The Best Binoculars of 2025: Tested

Name: Viking Vistron ED 8x42 Binoculars
Brand: Viking
SKU: 401
Price: 199.95 GBP
Availability: InStock

May 17, 2024 Craig McInally

Choosing binoculars is easy with our handy guide and round-up of the best of the best

There is a huge spectrum of binoculars that range from high-end optics that can cost as much as a car to neat little compacts that for as little as £20! There are also all the optical terms and numbers to get your head around, so for someone new to the world of binoculars it can be a little daunting, however, choosing the best binoculars will depend primarily on what you want to use them for. If your subjects are going to be far away then you might want to opt for a higher and more powerful magnification, however, this means you will have a narrower field of view and might struggle with getting a steady image (for anything above 10x magnification every little hand movement or shake will be magnified resulting in an unstable image unless you're using a tripod). If you're using binoculars in low light conditions (e.g. for stargazing and astronomy) then you'll need a larger objective lens to allow in as much light as possible.

For general use, you might want to consider a balance between magnification, light-gathering power, and weight. As a rule of thumb, the larger the objective lens, the bigger and heavier the binoculars will be so if you're planning to take on a hike then maybe a decent pair of lightweight compact binoculars would be best.

Why should you trust us?

Unlike a lot of other review sites online that create listicles without ever having laid eyes on (let alone used or tested) the binoculars in question, we hold physical stock allowing us to thoroughly review and test each model. We also conduct customer surveys throughout the year to get feedback from people who have purchased and have a long-term insight into reliability and performance, which also forms part of our selection process. Our reputation is extremely important to us and our list is updated throughout the year as and when we test new models and/or get additional feedback from end users.

So, read on to discover our top picks!

Best General All-rounder:

Viking Vistron ED 8x42 Binoculars Binoculars Viking

Viking Vistron ED 8x42 Binoculars

Best All Rounder/General Use Binoculars:

£199.95

~~£259.95~~ £199.95

Our Verdict: Take your bird watching to the next level with these ED binoculars - fantastic quality, incredible value!

ED GLASS: High-quality extra-low dispersion glass for superior clarity
NITROGEN FILLED: Fully waterproof and fog proof
FULLY MULTI-COATED: Premium BaK4 Prism and fully multi-coated optics for greater clarity & brightness

Our Best Buy Binoculars for Bird Watching in 2025! Equipped with high quality extra-low dispersion ED Glass they offered comparative performance as even far more expensive ED models we’ve tested, which is why they've topped our list. We'd recommend the larger 42mm lens with 8x magnification as the perfect companion for bird enthusiasts for a brilliantly wide field of view, however, there is a 10x42 variant (if you have steady hands) and an 8x32 if you prefer something more compact. Viking Binoculars are backed by a 10-year warranty and the Vistron ED feels solidly built with a nice tactile finish and easily adjustable metal focus ring with smooth action. They are also suitable for glasses wearers too thanks to the adjustable twist down eyecups and generous eye relief. Nitrogen-filled to stop internal fogging, they are also fully waterproof so should stand up to anything the Great British weather can throw at them. We were blown away by the quality of these binoculars and don't think you'll get a better quality pair of binoculars for birdwatching at this price!

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Best Binoculars for Birdwatching:

Viking Vistron ED 8x42 Binoculars

£199.95

~~£259.95~~ £199.95

Our Verdict: Take your bird watching to the next level with these ED binoculars - fantastic quality, incredible value!

ED GLASS: High-quality extra-low dispersion glass for superior clarity
NITROGEN FILLED: Fully waterproof and fog proof
FULLY MULTI-COATED: Premium BaK4 Prism and fully multi-coated optics for greater clarity & brightness

Not only are the Viking Vistron's our top pick for binoculars overall, they also win the title of best for birdwatching, in particular the 8x42 model. With bright, clear images in all weather conditions, they make identifying species that much easier. And crucially, they're comfortable to use for long periods of time, which is just what you want from birdwatching bins.

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Best Binoculars for Astronomy and Stargazing:

Celestron SkyMaster 25x70 Porro Binoculars Binoculars Celestron

Celestron SkyMaster 25x70 Porro Binoculars

£139.99

Our Verdict: An excellent introduction to the world of astronomy binoculars.

Powerful 25x magnification
Giant 70mm objective lens offers maximum image brightness in low-light and long-range conditions
Ultra sharp focus across the field of view

When it comes to astronomy, most people will naturally gravitate towards telescopes. However, astronomy binoculars are also a great option- and the Celestron SkyMaster range is by far the most popular choice on the market. With powerful 25x magnification and extra-large 70mm objective lenses, these binoculars give you ultra-sharp focus on the moon and other celestial objects. They’re also suitable for long-range terrestrial viewing, too, making them more versatile than a conventional telescope.

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Best Binoculars for General Wildlife & Safari:

Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Binoculars - Black Binoculars Hawke

Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Binoculars - Black

£269.00

~~£289.00~~ £269.00

Our Verdict: High-quality ED Binoculars that deliver a bright and clear viewing experience

Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass
High Resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 Roof Prisms
Twist-Up Eye Cups With Position Stops

These are truly a top-class pair of binoculars, which really impressed us out in the field with sharp focus, good brightness in varying light conditions, and excellent colour reproduction. The Hawke Endurance ED (available in various configurations) are built to last and backed by the manufacturers Lifetime Guarantee. They are produced in a robust polycarbonate, which may not be as classy as a magnesium chassis but is incredibly lightweight and robust - it also helps to lower costs and focus on high-quality optical components. The binoculars are fully sealed and nitrogen-purged, which means they are waterproof and fog proof and intended to provide you with decades of enjoyment and use. The Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass yields crisp and clear views and drastically cuts down on chromatic aberration (colour fringing) and they are fully multi-coated lenses to aid light transmission. Overall, these are excellent binoculars which offer comparable optical quality to much more expensive optics making them incredible value for money and our pick for Best All Round Binocular!

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Best Compact Binoculars:

Hawke Nature-Trek 10x25 Compact Binoculars Binoculars Hawke

Hawke Nature-Trek 10x25 Compact Binoculars

£99.00

~~£119.00~~ £99.00

Our Verdict: Budget friendly compacts with some high-end features

High Resolution BAK-4 Roof Prisms
Compact Top Hinge Design Easily Fits In Your Hand
Fully Multi-Coated Optics To Produce Sharp Images

Within their price range, the Hawke Nature-Trek are an excellent pair of compact binoculars that compare well for their build quality and use of materials and coatings. A fully-sealed body and nitrogen-filled optics is not always a given in this class and the fact that the optics on the Hawke Nature-Trek Compact binoculars are fully multi-coated is, at this price level, excellent. They offer a brilliantly wide field of view for a compact pair of binoculars with 10x magnification, and the close focus distance is also as good. As a general use pair of compacts these are fantastic. They are comfortable in the hand and the focus wheel is easy to reach and turn accurately, even whilst wearing gloves. At under £100 you won’t get a better pair of compact binoculars than these!

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8x25 £89.00

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Best Value Binoculars:

Viking Vistron ED 8x32 Binoculars Binoculars Viking

Viking Vistron ED 8x32 Binoculars

£189.95

~~£249.95~~ £189.95

Our Verdict: ED Glass at this price point make these binoculars incredible value!

High Quality ED Glass: Extra Low Dispersion lenses for greater clarity
Waterproof & rubber-armoured for added durability
Nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging

Boasting incredibly sharp focus with 8x Magnification the Viking Vistron 8x32 offer exceptional quality and value. They feel very well made yet still light and comfortable to wear. We found that they performed extremely well in low light conditions especially considering the 32mm size of the objective lens with clear true-to-life images and a focusing wheel, which is easy and precise. There was a little bickering over the benefit of the stay-on lens caps - personally I found them to be very convenient but others felt they got in the way). Overall, these are seriously impressive optics for under £200!

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Best Children's Binoculars:

Viking Otter 8x32 Binoculars (2024) Binoculars Viking

Viking Otter 8x32 Binoculars (2024)

£78.95

Our Verdict: Our top pick for older children - impressive optics, incredible value

Now Nitrogen-Filled and Fully Waterproof
Twist up eyecups
Fully Multicoated

The Viking Otters are a perfect entry-level Binocular for older children. A serious pair of optics equipped with quality BAK-4 prisms and rubber armouring. They are also Nitrogen-filled so completely waterproof and equipped with fully coated optics for a bright crisp image and a wide field of view (ideal for budding bird spotters!). And the lightweight construction makes them more comfortable for children that need an easy to carry binocular. A neck strap, rainguard, lens caps and carry case are all included. There are certainly cheaper options out there but the Otters offer incredible value for money and our top pick for older children (and even adults).

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Best Mid-High (<£500) Binoculars:

Viking Osprey ED 8x42 Binoculars Binoculars Viking

Viking Osprey ED 8x42 Binoculars

£499.00

Our Verdict: Seriously impressive optics - if money is no object then this is our top choice!

High quality ED Glass
Fully multicoated optics with 8x Magnification
Dielectric coated, phase corrected BAK 4 Prisms

The Viking Osprey ED are the most expensive binoculars in our round-up of Best Buys and if money were no object then these would be our choice for No.1. They are flat-field binoculars and best suited for enthusiasts looking for a premium set of optics. The sharpness and colour of images is superior to anything else we’ve tested (included even pricier models), meaning they're a joy to use out in the wild. There is a nice weight to them, and the action of the focus wheel and eyecups is excellent. As you might expect from such a high-end pair of birdwatching binoculars the Osprey are equipped with ED glass and high-quality dielectric coatings on the prisms. They are also nitrogen-filled and waterproof up to 1 metre. At nearly £500 these aren’t for casual use, but for an optics enthusiast looking for a trusty pair of high-end optics that will last for many years to come, these will not disappoint!

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10x42 £529.00

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Best Binoculars Under £200:

Hawke Nature-Trek 8x42 Binoculars Binoculars Hawke

Hawke Nature-Trek 8x42 Binoculars

£168.00

Our Verdict: Sharp focus and incredible value make these one of our top picks!

High Resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 Roof Prisms
Fully Multi-Coated Optics To Produce Sharp Images
Lightweight And Durable Rubber Coated Mid-Size Chassis

Offering excellent performance and optical quality within their price range the Hawke Nature-Trek are a great choice of binoculars for birdwatching. Featuring high-quality BAK-4 Roof Prisms and fully multi-coated lenses they offered us brilliant colour reproduction and handled low-light very well. The inclusion of phase correction coatings on the prism is excellent and well beyond what you find on many others at this level. As well as this their minimum focus, field of view and eye-relief are all good. At under £200 the Hawke Nature-Trek are our Best Buy!