Best Binoculars Under $50
Find the best quality binoculars within the tight budget of fifty bucks.
By Editorial Team | Last Updated: July 26, 2023
A reliable pair of binoculars is a staple piece of gear for a variety of outdoor adventures including bird watching, hunting, or star gazing. However, it can be challenging to find quality binoculars within a tight budget. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to acquire a decent pair. There are many affordable options that don’t compromise on quality, functionality, and durability. This article is designed to help you find the best binoculars under $50.
Basic Specs
Magnification and the objective lens diameter are two important specifications when it comes to binoculars. Magnification denotes how much closer an object will appear through the binoculars. For instance, a binocular with a 10x magnification power can make an object seem ten times nearer than it would to the unaided eye.
On the other hand, the objective lens diameter, indicated as the second number in a binocular specification like “10×50”, represents the size of the end lens in millimeters. Larger lenses allow more light to enter the binoculars, enhancing their performance in dimly lit conditions.
Weight & Size
The weight and size of the binoculars depend on your intended use. For activities like traveling or hiking, compact and lightweight models are often preferred. Conversely, for stationary activities like bird watching from a fixed spot, larger and more potent binoculars might be more suitable.
1. Best Overall Binoculars
$39.99
Magnification: 10x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Best for: Star gazing, bird watching
The SkyGenius 10×50 binoculars offer impressive value, combining affordability with solid performance. The 10x magnification power provides clear, close-up views, while the 50mm objective lens captures ample light for bright images. Notably, they feature Porro prisms, enhancing depth perception and a wider field of view. The rubberized exterior offers a comfortable, non-slip grip and some degree of shock resistance. They are slightly heavier than compact models, which might be a downside for long hikes. However, their optical performance, easy focus mechanism, and surprisingly good low-light capability make these binoculars a top pick in the under $50 category. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a backup pair of binoculars for outdoor adventures.
Pros ⊕
- Good image quality
- Bang-for-buck
- Durable
Cons ⊗
- Slightly heavy
2. Best Binoculars with Tripod
$49.26
Magnification: 12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Best for: Star gazing, bird watching, hiking
The Adorrgon 12×42 HD Binoculars make a strong impression with their high-powered, yet compact design. Offering 12x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, they deliver sharp, bright images that are rich in detail. The large field of view makes it easier to spot and follow moving targets, ideal for bird watching or outdoor sports events. The use of multi-layer coated aspherical lenses ensures excellent light transmission, enhancing color fidelity and contrast, while reducing chromatic aberration and distortion. The lightweight frame and anti-slip finish make these binoculars comfortable to hold during extended use.
However, there are some trade-offs. The high magnification might cause some image instability if held by hand for long periods. Overall, the Adorrgon 12×42 HD Binoculars offer great value for their price, making them an excellent choice for casual outdoor enthusiasts and beginners.
Pros ⊕
- Compact
- Pretty high magnification
- Good image quality
Cons ⊗
- Not best image stability (Comes with tripod to stabilize)
3. Best Compact Binoculars
$28.79
Magnification: 12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 25mm
Weight: 0.7 lbs
Best for: Hiking, bird watching
The Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars are a standout option for anyone seeking high performance in a compact, budget-friendly package. Despite the small objective lens diameter, they perform admirably in varied lighting conditions, thanks to the multi-coated optics. The compact, lightweight design is an added advantage, making these binoculars perfect for travelers, hikers, or concert-goers.
On the downside, the smaller objective lenses do limit their performance in low-light situations compared to models with larger lenses. Also, the high magnification could lead to image shakiness when held by hand for extended periods. In summary, the Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars offer excellent value for the price. Their compact size, robust performance, and user-friendly features make them a versatile choice for a variety of uses.
Pros ⊕
- Lightweight
- Very affordable
- Pretty high magnification
- Compact
Cons ⊗
- Not best in low light
- Not best image stability
4. Best High Power Binoculars
$46.00
Magnification: 20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Best for: Star gazing, bird watching
The RONHAN 20×50 High Power Binoculars are a noteworthy choice for those seeking high magnification at an affordable price. The 20x magnification coupled with the 50mm objective lenses delivers a clear, detailed view of distant objects. This makes them ideal for activities such as bird watching, stargazing, or surveying large, open areas.
The build quality of these binoculars is commendable, with a durable, shock-resistant body and a comfortable grip. They also offer some degree of water and fog resistance, making them a suitable companion for outdoor adventures. However, the high magnification and large size of these binoculars make them heavier than most compact models, potentially causing hand fatigue during extended use. The high power could also lead to image instability without the aid of a tripod.
Pros ⊕
- High magnification
- Good image quality
- Durable
Cons ⊗
- Bulky
- Not best image stability
5. Best Sharp Image Binoculars
$39.99
Magnification: 10x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Best for: Star gazing, bird watching, hunting
The Binoteck 10×42 Binoculars are an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a blend of portability, clarity, and value. Providing 10x magnification with 42mm objective lenses, these binoculars excel in offering a detailed, bright image. The multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, resulting in vibrant colors and high contrast, even in relatively low light conditions. The binoculars also provide a generous field of view, allowing for easy tracking of moving subjects, making them perfect for bird watching, hunting, or outdoor sports events.
The adjustable eyecups and easy-to-use focus wheel contribute to the overall comfortable viewing experience. However, while the Binoteck 10×42 binoculars perform admirably in various settings, they might be somewhat heavy for long-duration handheld use. Also, they are not fully waterproof, which could limit their use in extreme weather conditions.
Pros ⊕
- Great Image Quality (For Price)
- Wide field of view
- Durable
Cons ⊗
- a bit heavy for size
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