While a Western or open-country hunter wouldn’t be caught in the field without binoculars, that’s not the case everywhere. But are hunters who aren’t carrying binoculars missing something—even if their normal distances aren’t that great? I often ask myself that question while turkey hunting when a bird flies down in the first few minutes of legal shooting time, and I wish I had the added light-gathering power of binoculars. Or, it happens when I sit in a blind and a turkey appears 200 yards or more away. I also want more magnification then. The idea of compact binoculars when turkey hunting doesn’t always fit in since binoculars aren’t always lightweight to carry. The best compact binoculars can fill that gap.
Winners – Best Compact Binoculars
For your convenience, the winner of each category is as follows. To get a more in-depth review and see why they won, continue reading below:
- Best Overall Compact Binoculars: Best Overall – Nikon ProStaff P3 8X42 (Click to Shop)
- Best Compact Binoculars Under $200: Vortex Diamondback HD 10 x 28 (Click to Shop)
- Best Compact Binoculars under $150: Bushnell Prime 10 x 28 (Click to Shop)
- Best Compact Binoculars Under $100: Leupold BX-1 Rogue Waterproof 10 x 25
- Best Compact Binoculars Under $50: Bushnell 10×25 H2O Waterproof (Click to Shop)
How We Tested
I put the most popular compact binoculars through two different testing protocols and looked at their overall product features.
Primary Test
I tested the binoculars using a USAF 1951 1X target. These targets are often used with a formula to calculate the resolution of an imaging system. I printed these targets out on letter-sized paper and looked at the four rows of lines and numbers. My test was to try to read the numbers in the different systems. They were shown as -2, -1, 1, and 0. I tested them at 50, 100, and 200 yards.
All the binoculars in the test were 10-power. To be fair, putting a 25-mm objective lens against a 32-mm objective lens is not a test of equals, but there were some surprising results. Smaller objective lenses aren’t expected to be as bright as larger objectives.
Secondary Test
The secondary test involved looking at a stop sign from a mile away to see if I could read the letters at that distance.
Both tests were done on an overcast day. I figured this better simulated the twilight conditions when wildlife is most active.
How I Tested Magnification
I also tested to see how much power was needed to read the 0 at 50 yards with the variable power on my most powerful optic, a Bushnell Forge spotting scope with 15-45 power. To read the 0, I needed 30 power.
Both Vortex and Bushnell provided 8-power samples for testing. The lesser power gives a better field of view. It was possible to read the -2 numbers at 50 and 100 yards. It was tougher to read the -1 than with 10 power, but it was legible.
What Makes Compact Binoculars Different?
To understand the comparisons between the products, it’s necessary to look at the inner workings of the optics inside the binoculars. The main types are Porro prism and roof prism binoculars. It’s easy to tell which is which by looking at the construction. Porro prism is the original binocular design, with the objective lenses offset from the eyepieces. Roof prism binoculars have the objective lens in line with the eyepiece. The optical difference is the prism inside. The difference between roof prisms and Porro prisms in binoculars comes down to their optical design, size, durability, and image quality. Each has advantages depending on what you’re looking for in a pair of binoculars.
Roof Prism Binoculars
- Design: The prisms are aligned in a straight line, allowing for a compact and slim design.
- Size & Weight: More compact, lightweight, and streamlined—easier to carry and store.
- Durability: Better waterproofing and dust resistance due to fewer external moving parts.
- Image Quality: Roof prisms generally provide a narrower field of view compared to Porro prisms. However, high-end roof prism models use phase-corrected coatings to enhance sharpness and contrast.
- Price: High-quality roof prism binoculars require expensive coatings and precision alignment, making them more costly than comparable Porro models.
- Best for: Hunting, hiking, birdwatching, and general outdoor use where portability and durability are priorities.
Porro Prism Binoculars
- Design: The prisms are offset in a zigzag pattern, creating the classic binocular shape with wider barrels.
- Size & Weight: Larger and bulkier due to the design.
- Durability: More vulnerable to impact damage, and waterproofing is generally less effective compared to roof prisms.
- Image Quality: Offers a wider field of view and better depth perception at lower costs. They also tend to provide a brighter image because of higher light transmission.
- Price: Less expensive for similar optical quality compared to roof prisms.
- Best for: Wildlife observation, marine use, astronomy, and situations where image quality and brightness are more important than portability.
Objective Lens Size in Compact Binoculars
The other important distinction with binoculars is the objective lens size (the lens next to your eye when you look through the binoculars). Compact binoculars have objective lenses that are less than 32 millimeters in size. The larger the lens, the more light gets let through. However, glass quality, coatings, and prism quality also play a role in light transmission. Generally, the more expensive the binoculars, the more optical clarity the glass offers.
Why Field of View (FOV) Matters in Compact Binoculars
Field of view (FOV) is a crucial factor when selecting compact binoculars, especially depending on how you plan to use them. Since compact binoculars often have smaller objective lenses (typically 25mm-32mm), they can sometimes have a more restricted FOV compared to full-size models. Here’s how FOV impacts different uses:
-
Tracking Moving Objects – A wider FOV makes it easier to track birds, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects like deer in the woods or a bird in flight. Narrow FOVs can make it harder to locate and follow moving targets.
-
Scanning Large Areas Quickly—Whether you’re glassing a hunting field, watching a sporting event, or sightseeing, a wider FOV allows you to take in more of the scene without constant repositioning. This is very important when scanning for game while hunting.
-
Ease of Use – A narrow FOV can make it harder for beginners to locate objects, especially at higher magnifications (e.g., 10x vs. 8x). A wider FOV makes it easier to acquire targets quickly.
Objective Lens Size and Magnification
The relationship between Magnification and Objective Lens Size in Binoculars is an important consideration when selecting an optic. Binoculars are labeled with numbers like 8×25 or 10×42. These numbers tell us:
- The first number (8x or 10x, etc.) is the magnification—how many times closer the image appears.
- The second number (25, 32, 42, etc.) is the objective lens (front lens) size in millimeters. This determines how much light the binoculars can gather.
Here is How They Work Together
-
Larger objective lenses (bigger second number) equals more light collected equals a brighter image.
- A 42mm objective lens gathers much more light than a 25mm lens, making it better in low light (dawn/dusk).
- Compact binoculars usually have 25mm to 32mm lenses, which makes them lightweight, but they don’t perform as well in dim light conditions.
-
Higher magnification (bigger first number) equals more zoom but a darker and shakier image.
- 8x magnification (8×25 or 8×32) gives a wide field of view and a stable image.
- 10x magnification (10×25 or 10×32) zooms in more but is harder to hold steady and slightly darker.
Best Compact Binoculars Reviewed
Best Overall – Nikon ProStaff P3 8X42 (Click to Shop)
The 8×42 configuration is a sweet spot for many outdoor users. Thanks to the 42 mm objective lenses, it offers a wide field of view (377 feet at 1,000 yards) while maintaining excellent brightness. The multi-coated lenses and phase-corrected roof prisms enhance clarity, contrast, and color accuracy, ensuring crisp images even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
The 8x magnification provides a stable image, making it easy to track moving objects like birds or wildlife without excessive hand shake. Unlike compact binoculars with smaller objective lenses (25mm or 32mm), the 42mm objectives on the ProStaff P3 gather more light, resulting in a brighter image with better detail in shaded or cloudy conditions.
Despite having full-size 42mm objectives, the Nikon ProStaff P3 remains lightweight and comfortable to carry for extended use. The rubber-armored body provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions, while the adjustable eyecups allow for a customizable fit, especially for those wearing glasses. The binoculars are waterproof and fogproof, thanks to their O-ring seals and nitrogen-purged housing. This makes them well-suited for rainy, humid, or dusty environments. The focus wheel is smooth and precise, making adjustments easy whether you’re observing a distant deer or a close-up bird in a tree. The right-eye diopter adjustment ensures a sharp focus tailored to each user’s eyesight.
This binocular punches above its price point and is a great investment for those who need a balance of performance and portability.
- Prism: Roof
- Weight: 20.3 ounces
- Length: 5.9 inches
- 20+mm of twist-up eyecup relief for glasses wearers
Best Compact Binoculars Under $200 – Vortex Diamondback HD 10 x 28 (Click to Shop)
Sporting HD glass, the Diamondbacks have a rubber-coated body for a better grip. They also have grooves in the body to further enhance grip. There was no mention of the waterproof level of these in the company’s material. There are flip-down lens covers attached to the body. These were the second brightest of the binoculars tested. Vortex makes Laser Rangefinding Binoculars, but that is for another review.
The resolution of the HD glass paid dividends. Reading the -2 and -1 numbers at both 50 and 100 yards was possible—these were the clearest in that regard. Reading the letters on the stop sign at a mile was no problem.
- Prism: Roof
- Weight: 13.3 ounces
- Length: 4.6 inches
- Twist-up eyecups for glasses wearers
Best Compact Binoculars under $150 – Bushnell Prime 10 x 28 (Click to Shop)
The -2 numbers on the USAF test were visible at both 50 and 100 yards, with the -1 visible at 100 yards. In the stop sign test, the letters could be read. These binoculars were the third brightest of those tested. These binoculars are a great value for the money.
- Prism: Roof
- Weight: 14.2 ounces
- Length: 4.7 inches
- Twist-up eyecups for glasses wearers
Best Compact Binoculars Under $100 – Leupold BX-1 Rogue Waterproof 10 x 25 (Click to Shop)
The BX-1 Rogue features scratch- and smudge-proof lenses with Leupold’s legendary light transmission. The body is armor-coated, and these binoculars were tested for waterproofness to 33 feet. The lens caps are not attached to the body. Although these were the second smallest physically, their ergonomic shape makes them seem smaller. The BX-1 rated fourth in brightness.
In testing, it was possible to read the -2 numbers at 50 and 100 yards and the -1 at 50. The stop sign could just be read at a mile.
Prism: Inverted porro
Weight: 12.7 ounces
Length: 4.3 inches
No twist-up eyecups for glasses wearers
Best Compact Binoculars Under $50 – Bushnell 10×25 H2O Waterproof (Click to Shop)
These lightweight binoculars have a non-slip grip and are waterproof to three feet for 30 minutes (IPX-7 waterproof). The folding roof prism design makes for one of the smallest of the binoculars I tested. They were also the lightest and are of aluminum construction. The lens caps aren’t attached.
In the USAF 1951 test, these binoculars could clearly read the -2 line at both 50 and 100 yards. The -1 numbers were legible, but barely. These binoculars were the darkest of those tested and had less contrast. The letters on the stop sign weren’t quite legible.
With their small size and waterproof construction, I thought these binoculars would be ideal for waterfowl hunting. I don’t normally take binoculars duck hunting, but handling these, I saw them as fitting that niche. They are tough but not expensive since that can be a tough test on optics.
- Prism: Roof
- Weight: 10.7 ounces
- Length: 4.1 inches
- Twist-up eyecups for those who wear glasses
Conclusion
The testing process was eye-opening, showing me the value of compact binoculars and the diversity in product types. Differences between the Nikon ProStaff P3 and the Vortex Diamondback HD were small, and either would be a great choice. They will fit in the pocket of any hunting coat or are light enough to hang around your neck and be at the ready. With compact binoculars, there is really no excuse to leave your binoculars at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is the Best Uses of Compact Binoculars and Full-Size Binoculars
The difference between compact binoculars and full-size binoculars is their size, weight, and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and the best uses for each type:
Compact Binoculars
- Size and Weight: Compact binoculars typically have smaller objective lenses (generally 25mm or less) and are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry.
- Magnification and Objective Lens Size: They are commonly in the range of 8×25 or 10×25, meaning they provide decent magnification (8x or 10x) with a smaller field of view.
- Portability: Compact binoculars are ideal for situations where portability is essential, such as hiking, backpacking, or traveling.
- Best Uses:
- Hiking and Hunting: When weight and space are at a premium and you need to be able to move.
- Casual Wildlife Observation: For birdwatching or observing animals while on a walk.
- Sporting Events and Concerts: Ideal for getting a closer view from a distance without needing to carry heavy gear.
Full-Size Binoculars
- Size and Weight: Full-size binoculars have larger objective lenses, typically 42mm or larger. They are heavier and bulkier but offer better optical performance, especially in low light.
- Magnification and Objective Lens Size: Common configurations include 8×42 or 10×42. These lenses provide a wider field of view and better light-gathering capability, making them ideal for distant and low-light conditions.
- Performance: These binoculars generally provide brighter, sharper images, especially in dim light situations like dawn or dusk.
- Best Uses:
- Hunting and Birdwatching: Where greater detail and brighter images are needed, especially during twilight hours.
- Stargazing: Their larger objective lenses are well-suited to capture faint night sky objects.
- Marine use, Safari, or Scouting for game: For long-range observation where image clarity is critical, particularly when stability and larger optics are needed.
2) What’s a Good Field of View (FOV) for Compact Binoculars?
- Wide FOV: 350+ feet at 1,000 yards (Good for birdwatching, sports, and general outdoor use)
- Standard FOV: 280-350 feet at 1,000 yards (Balanced for most uses)
- Narrow FOV: Below 280 feet at 1,000 yards (Better for detail-oriented viewing, not ideal for scanning large areas)
3) What are the Trade-offs on Wide FOV vs. High Magnification
- Higher magnification (10x or more) = narrower FOV (harder to find and track objects).
- Lower magnification (8x or less) = wider FOV (easier for scanning and tracking).
- If you need compact binoculars for hunting, hiking, or birdwatching, an 8x magnification with a wide FOV is often the best balance.
4) Which prism system should you choose – Roof vs. Porro?
- Go with roof prisms if you need a more compact, durable, and high-performance option for outdoor activities like hunting or hiking.
- Choose Porro prisms if you want better optical performance at a lower cost and don’t mind the bulkier size.
If you’re looking for binoculars for low-light hunting, high-end roof prism models with premium coatings can compete with Porro designs, but you’ll pay more. If you’re after budget-friendly optics with great depth perception and field of view, Porro prisms offer excellent value.
5) What is the Best Magnification for Compact Binoculars?
The best magnification for compact binoculars depends on your intended use. Higher magnification isn’t always better due to trade-offs in stability, field of view, and light gathering.
-
8x (8×25, 8×32, 8×42) – Best All-Around Choice:
- Wider field of view (easier to track moving objects)
- More stable image (less hand shake)
- Brighter image in low-light conditions (compared to 10x)
-
10x (10×25, 10×32) – More Detail, But Harder to Hold Steady:
- Better for long-distance viewing
- More detailed image
- A narrower field of view makes it harder to track moving objects
- More noticeable hand shake
- Slightly dimmer image in low-light conditions
6) What is the Best All-Around binocular size?
- If you prioritize stability and a wide field of view, go with 8x.
- If you need more detail and are okay with a slightly narrower field of view, choose 10x.
- For extreme compactness and ease of use, 6x or 7x binoculars might work, but they are less common
- Choosing the best compact binoculars is as important as choosing the best rifle for hunting
Bonus
If you want the convenience of carrying your binoculars with you, you can hang them with custom lanyards.
You can also choose your favorite pattern to customize your favorite lanyard. For example, if you like the outdoor style, you can customize the lanyard with a camouflage pattern. The lanyard can make your experience carrying them more convenient.
