When it comes to binos, you typically get what you pay for (to a point) but we’ve found some great binoculars under $200.
It’s a fact: premium binoculars come with a premium price tag. But that doesn’t mean that you have to spend over $1,000 to get a good set of binos. In fact, you can still find a decent set of binoculars for under $200 if you know where to look.
In this “Best Binos Under $200 Guide,” we’re going to explore:
Best Binos Under $200
Yes, you can get some really good binoculars for less than 200 dollars.
These sub-$200 binos won’t compare to $1,000+ binoculars, but for most purposes the correct set of $200 or less binos will work great.
Also, if you’re just starting out with binoculars now and decide you want to upgrade later, binos in this price range are great as a back-up pair to either keep in your vehicle or hand-off to someone else.
If you’re new to shopping for (and/or using binoculars), be sure to check out our buyer’s guide below. For now, just know that, at a minimum, you should look for binoculars that are:
- made by an established brand names (with good warranties),
- waterproof, and
- fog proof.
Yes, the quality of the glass used in the lenses and their coatings are one of the most important features of a pair of binoculars but for these sub-$200 options, you’re limited by price.
Here are our top 4 binoculars under $200 (we break down the details of each below). All four of these adhere to our 3 recommendations above and are the best glass clarity and quality in this price range:
Top 4 Sub-$200 Binoculars:
- Vortex Diamondback HD 10×32
- Athlon Argos G2 HD 12×50
- Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42
- Celestron Trailseeker 8×32
Editor’s Choice Binoculars
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s dive in to each of our recommended binos under $200 to see which might be right for you.
If you’re having trouble deciding on which binos to get, save yourself some time and worry and just get our editor’s choice binos, the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10x32 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Non-slip Grip, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Included Carry Case - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty . These binos really are the best option and compare to binoculars costing twice as much.
#1 – Vortex Diamondback HD 10×32 Binoculars [Editor’s Choice]
- 10x magnification & 32mm objective lenses, these Diamondback HD binos are optimized with select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration and provide outstanding color fidelity, sharpness and light transmission.
- Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. Dielectric coating provides bright, clear, color-accurate images. Armortek coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt.
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. Center focus wheel adjusts the focus of both binocular barrels at the same time. Diopter (located on right Eyepiece) adjusts for differences in a user's eyes.
- Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip, and durable external protection. Binoculars are tripod adaptable allowing use on a tripod or car window mount.
- Argon purging and O-ring seals provide water and Fog proof performance in all environments. Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact. Does not include harness.
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Yes, these are a great set of binos and we’d recommend these even if your budget was twice as much.
However, what really makes these such a great purchase is the Vortex VIP (no-questions-asked) warranty. Even if you accidentally drop these on the ground and even run them over, you can reach out to Vortex, admit your clumsiness, and they repair or replace them.
We’re not quite sure how they stay in business but why they have such a strong following of loyal fans is obvious.
The binos are the perfect all-around binos: at 10 power they are the perfect all-purpose binoculars, they are just the right size for comfortable viewing, they are very clear (especially for this price range), they are durable and they are argon filled to be fog proof.
If it were up to us, we’d just stop the list here because these are the best options in this price range.
However, we know that some of you may want more magnification, less cost, or a smaller size/less weight – that’s why we included each of the next three binoculars.
PROs
- Best Warranty Available
- Great Clarity
- Durable (Rubber Coated)
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
CONs
- None (at this price range)
Vortex Diamondback HD 10×32 Binoculars
#2 – Athlon Argos G2 HD 12×50 Binoculars [Highest Power]
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a little extra magnification in your binos or just don’t like the ones recommended above, you should check these Athlon binos out.
For most, 10 power magnification is the perfect magnification for seeing far and also holding the binos (and image) steady.
Once you get up to 12 power like these binos, it can be difficult for some people to hold the binos steady enough – but the extra magnification can really come in handy (especially for hunting).
The biggest downside to this pair of binoculars is their weight – they are a lot heavier than our #1 above.
PROs
- Good Warranty
- Great Clarity
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
CONs
- Metal body can be cold/uncomfortable
- 12x magnification can appear “shaky”
- Heavy (150% heavier than others)
Athlon Argos G2 HD 12×50 Binoculars
#3 – Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 [Good Value]
- Prostaff 3S binocular has 10x magnification and a 42mm objective diameter with eco-glass, multilayer coatings provide bright clear images
- High-eye-point design with turn and slide rubber eyecups for long eye relief without vignetting, provides clear view even when wearing glasses
- Waterproof and fogproof binoculars with O-ring seals and nitrogen gas and a rubber armoring for shock resistance and non-slip grip with a center focus for easy viewing
- Binoculars are 5.9" L x 5.1" W with a weight of 20.3 oz, great for outdoor activities such as bird watching, hunting, camping, hiking, boating and more
- Accessories include Carrying Case, Neck Strap, Lens Caps, Nikon Lens Pen and a Cleaning Cloth
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We don’t like these Nikon binos as much as we like the Vortex and Athlon options above.
However, you might be on a budget and not want to spend as much money. If that’s the case, these binoculars offer a good value for the price.
PROs
- Good Warranty
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
CONs
- Not the clearest
- A bit of a sacrifice for cost (but still good enough for this list)
Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 Binoculars
#4 – Celestron Trailseeker 8×32 [Light Weight]
- Magnesium Alloy Body: Lightweight, durable frame that will last a lifetime and handle use in the field.
- BaK-4 Prisms with Phase and Dielectric Coatings
- Wide Field of View: Quickly acquire the subject being viewed. Follow your subject more easily, with less need to move the binoculars.
- Fully Multi-Coated Opitcs: Increased light transmission for brighter views and more resolution.
- 6.5' Close Focus: Detailed, up close observation of subject in close proximity.
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a good set of binos that are smaller and lighter so the they’re easier to pack along on your adventures, these Celestron Trailseeker are for you.
The easiest way to describe how these binos compare is like this: they are the best travel-size binos for this price range. They sacrifice a bit on the viewing experience (barely) in exchange for a smaller size.
PROs
- Good Warranty
- Lightweight
- Small
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
CONs
- Not as comfortable as a larger set of binos
Celestron Trailseeker 8×32 Binoculars
Best sub-$200 Bino Summary
No matter which of these four binoculars for $200 or less you choose, you’re going to be happy with your purchase.
Sure, you can get much nicer quality binoculars, but not without spending hundreds of dollars more.
If you want the pair we recommend most, especially if you’re purchasing these as a gift for someone else, just get the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10x32 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Non-slip Grip, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Included Carry Case - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty and get on with getting outside and enjoying them.
The only other reason to get another set of binoculars is if you’re looking for something smaller and lighter weight to be more portable – if that’s you, get the Celestron Trailseeker 8x32 Binoculars .
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Binocular Value vs Price
Just because a set of binos costs more, doesn’t necessarily make them better for you. Higher cost may equal higher quality but not necessarily higher value.
We believe that you can get noticeably better binoculars up to about $1,500. After that price, the binoculars are somehow “better” but we can’t notice the difference that much.
Said a better way: when you jump from a $400 pair of binos to a $900 pair of binos you can notice the $500 difference. However, that same $5o0 increase isn’t noticed as much when you jump from a $1,500 set of binoculars to a $2,000 pair of binos.
Ok, so we’ve established that the cost of binos doesn’t necessarily equate to value. So what?
Well, if a $500 set of binos is out of your budget for whatever reason, does this mean that you can’t get a good set of binos?
No – you can still pick up a good set of binoculars for under 200 dollars but you’ve got to get the right ones.
If you’re using your binoculars for hunting with your dog, please make sure and reward your good boy or good girl with an elk antler dog treat.
Binocular Buyer’s Guide
Coming soon!