If you love exploring the outside world, then you know why it is important to find the right binoculars. However, the right binoculars for you will depend on what activities you plan on using them for. Those that want to get as close to nature as possible will require binoculars with a close focus zoom. Binoculars that offer this close focus provide the user with an image which is both bright and incredibly detailed. This makes them the perfect choice for any budding birdwatcher or wildlife observer out there.
With so many binoculars being available in the market, it can be difficult to pin down the best option. There are many factors to consider when deciding which pair of binoculars is the right choice for you. For full information, check out our guide on choosing the best close focus binoculars. Both the Viking and Celestron brands provide binoculars which offer a close focus zoom; so which options are best?
1. Viking Peregrine ED 8x42 Binoculars (£319.95)
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for highest possible image quality.
- Powerful 8x magnification zoom with multi-coated lenses.
- Phased-corrected BAK-4 prisms.
- Waterproof design.
- Twist-down eyecups for additional comfort.
The Viking Peregrine ED binocular range delivers both high quality visual results as well as a superior build design. The combination of ED glass and multi-coated lenses ensure that the image always appear bright and clearly defined. Furthermore, these binoculars provide a close focus zoom of two metres. This makes it the optimal choice for all birdwatchers out there.
These binoculars are certainly the highest price point in comparison to the other binoculars that we stock. However, these binoculars excel in every single way and cement themselves as the top performers. The pairing of ED glass with the BAK-4 prisms creates a flawless image with incredible detail. Even in low-light conditions you can expect these binoculars to shine.
In addition to this, the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars are extremely versatile as to how you can use them. They provide a fairly wide field-of-view (FOV) of 7° which is perfect for tracking objects. These binoculars then also offer the close focus zoom of two metres. Therefore, the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars are suitable for a wide range of activities. These binoculars not only deliver in how flexible they can be, but they maintain their quality whilst doing so.
Finally, the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars provide a compact yet durable build design. The use of rubber-armour build design offers these binoculars a fantastic level of protection. This also helps ensure that the binoculars are completely waterproof and resistant to any damage. Furthermore, the rubber-armour coating makes these binoculars much easier to grip. This becomes especially helpful when using the binoculars in wet and rainy conditions.
2. Viking Kestrel ED 8x42 Binoculars (£199.00)
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for highest possible image quality.
- Powerful 8x magnification zoom with multi-coated lenses.
- Twist-down eyecups for additional comfort.
- Nitrogen within the lenses to reduce fogging.
- Rubber-armour finish for complete protection.
The Viking Kestrel ED binoculars have a lot in common with the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars. These binoculars both share a similar build design and have a similar level of quality output. So, what exactly sets these two binoculars apart?
These binoculars offer very similar technical specifications. For example, both of these binoculars will provide a close focus zoom of two metres. In addition to this, the inclusion of ED glass on these models makes them both a fantastic choice. The Viking Kestrel ED is able to offer all of this whilst maintaining a slightly smaller build size. However, these binoculars do weigh more (692g) in comparison to the Viking Peregrine ED range (600g).
The Viking Kestrel ED 8x42 binoculars offer a wider FOV at 8.1° which helps with tracking of all objects. Pairing this with the two metre close zoom allows for these binoculars to be extremely flexible. Whether you are studying wildlife from close or afar, you can guarantee these binoculars will deliver big results.
Finally, these binoculars provide many design features which assist the user. For example, the inclusion of nitrogen in the lenses helps to reduce fogging. This becomes particularly useful during the cold Winter season. In addition to this, the twist-down eyecups available allows the user to adjust the eyepiece to the optimal position. This features also helps to ensure long-term comfort for the user which is perfect for those long days observing nature.
3. Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 Binoculars (£229.99)
- BaK-4 Prisms with Phase and Dielectric Coatings.
- Magnesium Alloy Body.
- 6.5' Close Focus Zoom.
- Metal Multi-Stop Twist Up Eyecups.
The Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 Binoculars deliver a high-level outdoor performance which is suitable for all occasions. The combination of powerful optics with the BAK-4 prism design provides unrivalled quality at an economical price. In addition to this, these binoculars offer a fantastic close focus zoom of 6.5 feet. This allows for them to be extremely versatile without compromising on the image quality.
The inclusion of the BAK-4 prisms in combination with the multi-coated lenses create a bright and well defined image. This increase in light transmission through the lenses ensures that the viewable image is always of a superior quality. The level of quality available with these binoculars is certainly enough to rival binoculars from a higher price point. Furthermore, the Celestron TrailSeeker offer a wide FOV at 8.1° which pairs well with the close zoom. These features operate smoothly and allow for users to easily switch between each focus.
The close focus zoom available on the binoculars is perfect for a variety of uses. Whether viewing plants, birds, or butterflies, you can expect incredibly detailed images. The Celestron TrailSeeker binoculars certainly feel ready for any occasion.
Finally, the Celestron TrailSeeker binoculars provide a lightweight and compact build which makes them perfect for traveling with. The magnesium-alloy build ensures the binoculars remain durable despite their compact design. This waterproof design ensures that the binoculars are ready for use regardless of the weather condition. In addition to this, the use of nitrogen within the lenses helps to prevent any fogging from taking place. These are certainly binoculars which you can rely on at any time.
4. Viking Merlin ED 8x42 Binoculars (£239.95)
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for highest possible image quality.
- Powerful 8x magnification zoom with multi-coated lenses.
- Rubber-armour finish for complete protection.
- Phased-corrected BAK-4 prisms.
- Two metre close focus zoom.
The Viking Merlin ED binoculars are one of the most recent releases from the Viking brand. These binoculars provide immense quality thanks to the use of ED glass which maximise the image quality. Viking maintain their tradition of delivering high-performance binoculars at a cost-effective price. Furthermore, the Viking Merlin ED offers a two metre close focus zoom which provides a fantastically detailed image.
These binoculars deliver excellent quality thanks to both the ED glass and the BAK-4 prism. This presents the user with an image which is flawless and without any colour fringing issues. The large lenses are perfect to increasing the rate of light transmission through the binoculars. Even in low-light conditions you can expect these binoculars to deliver fantastic results. The Viking Merlin ED also provides a combination of wide FOV (8.1°) in combination with the close focus zoom.
Finally, these binoculars certainly offer many similar features to binoculars such as the Viking Peregrine ED. In terms of quality and functionality, these binoculars are able to match their performance. However, the Viking Merlin ED binoculars are far heavier as they weigh in at 720g. Despite this increase in weight, these binoculars still maintain their compact build design. The focusing functions work smoothly and provide an effortless experience for the user. Switching between the wide FOV and close zoom is quick and easy. The Viking Merlin ED binoculars feel like an absolute joy to use.
5. Celestron Nature DX 8x32 Binoculars (£99.99)
- Phase coated BaK-4 prisms.
- Powerful magnification zoom with multi-coated lenses.
- Close focus zoom of 6.5 feet.
- Rubber-armour build for waterproof design.
The Celestron Nature DX binoculars provide a cost-effective approach to achieving high-quality results. Providing a blend of powerful magnification with a close focus ensures that these are extremely versatile. These binoculars offer everything that you could possibly need for a more in-depth examination of subjects. Finally, the inclusion of the rubber-armour build design offers fantastic levels of protection. This is a fantastic all-round option for both beginners and intermediate users.
Similar to the Celestron TrailSeeker, these binoculars incorporate the BAK-4 prism and multi-coated optics in to their design. This creates a viewable image which is both bright and highly-defined. The overall image quality is fantastic regardless of how close or far you are viewing this through. The Celestron Nature DX offers a slightly reduced FOV (7.4°) in comparison to the TrailSeeker. However, this is more than enough to make tracking objects as easy as possible.
The close focus zoom is quick and easy to adjust when using these binoculars. The overall functionality feels excellent to use and provides effortless results. No matter what subjects you are observing, you can be sure of fantastic results. The Celestron Nature DX binoculars are certainly a great introduction in to the world of binoculars.
Finally, these binoculars provide the rubber-armour build design that we have come to expect. This rubber-armour design not only protects the binoculars from any damage, but ensures that they are waterproof as well. This ensures that the binoculars will be able to stand up to any weather condition during use. The Celestron Nature DX also offers nitrogen within the lenses to prevent fogging and the build up of dust.