Best Binoculars Under $100

What you can realistically expect under $100

Binoculars under $100 can be excellent for casual bird watching, hiking, travel, sports events, and general outdoor use. You should prioritize a bright, stable image and comfortable handling over extreme zoom.

Best magnification for budget binoculars

For most people, 8x is the sweet spot: it is easier to hold steady and usually offers a wider field of view. 10x can be useful for open areas, but it may show more hand shake—especially with lighter, cheaper binoculars.

Lens size: 25mm vs 42mm

Many under-$100 models are compact (like 8x25 or 10x25). They are portable, but not as bright in low light. If you want better brightness for early morning or evening use, choose something closer to 8x42 or 10x42 when available.

Coatings and prism type matter

Look for FMC (Fully Multi-Coated) lenses and ideally BaK-4 prisms. These two features usually improve sharpness, contrast, and brightness more than “big zoom” marketing claims.

Durability and comfort

A rubber-armored body improves grip and helps protect against minor drops. If you will use binoculars around water or in humid conditions, pick models that are water-resistant or waterproof.