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Binoculars as you already know help you capture beautiful scenery and bring them as close to you as possible. There’s only so much the human eye can see and binoculars allow you to take in the beautiful sights as much as you like.
Whether you are hiking, sightseeing, camping, stargazing or other similar activities, you’ll benefit immensely from taking a binocular along. And your binocular has to be portable so it’ll be easy for you to carry/transport.
Now binoculars can be very expensive. But there are a few hidden gems that provide good optical performance at a very cheap price. So if you are on a modest budget, you can still get a quality binocular that costs less than $50.
So without wasting any time, let’s take a look at the best binoculars under 50 dollars. Then the buying guide for the binoculars will come after that. So stay tuned.
Reviews & Buying Guide Contents
The 7 Best Binoculars Under 50 Dollars for 2024
- Bushnell H2O 10×25 Binoculars
- Apeman 12×25 Compact Binoculars
- Adorrgon 12×42 Binoculars
- Occer 12×25 Compact BinocularsOur Top Pick
- Usogood 12X50 Binoculars
- Bushnell Falcon 10×50 Wide Angle Binoculars
- Celestron Cometron 7×50 Binoculars
How To Choose The Best Binoculars
- Binoculars Size and Weight
- Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter
- Waterproofing
- Fog Proofing
- Types of Glass
- Lens Coatings
The 7 Best Binoculars Under 50 Dollars for 2024
Bushnell H2O 10×25 Binoculars
This is one of the hidden gems we were talking about. The Bushnell H2O 10×25 provides good functionality at a very affordable price. For one, this binocular is compact and lightweight making it the ideal travel companion. And the Soft Texture Grip design makes them comfortable to handle.
This binocular comes is nitrogen purged as well as having a sealed O-ring. And these make the binocular waterproof and fogproof. This is a feature that’s common with binoculars under $50. You can easily use this binocular in any weather condition.
There are also multi-coated optics to improve the optical performance of this binocular. And the BaK-4 prism glass produces stunning images. The centre focus knob is large so you can easily adjust it. And the twist-up eyecups means you can wear glasses while using this binocular.
The Bushnell H2O 10×25 is sturdy and capable of withstanding the elements. And this makes this binocular durable and long-lasting.
Quick Specifications
- Magnification : 10x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm / 0.98 in
- Dimensions : 7 x 10.2 x 7 cm / 5 x 4 x 2.8 in
- Weight : 290 g / 10.2 oz
- Field of view: 360 ft @ 1000 yards
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Good optical performance.
- Waterproof and fog-proof.
- Comfortable to handle.
- Wide field of view
- Durable
Cons
- Performance in low light could be a bit better. Still, it functions great in any light condition.
Apeman 12×25 Compact Binoculars
Another bargain binocular. It has a portable design and is also foldable. It’ll easily fit into your bag or even the pockets of a coat making this binocular very travel friendly.
The 12x magnification power ensures you see distant objects clearly. And this binocular has a large field of view. What we really like about this binocular is that it can work in any light condition. Even when the light is low, you can still expect to get vivid views with this binocular.
Equipped with Bak-4 roof prisms and multi-coated film optics, this binocular produces colorful and clear images. The ergonomic design ensures that this binocular can be held comfortably even with one hand. And there is a non-slip design that ensures you maintain a firm grip on this binocular so you don’t drop it, even when your hands are wet.
There’s also a twisted eyecup which allows people wearing glasses to be able to use this binocular comfortably. High-quality materials confer durability.
Quick Specifications
- Magnification : 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm / 0.98 in
- Dimensions : 8 x 4.8 x 2.7 in / 20.3 x 12.2 x 6.9 cm
- Weight : 363 g / 12.8 oz
- Field of view: 364 ft @ 1000 yards
Pros
- Compact and portable.
- Good optical performance.
- Comfortable to handle.
- Works well in low light conditions.
- Wide field of view.
- Durable
Cons
- N/A
Adorrgon 12×42 Binoculars
This is a powerful binocular. The 12x power magnification brings distant objects closer to you. The Adorrgon 12×42 also has a large field of view (367 ft/1000 yds).
This binocular is very portable weighing just 1.1 pounds. And it’s very easy to travel with it. Another advantage of the lightweight design is that you can use this binocular for a long time without any difficulty or inconvenience.
There’s a large 16.5mm BAK4 Prism and multi-coated lens. And their function is to bring you high definition images. So whatever you are doing – birds watching, hunting, sports and so on – this binocular got you covered.
The Adorrgon 12×42 functions well in low light conditions as long it’s not completely dark. This binocular also comes with accessories such as a carrying case, neck strap, cleaning cloth and protection cover.
The anti-slip design ensures this binocular doesn’t slip off your hands. And the top-notch craftsmanship makes this binocular sturdy and long-lasting.
Quick Specifications
- Magnification : 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm / 1.7 in
- Dimensions : 5.8 x 5 x 2.1 in / 14.7 x 12.7 x 5.3 cm
- Weight : 498 g / 17.6 oz
- Field of view: 367 ft @ 1000 yards
Pros
- Lightweight design.
- Provides colorful and clear images.
- Easy to use.
- Works well in low light situations.
- Large field of view.
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- Includes accessories.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- Doesn’t work in complete darkness
Occer 12×25 Compact BinocularsOur Top Pick
The Occer 12×25 provides everything you need in a binocular to make your adventures more interesting. With this binocular, you can look farther, wider and clearer.
The two rotating eyepieces can be easily adjusted to make this binocular comfortable to use. People wearing glasses can also use this binocular with ease. The 12× magnification makes objects appear larger so you can take in the beautiful sights as much as you want.
This binocular also has a good water resistance rating. And it well in low light conditions as long it’s not completely dark. The BAK4 prism and the multi-coated lens provide good optical performance.
And this binocular is also compact and portable, making it easy to take along on your adventures. The non-slip rubber material helps you maintain a right grip on this binocular. And the high-quality materials confer durability.
Quick Specifications
- Magnification : 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm / 0.98 in
- Dimensions : 4 x 4.4 x 1.9 in / 10.1 x 11.2 x 4.8 cm
- Weight : 208 g / 7.2 oz
- Field of view: 273 ft @ 1000 yards
Pros
- Portable design.
- Excellent magnification.
- Can be used by people wearing glasses.
- Works well in low light conditions.
- Has good water resistance.
- Durable.
Cons
- Doesn’t work in complete darkness
Usogood 12X50 Binoculars
Usogood 12X50 Binoculars for Adults with Tripod, Waterproof Compact Binoculars for Bird Watching, Hiking, Traveling, Hunting and Sports Events, Smart Phone...
The Usogood 12×50 will quickly become your favorite outdoor companion. The foldable design makes this binocular very compact and portable. And it’s perfect for different outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, camping and so on.
Having a 12x magnification power and 367ft/1000yds field of view, you won’t miss any detail. You can also attach your phone to this binocular for a redefined viewing experience. Also, the Usogood 12×50 is tripod mountable and this makes extended viewing comfortable.
The BAK4 prism allows you to use this binocular even in low light conditions. The multi-coated optics brings about colorful and sharp images. And the adjustable eye relief makes viewing comfortable for people using glasses.
This binocular will not slip from your hands thanks to the non-slip design. And the waterproof makes this binocular capable of withstanding the elements.
Quick Specifications
- Magnification : 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm / 1.96 in
- Dimensions : 5.8 x 5 x 2.2 in / 14.7 x 12.7 x 5.6 cm
- Weight : 498 g / 17.6 oz
- Field of view: 367 ft/1000 yds
Pros
- Compact and lightweight.
- Good optical performance.
- There is a phone adapter which lets you take pictures through the binocular.
- Tripod mountable.
- Low-light vision.
- Waterproof and fog-proof.
- Durable.
Cons
- N/A.
Bushnell Falcon 10×50 Wide Angle Binoculars
Bushnell is well-known for producing high-quality binoculars. Their Falcon series provides great optical performance at an affordable price. And the same applies to the Bushnell Falcon 10×50.
This binocular meets every requirement of a good outdoor/travel binocular. It’s very lightweight and can be easily taken along with you on your outdoor activities. It’s very sturdy, rugged and durable. And you don’t have to worry about children damaging it. Also, you get crystal clear images and the wide angle gives you more than enough breadth of vision.
This binocular has the signature Bushnell’s InstaFocus system. And this system allows you to focus by simply tilting a lever. Talk about hassle free focusing. If you’ve ever used the standard focusing wheel in winter, you’ll appreciate Bushnell’s InstaFocus system.
The wide view also allows you to quickly and comfortably track quickly moving objects. There’s a protective case that helps you to protect this binocular. We really like the versatility of this binocular as it can be used for hunting, birding, astronomy, hiking, and many more. While this binocular performs well during the day, they even become more entertaining at night.
Quick Specifications
- Magnification : 10x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm / 1.96 in
- Dimensions : 9.3 x 8.2 x 4.2 in / 22.6 x 21.1 x 10.7 cm
- Weight : 765 g / 27 oz
- Field of view: 300 ft/1000 yds
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Easy to use.
- Provides colorful and clear images.
- Works well in low light situations.
- Versatile.
- Durable.
Cons
- Not waterproof.
- No tripod adapter.
Celestron Cometron 7×50 Binoculars
The Celestron Cometron 7×50 is a wonderful binocular for beginners and those on a tight budget. It is very travel-friendly thanks to the portable design. The included carrying case and strap even makes transportation easier. The small size also makes long viewing sessions easy as this binocular won’t become a burden.
The multi-coated lens helps reduce glare and provides colorful and clear vision. And the 7x magnification helps to bring distant objects closer to you. Thanks to the large exit pupil, the amount of light reaching your eyes is increased. And this makes night-time viewing possible. Also, your eyes will adjust faster in low lighting conditions.
The materials used to manufacture this binocular are water-resistant and can easily withstand moderate amounts of moisture. The package also includes a detailed and user-friendly instruction manual. Everything is explained in layman terms. No jargon.
We must also mention that this binocular is very easy to you. Overall, the Celestron Cometron 7×50 is a great bargain binocular.
Quick Specifications
- Magnification : 7x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm / 1.96 in
- Dimensions : 9 x 8 x 3 in / 22.9 x 20.3 x 7.6 cm
- Weight : 907 g / 32 oz
- Field of view: 357 ft/1000 yds
Pros
- Portable.
- Excellent optical performance.
- Works well in low light conditions.
- Perfect for stargazing as well as planetary viewing.
- Waterproof.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- N/A.
How To Choose The Best Binoculars Under $50?
There you have it, the best binoculars under $50 available in the market. You don’t have to break the bank to buy a quality binocular.
Now we’ll be taking through a buying guide so you know what to look for in a binocular.
Binoculars Size and Weight
Binoculars come in different sizes. However you should go for lightweight models when choosing a binocular for your outdoor activities. You’ll understand this more if you’ve ever had to leave your binocular at home because it’s become a burden.
Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter
Surely you’ve noticed us writing something like 10×50 after the names of the binoculars we recommended above. The magnification is written first and it refers to the extent your magnification enlarges the image you are seeing.
A 10x magnification means the binocular enlarges the image you are seeing 10 times. As you know, binoculars are all about bringing distant objects closer to you.
The objective lens determines the amount of light that enters your binocular. The bigger the objectives, the more the light that enters the binocular and this results in clearer images. Also, binoculars with bigger objectives are able to function well in low light conditions.
Waterproofing
Waterproof binoculars have sealed O rings and are also hermetically sealed. And water will not penetrate or get inside the binocular. The degree of water resistance varies. Some binoculars can withstand being emerged in water while some can only withstand light showers.
Anti-Fog Treatment
Fogging occurs when water penetrates your binocular and condenses on the lens. The effect of this is reduced image quality.
Fog-proof binoculars are filled with inert gases. Fogproof binoculars are waterproof but not all waterproof binoculars are fogproof.
Types of Glass
It’s important that high-quality glasses are used to manufacture binoculars to improve their functionality. And we selected binoculars with high-quality glass materials. Our binoculars transmit light well and produce images of high contrast and resolution.
Lens Coatings
The essence of coating the lenses of binoculars is to reduce glare and improve light transmission. Binoculars are either multi-coated or fully multi-coated. And what you get is colorful and vibrant images.
All binoculars on our list have multi-coated lenses and have excellent optical activity.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, our top binoculars under $50 and a buying guide to help choose one that’s best for you. Like we said earlier, you don’t have to break the bank to get a functional binocular. And unless you’ve used high-end binoculars before, you won’t see any shortcoming with these binoculars.
So get one today and start enjoying a redefined outdoor experience.
