Luke Cuenco 12.13.24
Binoculars are an almost essential piece of hunting kit that often go overlooked by a lot of hunters who are determined to buy only the best, but sometimes we can’t always afford the best or don’t always need the best. Maybe you’re a beginner just getting your feet wet, or maybe you’re an experienced tracker who just needs a backup pair of binoculars to loan out to a friend or for those “just in case” moments when you might forget your favorite pair at home. Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered with 10 binoculars that bring the goods without the guilt—and all for under $100.
More Binocular Articles @ OutdoorHub:
Best Budget Binoculars for Hunters: 10 Top Picks Under $100
Why Budget Binoculars Deserve a Spot in Your Pack
Higher-end optics are a dream to use both on a stalk and just at the range out in the wild observing nature. However, if you’re like me, you probably don’t have entire paychecks worth of cash to throw at a single pair of binoculars you’ll probably only use a dozen times a year. This is where some of the more budget-friendly options step in and give people like us a bit more breathing room in the wallet while still giving us the ability to glass targets reliably. The options I’ve selected today aren’t just placeholders or second-rate tools; they’re capable pieces of gear that can help you spot that trophy buck or keep an eye on the ridge ahead. Modern manufacturing has made it possible to get solid performance at a fraction of the cost. Of course, there are going to be a few premium features that are going to be sacrificed for the sake or price, but if know what is most important to you, at least one of the options below should get you the performance you need for under $100.
What to Look for in Affordable Hunting Binoculars
Here’s the deal: focus on what matters most for your style of hunting. Are you scanning open fields or dense forests? Do you hunt at dusk, dawn, or mid-day? Features like magnification, lens coatings, and build quality are the bread and butter of any good binoculars. Models like 8×42 or 10×42 hit the sweet spot for clarity and field of view, while lightweight and durable designs are a must for the long haul. Nail these basics, and you’ll be in good shape.
1. Bushnell Falcon 10×50 ($35)
The Bushnell Falcon is the sturdy old-school binocular your granddad might have trusted. With 10x magnification and big 50mm lenses, these binoculars excel at long-distance spotting. The InstaFocus lever makes it easy to snap into clarity, and the rubberized housing ensures you’re not fumbling around when things get wet. The trade-off? It’s not exactly a lightweight champ so you might feel it after a day of constant glassing in the field. Still, for $40, it’s hard to argue with this much power.
2. Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 ($48)
Celestron’s UpClose G2 is all about durability and ease of use. The 10x magnification and multi-coated lenses provide plenty of clarity for open fields or wooded trails. The aluminum body adds a layer of toughness that you’ll appreciate when your gear gets banged around in the back of the truck. On the downside, the narrower field of view means you’ll need to be a little more precise when tracking game. If you’re tough on your gear, the G2 has your back.
3. Nikon Aculon A211 10×42 ($78)
Nikon’s Aculon A211 has that “wow” factor for a sub-$100 binocular. The wide field of view makes it perfect for dense woods, where spotting movement is key. Its aspherical multicoated lenses ensure a sharp, distortion-free image. But—and it’s a big but—these aren’t waterproof, so don’t let them get caught in the rain. If you’re in a dry climate or fair-weather hunter, these are a great choice for clarity and comfort.
4. Tasco Essentials 10×25 ($23)
The second least expensive option on this list, the Tasco Essentials binoculars are a respectable “grab and go” pair of binoculars that are compact enough to fit into a large jacket pocket and light enough for tossing into a day bag without issue. The smaller 25mm objective lenses don’t have the best light transmission for low light performance nor do they have a super wide field of view, but what they lack in those two respects they more than makeup for in their base durability, compact size, and of course their low asking price of just $23.
5. Vortex Optics Vanquish 8×26 ($82)
The Vortex Vanquish 8×26 is proof that good things can come in small packages because these are the smallest and least powerful pair of binoculars on this list. If you’re the type of hunter who values sharp, clear images over massive magnification or a super wide field of view, this compact pair of binoculars deserves a spot in your pack or even your pocket. Thanks to its reverse porro prism design, the Vanquish punches above its weight in clarity, delivering crisp images that’ll help you pick out movement in the brush or spot a game trail from a distance. The fully multi-coated lenses mean you’re getting maximum brightness, even when the light starts to fade.
The Vanquish’s 8x magnification might not be enough for hunters who need to glass wide-open plains or track distant targets but for those working closer ranges—like in dense forests or along ridgelines it’s more than enough to get positive target identification and even spot trails for stalking purposes. Plus, it’s built to handle the rough-and-tumble of the outdoors, with a rugged, fog-resistant construction that won’t let you down in unpredictable weather. Lastly, like all Vortex Products, these come with a lifetime no questions asked warranty.
6. Barska Crossover 10×42 ($76)
The Barska Crossover is my pick for a moderately priced reliable all-rounder. With 10x magnification and fully multi-coated lenses, it balances power and brightness by having better glass quality than cheaper models while giving you larger objective lenses for a better FOV. Rain? The Crossovers are waterproof and ready for the elements. The downside? The focus adjustments can feel a bit stiff as indicated by a lot of online reviews, which might slow you down if speed is critical or you’re working through thick gloves. If you need a jack-of-all-trades, the Barska Crossover is worth a look and is still priced $20 lower than our budget threshold.
7. Simmons ProSport 10×50 ($33)
The Simmons ProSport is built for the hunter who’s out before sunrise or after sunset. The large 50mm lenses soak up every bit of available light, and the high magnification helps you spot game at a distance. It’s rugged, with a rubberized coating for grip, but you’ll definitely feel its weight if you’re on the move. For low-light hunters, though, it’s a top pick.
8. Aurosports 10×25 Compact Binoculars ($25)
If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful, the Aurosports 10×25 has you covered. They’re waterproof, lightweight, and surprisingly decent for casual outings. However, the narrow field of view and dimmer image quality means they’re not ideal for serious or prolonged hunts. These are more of a “backup in the glovebox” kind of binocular, and at $30, that’s perfectly fine.
9. Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars ($85)
The Gosky 10×42 is for the tech-savvy hunter. Alongside its sharp optics and rugged build, it includes a smartphone adapter so you can snap pics of your day in the field. This is a feature that I’ve wanted to have included in a lot of different optics and it’s good to see that the idea is catching on not just with spotting scopes and riflescopes, but now binoculars as well. The Goskys are a bit more on the expensive side of our budget and are also a bit bulkier than some might prefer, but if you want versatility and the ability to capture photos, these are a great pick. Solid performance, with a side of fun for all of you shutterbugs out there.
10. Adorrgon 12×42 High-Definition Binoculars ($34)
The Adorrgon 12×42 binoculars deliver powerful 12x magnification for spotting distant game animals. Its fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright, crisp images with just a touch of chromatic aberration – completely acceptable for this price range. The trade-off here is that even with 12x magnification, you’re getting a narrower field of view and that might make tracking moving targets a challenge. Still, for long-range observation, these binoculars punch well above their weight and ironically enough are one of the lightest pairs of 12×42 binoculars out there.
Final Thoughts
As a final reminder, these budget-oriented models are never going to outperform the $1,000 models out there. But that doesn’t mean they won’t pull their weight in the field. Sure, some might not handle rainstorms or dim lighting as well, and others may feel a bit clunky compared to premium gear. But for under $100, you’re getting tools that can absolutely hold their own when it counts.
Whether you’re starting out or just need a spare pair, I think there’s an option here that should fit the bill for just about anyone, no matter whe they’re up to. Think about what you value most—clarity, portability, or toughness—and pick accordingly. At the end of the day, the best gear is the one that works for you and that you can afford. Happy hunting, and may your next trip be full of clear views and successful stalks!
