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Upgrade your wildlife-viewing experience with these portable and durable binoculars.

Binoteck 10x42 binoculars

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Binoculars come in an overwhelming array of different magnifications, lens diameters, fields of view, and sizes.

The Maven B1.2 binoculars come in two models: the 8x42 and the 10x42.

If you want maximum magnification, however, the 10x42 is the model for you.

Amazon Maven B1.2 42mm ED Binoculars

Credit: Amazon

They are perhaps best for vehicle or boat-based excursions, though, since theyre the heaviest pair we tested.

Thats not to say hiking with them is impossible weve done it many times.

The binoculars use a Schmidt-Pechan prism for superior low-light performance and edge-to-edge quality.

A person looking through the Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42

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We think the image quality is stunning, even at night, making the binocularsideal for stargazing, too.

Phase correction coating prevents any loss of contrast, while fully multi-coated lenses eliminate glare and reflection.

The binoculars are both tripod adaptable and impressively durable.

A person standing outside looking through the A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

Theyre not the lightest or most compact option.

The binoculars have also been purged with argon, the most expensive and effective form of fog-proofing available.

We found the strap a little tricky to attach.

A person holding the Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42

Other features include an oversized focus wheel and twist-up eyecups to accommodate glasses wearers.

Theyre also nitrogen filled to prevent the internal lens surfaces from fogging up when the temperature changes.

Finally, the rugged, wave-grip rubber coating makes us confident theyd be fine if we ever dropped them.

A person holding a pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42

There is inevitably some sacrifice in magnification and field of view in a model this small.

They fit easilyinto a backpackor vest pocket, and can even squeeze into afanny packif necessary.

Thats not to say that the optics are poor.

A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

Expect nitrogen-purged fog-proofing and an IPX6 rating that protects against powerful jets of water.

They are a budget buy and image quality is therefore not the best.

We were also impressed with how well they held up to rough treatment despite their lightweight construction.

A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

Theyre a little on the heavy side and are not fully waterproof.

With a 42-millimeter lens diameter, these are not compact binoculars and their weight reflects that.

Theyre one of the heavier options we tested.

A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

For the perfect balance of performance and affordability, check out the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binoculars.

The specifications are ideal for use on safari, too.

Finally, theyre nitrogen purged to prevent fogging.

A person looking through the Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42

The rim of one of the eyecups warped during testing.

The binoculars have twist-up eyecups offering almost 15 millimeters of eye relief, allowing comfortable viewing for most.

The binoculars are waterproof and have a durable anti-slip grip.

A person standing outside looking through the A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

They alsofit easily in a purseor backpack pocket.

Most pairs have been tested in multiple countries over an extended period of several years.

We also noted their water-resistance in foggy and wet conditions.

A person holding the Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42

Similarly, you should consider the conditions at your destination before deciding on the level of weatherproofing you require.

Many binocular models are water-resistant, which means they can handle exposure to light rain.

Internal fog is both annoying and damaging to the binoculars over time.

A person holding a pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42

Its generally accepted that the best binocular magnification for a safari adventure is either 8x or 10x.

Choose 8x for closer viewing in woodland or rocky outcrops, and for smaller or fast-moving animals and birds.

For vehicle-based safaris, choose full-size binoculars with a lens diameter of 40+ millimeters for the best image quality.

A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

A pair of Maven B1.2 - 8x42/10x42 on a table outside

Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binocular

Credit: Vortex

A person looking through the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars

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A person looking through the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars

A person looking through the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars

A person wearing the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars standing in front of a mountain

Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars on a rock

Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars on a rock

A person looking through the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars

A person looking through the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars

A person looking through the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars

A person wearing the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars standing in front of a mountain

Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars on a rock

Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars on a rock

Amazon Nocs Provisions Field Issue Binoculars

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A person standing outside looking through the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

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A person standing outside holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

A person standing outside holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

A person holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

Hands holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

A pair of Nocs Field Issue 8x32 on a table outside

Nocs Field Issue 8x32 on a table outside

A person standing outside looking through the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

A person standing outside holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

A person standing outside holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

A person holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

Hands holding the Nocs Field Issue 8x32

A pair of Nocs Field Issue 8x32 on a table outside

Nocs Field Issue 8x32 on a table outside

Amazon Maven C2 10x28 Compact Binocular

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A person looking through theMaven C2 - 7x28/10x28

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A person holding the Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28

A hand holding the Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28

A pair of Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28 on a table outside

A pair of Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28 on a table outside

A pair of Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28 on a table outside

A person looking through theMaven C2 - 7x28/10x28

A person holding the Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28

A hand holding the Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28

A pair of Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28 on a table outside

A pair of Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28 on a table outside

A pair of Maven C2 - 7x28/10x28 on a table outside

Occer 12 x 25 Compact Binoculars

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A person standing next to a safari jeep looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

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A person standing next to a safari jeep while looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person sitting on a safari jeep looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person standing outside wearing the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person standing next to a safari jeep wearing the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person holding a pair of Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars while sitting on top of a safari jeep

A person standing next to a safari jeep wearing the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person standing next to a safari jeep looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person standing next to a safari jeep while looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person sitting on a safari jeep looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person looking through the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person standing outside wearing the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person standing next to a safari jeep wearing the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

A person holding a pair of Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars while sitting on top of a safari jeep

A person standing next to a safari jeep wearing the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

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A person outside looking through the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

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A person standing outside looking through the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A person holding a pair of Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars next to the carry bag on a rug

Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars on a patterned rug

Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars in the carry bag

A person outside looking through the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A person standing outside looking through the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A person holding a pair of Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars

Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars next to the carry bag on a rug

Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars on a patterned rug

Binoteck 10x42 Binoculars in the carry bag

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

Credit: Amazon

A person standing next to a giraffe wearing the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person standing next to a giraffe wearing the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars on a wooden surface

A person standing next to a giraffe wearing the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

A person standing next to a giraffe wearing the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

A hand holding the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars on a wooden surface

Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

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A person looking through the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

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A person sitting in a safari vehicle wearing the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

A hand holding the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

A hand holding the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

A hand holding the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars on a rug next to the carry bag

Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars in the carry bag on a patterned rug

A person looking through the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

A person sitting in a safari vehicle wearing the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

A hand holding the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

A hand holding the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

A hand holding the Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars

Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars on a rug next to the carry bag

Aurosports 10x25 Binoculars in the carry bag on a patterned rug

Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision

Travel + Leisure