To see breathtaking landscapes and observe nature more accurately, packing the best binocular for safari is the first thing on your checklist.
We’ve prepared the following list of 6 top-rated models, picked according to 6 common categories in case somebody who needs to buy a new one. Read on!
Here are the best binoculars for safari (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Bushnell Binocular
- Top Rated: Adorrgon Binocular
- Most Compact: Occer Binocular
- Best For Photo-Enthusiasts: Gosky Binocular
- Best For Beginners: Celestron 71332
- Best For Eyeglass Wearers: Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5
| Top 6 Best Binoculars For Safari | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Bushnell Binocular | Read Our Review |
Top Rated | Adorrgon Binocular | Read Our Review |
Most Compact | Occer Binocular | Read Our Review |
Best For Photo-Enthusiasts | Gosky Binocular | Read Our Review |
Best For Beginners | Celestron 71332 | Read Our Review |
Best For Eyeglass Wearers | Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Bushnell Binocular
Give better grip than the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD's
Can be focused sharply with less color aberration
Well-collimated, durable, and fog-proof while keeping the price low
A bit heavy compared to its size
The rubber eyepiece collars are hard
Roofs are more durable than Porros, which is the reason I pick this Bushnell binocular. It has a rugged, well-constructed body with high magnification, BaK-4 prisms, fog- and waterproof features.
But what we impress the most is its good collimation, especially under direct sunlight, they can be quickly focused, edge to edge image quality with less color aberration. We appreciate the added strap, case, and 4 rubber end caps to secure the binocular’s lens better.
Compared to the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD's, this comes in a softer and thicker grip to give an edge on friendliness.
Bushnell Binocular Specifications | |
Magnification | 10x |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 305/102 |
Prism | BaK-4 Roof |
Eye Relief (mm) | 17 |
Weight | 25 oz. |
Highlight Features | 100 percent waterproof O ring sealed and nitrogen purged for reliable Fog-free performance Large center focus |
If you are looking for a budget-friendly safari binocular, the Bushnell with many characteristics of high-end binoculars while priced under $80 will be your best bet.
Top Rated: Adorrgon Binocular
Cheaper to buy
Lightweight
12x magnification to see animals from a farther distance
Take more time to focus then Bushnell H2O
Hard to spot animals hidden in bushy areas
If you usually walk for miles in wildlife areas, getting a lightweight binocular will give a big relief for your neck and this Adorrgon is just 1.2 pounds in weight to be a good option to try.
Aside from its decent lightness, this model is priced about half the Bushnell H2O while there are still full accessories (like strap, case, wiping cloth, and lens cover). Importantly, it delivers similar image quality – bright and clear optics to help you capture animals from distance in detail.
However, due to the 12x magnification, it’s a bit unstable when you zoom it more. Narrow field of view might be a bit struggling to spot animals hiding in bushy areas.
Adorrgon Binocular Specifications | |
Magnification | 12x |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 367 |
Prism | 16.5 BAK-4 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 10 |
Weight | 1.1 pounds |
Highlight Features | Lightweight Portable Durable and Anti-slip Grip |
At low price range, the Adorrgon with emphasis on lightness and quality image gives a great value for the money.
Most Compact: Occer Binocular
Super lightweight – 0.65 pounds – with a compact design
Shockproof features for steadier image
Both lenses are adjustable for clearer vision
No strap included
For under $35, the Occer Binocular is an exceptional bargain that you could make with shockproof and life waterproof features, smooth center, and large eyepiece.
Within what we have expected, it highlights good image sharpness and color acuity. Besides, the design is rather compact and lightweight to hold – only 0.65 pounds that even a customer on Amazon thought it was a “children’s toy”.
It’s easy to hold by one hand while the other can be used for adjusting the lens sight for better vision. No tint on the lens, by the way.
Occer Binocular Specifications | |
Magnification | 12x |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 273 |
Prism | Premium BAK4 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 15 |
Weight | 0.65 pounds |
Highlight Features | Large eyepiece Smooth center, and right eye focus knob Life waterproof Shockproof |
Weighing just 0.65 pounds, your neck will thank you if you choose the Occer Binocular.
Best For Photo-Enthusiasts: Gosky Binocular
Smartphone adapter to let the user view everything on their smartphone screen
50% to 75% less expensive than other binoculars with same-same specs
Adjustable eye-cups for eyeglasses wearer
Large 326 ft/1000 yds field of view
Not waterproof
1” to 1.5” longer than other counterparts
The Gosky Binocular looks quite similar to Nikon 10x42 in the physical aspect while priced about 1/3. It’s not really lightweight compared to the Occer or Adorrgon above but rather compact that you can easily handle.
The biggest selling point of this binocular is the Gosky Newest Smartphone Mount, which you can view every footage via your mobile phone screen. We appreciate this user-friendly feature, especially if you’re a photo-enthusiasts.
A bonus is that it can be compatible with a wide range of smartphones, from Apple’s, Samsung’s to Sony’s and LG’s.
Gosky Binocular Specifications | |
Magnification | 10x |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 326 |
Prism | Large smart phrase BAK4 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 18 |
Weight | 1.54 pounds |
Highlight Features | Smartphone adapter Compact Lightweight and very easy to handle |
With quick focusing, sharp image quality, and practical smartphone adapter, the Gosky binoculars will make a good gift for a photo-enthusiast.
Best For Beginners: Celestron 71332
The lowest price at 8x magnification binoculars
Fully multi-coated for decently brighter and clearer image quality
Large field of view
A bit heavier and larger than other binocular at the same price
The diopter adjustment ring is tight to adjust
At 8x magnification, the Celestron Nature DX highlights a larger field of view so that beginners can easily track birds, deer, or other animals hiding in large bushy areas.
It feels sturdy, reasonably heavy and easy to adjust once calibrating. There is also a strap, case, and lens cover. Plus, easy to grip surfaces and waterproof design.
The binocular particularly comes with twist-up eyecups, which partly makes it the Top Pick under $200 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Celestron 71332 Specifications | |
Magnification | 8x |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 388 |
Prism | Phase coated BaK 4 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 17.5 |
Weight | 1.75 pounds |
Highlight Features | Fully multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prisms Lightweight Eyeglass friendly |
For those novices who want to step up from crappy $15 binoculars for expanded nature viewing ability, the Celestron 71322 is a great investment.
Best For Eyeglass Wearers: Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5
Superior clarity
Longer eye relief to be friendly for people wearing glasses
Packed with user friendly features
A bit time-taking to understand how to use it
For eyeglasses wearers, the Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 will be a life-saver for you. It highlights turn and slide rubber eyecups with extra-long eye relief to ensure your comfort when watching it with your glasses.
Regardless, we found a huge difference in the lens quality between Monarch 3 and Monarch 5, which is the reason we picked this.
Superior clarity is the most well-worth feature – quite similar to the Bushnell Legend 8x42 but way lighter and more compact.
It also gives a crisper focus.
Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 Specifications | |
Magnification | 8x |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 288 |
Prism | Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer |
Eye Relief (mm) | 19 |
Weight | 1.3 pounds |
Highlight Features | User-friendly features such as Turn and Slide Rubber Eyecups A Smooth Central Focus Knob and Flip Down Lens Caps Waterproof Fog proof |
With longer eye relief and excellent clarity, the Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 provides the most “bang-for-buck” piece of optics that any eyeglasses wearer desires to have.
How To Choose The Best Binocular For Safari?
Lens Size
The two most common times of a day for people to head out in safari are dusk and early morning. In such cases, the light conditions are usually low so you should choose bigger lenses to receive the moderately bright image.
The recommended range of lens size is 32mm to 42mm.
Don’t go any bigger because your binoculars will be very bulky and heavy, which means they are much more difficult to carry or observe animals stably.
Magnification
When opting for a binocular for safari, you shouldn’t choose the one with high magnification for two reasons:
Safari binocular will be used for spotting hidden animals around giant bushy areas, meaning you need an expanded field of view. Not to say that the more zoom you make, the less stable of your image while there’s no place (and even no chance) in safari for you to set up a tripod.
Instead, let choose a binocular featuring 10x or 8x.
Additional Features
Using binoculars on safari means they will be exposed under high temperatures and through dust, humidity, rough roads, and frequent movements. Therefore, it needs to be under higher protection.
Shockproof and waterproof features, in this case, are very essential to have in your binocular.
Which Brands Make The Best Binocular For Safari?
Bushnell
With over 65 years in the industry, Bushnell binoculars are unbeatable in terms of light transmission, clarity, and ruggedness. There is a wide range of models, types and even stores around the world that you can come and try directly.
Gosky
Gosky is a US-registered brand specialized in the field of optics that highlights not only high-quality binoculars but also providing cost efficiency. Fans of Gosky also comment on their caring customer services.
Celestron
In the optics industry, Celestron is like a senior with decades of experience. Their biggest inspiration is Tom Johnson and what makes their binoculars outstanding is leading revolutionary technologies.
Nikon
A bit differing from other brands, Nikon Inc. is actually a company involved in a wide spectrum of business relating to imaging products. But that doesn’t make their binocular lines inferior. With over 100 years of establishing, Nikon never disappoints its customers no matter what.
FAQs
Should you wear glasses with binoculars?
If your eyes are myopic or farsightedness, choose binoculars with longer eye optic will let you use them more comfortable while wearing glasses.
Do I need binoculars that are coated?
If you want to improve light transmission and reduce reflective loss while using binoculars, choose a pair with a thin chemical coating.
This addition is considered to add up 5% the light passing through it while multi-coating can level up to 10%.
Are 10x42 binoculars better than 8x42?
The first number indicates the binocular’s power or magnification, which means 10x42 will deliver higher magnification than the 8x42 binoculars. However, depending on the specific situations to determine whether it delivers better than the 8x42 or not.
For example, for safari, the 8x42 will be a bit superior to the 10x42 because of its wider field of view, helping users to spot animals quicker.
Which is better roof prism or Porro prism?
Roof Prism | Porro Prism | |
Pros | Best for more serious users who want to get out and get dirty Better durability Can handle impacts efficiently to be ideal for travel | Comfortable, lightweight, and compact to hold Simpler in construction Higher light efficiency The image gives better contrast Affordable |
Cons | Expensive due to the higher requirements during the manufacturing process | Not appealing design |
Conclusion
The best binocular for safari should satisfy three things based on your personal determination – lightweight to hold, easy to focus, and clear to see the wildlife. With the additional buying guide and FAQs section, we hope to provide more helpful pieces of information to you.
Thanks for reading!
