ring is located dead center between the eyepieces. I found this had just the right amount of 'give' to it – not too loose nor stiff – to allow me to tweak focus precisely without having to take my eyes away from the subject being observed. A dioptric adjustment ring encircling the right eyepiece allows for further fine-tuning, if needed.

I don’t have particularly large hands, so I found the Leica binoculars sat well in mine. The sausage-fingered may prefer a larger pair, however.

Operation here is as intuitive as you’d expect a pocket device to be; I plucked these binoculars out of their posh black box and was using them within seconds.

Unobtrusive metal loops to the underside of each lens provide a means of attaching the provided neck strap; the package also includes a lens cleaning cloth and plastic eyepiece caps.

And that’s it – what you see here is what you get. Leica has stripped the Noctivid Compact 10x25 back to the essentials in the aim of compactness and portability, yet, as we’ll see, with little compromise when it comes to performance.

Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25: Performance

A 25mm objective lens size might suggest that, while okay as a general-purpose viewer, the Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25 binoculars might not be the best candidate for low-light work. However, using them toward the end of the day, I was surprised by how sharp, high-definition, and relatively bright they remained.

They consistently deliver a very crisp, contrasty image – so much so that the view appears three-dimensional. While I was mainly using them outdoors, their portable size also presents the option of using them at a concert or in a theater to bring the faraway closer than my ticket might otherwise afford.

My main worry with compact binoculars is always that observation is compromised, with portability being the key deciding factor in their development. That said, I would not expect Leica to put out a product that is in any way sub-par, and fortunately, that’s not the case here.

In fact, I found the outwardly stripped-back Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25 to deliver even better performance than I expected – and to my mind provide a brighter image than some contemporaries with physically larger glass.

Field of view is also respectable, in that I rarely found myself having to remove my attention from the eyepieces when tracking a subject to try to relocate it. The official stats are that the field of view at 1,000 meters is a respectable-for-its-class 100 meters.

Due to the lower magnification of the 8x25 model released at the same time as this one, the field of view at 1,000m is an even wider 120m, which might be preferable for users consistently needing to track flighty subjects.

Similarly impressive is the lack of a noticeable loss of definition toward the edges of the frame. This underscores my impression that the binoculars' performance exceeds what I’d expect from a viewing device of this relatively diminutive size, going some way to justify the price being asked.

Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25: Verdict

The diminutive Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25 binoculars may be pocket-sized, but they go big on performance. Okay, I’m always anticipating great things from one of the best optical brands out there, but still, there seems to have been very little compromise made in bringing these binoculars to market at their weight and dimensions.

If compactness is a key concern, but you don’t want to compromise on quality and can afford the high-ish ticket price, then you won’t go far wrong with the Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25. Particularly if seeking a premium everyday observational device, rather than a specialist tool for a niche viewing purpose.

Alternatives

Get ready for Action! Do these conventional-looking binoculars live up to Nikon’s reputation for optical excellence or seem old hat? It’s certainly the case that if anyone asked me to picture a standard pair of binoculars, I’d visualize something very close to the Nikon Action 10x42.

Boasting a traditional – some might say 'classic' – Porro prism-type design and a specification marrying a regulation-issue 10x magnification to a bigger-than-average (and theoretically brighter and crisper) 42mm objective lens, Nikon is pitching these chunky binoculars at beginners. In truth, that’s just a nicer way to say the Nikon Action 10x42 is a budget offering.

An added masterstroke, then, to call this series 'Action'. Put the word 'Action' beside anything, and it immediately sounds more exciting, with barely a need to mention that this is the successor to Nikon’s Aculon A211 series.

So, is this an option that will get those seeking an affordable, solidly built pair of binoculars from a recognizable, respected brand hot under the collar? Will it satisfy those who are not only searching for an everyday observational device but one especially suited to twitchers and wildlife watchers, thanks to a respectably wide field of view and decent lens size?

Nikon Action 10x42: Specifications

Nikon Action 10x42: Price

The first surprise is that anything this sizable and solid from Nikon is this affordable, though the 'Made in China' box sticker may partly indicate why. The manufacturer’s official suggested price for Nikon Action 10x42 binoculars is a very reasonable-sounding $129 / £129 / AU$189, which, on initial inspection, feels like a lot for very little, and is very much in line with the pricing of Nikon’s existing Aculon A211 series, which this succeeds.

A shoulder strap and soft carry case are also included in the box, along with front and rear lens caps. Hold these binoculars in your hand, and even before using them in earnest for the first time, you’ll feel like you've got yourself a real bargain, with a cost much lower than expected given the build. A very good start!

Nikon Action 10x42: Design & Handling

As noted in my introduction, the Nikon Action 10x42 binoculars feature a classic Porro prism design with an aluminum-alloy construction. A little chunky and unwieldy, they’re not the pocket binoculars that many of us would typically choose to start with.

But of course, squeezing in a large-ish 42mm objective lens was always going to necessitate a pair of binoculars of a certain size, as the preceding Aculon A211 range proved.

Plus, with a rubberized exterior enabling a firm grip and protecting against accidental knocks, the build quality is excellent for the price. Impressively, held in both hands, the Nikon Action 10x42 binoculars in no way feel like a 'budget' option.

A welcome extra that's not always guaranteed at this price is the inclusion of multi-layered lens coatings to maximize light transmission, contrast, clarity, and overall crispness. Also present are turn-and-slide rubber eyecups to aid visibility and enhance personal comfort, allowing for adjustment depending on whether I’m using them when wearing glasses or not. The right-hand eyepiece is encircled by a dioptric adjustment ring for fine-tuning focus. While this control feels a little stiff, that very fact does allow for precise adjustment.

Sitting directly between the eyepieces but lifted significantly above them is a large, ridged focus dial, which I feel has just the right amount of give. While it’s easy to locate this control by feel with eyes pressed against the binoculars’ eyecups, those with smaller hands may find it a bit of a stretch due to the device’s overall breadth. Happily, I can manually adjust interpupillary distance to line up exactly with my own eyes – the binoculars featuring a familiar folding mechanism – while the 16.1mm eye relief is generous.

Should potential purchasers be considering tripod-mounting this pair for prolonged periods of observation – if operating out of a hide, for example – then think again, as no screw thread for direct tripod mounting is provided. However, Nikon offers optional TRA-2 and TRA-3 tripod adapters at an additional cost.

More generously, Nikon has included both rear eyepiece and front lens protectors in the form of plastic caps that can be slid off or peeled off, respectively. I can see these getting lost fairly easily, however, as they managed to detach themselves from the binoculars when I was transporting them in my rucksack.

Handling feels intuitive from the get-go. These binoculars feel reassuringly sturdy when gripped with both hands, and surprisingly, given the low price, they seem like they will last for a while. What we don’t get, however, is a waterproof construction, so that is something to bear in mind if you’re envisioning using these in more challenging conditions.

Nikon Action 10x42: Performance

One of the key claims from Nikon for these binos is a wide field of view of 119m at 1,000 meters, making them a potential choice for wildlife watchers and birders needing to pan with and track flighty or skittish subjects, rather than closer subjects – especially as the minimum focus range is a so-so 16.4 ft (5m).

In practice, while I was able to pick out birds on branches, I found them ideal for general-purpose daylight viewing. If you’re going to be regularly continuing observation into the early evening, going for the larger 10x50 model in this range for marginally improved low-light performance might be a better bet.

Having tested a pair of Leica-branded binoculars directly before handling the Nikon Action 10x42, which is roughly a sixth of the Leica Noctivid Compact 10x25's asking price, I wasn’t expecting to be particularly impressed by the Nikon’s image quality. But I was very pleasantly surprised. Larger glass has resulted in a bright, crisp, and clear image; plus, even though I was searching for instances of chromatic aberration, like purple fringing on branches of a tree where it meets a clear blue sky, I found it hard to find fault.

Overall, the Nikon Action 10x42 delivers a performance that belies its budget price tag. It adds up to a great deal for anyone wanting sharp views who doesn’t mind bulkier binoculars to go with it – or perhaps is deliberately looking for a sturdy, robust option.

Nikon Action 10x42: Verdict

What appeals to me most about the Nikon Action 10x42 is that I get a well-specified pair of binoculars from a major brand at a very affordable, cost-of-living-crisis-conscious price.

On the downside, they feel bulkier and weightier to me than most beginners would want, especially if sightseeing rather than staying relatively static, and the design is rather old-fashioned without appearing to be deliberately retro. I guess it’s a matter of personal taste as to whether that appeals.

More positively, the chunky size and weight ensure they sit well in the hand, and viewing is largely free from image judder caused by any slight hand tremor, without necessarily needing a tripod, after all. These excellent binos are an ideal choice for budget-conscious wildlife watchers.

Alternatives

Are you after the best budget binoculars for the total solar eclipse that is coming up this summer? If you've ever seen a solar eclipse, you will know how fiddly solar eclipse glasses can be.

Sure, protecting your eyes from dangerous infrared light, UV light, and bright sunlight is imperative while looking at the sun. However, simple solar eclipse glasses get easily damaged, and they obviously don't offer any magnification.

Cue solar binoculars, which have built-in solar filters on their objective lenses to allow in only safe levels of sunlight so you can observe the sun directly and magnified to a size where you can see it in more detail.

On August 12 this year, parts of Spain, Portugal, Greenland, and Iceland will be able to witness the 'once in a generation' spectacle of a total solar eclipse – the last in continental Europe was back in 1999. But there won't be such a long wait for the next one, which will be visible on August 2, 2027, from countries including Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.

With Lunt having discontinued its SUNoculars range, Celestron is now the only real choice for those who want a safe way to get a magnified view of the sun, without investing in a telescope or a telephoto camera lens, both of which will need to be fitted with a solar filter.

Happily, the products available cover all kinds of magnifications, from portable and pocket-sized 10x25 binoculars (that’s 10x magnification and 25mm aperture objective lenses) to heavier, more powerful 20x50 binoculars.

Within the small range available, you’ll find both roof prism (for small, portable binoculars) and Porro prism (for large yet affordable) designs. Crucially, the solar filters used all conform to the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) international safety standard.

Although solar binoculars make it safe to view the sun, it pays to know an extra safety technique. After all, when bringing solar binoculars up to your face, it’s all too easy to look at the sun – and that goes double if you have problems locating it through the otherwise very dark optics. A good technique here is to wear a wide-brimmed hat, which will instantly block the sun from getting in your eyes while you find the sun and adjust the binoculars.

The best solar eclipse binoculars

Best value

Light enough to hold steady while also offering decent magnification, these binoculars are excellent for watching the progress of an eclipse while also being good for studying the surface of the sun.

Low-priced and with just the right amount of magnification for stunning close-ups of sunspots while also being easy to hold steady, the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42mm offers the perfect balance for those wanting something impressive without being too big and bulky. Crucially, it’s easy to find and focus on the sun, with a nice, bright, and sharp view, although we did notice both a blue and yellow line around the limb, telltale signs of color fringing.

Although it’s the most impressive of Celestron’s three Porro prism binoculars in its EclipseSmart range – including a slightly better build quality – the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42mm has a lot in common with both the 12x50 and 20x50 models, both good and bad.

All have thumb pads underneath the barrels that make it easy to grip and offer plenty of eye relief. However, the shoulder case included is of very basic quality, as is the neck strap, while the separate lens caps on both the lens caps and eyecups are easy to lose. What this model does lack is an adaptor for attaching a tripod, though that’s something that simply isn’t required at this easy-to-handhold 10x magnification.

Best portable

If you just want to keep track of the progress of the moon across the sun during an eclipse and you’re not interested in seeing sunspots, then the Celestron EclipSmart 10x25mm roof solar binoculars are for you.

A tiny pair of binoculars not much bigger than the footprint of a smartphone, these roof prism binoculars offer 10x magnification, but only 25mm objective lenses. That means a small bluish-white image of the sun that lacks brightness, though the wide-angle of view makes it very easy to locate the sun quickly. In my test, I could just about see some sunspots, though not nearly as many – and not as clearly – as larger, higher magnification, brighter solar eclipse binoculars.

It’s a no-frills package, with a simple string for a neck strap, but since they’re so lightweight, the Celestron EclipSmart 10x25mm roof solar binoculars can hang effortlessly around the neck during an eclipse. Also in the box is a pouch that has a belt loop, but they can just as easily live in a pocket. The only real downside to these travel-friendly solar binoculars is the lack of eye relief.

Best for tripods

Many people find binoculars that magnify 10x or higher quite difficult to hold steady, and that certainly applies here. Although almost identical to the 10x42 and 12x50 Celestron models, this 20x50 binocular is just too heavy to hold for longer periods of time.

What’s more, the narrow field of view makes it very hard to quickly find the sun. This is why the tripod jack between the barrels of this Porro prism binocular is so useful. When held steady on a tripod, the Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 offers fabulous close-ups of sunspots on the surface of the sun amid a blueish-white view of the solar surface. I also didn’t notice many traces of blue and yellow color fringing around the sun.

Impressive when mounted on a tripod, the Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 is best thought of as a travel-friendly alternative to taking a small telescope to see an eclipse rather than as solar binoculars for hand-holding.

As with the others in the range, the Celestron EclipSmart 20x50 comes with thumb pads underneath the barrels and lots of eye relief, but with loose lens caps, a thin neck strap, and a basic shoulder case.

Best high-magnification

If you want as much magnification as possible for finding sunspots on the solar surface, then the Celestron EclipSmart 12x50 is a tempting proposition. With 12x magnification and solar filters permanently attached to its 50mm objective lenses, these Porro prism binoculars offer a bright, blueish-white view of the sun with only a trace of blue and yellow color fringing.

It’s easily possible to find sunspots and even split sunspots in dense areas of activity, but there are some caveats. The main issue is that while it is possible to hold the Celestron EclipSmart 12x50 in the hand to use at an eclipse (or just for sunspot viewing), it’s a wobbly affair.

The weight of these binoculars is such that it’s better to mount them on a tripod (using the built-in tripod jack and an L-shaped binocular adaptor) or, at the very least, sit on a reclining chair when you use them.

By using either a tripod or yourself to support some of the weight, it becomes easier to keep them steady. That’s if you can find the sun with them, something that takes a little practice at this magnification – it’s certainly something you should master before eclipse day.

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Leica has launched its new Noctivid Compact binocular and Monovid monocular, revealing a redesigned line that aims to bring the optical performance of its flagship Noctivid series into a smaller form..

The new Noctivid lineup includes the Noctovid Compact 8x25 and 10x25 binoculars – , as well as the Monovid 8x25 monocular. Each model emphasizes portability and usability, geared towards a range of scenarios from travel and hiking to urban observation.

According to Leica, the new Noctivid line represents a “complete redesign,” pairing updated optical construction with a more compact, lightweight build. Most notably, the company says the new range boasts a wider field of view, despite the pocket-sized build.

Compared with the original Noctivid series, which already offered competitive viewing, the new models are designed to deliver a more immediate and expansive visual frame. This wider perspective allows users to take in more of a scene at once, particularly useful for tracking wildlife or scanning detailed environments without constant repositioning.

Crucially, Leica maintains that this broader field of view doesn’t compromise optical precision. Wider viewing angles in compact binoculars often result in edge distortion or reduced sharpness, but the company says the Noctavid range preserves edge-to-edge clarity.

Both binoculars and monocular are waterproofed with a depth rating of 16 ft / 5m.

Both pairs of Leica Noctovid binoculars are available for $1,099 /£890 / AU$1,677 in a black leather finish. Alternatively, you can get them in a black rubber-armored $999 /£765 / AU$1,677.

The leather-armored Monovid monocular will retail for $699 / £510. Australian pricing is not yet available.

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See our guides to the best compact binoculars and our guide to the best monoculars

Kite Optics has expanded its APC Stabilized 50 ED lineup with the launch of the new APC 22x50 ED AA, a binocular that pushes handheld observation into territory normally reserved for spotting scopes.

Announced on April 7, 2026, the new model delivers a huge 22x magnification and, according to Kite Optics, is now the highest-powered stabilized binocular currently available.

Priced at $1,899 / £1,699, it is designed to give users spotting-scope-level reach in a far more portable format.

What makes the APC 22x50 ED AA stand out is the promise of serious long-range detail without the usual tripod setup. At 22x magnification, this binocular moves directly into the working range of compact spotting scopes, but with the big advantage of true handheld use and binocular vision.

That means users can track moving wildlife, scan large landscapes, and maintain a more natural sense of depth, all without being tied to a tripod or limited to one-eyed viewing.

That kind of magnification would be almost impossible to use effectively without stabilization, and that is where Kite’s proprietary KT 3.0 image stabilization system comes in.

Powered by the company’s second-generation KDGS-2 gyro sensor platform, the system compensates for hand movement in real time and offers a correction angle of 2 degrees. At this level of magnification, even the smallest shake becomes exaggerated, so the stabilization is not just a bonus feature here; it is what makes the binocular practical in the field.

Optically, the APC 22x50 ED AA is built around ED glass elements and Kite Optics’ MHR Advance+ multi-layer coatings, with the company claiming 86% light transmission. Kite says chromatic aberration is kept effectively under control across the frame, helping deliver a sharp, contrast-rich image right out to the edges.

The binocular also offers a field of view of 54m at 1000m, while the body is IPX7-rated waterproof, nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging, and built to operate in temperatures ranging from -20 to +55 degrees Celsius.

Kite has also taken a practical approach to power, with the APC 22x50 ED AA running on two standard AA batteries rather than a proprietary rechargeable system.

That makes it an especially attractive option for travel and remote use, where replacements can be picked up almost anywhere and swapped in seconds.

Add in a weight of around one kilogram and a 30-year warranty that includes the electronic stabilization system, and Kite Optics is clearly positioning this as a serious tool for birders, wildlife watchers, and outdoor observers who want spotting-scope detail without the extra bulk.

Zeiss has launched its latest spotting scope, the Conquest Apia 65, a lightweight and compact optical device designed for wildlife enthusiasts on the go.

Coming in as a mid-tier-priced scope but touted to feature high-end optics, Zeiss puts forward the Conquest Apia 65 as an affordable solution to the tradeoff between optical quality and compact design when it comes to the most portable spotting scopes.

The second model in the Conquest series, the Apia 65 features a 65mm lens diameter which Zeiss claims achieves an 87% light transmission rate, closely rivaling its big brother scope, the Conquest Gavia 85, itself boasting an 88% light transmission rate.

Touted to have a “HD optical system” made up of aspherical elements and extra-low dispersion glass, the Apia 65 should deal with aberrations well while enabling you to see both a wide view and the finer details thanks to a 20-50x zoom range.

Zeiss has coated the Apia 65 lens with its proprietary LotuTec, which creates a hydrophobic and oleophobic layer for maintaining optimal performance in adverse conditions.

Bolstering durability is the magnesium and aluminum housing, with the entire device measuring 11.7inches and weighing 47.5oz.

Although not the shortest nor lightest higher-end compact spotting scope on the market, it still looks like the Apia 65 is set to give its smaller and more premium competitors, notably the Swarovski ATC 17-40x56, a good run for their money and at a much lower price.

The Swarovski ATC 17-40x56, which measures 10 inches, weights 43oz and achieves 88% light transmission, but costs around $2,900 / £2,150, while the Zeiss Conquest Apia 65 comes in at around $1,700 / £1,275.

With the release of the Conquest Apia 65, Zeiss continues its efforts to meet the growing demand for lightweight, smaller spotting scopes that don't sacrifice optical quality while keeping ergonomics in mind.

You can buy the Zeiss Conquest Apia 65 at major photography retailers including B&H Photo (US), Park Cameras (UK) and London Camera Exchange (UK).

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See how the Zeiss Conquest Apia 65 compares to other kits available by reading our expert guide to the best spotting scopes.

Japanese brand Kenko’s boast for its Vc Smart Light range is that they’re its smallest and lightest binoculars to offer built-in ‘Vibration Control’, more commonly termed as 'image stabilization'.

'VC’ or 'IS' aside, the core features are a decent 14x magnification married to a large-for-its-dimensions 30mm objective lens. The larger the magnification and lens, the larger the binoculars’ dimensions, traditionally, especially when there’s a built-in gimbal to provide a steady view. So, I’m on a constant quest to find that sweet spot between a good specification, a practically portable size, and, of course, a great performance. Has Kenko provided that here?

Specs aside, of course, we must also weigh up the cost. As anyone who has considered buying an image-stabilized pair before will know, adding ‘IS’ typically makes them more expensive than regular unstabilized binoculars. So, it’s worth considering whether you really need this feature.

It can certainly come in useful for reducing visual judder due to hand tremors and easing eye strain with it, making for a more comfortable viewing experience if hand-holding for long periods.

Let's see if Kenko's Vc Smart 14x30 Light binos are ultimately worth looking into…

Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light: Specifications

Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light: Price

I’m well aware that adding image stabilization to any binoculars immediately pushes up the price. So, while it helps make a 14x magnification twinned with a 30mm objective lens very usable in practice, the Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light is rather pricey. At the time of writing, the cost was settling in the region of $1,275 / £790 / AU$1,600.

That makes these more of a mid-range IS-equipped binoculars option, rather than a budget one. As ever, it will pay to shop around to get the best deal.

Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light: Design & Handling

Classic roof prism-style image-stabilized binoculars can weigh a ton. But powered by a single AA battery, the Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light lives up to its name by feeling manageable when held in the palm. Its 462g weight is broadly comparable with a compact mirrorless camera and pancake lens.

My review unit came without an AA battery included – native Japanese buyers apparently get two – however, this isn’t an issue, as I always have a handful of rechargeables at home, and most of us have spares lying around. Amazingly, the claim is that just the one cell will last 28 hours of continuous use, which is impressive given that rivals typically manage half that.

In some ways, that’s just as well, as I found unscrewing and re-attaching the cap for the battery compartment to be awkward, due to snug positioning up against the lens.

Overall, I do like the Vc Smart’s flat profile, with its slightly coarse surface aiding finger purchase when held. I don’t have huge hands, but the sausage-fingered might be advised to try it out in person before buying, as not everyone is seeking the most compact pair possible.

The binoculars arrive with a padded carry pouch with a Velcro-style fastening and a neck strap included out of the box. The eyepieces are protected by slip-on plastic eyecups, but there was no protection provided for the front lenses with my review sample. Luckily, then, these are recessed and possess a generous lens surround to prevent scratching or finger smears when in use. In addition, a small lens cloth is provided in the box.

As with many examples of their ilk, the inter-pupillary distance between the eyepieces can be manually adjusted to a limited extent to better line them up with your own eyes. The right-hand eyepiece features a dioptric adjustment ring for fine-tuning focus, with the main ridged focus wheel located between the front two lenses and falling ergonomically under my middle fingers as the binoculars are gripped by both hands, for the steadiest hold possible.

While using both hands feels most comfortable, the weight is manageable enough to allow for single-handed operation, if preferred. The expected feature of twist-up eyecups is present and correct here too, allowing for further adjustment for comfort, dependent on whether the user is wearing spectacles or not.

As with any binoculars worth their salt, operation is very intuitive, and, for me, the components have just the right amount of ‘give’. They feel neither too loose nor too stiff when adjusting on the fly.

There’s no screw thread for tripod mounting for anyone engaged in longer periods of observation, but, in fairness, given the compact dimensions and manageable weight, I didn’t expect to find one provided.

Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light: Performance

It’s not just the better-than-average 30mm objective lens that lets light flood in to boost image clarity, but the expected inclusion of fully multi-coated optics maximizing light transmission. Once focus has been precisely determined, we get an almost three-dimensional-looking image, where the subject matter sharply stands out against the foreground and background. This was particularly noticeable, I found, when observing a bird perched on the branches of a tree, where there might be potentially distracting leaves or twigs in proximity.

I flicked the top plate on/off switch with my thumb once I’d located my subject, and it immediately felt like I had my own Steadicam operator. While there’s sufficient heft to the Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light that they can be used without too much visible image wobble/judder even without two-axis gimbal-equipped image stabilization activated, once it is, use becomes noticeably more comfortable and, yes, smooth.

To give one example of its usefulness, at one point during testing, I couldn’t make out from afar whether a black blob on the surface of the water was a piece of wood or a young bird. But upon activating ‘Vibration Control’, I was able to determine in an instant that yes, it was just a piece of flotsam.

While a small and unobtrusive ‘pilot’ light at the back illuminates in green when ‘Vc’ is active, there is a small sliding cover that can be nudged with the thumb to obscure it – especially useful if observing subjects at night, where a distracting light wouldn’t be welcomed. Interestingly, Kenko has removed the automatic power-on/off feature on this model, so it no longer deactivates after 10 minutes. Observation can continue uninterrupted for longer stretches.

If being picky, I did notice occasional instances of purple fringing when observing contrasty subjects in bright conditions: for instance, a white feathered swan nudging against the deep green of a riverbank, or a grey bird on a tree branch set against a clear blue sky. But in fairness, any instances of chromatic aberration were only noticeable when I was actively looking for them.

Overall, I was as impressed by the clarity of these binoculars as I have been by past Kenko iterations. If you’re looking for a decent device at a fair price that has the bonus of built-in image stabilization, then you can’t go far wrong here.

Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light: Verdict

The Kenko Vc Smart 14x30 Light hits the sweet spot where compactness, a rugged build, a good performance, a decent specification, and price meet, which isn’t the easiest to achieve.

While not quite a sharpness match for much more expensive binoculars I have used from the likes of Swarovski or Leica, I was immediately impressed by the clarity provided here, with the image stabilization feature allowing me to more accurately identify subjects from afar, free from any visible judder magnified by using them handheld. It all adds up to a good mid-range option for those seeking a high-quality performance without breaking the bank.

Alternatives

If you’ve been thinking about exploring astrophotography but are put off by the expense — and the usual requirement for telescopes, tracking mounts, cameras and laptops — the ZWO Seestar S30 Pro smart telescope may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Small enough to sit comfortably in a camera backpack alongside a mirrorless body and a couple of lenses, the Seestar S30 Pro is closer in size to a chunky telephoto lens than a traditional telescope — but nowhere near as heavy.

Designed by Chinese imaging specialist ZWO, which has been making a name for itself in astrophotography accessories, the S30 Pro is an upgraded version of the original Seestar S30. Conceptually, they’re identical. Once powered on and connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth and WiFi, it automatically aligns itself to the night sky as it slews to your chosen celestial object, captures a series of exposures and stacks them to create colorful images — from galaxies, nebulae and star clusters to the moon and even the sun.

What makes the Pro model interesting for astrophotographers is its upgraded imaging system. While the original Seestar S30 used a 2MP Sony IMX662 sensor for Full HD resolution images, the S30 Pro introduces larger Sony IMX585 and Sony IMX586 sensors — both capable of capturing 8.3MP 4K images — for telephoto and wide-field imaging, respectively. That’s a big leap in detail — and there’s more. It’s also got an equatorial mode that puts the ‘scope in sync with Earth’s rotation, enabling longer exposures.

Although it requires an equatorial wedge ball head and polar-aligning, together with the jump in resolution, it helps make the Seestar S30 Pro the first pro-level portable smart telescope.

Specifications

Price & availability

ZWO’s Seestar concept was the first entry-level smart telescope to catch the zeitgeist with the release of the Seestar S50 in 2023. The more portable Seestar S30, priced around UK£419/US$399/AU$699, quickly became one of the most affordable smart telescopes available when it was released in 2025.

The Seestar S30 Pro is an effort to keep the same form factor but slightly upgrade the experience, with new sensors and improved resolution responsible for an uptick in price to US$599/£599/AU$820.

For astrophotographers who care about resolution and post-processing potential, the upgrade from a full HD sensor in the S30 to 4K sensors in the S30 Pro makes the latter far more appealing.

Build and handling

The Seestar S30 Pro is remarkably portable. Its compact design means it can easily fit inside most camera backpacks — something that would have been unthinkable for traditional astrophotography setups — though its carry case also comes with a shoulder strap.

Build quality is solid rather than luxurious. The main body uses a tough white plastic chassis paired with a small but very capable tripod. That tripod works well on a tabletop and is ideal for travel and wide-open spaces, but for use in the average backyard, you’ll likely want to mount the telescope on a full-size photography tripod. It’s got a 3/8-inch thread, but there’s a converter in the box to make it 1/4inch.

Alternatives

The device itself has very few physical controls — just a power button and a USB-C charging port. Everything else happens through the smartphone app. That’s a no-brainer in the short term, though there is always the nagging thought about how long app-based devices will last. After all, without the app, the Seestar S30 Pro is nothing; this likely isn’t a telescope you’re going to keep in the family for generations.

During testing, the app worked smoothly, though it occasionally informed us of large firmware updates and downloads for its built-in sky atlas. It’s worth setting it up at home before heading out to darker skies.

Performance

In the field, the Seestar S30 Pro performs impressively for such a compact and automated device. At night, the process is simple: place the telescope on its tripod, power it on, connect a smartphone and select a target from the built-in sky atlas. The telescope then plate-solves the stars, slews automatically to the chosen object, focuses and begins capturing exposures. Each image is stacked automatically, gradually revealing more detail as the integration time increases. The longer it runs, the cleaner and sometimes more colorful the final image becomes.

We tested it on a host of different objects, from the Pleaides (M45) and the Orion Nebula to the Leo Triplet and Bode’s galaxies and the Cigar galaxies. Happily, the Seestar S30 Pro can create FITS files for deep-sky objects, which astrophotographers can then export to image-stacking software. That’s what to do to reduce noise and maximize detail.

However, the S30 Pro still has limitations. Its 30mm aperture and alt-az mount restrict exposure lengths, which limits ultimate detail. Cue its EQ mode, which compensates for the Earth’s rotation. It necessitates the purchase of the Seestar TH10 Fluid Tripod Head (costing US$79) (or any equatorial wedge).

To use it, set the dial to your latitude and point it towards north, either using Polaris, the North Star, or just the compass on your phone. There’s then an in-app guide to fine-tune the positioning. Once completed, the app goes into EQ mode, enabling much longer exposures for objects.

If you want to image large areas of the night sky — either for large nebulae or for the Milky Way (or constellations) — there are two choices. Milky Way mode is the easiest and quickest, whereby the wide-angle camera takes images quickly, or the slow mosaic mode, during which the telephoto takes lots of smaller images and stitches them together. The latter, of course, is how to create higher resolution images.

Lunar imaging is very simple, while daytime imaging with the solar filter is straightforward, allowing quick captures of sunspots using the telephoto camera for close-ups.

ZWO Seestar S30 Pro: Verdict

The ZWO Seestar S30 Pro proves that astrophotography doesn’t need to involve complicated equipment or a huge financial investment. For photographers curious about capturing the night sky, it offers an incredibly simple way to start. Setup takes minutes, the automation handles the difficult parts, and the results can be surprisingly good with much integration time. Compared to the original Seestar S30, the 4K sensor, improved optics and expanded imaging modes make the S30 Pro a much more capable photographic tool, particularly for anyone interested in editing their images.

Check out our full guide to the best smart telescopes