We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
A great pair of binoculars will help you absorb our infinite escape from the hassles of everyday life. Of course, I’m talking about nature. Whether you’re a hunter, wildlife ranger, or merely a casual enthusiast who enjoys the fresh air and encapsulating vistas, anyone can reap the benefits of some quality sight glasses. That said, they can get quite lofty in terms of price, and it can be a headache to snag a decent pair at the right price. That’s no problem for Task & Purpose, so allow us to lend a helping hand.
Welcome to our buyer’s guide to the best binoculars for less than $100. We’ve got you covered, from leviathan-sized star gazers to rugged companions for hunting and everything in between. Whatever outdoor pastime floats your boat, there’s a product for you here. So scroll on through, happy shopping, and check out what we’ve found to be the best binoculars for the money.
- Best Overall: Nikon Trailblazer ATB
- Best Value: Carson ScoutPlus
- Honorable Mention: Nocs Provisions Standard Issue
- Best for Hunting: Vortex Optics Vanquish Reserve
- Best for Birdwatching: Bushnell PowerView 2
- Best for Astronomy: Celestron SkyMaster
Best Overall
Nikon Trailblazer ATB
Pros
- Super compact for easy carrying
- Sharp, high-quality view suits a variety of activities
- Rubberized “armor” protects and improves shock absorption
- Fog- and water-proof
Cons
- View can get shaky
Product Specs
- Magnification: 10×25
- Eye relief: 10 millimeters
- Materials: plastic, rubber
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
Best Value
Carson ScoutPlus
Pros
- Bargain price undercuts many rivals by tens of dollars
- Even more affordable variants exist
- Another compact companion for easy traveling
- Capable enough for a variety of activities
Cons
- Somewhat distorted, less clear view than pricier options
- Not the most accommodating eye relief for eyeglass wearers
- Unproven ruggedness
Product Specs
- Magnification: 10×25
- Eye relief: 9.5 millimeters
- Materials: N/A
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
Honorable Mention
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue
Pros
- A literal rainbow of customization
- Textured rubber exterior for a solid grip
- Fog- and water-proof
- Your choice of two magnification levels
Cons
- Flirting with that three-figure price cap
- Improved eye relief may still not be enough for glasses
Product Specs
- Magnification: 8×25, 10×25
- Eye relief: 13 millimeters
- Materials: plastic, rubber
- Weight: 11.8 ounces
Best for Hunting
Vortex Optics Vanquish Reserve
Pros
- Excellent image clarity for compact binoculars
- Fog- and water-proofed
- Your choice of two magnification levels
- Metal construction bolsters resiliency
Cons
- Bumps against triple-digit price cap, 10x magnification costs more
- Image may display a tad darker than competitors
Why It Made The Cut
- Magnification: 8×26, 10×26
- Eye relief: 15 to16 millimeters
- Materials: aluminum
- Weight: 12.7 ounces
Best for Bird Watching
Bushnell PowerView 2
Pros
- Massive objective lenses for sharper views at long distances
- Strong price point far beneath competitors
- Metal construction bolsters resiliency
- Your choice of two magnification levels
Cons
- In-your-face eye relief strongly discourages eyeglasses
- May be too large for smaller individuals or children
- Larger magnification may hinder field of view
Product Specs
- Magnification: 10×50, 12×50
- Eye relief: 7 millimeters
- Materials: aluminum, rubber
- Weight: 28.6 ounces
Best for Astronomy
Celestron SkyMaster
Pros
- Bright, crisp image clarity
- Perfectly-tailored optics for entry-level astronomers
- Lots of extra goodies included
Cons
- Intense magnification makes for difficult stabilization by hand
- Narrow field of view makes pinpointing objects tricky
Product Specs
- Magnification: 25×70
- Eye relief: 13 millimeters
- Materials: plastic
- Weight: 52.0 ounces
Things to consider before buying binoculars under $100
Eye relief
How far should you place your eyes from the binoculars? Products with shorter eye relief will require you to look closer into the eyepiece lenses, while more extended eye relief will have you gaze from farther away. Trying to look into the binoculars while outside the recommended eye relief may result in an image that’s distorted or vignetted. Those with eyeglasses are recommended to search for binoculars with longer eye reliefs or, better yet, those with adjustable eyecups to tweak the eye relief to better suit you.
Magnification
You guessed it. How far can the seeing glass see? Although most binoculars in this price bracket typically offer anywhere between eight to 12x magnification, your specific needs will determine the magnification level best suited for you.
Skygazers and casual astronomers will need heavier firepower, and specialized binoculars may offer 15x, 20x, or even 50x magnification. The strongest ones will even rival some telescopes. Conversely, hikers and hunters may not need that much magnification and may only be looking beyond a nearby ridge or across a field. Many hunting or general outdoor binoculars will offer approximately 10x magnification.
Objective lens sizing
This is the measurement of those outer lenses you peer out of, the sizing of which will help determine the brightness and clarity of the image. Smaller objective lenses are commonplace in compact binoculars and many entry-level products. Plenty of hunting or hiking binoculars will use smaller sizes to ease concealment and lessen the likelihood of bumping them on a rifle or a rock. Their view may not be the sharpest, but high-quality binoculars from top-notch brands can still deliver an exceptional image. Binoculars for distant wildlife observation, low-light exploring, or astronomy will conversely sport huge lenses to capture as much light as possible, allowing for a crisp, vivid look at the object in question.
FAQs about binoculars
Q. How much do affordable binoculars cost?
A. All the products listed plus many more can be had for less than three figures. Many robust, high-quality products from big brands occupy the $80 to $99 range, with most mid-grade examples sitting between $60 and $70. Our Best Value-winning Carson ScoutPlus comes in at a friendly $40.
Q. Can I wear my eyeglasses with binoculars?
A. Definitely, but wearing eyeglasses may inhibit your view depending on the eye relief. Find a product that allows you to get a clear look at the captured image without placing your face too far or smashing it against your glasses. Some have adjustable eyecups to fit perfectly with you
Q. How do I select the appropriate binoculars for my hobbies?
A. Admittedly, most binoculars can function as general-use, jack-of-all-trades products, but particular preferences in sizing and optics can improve their performance in certain fields. Intense magnification is great for stargazing, while massive lenses create bright, crisp images for dim environments or wildlife observation. Hunters and hikers will benefit from compact, durable, waterproof sight pieces.
Final thoughts
Nikon’s Trailblazer ATB is a sturdy, reliable pick with performance that’s equally at home on the hunt as it is on a leisurely nature walk. The Nocs Provisions Standard Issue delivers a near-mirroring experience in a more customizable package for just a bit more coin. And down at the bottom of the price bracket, the budget-friendly Carson ScoutPlus does an admirable impression of its pricier companions without forsaking ruggedness or quality.
Methodology
This guide is primarily research-based and has been curated through the extensive digging of manufacturer specs and, most importantly, customer feedback. The best overall products were the most well-rounded and well-received binoculars with both commendable build quality and exceptional reliability for the money. The best products of specific niches would have a sharper focus on their given task and deliver solid performance for the price range. Binoculars with minimal specs or little-to-no consumer input were often ignored.
While Amazon continued to serve as a primary hub of information, the internet is overflowing with similarly resourceful places. As such, I also extend thanks to REI, Cabela’s, and numerous manufacturer websites for their caches of information.
As always, readers are always welcome to learn more about how Task & Purpose generally curates its buyer’s guides.