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The Best Binoculars of 2023: Keep Lookout, Stalk Prey, & Be Prepared

Binoculars, bins, whatever you call them, no self-respecting prepper would be without at least one pair constantly on hand.

When trying to cope with a SHTF scenario, better, longer vision could make or break a situation, and with the ability to greatly increase your reaction time and space, together with a reliable compass, a decent pair of binoculars is vital. For hunting, too, they can mean the difference between eating or starvation. It’s well worth getting several pairs, too – more eyes mean better patrols and increased security. Seeing better in the dark when you don’t know what’s out there is important as well, so make sure you stock up on durable, high-quality flashlights and headlamps, too.

Potentially crucial for your survival, then, picking, and learning to use, the right pair of binoculars is obviously important, so what do you look for when purchasing your binoculars?

How to Choose Binoculars

Magnification:

This is represented by the ‘x’, so, for example, the binoculars state 10x, then they can magnify by 10 – therefore the object will appear to be ten times closer to you. If there are two numbers, such as 10×30, the second number refers to the objective lens diameter. Most binoculars magnify between 7x and 12x – anything higher than that and you’re moving into tripod territory.

Objective Lens Diameter:

Light enters the binoculars through this lens, so the greater the number the larger the diameter and the brighter and more detailed the image. However, the larger the lens, the heavier the binoculars. Most standard binoculars have a 30mm lens diameter, with anything smaller generally being classed as compact.

Field of View:

Normally expressed in degrees, this is the area of vision afforded by the binoculars.

Exit Pupil:

When holding the binoculars approximately 30cms away from your eyes, you’ll see a bright spot in each eyepiece – this is the exit pupil. The larger it is, the lighter the view, and the easier it is to see in low light or for astronomical observations.

The exit pupil calculation is pretty simple:

Diameter of  Objective Lens ÷ Magnification = Diameter of Exit Pupil

There are other added features to consider such as waterproofing, or added grips. These can add to the overall cost but are well worth it for peace of mind. The weight and size of the binoculars are also worth considering, and whether they come with well-fitting, attached lens covers?

Finally, do you wear glasses? Most pairs have rubber eyecups that can be rolled back allowing the lens to sit closer to the eye for non-glasses wearers,  making one pair usable by several people.

1. Aurosports Folding Binoculars

Aurosports 10x25 Folding High Powered Compact Binoculars for Adults Kids With Weak Light Night Vision Clear Binocular for Bird Watching Great for Outdoor Sports Games and Concerts

Overview

Compact and lightweight, these neat little folding binoculars are fully waterproof, have multi-coated lenses and comfortable grips. Able to magnify up to 10x, they have a decently large exit pupil for low-level night vision, and are shock and skid-proof. They also come with straps, cleaning cloths and covers.

The Good

Instantly these binoculars felt comfortable to hold, the focus was easily adjustable, and they folded up nicely allowing pocket stashing. These binoculars come with low-level light vision which is impressively good, and the field of view was 362 ft at 1000 yds. Details showed up clearly, and all in all, this is a decent pair of binocs.

The Bad

The included strap didn’t have the same build quality that the binocs had. But this isn’t a deal breaker for us.

9.8Expert Score
The Final Verdict

Just what every prepper needs - hard wearing, effective binoculars, at a very decent price!

$25.99  in stock
2 new from $25.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 2:20 am

2. Adorrgon Professional Binoculars

12x42 Powerful Binoculars with Clear Weak Light Vision - Lightweight (1.1 lbs.) Binoculars for Birds Watching Hunting Sports - Large Eyepiece Binoculars for Adults with BAK4 FMC Lens

Overview

With a 12x magnification, a 367ft/1000yds field of view, and a 42 mm objective lens these super lightweight binoculars are satisfyingly durable. The shockproof rubber coating, anti-slip grip, and added extras, including lens covers and straps, give this set from Adorrgon a well-considered feel.

The Good

These binocs look deceptively sleek, but the rubber coating gives them a solid grip, whilst protecting them from knocks and drops. The focus is easily adjustable, producing wonderfully crisp images, even in low light conditions, and the flip-up eyecups mean that these aren’t just limited to those with 20/20 vision. All in all, an impressive set.

The Bad

Although lightweight, it would be nice is these binocs folded. They fit in the majority of pockets, however, so this isn’t a game-changer.

9.5Expert Score
The Final Verdict

If you’re after a set of professional-looking binocs, that can back up their appearance with solid quality and durability, this is the set for you.

$50.03
$40.95
 in stock
2 new from $40.95
7 used from $29.59
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 8:38 pm

3. Bushnell Water/Fogproof Binoculars

Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binocular, 10 x 42-mm, Black

Overview

Looking like they mean business, this pair of Bushnell binoculars feels great to hold – just the right size, foldable, and with comfortable Soft Texture grips. Water, fog and shockproof, these hard wearing binoculars offer 10x magnification and a 42 mm objective diameter.

The Good

These are super grippy no matter how wet they get, meaning a completely stable view whatever the weather. The light transmission offers optimal optics even in low light conditions, and with the twist- up eye cups, everyone can use these comfortably.

The Bad

For their size, this pair of Bushnell binoculars is a little heavy, but not enough to be a problem.

9.2Expert Score
The Final Verdict

Coming in at a great budget friendly price, these Bushnell binoculars tick all the boxes and then some. As such, they’re easy to recommend.

$124.99  in stock
4 new from $124.00
1 used from $195.00
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 18, 2024 2:20 am

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