7 Best Binoculars Under $300 in 2024!
When looking for the best binoculars under $300, you need to narrow down your search to get the right balance between optics, functionality, ruggedness, portability and affordability.
As always, understanding your needs and intended use is important for making the right choice. Binoculars ideal for birdwatching might not be the most compact binoculars around.
For marine adventures a wide field of view is desirable but the Auto Focus feature and CAT Technology is really crucial for best hunting binoculars.
Some kind of trade-off is typically required. It can be between compactness and image quality or magnification and field of view.
In this article, I show you my pick of the 7 best binoculars under $300. Feel free to click the links for a more in-depth review of the binocular that catches your eye.
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Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binoculars
* Best Overall *
The Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binoculars are designed with Extra-low Dispersion glass, ensuring optimum clarity and sharp images. The fully multi-coated optics further enhance the image quality, providing you with a clear and detailed view of your surroundings.
One of the standout features of the Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binoculars is the focus knob, which allows for precise adjustments. You can go from near to far focus in just 2 turns. The close focus distance of just 6.6 feet is perfect for observing butterflies, insects or birds at a feeder.
The fully multi-coated optical lenses and high resolution phase corrected BAK-4 roof prisms contribute to the crispness and accuracy of the images you see through the Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binoculars.
The Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binoculars are made with a lightweight magnesium alloy body, coated with rubber for a comfortable grip. The mid-size top hinge chassis adds to the overall durability and portability of the binoculars.
The Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binoculars offer exceptional image quality, durability, and portability making them the Best Binoculars Under $300 Overall.
Whether you’re an avid bird watcher, a nature enthusiast, or a dedicated hunter, these binoculars will provide you with a clear and immersive viewing experience.
Nikon Monarch M5 10×42 Binoculars
$266.95 in stock
6 used from $209.99
Runner Up!
One of the standout features of the Monarch M5 is its ideal balance between 10x magnification and a 42 mm size optical lens. This allows you to zoom in on your subjects even when light conditions are less than optimal.
The adjustable turn-and-slide eyecups with long eye relief provide exceptional comfort, making them suitable for extended use, even for those who need to wear eyeglasses all the time.
Nikon has taken optics to the next level with their superior ED glass, which effectively reduces distortion and delivers crystal-clear images.
The dielectric phase-corrected coatings enhance contrast, while the multilayer coatings increase light transmission, resulting in brighter, more vibrant visuals.
The Nikon Monarch M5 10×42 Binoculars come with a sophisticated rubber armored exterior design that makes it shock resistant and immune to a few knocks.
The body also gives you a firm, comfortable grip. The locking diopter control allows you to maintain your personal setting, ensuring that you can quickly and easily adjust the binoculars to your preferred focus.
Based on all these features, the Nikon Monarch M5 10×42 Binoculars ranks as the “Runner Up” in my best binoculars under $300 roundup.
Steiner 8×30 Auto Focus Predator Binoculars
$314.99 in stock
Best for Hunting!
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars, specifically the 8×30 Auto Focus model. These binoculars are packed with features that make them ideal for hunting and birdwatching.
The standout features of the Steiner Predator Series is the Auto Focus functionality. Once you set the diopters to your liking, you simply let your eyes focus on the subject as you look around.
It did take me a little while to get used to this, as I was accustomed to using a center focus wheel. However, once I adjusted, I found that the Auto Focus worked incredibly well, allowing for quick and easy focusing without the need for constant adjustments.
The optics on these binoculars are truly impressive. The CAT coating, despite its slightly dated logo, enhances the image quality and provides excellent depth perception.
I was particularly impressed with how well these binoculars performed in low light conditions. Peering into darker sections of the woods was a breeze, and the image clarity rivaled that of my naked eye.
The wider field of view, thanks to the porro prism design, also added to the overall viewing experience. These binoculars are designed for early season or heavy cover hunters, providing versatile and reliable performance in various hunting conditions.
I am convinced that the Steiner 8×30 Predator Series Hunting Binoculars are the best binoculars under $300 for hunting.
Maven C2 10X28mm Compact Binoculars
Best Compact
The Maven C2 10X28mm Compact Binoculars come with some exceptional features at a very competitive price!
Crystal Clear Views: The Maven C2 10X28mm Compact Binoculars have ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses, translating to sharp, vibrant images with accurate colors.
Compact and Lightweight: They fit in quite easily in your jacket pocket or backpack without weighing you down. Perfect for hikes, travel, or just keeping in your car for spontaneous adventures.
Built to Withstand the Elements: Rain or shine, these binoculars are tough. They’re waterproof, fog-proof, and have scratch-resistant lenses, so you can use them with confidence wherever your adventures take you.
Easy to Use: The adjustable eyecups and smooth focus wheel make using these binoculars a breeze, even for beginners. Plus, the comfortable grip ensures you can hold them steady for long stretches.
Bang for Your Buck: You will love the compactness, ruggedness and image quality of these binoculars. But you will love the price even more!
Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 Binoculars
$259.95 in stock
2 used from $214.95
Best for Bird Watching!
One of the standout features of the Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 Binoculars is the Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass objective lenses. This advanced technology virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, which is a common visual defect in binoculars.
With the Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 Binoculars, you are assured of edge-to-edge sharpness, excellent color correction, and razor-sharp images.
In addition to the ED glass lenses, these binoculars also have fully broadband multi-coated optics and phase- and dielectric-coated BaK-4 prisms. They work together to maximize light transmission, resulting in the brightest and most detailed images possible.
The Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 Binoculars are made from a lightweight and durable magnesium alloy, with a tough and rigid frame that is coated with rubber to withstand hard use in the field.
The binoculars are also fully waterproof and filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging of the lenses.
If you are a novice but enthusiastic bird watcher go ahead and buy the Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 Binoculars. They are, in my opinion, the best binoculars under $300 for bird watching!
Hawke Endurance ED Marine 7×32 Binoculars
$299.99 in stock
Best for Marine Adventures!
The Hawke Endurance ED Marine 7×32 Binoculars in Matte Blue are a fantastic choice for any marine adventures that you may have in mind.
Take it on a cruise ship. whale watching, fishing from a boat or kayaking. With their sleek design and high-quality construction, these binoculars provide excellent performance and durability.
Key Features
- Compact and Lightweight: With product dimensions of just 0.01 x 0.01 x 0.01 inches and weighing only 1.2 pounds, these binoculars are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them convenient to carry and use
- High-Quality Optics: The “Hawke Sport Optics Endurance ED Marine 7x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars” feature high-quality optics, ensuring clear and sharp images with excellent clarity and detail
- Marine-Ready Design: These binoculars are specifically designed for marine use, with a matte blue finish that adds a stylish touch and offers enhanced durability and protection against the elements
- 7x Magnification: With a 7x magnification power, these binoculars allow you to view distant objects with greater detail and clarity, making them suitable for various outdoor activities, including boating, birdwatching, and wildlife observation
- Roof Prism Design: The roof prism design of these binoculars ensures a streamlined and compact shape, making them easy to handle and hold for extended periods without causing discomfort
Hawke Endurance ED Marine 7×32 Binoculars are perfect for watching whales, sea gulls and ship cruises!
Nikon Prostaff 5 8×42 Binoculars
Best for Sight Seeing!
The Nikon Prostaff 5 8×42 Binoculars are an excellent choice to pack in your travel bags when you decide to go sight seeing. They are lightweight and compact so you won’t feel weighed down as you wait patiently in the queue to get into Duomo, Milan, Italy.
Instead just whisk out your handy Nikon Prostaff 5 8×42 Binoculars and get up close to one of the 135 gargoyles that adorn the Duomo exteriors. These binoculars ensure bright and clear images, allowing you to see the details of your surroundings with precision.
The multilayer-coated lenses of the Nikon Prostaff 5 8×42 Binoculars ensure bright and clear images, allowing you to see the details of your surroundings with precision.
No worries if you wear eyeglasses. The turn-and-slide rubber eyecups allow for a custom fit, ensuring maximum comfort during extended use. The long eye-relief is a welcome feature for eyeglass wearers.
The Nikon Prostaff 5 8×42 Binoculars incorporate a robust and comfortable design. The durable fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate chassis results in a slip-resistant grip, especially in cold and wet weather.
Price Range
| Descriptor | Price Range | Remarks |
| Budget | $0 – $150 | Ideal for beginners: Affordable optics for casual wildlife viewing. |
| Lower Mid Range | $150 – $300 | Beyond beginner: Intermediate binoculars for sharper, more reliable nature viewing. |
| Mid Range | $300 – $450 | For dedicated nature viewers: Enhanced optics, durability, and weatherproofed. |
| Upper Mid Range | $450 – $600 | For the die-hard adventurer: Exceptional clarity, unwavering durability, and twilight vision with top-tier binoculars. |
| High End | $600 – $1000 | Crafted for the obsessed: Premium lenses, intuitive design, and all-weather resilience. |
| Premium | $1000 – $2000 | For uncompromising professionals: uncompromising optics, superior materials, and cutting-edge technology. |
7 Best Binoculars Under $300 – A Quick Comparison
| RANK | PRODUCT | NUMBER | FOV @ 1000 Yards | Eye Relief | Weight | Price Range |
| 1 | Hawke | 8×42 | 399′ | 17.0mm | 22.9oz | Lower Mid Range |
| 2 | Nikon | 10×42 | 293′ | 18.4mm | 22.6oz | Lower Mid Range |
| 3 | Steiner | 8×30 | 302′ | 15.0mm | 19.0oz | Mid Range |
| 4 | Maven | 10×28 | 262′ | 15.0mm | 12.6oz | Lower Mid Range |
| 5 | Celestron | 8×42 | 426′ | 17.2mm | 23.5oz | Lower Mid Range |
| 6 | Hawke | 7×32 | 435′ | 17.0mm | 19.2oz | Lower Mid Range |
| 7 | Nikon | 8×42 | 361′ | 17.5mm | 22.2oz | Lower Mid Range |
Get the Most out of Best Binoculars Under $300
- Adjust the focus: Start by adjusting the focus on your binoculars to ensure a clear view. Look for the central focusing knob and turn it until you see a sharp image. Adjust the diopter setting, usually located on the right eyepiece, to match your eyesight if needed
- Hold the binoculars steady: To minimize shakiness and ensure a steady view, hold the binoculars with both hands. Place your thumbs on the bottom of the barrels and wrap your fingers around the top. Rest your elbows against your body or a stable surface to further stabilize your hands
- Practice scanning and tracking: When sightseeing, it’s helpful to practice scanning and tracking with your binoculars. Instead of staring at one spot, slowly scan the area by moving your binoculars from left to right or up and down.
- Remember, practice makes perfect! Have fun exploring the world with your binoculars and enjoy the sights
FAQ: Best Binoculars under $300
Magnification is the number that appears first in the binocular description, such as 10x. This number tells you how much closer the binoculars will bring an object to appear.
The objective lens diameter is the second number in the binocular description, such as 42mm. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the binoculars can gather
Here are some of the key features to look for in binoculars under $200:
- Fully multi-coated lenses: This coating helps to improve light transmission and image quality.
- Long eye relief: This is important for eyeglass wearers, as it allows them to see the entire field of view without having to remove their glasses.
- A comfortable grip: This is important for long periods of use.
- Water and fog-proof construction: This is important if you plan on using your binoculars in wet or humid conditions.
Chances are that the best binoculars under $300, that you pick, will be in the 8×42 or 10×42 configuration. The weight of such binoculars typically ranges between 19 to 24 ounces.
