Introducing children to the wonders of nature can be a joyful experience, encouraging curiosity and a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the environment. And a reliable pair of binoculars tailored for young enthusiasts can be an invaluable tool for any budding birdwatchers and nature lovers. The RSPB Puffin Jr 8x21 Binoculars stand out as a go-to choice, offering a lightweight, durable design and features that cater specifically to children. But are they any good? We put it to the test with the help of an intrepid 6-year old product tester. Read on to find out what this budding expert thought of it!
Related: Top 10 Best Binoculars for Children
Key Features of the RSPB Puffin Jr 8x21
- 8x Magnification – Offers the ideal balance between zoom and stability, giving a wide field of view without excessive shake.
- 21mm Objective Lenses – These small lenses contribute to the binoculars' lightweight and small size
- Good build quality – these are a step-up in terms of quality from plastic toy binoculars and cheaper models from Amazon, equipped with real optical elements.
- Includes a case and wrist strap – ideal for storing the binoculars.
Design & Build
The RSPB Puffin Jr 8x21 Binoculars are available in two colours – a “Soft Yellow” and “Light Green” both of which appealed to my six-year old but in the end he opted for the yellow. Beyond their visual appeal, I was fairly impressed by the build quality. They seem to strike a decent balance between robust construction, and lightness weighing approximately 144g.
The RSPB state they are designed specifically for children aged 7-12 so our product tester is a year younger than this but still found them comfortable to handle and use. The shape of the body and space between the eyecups are ideally suited for smaller hands and faces. And the foldable hinge allows for some adjustments to be made. The focus wheel was a little stiff to begin with but after being shown how to use it our expert product tester was soon adept at focussing.
Optical Quality
Equipped with an 8x magnification and 21mm objective lenses, the Puffin Jr binoculars offer a commendable viewing experience for young users. An 8x magnification is the preferred choice for most bird watchers as it offers a wide field of view and ability to keep the image stable handheld. It is particularly beneficial for children, as it makes it easier to locate and track moving subjects such as birds or insects. The close focus distance of 4 meters so they can also be used for observation of nearby subjects.
At around £30 they are still a far cry from more serious optics in terms of quality, however, they’re made with real glass lenses and you'll find them vastly superior to cheap plasticky toy binoculars. I had a test myself and was impressed with the sharpness of the image quality and think they’re an ideal starter binocular for kids. The verdict from the 6-year old was “amazing”.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the Puffin Jr binoculars is their user-friendly design. The central focusing wheel as noted earlier is a little stiff to begin with but smooth and precise, allowing children to adjust focus easily. The binoculars come with a wrist strap, which my son didn’t love and neither did I. It was way too big for his wrist and not adjustable so could easily slip off. There are two small loops on both sides so it might be possible to add a neck strap but I would need to find one small enough. The case is great though.
The Puffin Jr are recommended for children aged 7 to 12. However, during testing, our younger tester was able to use them with minimal assistance, thanks to the lightweight and ergonomic design. It's important to note that while the binoculars are sturdy, they are not waterproof or nitrogen-filled, so I wouldn't advise using them in wet conditions.
Comparisons to Competitors
How do the Puffin Jr 8x21 stack up against similar children’s binoculars? Let’s compare:
|
Model |
Magnification |
Weight |
Field of View |
Price |
|
RSPB Puffin Jr 8x21 |
8x |
144g |
119m @ 1000m |
£25-£30 |
|
Bresser Junior 6x21 |
6x |
184g |
120m @ 1000m |
£30 |
|
Osdue Kids Binoculars |
4x |
120g |
120m @ 1000m |
£7-10 |
The Puffin Jr 8x21 strikes a great balance between weight, magnification, and build quality. Compared to the Bresser Junior 6x21, it offers higher magnification for more detailed viewing. Against the Osdue Kids Binocular (which is “Amazons choice” at the time of writing), the RSPB model is far more reliable and vastly superior making it our top pick for parents and kids looking for quality binoculars for children.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and easy to use
✅ Robust build quality
✅ Good image clarity in daylight
✅ Great value for money
Cons:
❌ Poor wrist strap
❌ Not fully waterproof
❌ No lens covers
❌ Performance drops in low-light conditions
Final Verdict: Are They Worth Buying?
The answer from our six-year old product tester was a resounding “YES!” so I have actually purchased a pair for him so evidently I agree. I think the RSPB Puffin Jr 8x21 Binoculars are an excellent choice for young birdwatchers. Their combination of lightweight design, ease of use, and good optical clarity makes them one of the best for children interested in nature observation. And I would pick these over the sub-£10 options on Amazon every time.
With an affordable price point and the backing of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), these binoculars are a fantastic introduction to wildlife observation. For young explorers eager to discover the world of birds and nature, the Puffin Jr 8x21 provides an accessible, durable, and enjoyable viewing experience.
Final Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐