Some binocular models can end up costing you an arm and leg – but not all. We’re here to help you find the best binoculars under 100 dollars without compromising on quality.
In this article, we’ll ease you into the world of binoculars and explain in layman’s terms exactly what is meant by all that technical jargon, so you can find the best binoculars under $100 for your household.
There are tons of options for binoculars, and sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming. The point of this article is to go through all the pros and cons of the best binoculars for under 100 dollars that we tested and reviwed, so you can find the ideal pair.
The best binoculars for you will depend on what you want to do with them – no matter if you’re looking for the best compact binoculars under 100 dollars or the best birding binoculars under 100 dollars, read on to find the best option for you.
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Method Used
In order to make a list that can actually be considered ‘best’, I did a comprehensive review of the top 6-Binoculars Under 100 Dollars on the market, including those for sale on Amazon, REI and other major sellers. I looked at all the features and read all the reviews. Using my expertise and experience, I applied a system of review using the key things to look for when choosing a 6-best Binoculars Under 100 Dollars (See the FAQ section below the 6 Binoculars Under 100 Dollars reviews for more details on these).
Based on those, I narrowed my list of 6-Binoculars Under 100 Dollars down to a top ten.
Not all of the Binoculars Under 100 Dollars on my initial top ten list made the cut. I’ve only included the top 6 pairs because these are the ones that rose to the top and are worthy of including here.
A note about updating: I check every year for new Binoculars Under 100 Dollars on the market and updated models so this list stays up-to-date.
Read my complete Product Review Guidelines for more details.
How to use this buying guide for the best six-person tent
🏆 If you want to cut right to the chase, my top pick is here.
📊 If you’re a visual person, you can see a chart comparing all my top picks for best 6 man tents for camping.
🔭 Below you’ll find 6-binoculars under 100 Dollars reviews of my shortlist so you have some choices.
❓ I’ve also included more information about major things to consider when making your decision.
See the Best Binoculars Under 100 Dollars
1. Nikon Trailblazer ATB
Our pick for the best rated binoculars under $100 has to be the Nikon Trailblazer ATB!
Why Buy The Nikon Trailblazer ATB?
These Nikon roof prisms are super slimline and lightweight.
The magnification is 10x and the field of view 342 feet, making them suitable for a range of activities. They use a rubber armor exterior so you can always grip them whether they are wet or dry – they are of course waterproof and this also makes them super durable too.
The lenses and prisms are made with eco friendly glass and are free of environmentally damaging lead and arsenic. The lenses are multi coated to ensure no glare and to allow for the maximum possible transmission of light, aka you get a bright and clear image.
>> Check the price of the Nikon Trailblazer ATB on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Nikon Trailblazer ATB on REI
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Multifunctional
- Waterproof
Cons
- Doesn’t come with extras like a neck strap
What makes this my number one choice
These binoculars aren’t labeled “Trailblazer” for no reason – they are designed especially for hiking.
They have a super lightweight design — perfect for those who wish to preserve space and weight in their pack. They also prioritize durability and ruggedness. They have a protective rubber exterior armor, which shields against damage caused by accidental drops or knocks whilst hiking.
Eco warriors can rest easy since these binoculars do not use eco damaging arsenic or lead. In addition, the lenses are multi coated with an anti reflective coating which prevents glare and maximizes light transmission – you get a super bright image. Caught in a rainstorm? No problem. Nikon’s binoculars are 100% water and fog proof.
Whether you wear glasses or not, these binoculars are for you. You can twist the eyecups up or down depending on if you are an eyeglass wearer.
These binoculars are absolutely perfect for hiking but can also be used for other activities, such as bird watching, sports spectating, or a multitude of other activities.
Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of all the best binoculars for under $100 or cheaper reviewed in this article. It highlights key features of each pair of binoculars and key benefits of each product listed.
If you are reading this on a mobile device, you might need to swipe to scroll across.
| Name | Image | Strength | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Trailblazer ATB | 10 x 25 | 4.7 | CHECK NOW | |
| Celestron Outland X | 10 x 25 | 4.5 | CHECK NOW | |
| Vortex Vanquish | 10 x 26 | 4.8 | CHECK NOW | |
| Bushnell Powerview 2 | 10 x 42 | 4.6 | CHECK NOW | |
| Celestron UpClose G2 | 10 x 25 | 4 | CHECK NOW | |
| Occer Compact | 12 x 25 | 4.4 | CHECK NOW |
Read my in depth reviews and find the best binoculars for 100 dollars or less that fit your particular needs.
2. Celestron Outland X
We just had to consider these Celestron roof prisms as a contender for the best small binoculars under 100 dollars.
They have a 10x magnification strength and 330 foot field of view — this is a tad short for avid birders, but they can still be used for this purpose. They’re super compact, lightweight, waterproof, fog proof, and have a rubber armor to protect against drops and harsh conditions — perfect for hiking.
These binoculars give a fantastic image – high color fidelity, bright, clear, and well contrasted. If you wear glasses, you can twist up the eyecups to still get comfortable use out of them. Along with the binoculars, you’ll get a carrying case, cleaning cloth, and neck strap.
>> Check the price of the Celestron Outland X on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Celestron Outland X on REI
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Waterproof and rugged – great for hiking
- Amazing image
Cons
- Field of view a bit short of ideal for birdwatching – 330 feet
3. Vortex Vanquish 8×26
The best birding binoculars for under 100 dollars
OK, this was hard to call, but the best bird watching binoculars under $100? We think these are it. These porro prism Vortex Vanquishes weigh in at less than a pound (12.07 oz), meaning it’s no bother carrying them around in your pack or handing off to small children to use. The field of view is 294 feet – great for spotting birds and tracking them during flight.
The multi-coated optics provide a really fantastic image that is plenty bright enough. The coating also prevents glare and protects from dirt, oil, and scratches. Glasses wearers should have no problems with these since you can twist the eyecups up or down to allow for comfortable use.
They are 100% water and fog proof, so use in all weathers. They also use a rubber covering, which works to prevent damage from bumps and knocks, as well as giving a grippy surface to hold whether it’s wet or dry. Rubber covering provides a secure and comfortable grip.
Along with the binoculars, you’ll get rainguard eyepiece covers, a neck strap, and a carrying case. Plus, your purchase is covered by a Vortex lifetime warranty. These could be the best birding binoculars under $100 for you and your family.
>> Check the price of the Vortex Vanquish 8×26 on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Vortex Vanquish 8×26 on REI
Pros
- Super small and lightweight
- Waterproof
- Clear and bright image
- Wide field of view
Cons
- None to think of!
4. Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 Binoculars
The best 10×42 binoculars under $100
These Bushnell binoculars are roof prisms with a 10x zoom. The field of view is 266 feet at 1,000 yards- making them wide enough for most purposes. The view through these is really fab – bright, high contrast, and defined. They work well in both low and regular light. They’re also easy to use and are a good choice for a starter pair of binoculars.
Bushnell boast that the aluminum chassis is lightweight – and they live up to the hype. This makes them super easy to carry while still getting the zoom capability of a 10×42 pair of binoculars.
>> Check the price of the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 on Warehouse
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Really nice image
- Nice image for the price!
Cons
- Not water resistant, so not suitable if there is a chance of them getting wet
- Not fog proof
- Case is not super hard, so you need to take some care in carrying them around.
5. Celestron Up Close G2
OK, if you’re looking for the best 8×42 binoculars under 200 dollars, which are also waterproof, then you’d be silly not to consider these. These binoculars have a rubber-coated exterior which protects against the elements whilst also providing a shock resistant armor.
The optics are multicoated, ensuring optimal brightness, clarity, and high contrast, even in low light conditions.
>> Check the price of the Celestron Up Close G2 on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Celestron Up Close G2 on REI
Pros
- 100% water and fog proof — take them hiking with no reservations
- Rugged – these binoculars will withstand any adventurous lifestyle
Cons
- We’re not sure of the exact field of view, but some claim it’s a bit narrow
6. Occer 12×25 Compact
The best travel binoculars under 100 dollars
These binoculars have been making users happy all across the board – hikers, bird watchers, and pretty much all observation enthusiasts have been enjoying these binoculars.
They have a 12x magnification which means you can get super up close and personal with the action. These binoculars don’t make a big compromise on field of view either – you can see a span of 273 feet.
If you’re a glasses wearer, no problem, you can just twist the eyecups and enjoy comfortable viewing. They also enjoy a higher than average degree of light transmission, which translates to a bright image.
These binoculars are designed with hiking in mind, but they are also suitable for so many other activities – bird watching, sports spectating, and other activities. Along with the binoculars, you’re going to get a neck strap, and carrying case.
>> Check the price of the Occer 12×25 Compact on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Occer 12×25 Compact on Walmart
Pros
- 12x magnification — get up close and personal to the action
- 100% water and fog proof — take them hiking with no reservations
- Comes with neck strap
Cons
- Field of view 273 feet — bit short of ideal for birdwatching, but this is made up for with the magnification
Which are the Best Binoculars Under $100 for You?
As always, we have only included the most highly rated products here. If you’re searching for the best binoculars for less than $100, then you’re in the right place. You can click on each link to read more reviews for each option.
The top binoculars for you will clearly vary according to what you need them for, but we aim for this guide to give you a helping hand, saving you time and money in making the right choice of binoculars at a budget price.
Whatever you are looking at, have an amazing time!
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About the Reviewer
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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