Binoculars can be used for a wide range of activities, such as bird watching, hunting, astronomy or simply watching the sports and concerts. Depending on the activity you should choose the model and its quality. However, in this article, we are going to cover best binoculars under 200.
Finding the right pair under 200 will make your hobby of bird watching or any other activity simpler and easier. We are going to cover nine really amazing models and present you with reviews so stay tuned in!
The role of binoculars is to bring distant objects closer and they consist of two lenses that provide you with that. The quality of these lenses will determine the binocular’s ability to show you distant objects in a clear manner.
Magnification and Objective Lens
The binoculars are represented with two numbers. The first is the magnification factor that shows how many times an object would appear closer; the latter number is the diameter of the main objective lenses in millimeters.
If you divide the second number by first it will show the diameter of the light beam that reaches your eyes in millimeters. If you want your binoculars to show a clearer image, you should choose the pair with higher the magnification or the higher first number.
Lens Quality
The lenses are usually made of glass and they are of better quality than those made of plastic, they are also more expensive.
If you want to go mountain climbing where the durability of binoculars is of high importance, then you might go for plastic lenses. The binoculars that deliver lighter and sharper images use BAK-4 prisms.
Eye Relief
If you wear eyeglasses you should choose binoculars with eye cups that might provide you with the proper eye relief. Some binoculars are labeled as “focus free” which means that they might cause additional eye strain.
Weight
Choose the binoculars of proper weight. Those that provide high magnification and have large lenses tend to be very heavy and hard to carry around. You can try mounting them on a tripod; however, if you plan on mountain climbing and covering large distances in rough terrain, then it would be better to choose a lighter model.
Weatherproofing
If you plan on using your binoculars in bad weather such as rain, snow etc, then you might consider waterproof models.
They are of course more expensive but they are water resistant and will save you from wasting your money. Many models also offer purging with a gas such as Nitrogen to give you a fog proofing effect.
Warranty
Before purchasing a pair, make sure to check the manufacturer’s reputation and guarantees. If your binoculars get damaged or they stop working, you should be able to replace them or get your money back.
Top Products on the Market
Now let’s take a look at 9 really fantastic binoculars under 200. Depending on your budget, experience, and preference, you will be able to choose at least one model among these nine that would suit your needs. Let’s take a look at them now:
Vanguard Spirit XF
Price: Approx. $160
Weight: 1.46 pounds
Specific features: Bak4 phase-coated prisms and fully multi-coated lenses, 100% waterproof and fog proof, textured rubber armor for a secure grip and impact resistance; lifetime warranty
Best use: Hunting, bird watching
Description: The amazing Vanguard Spirit XF offer two-stage twist out eye cups that will provide you with eye relief and excellent clarity. This pair of binoculars is 100 water resistant which means that you can use it in bad weather, even rain. Perfect for bird watching, right?
As for the armor, it is made of textured rubber which means that you can have a secure grip and resist any impact while holding it. The magnification of 10 x and objective lens diameter of 42 mm is perfect for almost any hobby including watching animals on hiking.
If you decide on mountain climbing this model won’t disappoint as it provides with brilliant color reproduction and it is not very heavy.
Specific features: Eye relief in/mm: 0.7/18; close focus ft/m: 6.6/2; a shock resistant polycarbonate body; a high grip waterproof body, bak 4 prisms, and are water and fog proof
Best use: Hunting, bird watching
Description: The fantastic Hawke Nature Trek are just what you need if you want to go bird watching or hunting. They would provide you with perfect eye relief in case you are wearing eyeglasses thus preventing any eye strain.
What makes these binoculars amazing is the fact that they come in a shock resistant polycarbonate body which makes them very easy to handle and carry around. This model is water resistant so you can enjoy your favorite hobby even in bad weather.
You will be welcomed with an image of high resolution and clarity that will enable you to enjoy the view to the full capacity. This model is also fog proof so there is no need to worry in the morning.
Specific features: Waterproof / fogproof – nitrogen filled; eye relief to see full field of view when wearing glasses; fully multi-coated – phase coated
Best use: Hunting, bird watching
Description: Check out this amazing model called ALPEN Shasta Ridge which is 100% water and fog proof. That means that you can relax and enjoy your favorite hobby even in bad weather in the morning.
ALPEN binoculars provide long eye relief for those who have to wear eyeglasses and it can close focus to 7 feet.Even though they look heavy, these binoculars are not hard to handle or carry around, they are perfect for extreme sports as well. They are coated so they won’t slip from your hands and fall down.
Specific features: Open bridge roof prism design; 10 x magnification and 42 mm objective lenses; Wide 341 foot field-of-view at 1000 yards; lead-free glass; fully multi-coated optics and PC-3 phase coating for color fidelity and clarity of image
Best use: Hunting, bird watching, sports
Description: There is something really special about Bushnell Excursion and that is probably its amazing open bridge roof design. It is really sleek and sophisticated but it also provides amazing clarity.
The magnification of 10 mm is more than enough for you to funny enjoy watching your favorite animals or objects. The coating provides stability while the 100% waterproofness allows you to do it even in the worst weather.
You get the fully and multi opted optics for better visibility and also a long eye relief in case you wear eyeglasses. The soft touch thumb grip will make sure the binoculars never slip out of your hands.
Specific features: The prostaff 7s the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups; the rubber armor, fully multilayer coated lenses and phase correction coated roof prisms
Best use: Hunting, bird watching, sports
Description: The Nikon Prostaff 7s 16003 is a model of high quality because it has almost everything. The Fully Multilayer Coated lenses and Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms are responsible for amazing clarity and visibility.
You will be able to enjoy your hobby without straining your eyes or having a headache. The turn-and-slide rubber eyecups make it easy for you to adjust the space between the eyes and eyepieces thus providing you with the full view.
Whether you decide to use them for bird watching or concerts you will be able to get a sharp and crisp image. This model is waterproof and the handle is multi-coated which makes it easy for you to hold the binoculars.
Specific features: Fully multicoated eco-glass lenses and phase-correction coated roof prisms; rubber armored body; the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
Best use: Hunting, bird watching, sports
Description: The Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 16002 is a perfect model for wildlife or scenery watching because it provides you with the sharp color and clarity. The Fully Multilayer Coated lenses and Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms are the objects that allow you to enjoy your hobbies to the maximum.
There is no need to worry if you wear eyeglasses because this model has the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups and relief plus the handle is multi-coated which makes it easy to hold and carry around.
Nikon 16002 PROSTAFF 7S is easy to handle because of its sleek design and the lenses of high quality. Even if they manage to fall down, the rubber armor would reduce the impact of the fall and protect them.
Specific features: Waterproof/fog proof durable construction; polycarbonate with nbr-long life rubber armoring; advanced uv coatings and high contrast lenses; clicloc system
Best use: Hunting, bird watching, sports
Description: The Steiner Safari is considered a model of high quality due to its amazing features and characteristics.
Created by a famous German manufacturer who has been in business for over 65 years, this model has everything to offer – amazing UV coatings that protect the body, the waterproofness for wet conditions, an amazing lens for the clarity etc.
Another great thing about this model is that it has UV coated lens that protects your visions and brings you images as close as 10 feet. The ergonomic eyecups can be used with eyeglasses and adjusted properly. These binoculars are not very heavy and you can carry them wherever you want.
Specific features: Smooth focusing; twist-up eyecups; armor coated, rugged and waterproof; close focus distance of 10 feet; ergonomic design
Best use: Hunting, bird watching, sports
Description: The Leupold BX-1 Yosemite is a great model that is both affordable and practical. It has got twist up eyecups that can be adjusted according to your preference in order to protect your eyes.
The body of the binoculars is armor coated, so even if it falls down the impact would be reduced and the binoculars would be protected. They are not heavy so you can bring them on hiking and travel.
This model is able to bring you the clear image as close as 10 feet and you will love it. The focusing is smooth and your eyes won’t be strained. It also comes in color black and you can rest assured that in both models the field of view remains large and unobstructed.
Specific features: Fully multi-coated lenses; nitrogen gas purging; rubber armor
Best use: Hunting, bird watching, sports
Description: What makes Vortex Optics Crossfire II stand out is their nitrogen gas purging. The fully and multi-coated lenses would provide you with the sharp, crisp and perfect image of the desirable object.
The rubber armor protects the body of the binoculars so even if they slip and fall out of your grasp, the impact on the ground would be minimalized. They are easy to handle and carry around,
The field of view is 315 feet which make this model a great one, perfect for a wide range of activities, from bird watching to hunting and mountaineering.
To sum up, we have covered nine best binoculars under 200 that are great models of high quality. If it does not matter whether you are interested in bird watching, sports, concerts or hunting; each of these models would suit you.
Before you purchase a pair, make sure to decide on the destination and find out what would be the perfect weight and magnification would be for you. Remember to take into account the weight and how long you will be using them to avoid neck strain.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comment section below.
