Best Binoculars for Travel

Whether you’re backpacking through the jungles of Central America, trekking on a safari in Africa or just going for a walk in the woods, make sure you leave equipped with some trusty binoculars. Here are some of the best ones.

Before we start, and just so you can sound clever at dinner parties, the numbers of the binoculars do have a meaning. The first number represents the zooming capabilities and the second is the lens measurement in millimeters. So, 8x21would mean it has eight times the magnification and 21 millimeter lenses.

Bresser 8×21 Hunter

These are perfect if you just need a pair of compact, lightweight binoculars. With a high-quality image and a decent zoom, these are fantastic given the price around the $30 mark.

Vanguard Orros 10×25

Providing the user with crisp and clear images, the Vaguard Orros are a great pair of binoculars. They’re also in the price range of $90 and they’re waterproof and fog-proof, too!

Pentax 9×28 AD WP

Going up the price ladder with these Pentax binoculars. These are lightweight, durable and comfortable for those wearing glasses. This is for the seasoned binocular user at just more than $300, but they offer higher-quality images.

Zeiss-Terra ED 10×42

These are for professional birdwatchers, with clear images and excellent performance. Shockproof, fog-proof and waterproof, these are flawless for any use. These are being sold online from just more than $400, so it’s a true investment.

Swarovski EL 8.5×42

These are not so much binoculars, but more a work of art. Boasting fluoride-containing HD glass, this equipment can be used in any situation, at first light or dusk. The quality and excellence of the Swarovski binoculars is unparallelled, but at a price. You better take out insurance on these as they will set you back nearly $2,000!