These Are the 10 Best Binoculars for the Money, $5 and Up

A good pair of binoculars can get pricey quickly, with some costing $500 or more. But we found that you don’t have to spend over $200 for nice binoculars, especially if you’re buying them casually for hikes or want to bring them on a vacation trip. Below, you’ll find the best binoculars for the money at a variety of price points (starting at just $5!).

We sorted these binoculars from lowest to highest because you can always upgrade later if you want to take your hobby to the next level. Also, we made sure to include coupons and savings tips so you know you’re truly buying the best binoculars for the money.

Quick note: the first number in each model’s name are the lens’s magnification (zoom) and the second is the lens diameter. For more savings, download The Krazy Coupon Lady app so you never miss out on the best tips and discounts.

 

The Best Binoculars for the Money

1. Binoculars 8×30 for STEM Learning (Best for Kids)
2. ThinkPeak Binoculars 8 x 21 (Best for Teens)
3. Celestron UpClose G2 8 x 40 (Best Budget Buy)
4. Cassini 12 x 50 Binoculars 3 x 24 (Best No-Glare)
5. Celestron SkyMaster 15 x 70 (Best for Stargazing)
6. Nocs Provision Standard Waterproof Binoculars 8 x 25 (Best for Hiking and Adventures)
7. Digital Night Vision Binoculars (Best for Goggle Binoculars)
8. Opticron Savanna WP 6 x 30 (Best for Birdwatching)
9. Hawke Nature-Trek 8 x 32 (Best All-Purpose Binoculars)
10. Rexing B1 Digital Binocular 10 x 25 (Best Cinematic)

 

1. Binoculars 8 x 30 for STEM learning

The ultimate deal at a price that can’t be beat ($5, Five Below), these basic binoculars are great for kids and have rubber focus rings so they’re comfortable against the face. It even comes with a carrying strap.

Related: Best Subscription Boxes for Kids, Plus Deals to Save Some Cash

 

2. ThinkPeak Binoculars 8 x 21

This pair has plush padding around the eyes for extra comfort and uses an innovative blue-layer coating to enhance your view and reduce brightness. Recommended for teens, these binoculars ($29.99, Amazon) often have a $5 coupon code on their Amazon listing, so keep an eye out for discounts.

 

3. Celestron UpClose G2 8 x 40

A good beginner’s set of binoculars under $50, the Celestron UpClose G2 8 x 40 binoculars ($39.95, Amazon) have thousands of reviews on Amazon with a 4.2-star rating. The price on this one will go up to $45 from time to time, so be sure to snag it when it’s around the $39 mark. With a maximum magnification of eight times, they’re best for backyard wildlife watching, sports events, and casual use. The prism glass design increases light transmission for bright, sharp images. They’re also waterproof and perfect for taking on outdoor excursions.

 

4. Cassini 12 x 50 Binoculars

This glare-reducing pair ($63.99, Kohl’s) enhances images up to 12 times closer than they appear. You get some good value with this set since it also includes a carrying case, neck strap, and lens cloth. We’ve seen these binoculars being offered anywhere from $51 to $63.99 in late 2022, originally priced at $79.99.

 

5. Celestron SkyMaster 15 x 70

The Celestron SkyMaster 15 x 70 binoculars ($79, Amazon) come with a tripod mount and are great for anyone with an interest in astronomy. They can also magnify objects up to 15 times, a little more than a basic pair of binoculars. These are water resistant and can easily be used for watching wildlife or sightseeing in addition to stargazing. Note that this model takes a little longer to ship (like two weeks). Definitely buy a pair when the price is around $79 because that’s the best offer we’ve seen in the past two years.

 

6. Nocs Provision Standard Waterproof Binoculars 8 x 25

If you like to take your binoculars out on a hike or canoe ride, the durable Nocs Provision Standard Waterproof Binoculars ($95, Amazon) are a great choice for the price. The price will go up to $105 from time to time, so make sure to only grab it at its best price of $95.

At less than a pound, they won’t weigh down a backpack. They’re also made of waterproof rubber and can be fully submerged for 30 minutes without damage. As a bonus, these binoculars are made with photographers in mind. You can easily snap a pic; just line up the phone’s camera with the lens and document your adventures.

 

7. Digital Night Vision Binoculars 3 x 24

You can walk around in the dark thanks to these night vision binoculars-slash-goggles ($94.98, Walmart) with infrared light capabilities, an LCD internal screen, and digital zoom features with five levels of brightness adjustment. A microphone and AA batteries are included. Note that the discounted price is online only.

 

8. Opticron Savanna WP 6 x 30

For a relatively low price, the Opticron Savanna WP 6 x 30 binoculars ($117, Amazon) deliver clear, sharp images. They also have a wide field of vision, which is ideal for birdwatchers and other wildlife viewings. Additionally, the eyepieces are compatible with glasses, so they’re easy to use for all ages.

 

9. Hawke Nature-Trek 8 x 32

A good all-around choice, the Hawke Nature-Trek 8 x 32 binoculars ($159.99, Amazon) are designed to be compact. They also come with an adjustable neck strap so they can be taken on the go for any activity. The waterproof design makes these binoculars great for outdoor trips, and they have adjustable eyepieces for comfort and to accommodate glasses-wearers. You can get the 8 x 25 option if you want to save $50 (and are OK with the lens size).

 

10. Rexing B1 Digital Binocular 10 x 25

These binoculars ($159.99, Kohls) use infrared lighting to showcase objects in the dark and have built-in video and camera mode features. Originally priced at $199, they’re currently on sale for 20% off. Earn additional discounts by using your Kohl’s Cash and Kohl’s Rewards. Use the money saved to grab some MicroSD cards, which are not included, for up to six hours of recorded footage.