The 14 Best Birding Binoculars Under $500 of 2023

Andrew Etter
Jun 4, 2023 3:42 AM

Whether you’re a pro birder or just getting started, having the right equipment is essential for spotting and enjoying your feathered friends. That’s why it’s important to find the best birding binoculars for your budget. For those looking for quality binoculars without breaking the bank, here’s a look at some of the best binoculars under $500.

All these binoculars are designed specifically for birding and offer excellent optics, wide field of view, and comfortable ergonomics. With a little research and an understanding of your own needs, you can find the perfect pair of binoculars to help you spot, observe, and appreciate the wonders of birding.

Don't miss out on the perfect pair of birding binoculars! We've rounded up the best binoculars for birders under $500, with features like light weight, ergo.... Image source: Amazon.com

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No	Product	Score	Check
1	Best Overall: Athlon Optics 8x42 Midas UHD Gray Binoculars	9.3	Check Price
2	Best Value: Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42	9.6	Check Price
3	Splendid Views At A Great Price: Carson VP Series Full Sized 8x42-mm Waterproof and Fog proof Binoculars in Black	9.2	Check Price
4	Best Compact: Pentax AD 8x25 WP Binoculars suitable	9.1	Check Price
5	For A Smaller Grip: Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8x42 Binoculars	9.3	Check Price

#1 Best Overall:Athlon Optics 8x42 Midas UHD Gray Binoculars

The Athlon Optics 113004 Midas UHD Gray Binoculars offer superior optics and superior image quality. With ED glass and 8x magnification, these binoculars are perfect for birdwatching, hunting, and other outdoor activities. They feature a lightweight and ergonomic design, making them comfortable to use for long periods of time. The lenses are fully multi-coated for superior light transmission, and the diopter adjustment ensures a sharp, clear focus. The wide field of view and long eye relief make them great for use in low light conditions. With their water-resistant and fog-proof construction, they are an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a birdwatcher, hunter, or outdoor enthusiast, the Athlon Optics 113004 Midas UHD Gray Binoculars are the perfect choice for any adventure.

#2 Best Value:Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42

The Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42 offers an unbeatable view of the outdoors. Boasting HD extra-low dispersion glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and phase correction coating, these binoculars provide a sharp, clear, and accurate image. With a wide field of view, you can easily identify and track moving targets. The Viper HD Binoculars also feature a light-weight, rubber armor housing that is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring that you can use them in even the toughest environments. With long eye relief and twist-up eyecups, the V201 binoculars are comfortable to use and reduce eye strain. The Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42 provide a great view of the outdoors in any conditions.

#3 Splendid Views At A Great Price:Carson VP Series Full Sized 8x42-mm Waterproof and Fog proof Binoculars in Black

The Carson VP Series 8x42-mm Binoculars are the perfect choice for any outdoor enthusiast. These full-sized binoculars provide a crisp, clear image and are waterproof and fog proof for use in any environment. With an 8x magnification and 42-mm objective lens, these binoculars offer a wide field of view, making them perfect for birdwatching, wildlife observation, astronomy and more. The durable rubber armor and ergonomic design make them comfortable and easy to grip, and the center focusing wheel allows you to quickly and accurately focus on the object you are viewing. The Carson VP Series 8x42-mm Binoculars are the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure.

#4 Best Compact:Pentax AD 8x25 WP Binoculars suitable

The Pentax AD 8x25 WP Binoculars offer a powerful 8x magnification and 25mm objective lens. With its wide angle field of view, these binoculars are perfect for outdoor activities, such as live events, travel and mountaineering. The rubber armor coating on the exterior of the binoculars provide extra protection and improved grip, while the multilayer-coated lenses ensure a clear and bright image. The lens also features a waterproof and fog-proof construction, making it perfect for use in any weather condition. The center focusing wheel makes it easy to adjust and focus on your desired object. With its lightweight and compact design, the Pentax AD 8x25 WP Binoculars are an ideal choice for any outdoor enthusiast.

#5 For A Smaller Grip:Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8x42 Binoculars

These Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8x42 Binoculars offer a compact and lightweight design, perfect for birdwatching and outdoor activities. The optical system is fully broadband multi-coated, providing high contrast and brightness, while the ED objective lenses give you crisp images with accurate color reproduction. The BaK4 roof prism design provides a wide field of view and a comfortable grip. The twist-up eyecups and long eye relief make them easy to use, even for those with glasses. With a durable waterproof construction and a tripod adapter, these binoculars are ideal for all your outdoor adventures.

Athlon Optics 8x42 Midas UHD Gray Binoculars with ED Glass

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AFFCMS Score
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9.3
Brand
Athlon Optics

Ultra-High Definition View: These ultra-high definition binoculars have exceptional edge-to-edge clarity, sharp detail enhancement, ultra-clear brightness, and true color representation
Top-Tier Viewing Experience: Athlon Optics Midas provides ED glass for a sharper image, an edge-to-edge system for image clarity, and a ESP dielectric coating for accurate color reproduction more

Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42

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9.6
Brand
Vortex

10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, the 2018 Viper HD is a high-end, full-size yet compact binocular that is suited for any hunt. An easy-to-grip, rubber armored chassis with perfectly placed thumb indents provides superior ergonomics.
A locking, right-eye diopter tailors each barrels' focus to your eyes. The smooth, center focus wheel provides fine focus control and quick sharp views. Twist-up eyecups rest comfortably against the face and provide customized eye relief. more

Carson VP Series Full Sized 8x42-mm Waterproof and Fog proof

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9.2
Brand
Carson

Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.0'' x 5.75'' x 2.0'' | BAK-4 Prisms | Weight: 1.55 lbs.
8x Magnification & 42mm Objective Lens Diameter more

Pentax AD 8x25 WP Binoculars suitable for outdoor live event

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9.1
Brand
Pentax

Compact roof and porro prism models that balance small size and premium image quality. These binoculars are easily packable when small size and weight are critical but a high quality image is required.
Premium multi-layer coatings assure the maximum light transmission through the binocular. The result is bright, crisp, true-to-life images in the widest range of viewing conditions. more

Celestron – TrailSeeker ED 8x42 Binoculars – Compact ED Binocular

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9.3
Brand
Celestron

FIELD-WORTHY ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: TrailSeeker ED comes complete with a comfortable carry harness, a deluxe padded neck strap, a single piece eyepiece cover, tetherable objective covers, a durable padded carrying case, and more.
PHASE-COATED BaK-4 PRISMS FOR BRIGHTER VIEWS: The prisms inside TrailSeeker ED feature quality BaK-4 glass with phase coatings that maximize light transmission to your eye. The result is bright, highly detailed views—even in low light conditions. more

Celestron – Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding

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9.3
Brand
Celestron
Prime

BONUS ACCESSORIES: Take this binocular with you anywhere. We’ve included a compact carrying case, objective lens caps, an eyepiece rainguard, a neck strap, a lens cloth, and an instruction manual.
DURABLE, WATERPROOF BODY: A rubber-armored, polycarbonate housing protects your binoculars from damage and stands up to the toughest weather conditions. They're also fully waterproof and nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging of the lenses. more

10x42 Ultra HD Binoculars with Phone Adapter and Harness -

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9.1
Brand
ScoopX
Prime

【Lightweight Binoculars, Magnesium Chassis, IPX7 Waterproof】Magnesium chassis gives you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%. Nitrogen purged increase the waterproof stability. IPX7 waterproof makes daily use be guaranteed.
【24mm Large Eyepiece Binoculars with Wide FOV】Equipped 24mm large eyepiece, the binoculars provide a more comfortable and large vision. Combined with wide field of view (347 feet at 1000 yards), the binoculars take the viewing experience to the next level. more

12x42 HD Binoculars for Adults with Universal Phone Adapter -

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8.6
Brand
Adasion
Prime

【18mm Large Eyepiece Binoculars, Larger Image, Clearer Details】2.25 times the image size of 12mm eyepiece (e.g. 10x25, 12x25, 10x21 binoculars), 1.28 times of 16mm eyepiece (e.g. Ordinary 10x42, 12x42 binoculars). Large eyepiece binoculars make full use of 12x magnification, deliver larger image, ensure clearer details
【16.5mm Big BAK4 Prism Lens Binoculars, Super Bright, Crisp View】Collect 32% more light than 12.5mm prism lens (e.g. 10x25, 12x25, 10x21 binoculars), 13.7% of 14.5mm prism lens (e.g. Ordinary 10x42, 12x42 binoculars). 16.5mm Prism lens take 100% advantage of 42mm objective lens, collect more lights, deliver brighter view more

12X50 Professional HD Binoculars for Adults with Phone Adapter, High

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8.8
Brand
GLLYSION
Prime

[ True-to-life Color Binoculars for Bird Watching ]: GLLYSION Binocular with high-end lens coatings provides excellent high-contrast image with excellent color reproduction, you can make out every single detail for quick and easy identification in any situations encountered in bird watching.
[ Universal Phone Adapter for Binoculars Photographing ]: The universal smart phone adapter helps you photograph what you see through the HD binoculars. Share your life, share what you like to your family and friends. A perfect match for beginners and mid-range birding and outdoor enthusiasts.
more

Celestron – Nature DX 12x56 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding

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8.9
Brand
Celestron

ALL YOU NEED IS INCLUDED: Take this Binocular with you anywhere. We’ve included a compact carrying case, objective lens caps, an eyepiece rainguard, a neck strap, a lens cloth, and an instruction manual for easy use on the go.
PERFECT BINOCULARS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE: A great match for everyone from beginners to mid-range outdoors and birding enthusiasts. The perfect combination of premium build and portability. more

12x42 HD Binoculars for Adults with Upgraded Phone Adapter, Tripod

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8.5
Brand
Adorrgon
Prime

【18.5mm Large Eyepiece & HD Vision , Larger Image, Brighter View】 2.25 times the image size of 14mm eyepiece (e.g. 10x25/10x21 binoculars), 1.28 times of 16mm eyepiece (e.g. 12x25 binoculars). Large eyepiece binoculars make full use of 12x magnification, deliver larger and brighter image, ensure clearer details.
【Clear Low Light Vision】Advanced Fully Multi-coated Binoculars with large 16.5mm BAK4 prism lens binoculars deliver brighter vision in weak light condition (e.g. Twilight). Perfect for Hunting or Concerts at night. more

Professional Binoculars for Bird Watching – Premium Bird Watching Binoculars

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8.2
Brand
Cronyoptics
Prime

💰12 MONTHS GUARANTEE– Don’t waste your money on expensive field binoculars when you can get the same quality for half a budget. Make the smart decision and invest in our Crony Optics lightweight and easy to handle binoculars for hunting and for many outdoor activities. We guarantee the quality of our product and offer our clients full refund, replacements products and technical assistance with no hesitation. Get your own professional binoculars and look farther, brighter and clearer!
🌊 BEST WATER-RESISTANT HIKING BINOCULARS KIT – We’ve designed our professional binoculars as a complete kit created to satisfy all your needs while exploring the outdoors. The package includes one powerful binoculars, 2 removable protective eyecups, a cleaning cloth designed to keep your birdwatching binoculars clean, a carry-on bag and easy to follow instructions. All packed in a beautiful box that makes it the best binoculars for bird watching to be offered as a gift. more

occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision, Large

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8.7
Brand
occer
Prime

【PORTABLE, COMPACT AND SMALL BINOCULARS DESIGN】 One hand can be mastered when you use the birding binoculars for opera,bird watching camping, traveling,wildlife watching,football games,cruise or other outside activity, the low light night vision goggles(Not for completely dark night) is more convenient for using and carrying.
【DURABLE AND LIFE WATERPROOF, COMFORTABLE TOUCH】 The binoculars are made of ABS plastic and it also come with a cruise binocular strap, you can use this item in different situations. And rubber armor is made for secure grip.The pocket size binoculars is not only suitable for men and women,but also suitable for kids.It is wonderful to be a gift on Father's Day and Children's Day. more

20x50 Binoculars for Adults, HD Professional/Waterproof Fogproof Binoculars with Low

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7.7
Brand
BAIGISH
Prime

[ Professional Powerful Binoculars ] Designed with 20X power magnification, 50mm large objective lens and 367ft/1000yds large field of view good for fast moving.
[ HIGH QUALITY OPTICS & CLEAR NIGHT VISION ] This binocular uses the BAK4 FMC Lens,its FMC(fully multi-coated) film aspheric lens provides superior light transmission, contrast and quality. It can be used at night, but not in complete darkness. Suitable for concerts, opera, sightseeing and astronomical viewing. more

Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Verdict

4.7

3 ratings

Andrew Etter

Hi, my name is Andrew Etter and I'm an engineer and writer for PolarSteelBuildings.com. I really enjoy writing product reviews and researching the latest trends in the steel building industry. I believe that my experience as an engineer gives me a unique perspective when it comes to writing about steel buildings. I'm always looking for new products to review and write about, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact me. Thanks for reading!