Best Binoculars Under $100 – Rated and Reviewed

| Last Updated June 1, 2021

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Choosing the perfect pair of binoculars is something you should consider very seriously.

Whether you want to purchase them for bird watching or for hunting, the right binoculars can go a long way toward making it easier to find what you are looking for.

For beginners, it might not be feasible to purchase an expensive set of binoculars. However, the market is full of binoculars under $100 that are top-notch and worth the investment

Comparison of the Best Binoculars Under $100

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • The material is non-slip.
  • It has a wide field of view
  • The 8x32 magnification makes it the best overall.
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  • It is waterproof and fog proof.
  • It has a magnification of 12x42.
  • The product comes with a tripod mount and smartphone adapter.
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  • It has rubber grip pads.
  • It has seven times magnification.
  • The fully coated optics makes it best for the money.
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  • They have a magnification of 12 x 25.
  • The exterior is rubber and is waterproof.
  • Being lightweight, they are the best compact binoculars.
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  • It has fold-down eyecups.
  • The pair comes with a multi-coated lens
  • They have a magnification of 10-22x50, making them the best for hunting.
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  • It has adjustable fold-down eyecups.
  • The camouflage makes it the best for birding.
  • It has high-quality BK-7 prism multi-coated optics.
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  • It is the best waterproof model.
  • It has a neoprene carrying case.
  • The magnification it provides is 10x42.
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Can You Find a Quality Pair of Binoculars for Under $100?

If you are on a low budget or you simply want to try out a pair of binoculars before you take your hobby more seriously, it will not be hard for you to find a good pair of binoculars under $100. However, there is at least one very important thing you should learn before you make your decision.

When you are looking for binoculars, look for one which has a Porro prism system. This will allow you to get a clear image, which should be your priority, before considering other things such as the grip or the weather resistance of the product.

How to Choose Binoculars for Under $100?

Always remember that the first thing you have to keep in mind is the reason why you are getting a certain product. Even if you have a budget, you do need to look for a few key features in binoculars.

Magnification

If this is not a hobby, make sure you get a magnification that is compatible with the activity of your choice. If you are more into hunting, get higher magnification, but if you are choosing one for bird-watching, you can go down a notch.

Field of View

Your field of view while using the binoculars should always be as wide as possible. This will allow you not to have a tunnel vision when you are looking for something in the wild.

Weather Resistance

If your use is rough, choose a pair of binoculars that are weather-resistant. They should be waterproof to increase the durability and will last longer.

Porro Prism and Roof Prism

The main goal while using binoculars is the extent of vividness you can get for the image. Usually, Porro prism is used in the products, but it has the tendency to reflect light four times, whereas roof prism reflects light up to five times. The difference comes in the clearness of the image seen. Roof prism gives a high-quality image, but this technology is a bit more costly than Porro prism. 

Review of the Best Binoculars Under $100

Too much information is not a thing, so brace yourselves. Before you settle on a pair of binoculars, it is pertinent to get an idea about which features to look for while browsing. The different categories given to you before the name of the product will allow you to reach a decision quicker.

Best Overall:
 Wingspan Optics Spectator 8X32

Wingspan Optics FieldView 8X32 Compact Binoculars for Bird Watching. Lightweight and Compact for Hours of Bright, Clear Bird Watching. Also for Outdoor Sports Games and Concerts

PROS

  • It is Waterproof and Fog-Proof
  • The 8x32 Magnification Allows for a Clear View
  • The Non-Slip Grip Makes it Durable and Easy to Carry
  • Since it is Lightweight, You Can Easily Carry it Along it On Your Trips

CONS

  • The Size Might Be Bigger Than Expected

Frequently, you have to go through such difficulty when going bird watching. However, with the Wingspan Optics Spectator 8X32, you will not have to worry about this anymore. This pair of binoculars provides you with a wide view so you can easily take this to a game, as well. What is more, you can even focus on what you want to see, even if it is a thousand yards out.

Having a magnification of 8x32, it is easy to get a very bright and clear image. If you have taken your binoculars out for bird watching or for a concert, you do not have to worry about missing out on anything. In addition to this, it also has a relatively compact shape and is lightweight so you can carry it around everywhere.

Another important feature that adds to its impeccability is the fact that this is waterproof and fog-proof. If you are an outdoor person, you will realize how important these features are for any activity. The material is also non-slip, so you do not have to fret over the grip.

Bottom Line

This is a good product to go for if you are looking for binoculars that will stay with you for a longer time. Not only will this allow a wider view but also a much brighter and clearer one. The reason for this is that it is fog-proof. Overall, this is our best pick, considering the image it provides.

Runner-Up:
 Kylietech 12X42 Binoculars

Kylietech 12X42 Binoculars for Adults with Universal Phone Adapter, HD Waterproof Fogproof Compact Binoculars for Bird Watching, Hunting, Hiking, Sports, and Concerts with BAK4 Prism FMC Lens

PROS

  • It Also Has a Low Light Version
  • The Wide Field of View Allows You to Get the Bigger Picture
  • Since it is Waterproof, Fog-Proof, and Shock-Proof, it Allows for a Better Experience Outside

CONS

  • The Mount and the Smartphone Adapter Might Be Difficult to Use When You are Outside

It is rare to get numerous features in a single product, but that is not the case with Kylietech 12X42 Binoculars. Not only does it provide you with a magnification that allows for clear images but also gives a large field of view. Designed perfectly for days planned for the outdoors, you can surely rely on this product to always stick by your side.

Additionally, it also has multi-layered coated optics and a premium BAK-4 prism. This is added to bring extreme clarity and brightness to everything you see. You will not have to worry about missing anything with your binoculars because it literally will be impossible to miss.

An interesting feature that is added to this product is the smartphone adapter. This is for all those people who want to remember what they saw and keep memories. You simply have to attach your smartphone to the adapter and you can see everything on the screen. Then you can click away pictures that are extremely clear and vivid.

Bottom Line

If you are looking to invest in a good pair of binoculars, this product will definitely help you out. Since it gives you low light vision, you can use it during the nighttime too.

Best for the Money:
Bushnell Falcon Binoculars with Case 7x35

Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars with Case (Black, 7x35 mm)

PROS

  • The Coated Lens Gives you a Sharper Image
  • The Fold-Down Eyecups Make Sure Your Glasses Do Not Get Scratched
  • The Insta-Focus Lever Gives You the Option of Fine Tuning That Allows for Higher Magnification

CONS

  • They Are Not Lightweight
  • The Binoculars Are a Little Big to Carry Around Easily

The Bushnell Falcon Binoculars did not acquire their name on a whim. They truly do belong to the falcon series because of their powerful magnification. Seven times magnification paired with a 35 mm lens brings out the best in this product. So you can take these binoculars with you when you go on a trip and expect an enjoyable experience.

What is smart about these binoculars is that people who wear sunglasses or prescription glasses do not have to worry about getting their glasses scratched. The reason for this is that it has fold-down eyecups. Moreover, the optics add to the value being fully-coated. This allows for super light transmission. It also has a Porro prism which adds to its quality of giving you a razor sharp image.

Holding these binoculars is also a treat itself because the rubber and abrasion-resistant finish on the exterior makes it extremely tough. Just plan your day outdoors and do not expect to be disappointed using these binoculars.

Bottom Line

The Bushnell Falcon Binoculars are a nice addition to the family being from the Falcon series. The coated lenses and the Porro Prism give you a sharp image that is magnified seven times. However, they might be a little heavy to carry on your longer trips.

Best Compact Binoculars:
Baufut Compact Binoculars 12x25

Baufut 12x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults Kids with Low Light Night Vision,Rotatable Eyepiece High Power Waterproof Lightweight Binoculars for Bird Watching Hunting Traveling Hiking Concerts

PROS

  • They are Lightweight
  • It Also Has Low Light Night Vision
  • The Rubber Used for the Exterior is Odorless
  • It is Waterproof so You Can Take Them Out in Rainy weather.
  • The adjustable eye caps allow ease to people who wear Glasses
  • You Will Not Need Both Your Hands to Handle These Binoculars Since They are Compact

CONS

  • These Might Not Be a Good Option for Professional Hunters

Bringing a new meaning to style and elegance, the Baufat Compact Binoculars offer you nice magnification. Having a magnification of 12x25, the high power magnification is paired with a large 25 mm lens. This makes sure you get a large view when you take these binoculars with you on your travels.

Adding to the fact that they have good magnification, the lenses are also optical FMC-multilayer broadband with a green film. The eye-piece optical has a blue FMC-coating. Both these things, along with the high magnification, give you the clearest picture you could imagine. You also get adjustable eye caps which allow for a person who wears glasses to adjust them around the glasses easily.

Being extremely compact, you can fit these binoculars in one hand and use the other hand for your gear. Talking about gear, this product comes with a carrying case, a neck strap, a cleaning cloth, and lens caps along with the instructions.

Bottom Line

These binoculars are a good option if you are looking for a compact product to carry around with you on your next trip. Providing you with clear and crisp images, it is safe to say that they give you more than what is expected from their size. They also come with extra gear, so you do not have to spend time and money looking for extra equipment.

Best for Hunting:
Bushnell Legacy 10x50

Bushnell Legacy WP 10 x 50 Binocular, Black

PROS

  • The Porro Prism System Gives an Extremely Vivid Picture
  • You Can Carry Them Around in Any Weather Condition Since They Are Waterproof
  • They Give a Wide View, so You Are Always Aware of the Surrounding While Hunting

CONS

  • It is Not Lightweight to Carry Around

With a professional look, the Bushnell Legacy 10x50 is truly able to make an impression. The high definition clarity provided to you makes these binoculars the best option when you want to go hunting. It gives you a magnification of up to ten times with a 50 mm lens, so you are sure to get a larger and a wider picture.

In addition to this, the lenses are multi-coated and have a premium BaK-4 prism glass and a Porro prism system. This allows you to get such a clear view that you will forget you are looking through binoculars. Making sure you never lose your grip on these binoculars, the material used for them is also durable and weather-resistant. Whether it is rainy or sunny outside, you can take out your binoculars and go on an adventure without any hesitation.

Bringing you all these amazing features in a single product also comes at an expense. The weight of these binoculars is 34.2 ounces, so you will feel a certain weight while carrying around the binoculars.

Bottom Line

Being the best choice if you want to purchase binoculars for hunting, you will certainly see the results. You do not have to worry about the weather because they are waterproof, so there will not be any damage.

Best for Birding:
Bushnell PowerView 10x50

Bushnell PowerView 10 x 50mm Porro Prism Instafocus Binoculars, Realtree AP

PROS

  • The Multi-Coated Optics Gives You a Crystal Clear Image
  • The Material Used for the Exterior is Rubber, Which Gives You a Strong Grip
  • The Camouflage Allows You to Look at Birds Without Them Knowing About it

CONS

  • The Strap With the Binoculars is Thin so it Might Not be as Durable

Camouflaged perfectly with the surroundings, the Bushnell PowerView gives it all. With a magnification of 10x50, it provides you with a distinct view of what you are looking for. Calling this a high definition picture will not be an understatement. It is not just the magnification that helps with the view, it is also the high-quality BK-7 prism, multi-coated optics that aid with this.

Also keeping in mind your comfort, the Bushnell PowerView is designed in such a way that it allows you to adjust the lens if you wear glasses. The fold down eyecups are an added feature which is usually underestimated in binoculars. With the camouflaged appearance of the binoculars, you can easily take them out when you want to look at birds. They will never know you are out watching, so you can appreciate them in peace and quiet.

The material used for the binoculars is non-slip rubber, so even if you have clammy hands, you do not need to worry about dropping them. They are extremely easy to carry and you will always have a nice grip.

Bottom Line

The camouflaged binoculars allow you to be subtle and smooth while bird watching. Not only will you remain unnoticed, the image you get will also be clear because of the multi-coated lens.

Best Waterproof Model:
Celestron Outland X 10x42

Celestron – Outland X 10x42 Binoculars – Waterproof & Fogproof Binoculars – Full-Size Binoculars for Adults with 10x Magnification – Multi–Coated Optics and BaK–4 Prisms – Protective Rubber Armoring

PROS

  • The Neoprene Carrying Case Makes it Moisture-Resistant.
  • It Has Twist-Up Eyecups Which Allow You to Adjust Them Easily and Quickly
  • The Prism Material Used is BK-4, so You Will Get an Extremely Vivid Picture
  • Since it is Waterproof and Fog-Proof, You Do Not Have to Worry About the Weather

CONS

  • It is Difficult to Get Clear Images in the Dark
  • They Are Not Tripod Adaptable, so it Might Be Hard to Handle Them When You Need Your Hands to Do Some Other Work

Giving you good quality pictures and clear images, the Celestron Outland X comes in a waterproof material. Not only this, but it is also fog-proof, so you do not have to fret over varying temperatures or the change in weather.

Also, the neoprene carrying case adds more durability to the product. Using neoprene for the case makes sure that it remains resistant to moisture. This is the reason why this becomes the choice for people who are looking for such features.

Having a magnification of 10x42, this product is sure to give you a clear and crisp image. This feature is also paired with BaK-4 prism so you can be sure that you’ll get a good quality image using these binoculars. Moreover, the protective rubber covering allows you to have a firm grip on the binoculars, so they are bound to stick with you and not fall down.

Bottom Line


These binoculars help out people who wear glasses. The twist-up eyecups help you adjust them quickly according to your need. The product also comes with a neck strap, an objective lens caps, eyepiece, rain guard, and lens cloth.

Conclusion

Getting the right choice of binoculars will make sure you never fall behind in your bird-watching or hunting group. Always keep the magnification in mind because when that is paired with the right type of lens, you get a whole new experience of using your binoculars without spending much!

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My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.