5 Best Cheap Binoculars (Reviews Updated 2024)

Binoculars are useful for activities like birdwatching, sports events, and hiking. Finding an affordable pair that still performs well is key. Budget-friendly binoculars can provide clear views without breaking the bank.

When shopping for cheap binoculars, look at factors like magnification, lens quality, and durability. Compact size and weight can be important if you plan to carry them on long trips. Also, check for comfortable grips and ease of focus.

Good cheap binoculars should balance price with performance. The right pair will enhance your viewing experience without costing too much.

Best Cheap Binoculars

Check out our picks for the best cheap binoculars available today. Each option balances quality with affordability, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Want to learn more?

Here are our cheap binocular reviews.

1. Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars

These binoculars are a solid choice if you want a balance of quality and affordability.

Pros

• Strong magnification for detailed viewing
• Comfortable for eyeglass wearers
• Compact and easy to carry

Cons

• Not suitable for complete darkness
• Lens caps can be loose
• Plastic parts may feel less durable

Perfect for travel, the Occer 12×25 binoculars offer 12x magnification and a wide field of view. This makes them a good companion for bird watching or outdoor events. With adjustable eye cups, they work well for people who wear glasses.

Their compact size adds to their convenience, making them easy to slip into your bag. The FMC Broadband coating ensures clear images. It’s a functional and affordable option if you are looking for versatile binoculars.

On the downside, they won’t perform in complete darkness. The lens caps may not stay on securely. Plus, some users have noted the plastic construction feels less sturdy.

2. POLDR 12X25 Pocket Binoculars

These binoculars are ideal for anyone looking for a portable and affordable option.

Pros

• Very lightweight and easy to carry
• Impressive clear vision for the size
• Simple focusing mechanism

Cons

• Blue tinge in the view
• Small size may limit field of view
• Not the most durable option

Perfect for packing in your backpack, the POLDR 12X25 pocket binoculars won’t add much weight. The clear 12X magnification makes viewing objects easy.

Though they are compact, these binoculars deliver good image clarity thanks to the BAK4 prism. The central focus knob and right eye lens are easy to adjust, suitable for both kids and adults.

These binoculars come with a neck strap and carrying bag, making them perfect for travel and outdoor events. However, their small size might limit your field of view, and the blue tinge could affect the overall image quality.

3. Adorrgon 12×42 HD Binoculars

An excellent choice for those searching for effective yet affordable binoculars.

Pros

• High magnification and wide field of view
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Enhanced low light vision

Cons

• May require a replacement for missing parts
• Tripod might not be very stable
• Possible alignment issues with phone adapter

These Adorrgon 12×42 HD Binoculars offer powerful 12x magnification, providing a 367ft/1000yds field of view. They are perfect for bird watching, hunting, and sports events. Weighing just 1.1 pounds, they are easy to carry around.

The advanced multi-coated BAK4 prism lenses deliver clear images even in low light. This makes them suitable for nighttime concerts or hunting trips. The large 18.5mm eyepieces ensure a brighter, larger image compared to standard binoculars.

These binoculars come with a phone adapter and a 360-degree rotatable tripod, adding value to your purchase. The phone adapter ensures quick setup for any smartphone, allowing you to capture moments from afar. The sturdy tripod provides stability for clearer pictures.

4. Aurosports 10×25 Binoculars

If you seek affordable, lightweight binoculars with good image quality, consider these.

Pros

• Supports quick focus at long distances
• Provides bright, clear images
• Lightweight and easy to carry

Cons

• Smaller size might not suit larger hands
• Limited low-light performance
• Basic build quality

With 10x magnification, you can easily spot distant targets, making these great for bird watching and outdoor events. The 25mm lens ensures that the image remains clear and bright, providing an enjoyable viewing experience.

Weighing only 0.5 pounds, they are remarkably light, so you can carry them for extended periods without discomfort. The compact design makes them convenient for both kids and adults.

The binoculars come with useful accessories like a neck strap and a carrying bag, adding to their portability. With a straightforward focus mechanism, they are easy to use, even for beginners.

5. ZZSTAR 12×32 High Powered Binoculars

A practical choice for capturing memorable moments during outdoor adventures.

Pros

• Built-in camera for taking photos and videos
• Easy to focus with a smooth central focus wheel
• Wide field of view for great detail

Cons

• Limited to 12x magnification without zoom adjustment
• Focus can be tricky to get right initially
• Display screen quality might need adjusting

These binoculars come with a built-in 5MP camera, which is a great feature for capturing images directly. You can take photos and shoot videos without carrying extra gear. This makes them perfect for travel, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

The 12x magnification and 32mm aperture offer a broad and detailed view. Adjusting the focus is straightforward, making it user-friendly for both adults and kids.

Despite the great features, some users may find the focusing process a bit challenging at first. There is no zoom adjustment beyond the fixed 12x, and the display screen might require some tweaking for optimal quality.

Cheap Binocular Buying Guide

When buying cheap binoculars, knowing which features to look for is crucial. Here are some key factors to consider:

Magnification and Objective Lens

Magnification: Choose between 7x to 10x magnification for general use. Higher magnification can be shaky without a stable setup.

Objective Lens Diameter: A larger lens diameter (e.g., 42mm) allows more light, offering better vision in low light.

Lens Quality

Look for binoculars with coated lenses. Multicoated lenses provide clearer and sharper images by reducing reflections and glare.

Field of View

Field of View (FOV): Wider FOV is better for tracking moving objects like birds. An 8×42 binocular with a 393 feet FOV at 1000 yards is good for this purpose.

Weight and Size

Lightweight binoculars are ideal for long excursions. Compact models fit easily in bags but may sacrifice some image quality.

Eye Relief

Eye Relief: Important if you wear glasses. It should be at least 14mm to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.

Durability

Check for waterproof and fog-proof features. These ensure that your binoculars perform well in various weather conditions.

Budget

Set a budget and look for features that align with it. Affordable binoculars can still offer good performance if chosen wisely.

Testing Before Buying

If possible, test the binoculars in-store. This helps you ensure they feel comfortable and meet your viewing needs.

Use this guide to make an informed decision when purchasing cheap binoculars.