When you’re hiking, backpacking, or simply traveling, a pair of binoculars can help you notice and see a lot more than you would have with the naked eye. At the same time, binoculars are more of a helpful accessory than a necessary tool, so you’ll want them to be as lightweight and compact as possible to make space for other things and spare you some effort carrying all your supplies and equipment.
Fortunately, modern technologies have allowed binoculars to become extremely compact and still manage to house high-quality optics. This means that you won’t have to carry a huge pair of binoculars on your next hiking trip, and you’ll still be able to see far away objects in a lot more detail. We have compiled this list of our top reviewed models to help you choose the best compact binoculars. They will be a great asset to your adventures and expand your horizons.
Factors to keep in mind when choosing your binocular include the overall image quality, range of view, adjustability for comfort, whether you want it to be waterproof, whether you want it to come with certain accessories (such as adapters for taking photos through them), and, of course, your budget.
Bushnell Powerview Compact Binocular
This binocular is easily one of our top choices, as it offers great performance for the money. The Bushnell Powerview comes in a variety of colors and lens sizes, allowing you to choose a model that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank. The optics in all models are fully coated, which means that you’re going to get bright, crisp images through the lenses of your binocular.
All Bushnell Powerview models also ship with an adjustable neck strap and a travel case made of sturdy canvas, so you have everything you need to use your new binocular straight out of the box. These binoculars are also foldable, allowing them to take up a minimal amount of space in your backpack.
The magnification of the Bushnell Powerview models is impressive given how compact these binoculars are. We did wish the binoculars had a wider range of view, but it was clearly sacrificed for the sake of portability, which we think justifies the limitation. The Bushnell Powerview binoculars aren’t waterproof, so you may want to look at other models on our list if you plan to use your new binocular in extreme conditions.
Despite that, all Bushnell Powerview models are solid performers and could be the perfect model for users who need a high-quality, uncomplicated binocular.
Skygenius 8×21 Compact Binocular
If you’re more into theater and opera than exploring the great outdoors, you probably don’t need a waterproof binocular with powerful magnification and impressive low-light performance. All that you need is to see your favorite actor’s costume in more detail from that back row is a pair of straightforward, easy to use binoculars, and this model from Skygenius is just that.
This binocular is one of the most compact entries on our list, and yet it manages to provide a very impressive range of view that is better than some larger (and more expensive) models can offer. The magnification provided by the Skygenius 8×21 model is going to be enough for theatergoers, opera lovers, most hikers, and even amateur bird watchers! Of course, you can find binoculars that are better suited for outdoor use, but this doesn’t take away from the versatility of this binocular model.
Skygenius 8×21 is also a suitable gift for children who are interested in watching birds, animals, and insects or simply exploring their surroundings in a new way. This binocular is very easy to use and can be adjusted for small faces, making it ideal for pre-teens.
Overall, this is a great binocular that offers unmatched performance for the price. It may be slightly uncomfortable for people with wider faces, but other than that, it is a perfect option for many users and many uses.
NOPTIX 10×42 Compact Binocular
If you’re looking for a premium package that includes all the accessories you might need when using your binocular, you might be interested in this set from NOPTIX. You can get it as a starter kit for yourself or as a gift for someone whom you know is into birdwatching, going to stadium sports events, or traveling.
This compact binocular from NOPTIX comes with attachable lens caps, a tripod with a mount, a neck strap, a fabric case for convenient storage and transportation, and a cleaning cloth. What’s more, you’ll even find a special adapter for taking photos with a smartphone through the lenses of your new binocular. This adapter is extremely easy to use, which makes it stand out among the competitor models. It allows you to take amazing, high-quality pictures with little more equipment than your smartphone and the binocular.
The 42 millimeter lenses provide excellent magnification and a bright, crisp image. The binocular is adjustable, so it can be used by people with wide and narrow faces alike. Despite the wide range of accessories, the binocular is very compact and will easily fit into your backpack.
All things considered, we would recommend this binocular to anyone who is looking for an all-rounder model that is shipped with all the added accessories.
Celestron Nature DX Series
The Nature DX series binoculars are quite expensive, but they are premium products that are worth every cent. Every model in the series is waterproof and even has special rubber housing that protects the binocular from mechanical damage.
Similar to the last entry on our list, the Celestron Nature binoculars come with everything else you might need in the box, including caps for lens protection, a rainguard for the eyepiece, a neck strap, a padded carrying case, and a cloth for cleaning the lenses. If you want to take photos through your new binocular, you can order a set with one of the two phone camera adaptors available for you to choose from.
The models with larger lenses work great in low light environments, which will allow you to watch birds and animals in their natural habitats whenever you want. All models offer a wide range of view, so they’re suitable for people who are new to using binoculars, allowing you to find a target and focus on it easily.
All in all, these binoculars from Celestron are quite an investment, but they will serve you well for years and years to come. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose a suitable binocular from the wide range of six models they have available.
Vortex Optics Premium Compact Binocular
If you are an avid outdoors enthusiast and have already tried a number of compact binoculars only to find that every single one of them is lacking an important feature you need, this premium binocular from Vortex Optics might be just what you need. A glance at the price tag of this product might make you wonder whether it is worth the cost, but we assure you that it is.
The lenses of Vortex Optics premium binoculars are covered with an anti-reflective coating. This, combined with cutting edge plasma technology, allows you to use the binoculars in dark environments. The body of the binocular is made from high-quality magnesium, which provides excellent protection for the optics and makes the binocular extremely reliable and durable.
The ergonomic design of this binocular provides a great grip, so you won’t drop it even in the most extreme weather conditions. You can safely use the Vortex Optics binoculars in any weather because their lenses are ultra-hard and scratch-resistant, while the binoculars themselves are waterproof and shockproof. In addition, the eyecups are adjustable, allowing you to comfortably use this binocular whether you wear glasses or not.
For more cool options like this, check out our guide to the best binoculars for hunting.
G4Free Compact Binocular
If you’re not ready to shell out so much for a binocular just yet, you should take a closer look at this affordable model from G4Free. It may not be the perfect choice for an adult hiker or traveler, but it will make a great gift for a child who’s interested in observing nature. As a parent, you will be pleased to know that your child is using a safe binocular that’s easy to adjust and comfortable to grip.
This binocular also comes with some additional accessories that will help you get the most out of your new tool, including a canvas case for convenient transportation and a neck strap. The lenses in this binocular are water-repellent, so you can use it in a light rain without worrying about damaging your binocular. However, you shouldn’t use it in situations where it can get soaking wet as that would most likely do permanent damage to the mechanical components of your binocular.
Overall, we’d say this is a good model for anyone who’s not going to use their binocular heavily and only needs minimal features. It is also one of the best options for binocular enthusiasts on a budget.
Wingspan Optics Skyview Ultra HD
A solid mid-range performer, the Skyview Ultra HD model from Wingspan Optics provides unmatched image quality in its price segment. This binocular relies on a number of proprietary technologies to make sure that what you see through the lenses is as close to the real image as possible. The most prominent technology used in these binoculars is the extra-low dispersion glass, which is able to drastically reduce the amount of chromatic aberrations, resulting in a much more natural and vivid color reproduction.
Despite being very light, this compact binocular is sturdy and reliable. It will likely serve you for decades to come, thanks to the water- and fog-proof body that is made from nitrogen-purged materials and can withstand a lot of damage without letting it affect the optics and mechanics inside. We find that this a very good binocular for people who enjoy watching birds and animals in their natural habitats, as it offers the right mix of portability and durability.
You may also be interested in some of the top night vision binoculars from our list. Don’t miss them.
Carson RD Series 10×42 Compact Binocular
Despite being extremely lightweight, this binocular is still a full-size model packed with useful features. First of all, this binocular will not be affected by water, fog, or anything else the elements can throw at you, so you can always take it outdoors without fearing that it might be damaged. Second, the binocular’s multi-coated optics will always provide a high-quality image, regardless of whether you’re trying to look at something in the rain, through fog, or in the shadows. Finally, the binocular comes with everything you need to get started: a sturdy travel case, a lens protector, a neck strap, and a cleaning cloth. The binocular also can be mounted on a tripod, which is not included in the box, so you’ll have to get one separately.
All in all, Carson RD series binoculars are great products that can satisfy even the most demanding customers.
Nikon MONARCH 5 8×42 Compact Binocular
This is a new model from Nikon, a well-known brand in the world of photography equipment. As you can guess, the company also produces binoculars, the quality of which matches the best cameras and lenses from Nikon.
The MONARCH 5 model has been revised to become lighter and provide better light transmittance. The binocular is easy to use and focuses like a dream. It also offers a wide range of view, making it suitable for birdwatching and observing nature. The Nikon MONARCH 5 has a rubber armored body that provides a good grip and protects the mechanics of the binocular from damage. In addition, this model is also waterproof and fog-proof, so you can take it with you on hiking and camping trips without worrying about poor weather conditions or physical damage to your binocular.
All in all, we liked this binocular and think it’s going to be a great match for people who value quality and don’t mind spending a little more than the average market price.
Canon IS Series Compact Binocular
You didn’t think Canon would shy away from the binocular market, did you? As a matter of fact, Canon has a series of compact binoculars that cover a very extensive price range, offering different magnification and features.
We only had a chance to try out the most affordable model of the series, the Canon 8×25 binocular. We found the magnification and image stabilization of this model to be superior to the majority of other binoculars we’ve tested. The rounded body offers a very comfortable grip while providing enough protection that you don’t have to constantly worry about accidentally damaging your binoculars.
While it is true that the 8×25 model would’ve done better with a wider range of view, we still enjoyed using this binocular and had no major issues with it.
Pentax Papilio II 6.5×21 Compact Binocular
If you’re looking for a compact, extremely portable binocular in the middle price range, this could very well be the right one for you. Pentax Papilio binoculars are great tools that rely on the most advanced technologies to give you the best image and overall user experience. In addition, these binoculars don’t cost a fortune and they deliver tons of performance for every cent you spend on them.
The Papilio II 6.5×21 model is hands-down one of the best binoculars you can get without spending hundreds of dollars. The uni-body design makes sure that the binocular is easy to use and minimizes the amount of movement for the optical components. This guarantees that your Papilio II binocular will remain fully functional for years and decades to come. The lens elements in all Papilio II models are fully coated to provide optimal light transmission and allow for a bright, always clear view, regardless of your environment.
You can’t go wrong with the 6.5×21 or any other model from the Papilio II series, so be sure to take a good look at them before you decide which binocular model you’re going to get.
Zeiss 8×25 Terra ED Compact Binocular
Of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a binocular from Zeiss, a major name in the world of optics and lens elements. This compact binocular may seem like quite an investment, but it is well worth it in the long run as you’ll be able to use it for decades and not just a couple of years.
The binocular provides a very ergonomic grip. It will only take you a second to grab it and focus on something interesting you noticed, and your index finger will naturally “find” the focus wheel.
Of course, the quality of the image you get through the 8×25 Terra ED binocular matches the grip quality, and you’ll be surprised at how detailed and crisp your surroundings are going to appear. The binocular can be used in extreme weather conditions, but it can also accompany you to a sports event or an opera performance just as well. This binocular from Zeiss is a clear recommendation if you need a versatile, premium-quality product that will last you for decades.