The best binoculars under $100 for gazing on a budget

Besides highlighting that Nikon makes more than top-notch cameras, the Trailblazer ATB showcases its best work for the least amount of dough. The compact design makes carrying a breeze, and it’s proven to be fog-proof, waterproof, and shock-resistant. Marketed as mere hiking binoculars, hunters and wildlife observers have carved new niches for it, with the latter demographic praising its surprisingly sharp, vivid imagery for an affordable, compact product. Kudos must be given to Nikon’s extensive use of lens coatings to minimize glare while allowing for maximum light collection through the 25-millimeter objective lens.

Easily one of the most acclaimed products in this guide, the few caveats boil down to the compact size. Some have found its size and weight to be a little tricky to stabilize despite not having the strongest magnification, so shaky imagery has been reported. In even fewer cases, larger individuals may also find the eyepieces too close together without enough adjustment for a comfortable viewing experience.

A pleasant surprise for a stellar deal, the Carson ScoutPlus is one hell of a bargain at $40 off Amazon, less than half the cost of the Nikon Trailblazer ATB or Nocs Provisions Standard Issue. Better yet, smaller variants exist for even less money, as low as $33 for the MiniScout. With near-identical specs as its pricer peers, it puts up a convincing act as general-use binoculars at home on trails or wildlife reserves. It’s similarly compact for effortless traveling, as most consumers do with this product, and 10x magnification still affords buyers with distant viewing experiences. Buyers have mostly found these viable options for watching over wildlife, but one found an interesting use for observing architecture and art.

It’s a commendable product of decent quality, but there’s no hiding that the ScoutPlus’ price is a reflection of its shortcomings versus more expensive binoculars. There’s seemingly no recorded feedback on its durability and performance in harsh conditions, and no claims to waterproofing, fog-proofing, or shock resistance. A small number of users have found them to be somewhat tricky to use comfortably, with reports of slightly distorted and vignetted views that they couldn’t correct.

The Nocs Provisions Standard Issue is a compelling bid to deliver rugged, high-quality optics in a configurable and aesthetically-pleasing package. Another acclaimed favorite on this list, the Standard Issue sports near-identical specs to the Nikon Trailblazer ATB, albeit with the ability to choose between 8×25 and 10×25 magnification. The rubberized exterior adds extra shock absorption to the binoculars’ body, while its texture aids in providing a rock-solid grip. In addition to fog-proofing, this product is rated to withstand a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The cherry on top is the ability to choose from a lively palette of colors for a product that’s truly for you.

Nitpicks were few and far between, although I must disclose that this product does bump up at the edge of the $100 price limit. Additionally, the added eye relief will surely benefit some eyeglass wearers, but a few still claim that it’s not quite enough.

Born from a company renowned for making quality binoculars and rifle scopes, the Vortex Optics Vanquish Reserve slots in as its budget-oriented binoculars for excursions far off the beaten path. Similar to the Nocs Provisions Standard Issue, this product is fog-proofed and waterproofed and offers a choice of two magnification levels. Slightly wider objective lenses (26 millimeters versus 25 millimeters) should lend themselves nicely to creating a somewhat more vivid picture. Aluminum construction far exceeds the strength and robustness of plastic competitors, and a lifetime warranty will keep you covered should you somehow prove that claim otherwise.

Consumers regularly praise the crisp, high-quality view, devoid of glare. A few others, however, still point out a slightly darker image than desired and general image quality that can’t match rivals just on the other side of the price border. For the given price range, these are still great binoculars for the money, even if it does edge close to the far end of the price scale.

The Bushnell PowerView 2 ditches the previous compact entries on our list behind in the pursuit of bright, vivid imagery at great distances. It doesn’t abandon the ruggedness of its peers, either. An aluminum chassis multiplies its strength while the rubberized exterior enhances shock absorption as well as your grip. Magnification is stronger than its compact peers, and a 50-millimeter objective lens guarantees sharper image quality, which is preferred for observing wildlife. Oh, and did I mention that these are $65 at most? With the lower magnification level right at $60, this product is closer in price to our Best Value, Carson ScoutPlus, than it is to our Best Overall.

Exercise caution when springing for the PowerView 2’s higher magnification option, as it will be harder to stabilize and narrow the field of view, making it trickier to sight in on the desired object. The binoculars themselves may be a smidge too large for some smaller adults and children who have noted that their eyes may be too narrow to get a comfortable view. On the topic of comfort, eyeglass wearers should consider trying one out before splurging, as the seven-millimeter eye relief cuts it pretty close.

The Celestron SkyMaster — such an epic name, by the way— is a purpose-built tool for budding astronomers and is one of the most powerful binoculars in the price bracket. The 25x magnification with a gargantuan 70-millimeter objective lens rivals some entry-level telescopes and has proven itself as a top-notch choice for stargazing on a budget. Image quality is appreciably sharp with enough quality and zoom to view distant moons and planets, as this consumer has done. These are also sold as package deals, with each SkyMaster coming complete with a carrying case, tripod adapter, and rain guard, among other bits and bobs.

However, it should go without saying that such a focused product will have far more caveats. The largest elephant in the room is that it’s incredibly cumbersome to stabilize by hand due to the intense magnification as well as its weight, the heaviest on this list. Also stemming from its magnification is its narrow field of view which takes a well-versed hand to wield across the night sky.