Best Binoculars Under $300 – The Optical Sweetspot

Binoculars range in price from $20 to $5000, so it can be hard to determine what you need if you are just getting into looking for them. Most people will find as they get into their research that between $200 and $300 represents a sweet spot in this market, offering high quality glass from the most reputable companies at a price point that most people can afford.

Product Reviews – The Best Binoculars Between $200 and $300

Option #1 – Upland Optics Perception HD

Our top recommendation comes from a company we’ve worked with on numerous occasions and we know makes excellent optics for this sweet spot price range. The Perception is targeted at hunters, like all Upland products, and has a lifetime warranty and insane durability to make you feel comfortable with them in the backcountry. Like most binos on this list they are 10x42mm, which is exactly what most outdoorsmen are looking for.

One of my favorite things about Upland as a company is they don’t do any kind of discounting or sales. That means you don’t have to wait around for a sale to feel like you’re getting a good deal. They are transparently priced the same way year round. They are also a direct to consumer brand selling only online, meaning you aren’t just paying a massive margin for a retailer to stock them. We like these binoculars so much we made them our #1 recommendation in our overall binocular buyer’s guide.

Pros

• Transparent pricing and direct to consumer model means high quality glass at a very affordable price
• Lifetime warranty
• Ideal for those who are tough on gear

Cons

• Limited Options – No customizing colors here, black is all you can get

Option #2 – Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD

The Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD Binoculars are an excellent recently launched pair of binos to consider. This product comes with a convenient cleaning cloth to ensure that you always have a way to keep your binoculars clean. The aluminum design materials are sturdy and durable to ensure that you have a very high-quality pair of binoculars for outdoor activities.

The sharp image from the lens stems from the low-dispersion glass that specifically is designed to enhance visual clarity. These binoculars are probably best for hunting, bird watching, or sporting events. They can be used for multiple purposes and they have several useful features that make them portable. The Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD Binoculars are extremely lightweight and can easily be carried around on trips.

This product is on the higher-end of the pricing spectrum. This means that some customers might not be able to afford it depending on their budgets. If you are willing to pay the slightly higher price, then these binoculars could be a great addition for your next outdoor trip.

Pros

• Made with Strong and Durable Aluminum Materials
• Premium Design Quality with Impressive Visual Quality
• Multi-Purpose Design

Cons

• High-End Price Range (Slightly Expensive)

Option #3 – Vortex Optics Diamondback HD

We have high regard for the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars because they are coming from such a great manufacturer. The strong aluminum design is one of the most significant reasons that so many people fall in love with these binoculars from Vortex. The strong outer-core of these binoculars is crafted with strong rubber. You should immediately notice an impressive level of durability when using these Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars.

When we factor in the value after we evaluate all of the great features that have been implemented, we come to the conclusion that these binoculars are probably some of the best in the entire industry. For that reason, we have nominated this product as our top overall selection within this price range.

Pros

• Exceptional Quality
• Reliable Manufacturer
• Strong Durable Design Quality

Cons

• Only Available in One Color Style

Option #4 – Leupold BX-2 Alpine

We were extremely impressed with the lightweight design of the Leupold BX-2 Alpine Binoculars. This portable set of binoculars includes several convenient accessories like lens covers and a durable carrying case. The quality of the binoculars stems from a multi-coated lens system that enhances the overall clarity and contrast of the viewing quality.

These binoculars would be great in most outdoor scenarios and for sporting events like golf. The focus dial can easily be adjusted in real-time to achieve the desired focus. These binoculars have an outstanding level of quality but they also have a pretty significant price tag. These might be a little bit too expensive for some users that are on a budget. With that being said, they are still very deserving to be on this list of high-quality binoculars.

Pros

• Includes Several Accessories (Lens Covers, Attachments, and Carrying Bag)
• Multi-Coated Lens System for Optimal Clarity
• Lightweight and Portable Design
• Waterproof and Fog-Proof

Cons

• Expensive Price Range

Option #5 – Steiner Predator AF 8×30

Our fifth review outlines the positive and negative features that come with the Steiner Predator AF 8×30 Binoculars. These binoculars are primarily designed for hunting, but some users might be able to use these for other purposes as well.

The lightweight design of these binoculars is paired with other useful features as well. These binoculars are completely fog-proof and resistant to water. You can keep an eye on animals from a very significant distance without giving away your location. The color adjusted transmission technology that has been integrated gives you a special advantage compared to other types of binoculars. This feature allows for you to see animals that are blending in with foliage from a long distance away.

Pros

• Integrated with Color Adjusted Transmission Technology
• Fog-Proof and Water-Resistant Design
• Ideal for Hunting Purposes
• Great Value for the Price

Cons

• Very Dark Binoculars (Low Brightness)

Option #6 – Nikon Ocean-Pro 7×50 Global Compass

The Nikon Ocean-Pro 7×50 Global Compass Binoculars are an exceptional product because they have an outstanding level of quality. They also retain other important factors like durability and comfort which can be extremely important for a majority of customers. They are designed for more of a niche market, but we wanted to include them here because of their quality and features list.

These binoculars are fog-resistant and waterproof to ensure that they remain reliable and easy to operate. The strong and durable plastic material ensures that no harsh elements are capable of damaging these binoculars. You can also expect to enhanced brightness within the visual clarity for these binoculars because of the improved internal optics.

Pros

• Water Resistant and Completely Fog-Proof
• Strong and Durable Plastic Design Material
• Carrying Case is Included

Cons

• Limited Quantity Available