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Safaris can be a unique way to experience nature and view exotic and exhilarating wildlife. Most safari experiences involve riding in a safari vehicle and viewing wild animals from a respectful distance. With this in mind, binoculars can be crucial for getting the best view possible.
In this article, we’ll look at some binoculars that can bring stunning wildlife views while resisting damage from the bumpy ride.
Why Do You Need Safari-Proof Binoculars?
Without question, binoculars are the number one safari necessity. Investing in high-quality safari binoculars on foot or game drives for wildlife and birding will improve your trips to Africa and ensure you acquire the most out of the experience.
Safety
Africa’s wildlife can be risky, and using a good pair of binoculars means you can watch larger mammals from a safe distance. Binoculars are helpful when scanning the bush for safety on walking safaris and other active safaris.
Delight in the detail
Observing the serene natural behavior of Africa’s wildlife is a privilege. Whether up close or at a distance, binoculars let you observe detail on animals and birds for excellent game-viewing and birding.
As thrilling as seeing animals up close can be, this suggests keeping your distance. Don’t depend on shared binoculars for this, as there may be a mad scramble to share sometimes poor-quality optics, and you could miss out on incredible sightings.
Birding
A birder and their handy binoculars will never be parted. If you are an aspiring birder, this adds an exhilarating new element to your game drives. While some birders choose a smaller 8x magnification for forest birding, we suggest our selection of high-end 10×42 binoculars as the premium selection for your safari.
Photography
As every traveler will decide, the camera that is easiest to use is the one to take along – mainly when suitcase space is limited on a safari. Try iPhone photography if you have an iPhone and a pair of Swarovski binoculars. Using the adapter from Swarovski, you can record the stunning view through your binoculars in photographs and videos straight on your mobile.
There’s no reason not to
A pair of high-quality binoculars are a lifelong investment, and you will almost certainly be compelled to purchase again if you go for the cheapest option on the market.
Safari equals rough roads, a hot climate, constant moving, dirt, humidity, and plausible drops of your pair of binoculars. Safari binoculars are typically used at high temperatures and very much sun exposure. Hence, proper housing is required.
Most areas are covered in thick vegetation, resulting in short viewing spans. There is a high chance of dust and other particles in the atmosphere, and something can always go wrong outdoors, which is why owning waterproof and shockproof binos plays to your advantage.
Porro-Prism vs. Roof-Prism Binoculars
One challenge when picking safari binoculars is making sense of all the terminology involved. In this part, we’ll define what people mean when they use the term “Porro Prisms” versus “Roof Prisms.”
Binoculars utilize prisms to reflect light and magnify images. These two terms refer to how these prisms can be helpful to your safari trip.
Porro-Prism Binoculars
This design sets the prisms at right angles, allowing them to redirect the light from left to right and top to bottom. Binoculars utilize Porro-prisms are easier to manufacture. Binoculars have a wider shape with a hinge between the two oculars for altering your face size.
Porros are perfect for transmitting light and are often used for astronomy. They are commonly, however, a bit more fragile.
Roof-Prism Binoculars
Roof prisms contain surfaces that look much like a house roof. Inside are two roof prisms positioned to give a double reflection. It enables the image to enter and reflect without having to flip it. Roof-prism binoculars deliver sharp, high-quality images. The design of the binocular is narrower, with an H-shaped style. Roof prisms tend to be sturdier.
Which is Best For Safari?
Porro-prism binoculars adjust using a focus wheel that pivots the eyepieces. This design demands external moving parts.
Roof-prism binoculars adjust by driving the lenses inside the tubes. There are no outside moving parts and a smaller chance of failure or breakage. Roof prisms’ designs are more innovative and streamlined.
Both are fit for a safari adventure. However, we suggest roof prisms.
What is The Best Magnification for Safari?
When shopping for binoculars, you often notice numbers like “10×42” or “8×30.” The first digit shows the magnification. This is how usually bigger the image is when viewed through the lens.
10x means that an image is ten times bigger than you would see with your naked eye. A magnification of 8x up to 12x may be suitable for safari. If the magnification is smaller, your binoculars will be lighter, easier to carry, and more focused. For users who don’t want to stress about shaky images or tripods, we suggest going no higher than 10x magnification.
On safari, you are either walking or riding in a safari vehicle, so there will be no time or space to set up a tripod. Your binoculars must be easy to access, ready to be lifted, and focused immediately.
The second digit is the diameter of the objective lenses in millimeters. The number 30 means a 30mm lens. It enables more light to enter, delivering better views. When on Safari, your most exciting viewing happens at dawn and dusk. Lenses smaller than 30mm may not yield clear images in dim light. Lenses bigger than 42mm make the binoculars larger and heavy to carry.
Exit pupil size is another thing to consider. It also specifies the amount of light entering the binoculars and the quality of your viewing. An exit pupil of 7mm is perfect for safari viewing.
A solid option for a lightweight binocular for animal viewing and birding would be 8×30 or 8×20. The Leica 8×20 is a good choice for a walking safari as it is small. However, the 20mm lens would not perform as well as a 30mm in low light.
Things to Consider When Buying The Best Binoculars for Safari?
Here are the most important things to keep in mind when purchasing safari-proof binoculars for the first time:
Understand the specs
When purchasing binoculars, you need to consider the specs of these advanced optical instruments. Every digit you look at in a product description affects your user experience. To help you understand what each number means, here’s a quick breakdown of the main specs to consider when purchasing binoculars:
- Magnification: This number (the first digit in the product name) indicates how many times larger an object will appear through binoculars compared to real life. Higher digits mean higher magnification. For safari, it’s best to go for 8x or 10x magnification. o.
- Objective lens diameter: This number denotes the size of the binoculars’ front lenses, measured in millimeters. It’s the second digit in the product name when you notice something like 8×42. Larger lenses let more light get into the binoculars, delivering a crisper image, but as their size increases, so does their weight. Most common binoculars have 42-millimeter lenses, while some compact models vary from 20 to 30 millimeters.
- Field of view: This number directs to the width of the image you see in your binoculars. There are two measurement setups for the field of view: angular and linear. The angular field of view is calculated in degrees (out of a possible 360) from your vantage point. The Linear field of view is calculated in feet, but its calculation is a little complicated. It directs to the width of the image in feet per 1,000 yards. For example, if you’re peeking at a point 1,000 yards away through a pair of binoculars, however, several feet, the image you see covers end to end is the linear field of view.
- Eye relief: Measured in millimeters, this is the perfect distance between the optical lens (the lens in the eyepiece) and your eyes. People who wear glasses will need more profound eye relief since their glasses will add some distance between the optical lens and their eyes. Deep eye relief should be 16 millimeters or more.
- Weight: This is, of course, how heavy the binoculars you’re trying to buy. Heavier binoculars are more difficult to use, as your arms may get tired of holding them up. It would be best if you used a tripod for the heaviest binoculars, but that might not be possible inside a safari vehicle.
Expect rough terrain
There’s usually a fair bit of off-roading on safari, which suggests you and your equipment are in for a bumpy ride. Stow your binoculars in a protective case while moving and only use them when the vehicle is stopped. The best binoculars come with a rubber coating to lessen the likelihood of damage from bumps. The rubber coating protects your binoculars against bumps, but they remain sensitive instruments and are best if not dropped, as prisms can misalign.
Consider weight
Most safaris are taken in vehicles, so you don’t need to worry about bringing extra weight for most of your journey. But keep in mind that you won’t be using a tripod from within the vehicle, so your arms might get exhausted from holding up a heavy pair of binoculars.
Best Binoculars for Safari
As you’re packing for your dream safari, there’s one thing you should include on your list: binoculars. Magnified vision is crucial to view wildlife in extraordinary detail.
Getting up close to birds is challenging, but even if you’re not interested in feathered friends, you’ll still want to invest in a pair of the best binoculars. Mammals on safari are often distant, and there is much joy in the detail added magnification brings, such as looking at the eye of a close-up elephant or the complex tail of a giraffe through binoculars.
Binoculars have many specs, but the most significant ones to focus on for safari are magnification and objective lens diameter, the two digits in the product’s name; field of view; eye relief; and weight.
Here’s our list of the best binoculars for safari:
Athlon Optics Midas G2 8×42 UHD Binocular
It is a perfect pair of binoculars, particularly on safari, though you can use it in most binocular-viewing scenarios. We suggest 8x magnification and a 42-millimeter objective lens diameter for safari binoculars (an 8×32 for a more packed pair), precisely what the Athlon Optics Midas offers.
It also comes with a relatively wide field of view, making spotting wildlife at a distance more manageable. You can view more of what’s going on, whether birds courting one another in a funky jive or a baby zebra nursing beneath its mother. And eye relief? It also strikes the mark there, with a depth of 17.2 millimeters, which is ideal if you wear glasses (both prescription and sunglasses).
Furthermore, this is an exceptionally sturdy pair of binoculars with a durable rubber coating, which is vital for bumpy rides in a safari vehicle. If you drop the binoculars or hit them against something, the susceptible hardware will be better protected. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog-proof, making them perform in all sorts of conditions you might face on a safari, from sudden rainstorms to surprising temperature changes from day to night.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 8x
- Aperture: 42 millimeters
- Field of view: 8.1 degrees
- Eye relief: 17.2 millimeters
- Weight: 23.3 ounces
Pro:
- It has the perfect specs for a safari
Con:
- Images are dim, particularly in low-light conditions.
Celestron Nature DX 8X42 Wildlife Binoculars
The Nature DX by Celestron is an incredible budget-conscious option that enables users to get up-close views of wildlife without breaking the bank. These binoculars are comfortable to use and focus on. The 42-millimeter objective lenses of the Nature DX deliver bright contrast.
The Nature DX highlights a rubber-armored body ideal for gripping and impact resistance. The lenses are fully multi-coated, and the roof prism design utilizes high-quality BaK4 prisms.
The Celestron Nature DX is a challenging beginner choice to beat for rugged on-the-go use!
Specifications:
- Aperture: 42mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens diameter: 42mm
- Field of view: 7.4°
- Eye relief: 17.5mm
- Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
- Weight: 22 oz
Pros:
- It has a long eye relief
- Best compact binoculars for travel
- It has a large exit pupil for better light transmission
- It has a wider field of view for better situational awareness
- Different accessories available
- Good grip
- Lightweight and easy to hold
Cons:
- Some chromatic aberration (not a problem if you aren’t an optics nerd)
- Flimsy eyecups
- Not as waterproof as people would like
Nikon Aculon A211 8×42
This model does the trick for a reliable pair of binoculars that leaves extra room in your budget. It produces the perfect 8×42 magnification, objective lens diameter for safari, and a solid wide field of view for observing full scenes. However, the tradeoffs for that low price enclose a lack of waterproofing and fog-proofing, shallow eye relief, and a little heavier weight than our top pick. Still, the most important thing is that they’ll improve your vision to see wildlife up close; they do a fantastic job at that.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 8x
- Aperture: 42 millimeters
- Field of view: 8 degrees
- Eye relief: 12 millimeters
- Weight: 26.3 ounces
Pro:
- You acquire the ideal magnification for safari and a wide field of view.
Con:
- It contains shallow eye relief and isn’t weatherproof.
Nikon Prostaff 7s 8X30 Binocular
The Nikon Prostaff 7S 8X30 Binocular is well priced at under $200 and is perfect for outdoor use. This set of Nikon binoculars is reliable thanks to its rubber-armored body that protects against wet weather. The rubber armor also covers the binoculars in the event of dropping or rough handling.
With 30-millimeter lenses and 8x magnification, the images’ clearness and color are impressive, particularly considering the light weight of this product.
These binoculars have completely multilayer-coated lenses and phase correction-coated roof prisms, contributing to their sharp and striking views. The Prostaff 7s delivers perfect eye relief with turn-and-slide rubber eyecups.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 30mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens diameter: 30mm
- Field of view: 6.25°
- Eye relief: 10.4mm
- Weatherproof: Waterproof and fog proof
- Weight: 14.6 ounces
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- It has an advanced ocular system for clear images
- It is built with fully multi-coated lenses
- The rubber-armored body protects the binoculars in rugged conditions
- Waterproof and fog proof
- It has turn-and-Slide rubber eye caps
Cons:
- It may be too straightforward for a professional
- Eye-piece covers and straps are not built for top quality
- It produces a lot of reflection near the exit pupils
Leica Trinovid BCA 8×20 Binocular with Case
Though you won’t be taking your bags very far on safari, considering most are done in vehicles. So it’s nice to have a lightweight pair of binoculars like this one that you can stow in your pocket. Leica is a camera company, so it makes high-quality lenses. This model has 8x magnification like its bigger counterparts, but it has just 20-millimeter objective lenses. Thus the overall device is incredibly lightweight and compact. Given their small size, they produce a narrow field of view, but the clarity of the image due to the high-quality lenses makes up for that.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 8x
- Aperture: 20 millimeters
- Field of view: 6.5 degrees
- Eye relief: 14 millimeters
- Weight: 3.8 ounces
Pro:
- They’re very compact for easy travel.
Con:
- Their small sizes mean they possess a narrow field of view.
Vortex OpticsViper HD 10×42
It is our pick if you want a binocular with a slightly higher magnification for your safari. Just remember that higher magnification means the binoculars will be more sensitive to movement. This means that it might be more challenging to see a steady image. It won’t pair well with the narrow field of view, a byproduct of binoculars with extra magnification.
What makes these binoculars stand out is their durability: they’re waterproof, fog-proof, sheathed in rubber, and scratch-resistant. That means you don’t have to worry about damaging them in muddy conditions (though you should always treat your binoculars carefully!). Most users also appreciate that they’re lightweight and have deep eye relief.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 10x
- Aperture: 42 millimeters
- Field of view: 6.5 degrees
- Eye relief: 17 millimeters
- Weight: 24.9 ounces
Pros:
- Perfect for professional hunting and shooting
- It comes with a rubber-armored chassis with thumb indents
- The XR anti-reflective lens coatings provide bright views
- Excellent for low-light situations
- Argon makes it waterproof and fog proof
- It comes with a Glass Pak Chest Harness for easy carrying
- Twist-up eyecups for adjustable eye relief
- It contains a smooth center-focus wheel
Cons:
- This pair is expensive
- The shoulder straps are not that comfortable
Vortex Diamondback HD 8X32 Safari Binoculars
The Diamondback HD, also by Vortex, is another solid choice for birdwatching, nature exploration, and safaris. These binoculars highlight a roof prism system for stable performance, 8x magnification, and objective lenses with a diameter of 32 millimeters.
The Diamondback HD includes a decent eye relief of 16mm and an exit pupil of 4mm. These binoculars produce a field of view angle of 8.1 degrees, and the eyecups are flexible for comfort and reduced strain.
The center wheel can change the focus of both barrels at the same time. These binoculars come with an Armortek finish and are relatively tough and durable.
Shockproof, with Vortex’s signature optical grade behind it, the Diamondback HD is a sturdy and dependable safari companion.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 32mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens diameter: 32mm
- Field of view: 8.1°
- Eye relief: 16mm
- Weatherproof: Waterproof
- Weight: 15.9 oz
Pros:
- It comes with a Best-in-class VIP warranty
- The roof prism system provides durability
- Wide field of view for more reasonable area coverage
- It produces better viewing in low-light conditions
- Fully multi-coated lenses to ensure stability and clarity
- The central focus makes it user-friendly
- Waterproof structure for all-weather conditions
Con:
- Some users report problems with low-light performance
Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10X26 Binoculars
Also budget-friendly, the Steiner 10×26 Safari UltraSharp Binoculars are an ideal choice for a Safari. The tough-looking design of these binoculars is for more than just display, as they can easily resist treacherous outdoor conditions.
Thanks to the Safari UltraSharp’s quick Close-Focus feature, you can view moving subjects smoothly and quickly. This model comes with a 26-millimeter lens and 10x magnification.
The Steiner High-Contrast layers on every lens contribute to clear and sharp images. For bad weather and harsh conditions, the binoculars have a waterproof structure, and rugged armoring that absorbs bumps and bashes.
The ergonomic eyecups fold down if used with eyeglasses, though the eye relief is still far too short for most people who wear glasses. These binoculars are very lightweight, weighing only 10.5 ounces. The Steiner Safari UltraSharp is a wonderful compact option for on-the-go adventuring.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 26mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Lens diameter: 26mm
- Field of view: 5.9°
- Eye relief: 11mm
- Weatherproof: Waterproof
- Weight: 10.5 ounces
Pros:
- Well-priced for its value
- Lightweight and effortless to hold
- It comes with Steiner High-Contrast coatings on every lens
- It has a rubber-armored body to protect in harsh conditions
- Waterproof and fog proof
- It has ergonomic eyecups that fold down
- It comes with a padded travel case
Cons:
- It may look too simple for a professional
- It needs more lens covers
- It has a short eye relief
Steiner Optics Predator 10X42 Binoculars
The Steiner Predator is developed with hunting in mind. While safaris don’t always concern hunting, the features that make an excellent set of binoculars for hunting carry over well to the safari experience.
The clarity, sharpness, and color of the Steiner Predator’s images are impressive. The binoculars come with large 42-millimeter objective lenses and 10x magnification. They are built solid but light enough to carry around your neck. The unique Color Adjusted Transmission system strengthens the contrasts, enabling users to spot game or view wildlife under challenging conditions.
For the fast acquisition of images, there is a Fast-Close-Focus focusing wheel that needs minimal rotation to acquire a sharp view quickly. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog-resistant. An incredible perk is the ClicLoc System, which connects and releases the neck strap with a one-finger push-button. It also holds the binoculars hanging straight and ready for action.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 42mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Lens diameter: 42mm
- Field of view: 5.0°
- Eye relief: 16mm
- Weatherproof: Waterproof and Fog resistant
- Weight: 26.5 ounces
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Perfect for professional hunting
- It comes with Color Adjusted Transmission
- It has a Fast-Close-Focus central focusing wheel
- It has an N2 Injection System for fog-proof viewing
- Clicloc System holds binoculars hanging straight
- It also comes with a Heritage Warranty – Lifetime repair / replacement of defective products
Cons:
- Heavier than some other models on our list
- The eye-piece covers may be small for some
Zeiss Terra ED Pocket 8X25mm Compact Binocular
Safaris can be a tiring business, so traveling light can help ease your burden. The Zeiss Terra ED is ideal if you’re looking for a highly functional compact option.
Lightweight and portable, the Zeiss Terra Ed highlights a Schmidt-Pechan roof prism system, which makes these pair bright and easy-to-carry binoculars.
The Zeiss Terra ED utilizes smaller 25-millimeter objective lenses. It lessens weight, but it also means that these binoculars do not convey as much light and may not be as useful in dim conditions.
The lenses of these travel-sized binoculars come with Zeiss “MC coating,” which maintains the image clear and the lenses safe from external elements.
Furthermore, the Terra ED binoculars are both fog and water-resistant. The use of aluminum makes it one of the finest lightweight binoculars for travel, birdwatching, nature observation, and outdoor activities.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 25mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens diameter: 25mm
- Field of view: 52°
- Eye relief: 16mm
- Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
- Weight: 10.93 oz
Pros:
- The binoculars are nitrogen-filled for resistivity against fog and water
- Ideal compact binoculars for safari.
- Highly portable and produces a wider field of view
- It comes with functional handling with an ergonomic construction
- Highly user-friendly with a central focus
- The Schmidt-Pechan roof prism system helps to make the binoculars lightweight.
- Zeiss MC coating to keep the lens in excellent condition for clear viewing
Cons:
- Not ideal for low-light performance
- Not ideal for hunting
Hawke Sport Optics Endurance ED 8X32mm Safari Binoculars
The Endurance ED Hawke is a quality-built pair of binoculars for safari. These binoculars highlight 32-millimeter objective lenses with 8x magnification.
Weatherproof with long eye relief for glasses-wearers and a solid overall design, these binoculars are excellent for sightseeing.
The Endurance ED features a BaK4 roof prism system for durability, and the lenses come with fully multi-coated layers to reduce damage and increase the vibrancy.
The Endurance ED is ideal for safaris, birdwatching, and an array of nature-viewing activities.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 32mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens diameter: 32mm
- Field of view: 7.4°
- Eye relief: 18mm
- Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
- Weight: 19 oz
Pros:
- It has a rubber body to ensure durability
- Waterproof
- Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed to take on extreme conditions
- With lessened color fringing, low-light performance gets better
- Top hinge structure for a secure and comfortable fit in the hands
- Lightweight construction to ensure effortless carrying and handling
- It has long eye relief and a wide FoV angle
Cons:
- Close focus is confined due to non-variable magnification
- No anti-glare qualities
Nikon Monarch M7 8×42 Binoculars
Because birds often maintain their distance from humans and safari vehicles, binoculars are a beneficial tool to pinpoint them and appreciate their fantastic plumage and intriguing behaviors. But don’t be fooled into thinking you require extra-high magnification to go birding.
Birds move quickly, making it easy to spot them with a wide field of view. Lower-magnification binoculars generally offer this functionality. It hits the sweet spot with a reliable 8×42 magnification and optical lens diameter. It has a wide field of view for these optical specs and coloration.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 8x
- Aperture: 42 millimeters
- Field of view: 8.3 degrees
- Eye relief: 17.1 millimeters
- Weight: 23.6 ounces
Pros:
- The twist-locking eyecups stay on the lens to protect them
- Highly durable.
- Fully fog and waterproof structure
- Wide FoV with a bigger exit pupil
- Long eye relief provides ease of use with eyeglasses
- It comes with a BaK4 roof prism system for clarity and robustness
- Ideal binoculars for animal watching
Cons:
- Some chromatic aberration (not a problem if you aren’t an optics nerd)
- The quality of the lens caps could be better
Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 8X42 Binoculars
The Leupold McKenzie BX-1 highlights 42-millimeter objective lenses with 8x magnification. These binoculars come with fully multi-coated lenses and contain a robust roof prism structure.
The body of these binoculars is fog and waterproof, with an impact-resistant rubber-armored casing which is also ideal for maintaining grip in wet conditions.
The BX-1 McKenzie by Leupold is one of the lower-priced variants in the Leupold product lineup. Despite this, this product is capable of providing exceptional quality in a package that is compact, portable, and able to take a beating.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 42mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens diameter: 42mm
- Field of view: 6.1°
- Eye relief: 17.7mm
- Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
- Weight: 22.1 oz
Pros:
- Long eye relief that is perfect for eyeglasses wearers
- A superior exit pupil means that you can see in low-light situations pretty well
- With a quality rubber armor body, this device is unsusceptible to water and fog
- The twist-up eyecups stay on the lenses and don’t require readjustments
- It has a highly ergonomic design for easy single-handed use
- No washed-out shades with HD light management
Cons:
- It takes a bit longer to focus
- Short close focus
Vortex Razor HD 10X50
Because most animals are active around dawn and dusk—and those are the most excellent hours—you’ll likely go out on game drives around sunrise and sunset. As such, lighting conditions aren’t necessarily optimal, and you may want to consider spending in binoculars that function well with little light.
This pair is designed to provide sharp and bright images, even in low light. They are also constructed for rugged conditions, being waterproof, fog-proof, scratch-resistant, and covered with rubber armor for shock absorption and better grip. If you can stomach the price tag, this is a perfect pair of binoculars for safari-goers.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 8x
- Aperture: 42 millimeters
- Field of view: 7.4 degrees
- Eye relief: 17.5 millimeters
- Weight: 24.2 ounces
Pros:
- durable
- weatherproof
Con:
- The light technology comes at a higher price.
Carson 8X32mm 3D Series Waterproof Binocular
The Carson 3D highlights 32-millimeter objective lenses and 8x magnification. Like some of the few on this list, these binoculars employ a roof prism construction for durability and brightness.
This device is a solid choice for hunting and birding. The Carson 3D is nitrogen purged to avert damage from water and fog. Additionally, these binoculars have a long eye relief of 19.5mm, enabling comfortable operation even while wearing eyeglasses.
Sharp, bright, and easy to use, the Carson 3D is a powerful contender for outdoor activities such as nature viewing, hiking, birdwatching, and safaris.
Specifications:
- Aperture: 32mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens diameter: 32mm
- Field of view: 7.5°
- Eye relief: 19.5mm
- Weatherproof: Fog and waterproof
- Weight: 18.1 oz
Pros:
- A suitable choice for birding and wildlife
- The thumb grooves are very well seated
- It uses high-quality rubber armoring to ensure its impact resistance
- It comes with O-ring seals and nitrogen purged for all-weather performance
- It is lightweight in design with ED glass optics
- Function well in low-light conditions
- Come with a mixture of accessories and add-ons
Cons:
- It handles like a plastic
- The shoulder harness is a bit difficult to adjust
- The eyecups don’t stay on for long
Vanguard Endeavor ED 8×42
For glasses-wearers, one of the most significant and critical specs to consider is eye relief, which calculates the optimal distance between the optical lens and your eye. Because wearing glasses will diverge the lens and your vision by a few extra millimeters, you’ll want a pair of binoculars with deep eye relief.
This pair has one of the most in-depth eye reliefs for lower-priced binoculars: 19 millimeters. But these binoculars also function spectacularly in other categories, notably in sharpness, brightness, and color accuracy. It is an ideal all-around pair of binoculars, but doubly so for individuals who wear glasses.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 8x
- Aperture: 42 millimeters
- Field of view: 7 degrees
- Eye relief: 19 millimeters
- Weight: 25.8 ounces
Pro:
- They’re relatively inexpensive within the realm of binoculars.
Con:
- They have a slightly narrower field of view than similar binoculars.
Swarovski EL 8.5×42
Swarovski, the crystal company, is famous for making high-quality binoculars, and they certainly keep the price tag to match.
What’s astonishing about this splurge-worthy pair is that they not only magnify but also brighten. And that’s not to note their crystal-clear lenses (pun intended). As such, they’re fantastic in low-light conditions, such as dusk and dawn, when animals on safari usually are most active.
On top of that, they’re also waterproof to the point where they can be immersed up to 13 feet. So, yes, you could bring them snorkeling, though that’s not a normal safari activity.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 8.5x
- Aperture: 42 millimeters
- Field of view: 7.6 degrees
- Eye relief: 20 millimeters
- Weight: 29.5 ounces
Pros:
- Excellent clear views
- Ideal for hunting in low light
- Waterproof up to 13 feet deep
- It comes with a field bag, eyepiece cap, objective lens cover
- It comes with lift holding strap
- Comfortable holding and focus
- It has a lifetime warranty on optics
Cons:
- They’re pretty heavy
- Expensive
Minox BV 8×42 BR
Prices start from $187.
Click here to buy them on Amazon.
Bushnell 8×42 Legend Waterproof/Fogproof
Prices start from $67
Click here to buy them on Amazon.
Proper Care, Maintenance, and Usage
A simple trick for spotting stuff faster with binoculars is to not keep your binoculars up to your eyes and then pan and scan for what you’re attempting to spot. Instead, look at what you want to see with your naked eye, then raise the binoculars to where you are gazing. That’ll instantly enable whatever you want to pop into your magnified view.
As for cleaning your precious binoculars’ lenses, don’t make the mistake of breathing on and then rubbing the lenses with something like a microfiber cloth, lens wipe, or your shirtsleeve. Doing so may lead to the dust that’s already on your lens, leaving slight scratches.
Instead, start with a lens pen or bulb-type blower to clear that dust, then apply lens wipes or fluid and a microfiber cloth.
Final Thoughts
There you go, folks! We’ve covered the essential points to consider when purchasing safari binoculars for your next wildlife-viewing adventure and presented you with our list of the top safari binoculars on the market.
The most suitable binoculars for you are the ones you will use. They need to be easy to use, easy to focus, and easy to see the wildlife.
‘Safari’ translates to the term ‘journey’ in Arabic. And if you have learned anything from your past travels, bringing the right pair of binoculars is a must. And with this, we hope we have provided you with some insight into the right pair for you.
Ref(s):
The 8 Best Binoculars for Safari of 2022
12 Best Binoculars for Safari in 2022 [Safari-Proof]
Do I need binoculars on safari?
The Best Binoculars for Birds, Nature, and the Outdoors
Safari Binoculars – How to Choose Them?
One of the essential items that you need on safari is a set of binoculars. You never know how far or close the animals in the game reserve will be. If you are lucky, you will be able to them with the naked eye. And if you are really lucky, you will be able to get close to them.
However, it’s likely that you will spot them from afar and you will either need to view the animals through a zoom lens on a camera or through binoculars.
Should you take binoculars on safari?
Safari binoculars are one of the most important pieces of equipment that you will need to take with you when going on a safari.
You will be able to get a closer view of the wildlife, and you will be able to see more especially when there are low-light conditions.
Although guides may have their own set of binoculars for the tour group, they may not be in the best condition and you will be forced to share the binoculars with others in the travel group. This can put you at risk of missing certain experiences on the safari such as cheetahs running in the distance.
Click here to see more binocular options.
Reference
The best safari binoculars – African safari journal
Have you got all of the items that you need for your safari trip?
Click on the links below to check for other safari items that will help you enjoy your trip.
How to take better photos on Safari
Click here to download ebooks that teach you how to take amazing photos on your safari.
