It is always interesting to go on a safari with specialized binoculars. Explore the best binoculars for safari now and not miss a thing on your trip.
Introduction of safari binoculars
When going on a journey into the world of nature, whether you intend to hunt or just watching animals, suitable binoculars are always your best companion. However, what should we expect at the best binoculars for safari? Let me give you a list.
- Brand
Of course, don’t forget to consider a reputable brand before you purchase anything. For instance, Nikon, Bushnell, Vortex, Vanguard are familiar names.
- Cost
In my opinion, something around $250 is ideal for most of you here. However, if you are going expertise or have a big budget, feel free to enjoy the luxury.
- Close focus
This is the shortest distance for you to focus on images. A lower number is better for observing smaller animals like insects.
- Eye Relief
This is the optimal distance between the eyepiece lenses and your eyeballs. The wrong distance will reduce your vision. Depending on your eyesight, let’s pick the right eye relief. For example, glass wearers will need the minimum eye relief of 15mm.
- Field of View
This factor decides how broad your view is at a specific distance, which is vital when you need to follow moving targets like tigers, birds, etc.
For the largest view on your safari, the minimum field of view should be 330ft at 1000 yards, and the magnification should be less than 8x.
- Objective lens
The bigger the aperture is, the more amount of light can pass via your lens. As a result, you can get more bright and clear images, which is especially vital in dark places. Thus, try to get fully multi-coated lenses.
- Magnification
The magnification multiples the size of the images you receive. For example, 8×42 binoculars magnify images 8 times compared to what you can see with naked eyes.
As I said above, the maximum magnification should be 8x if you desire an optimal field of view.
- Durability
Seek for rubberized or synthetic-housing armoring and Bak-4 prisms. They ensure extra durability of your binoculars.
- Waterproof
When you go into the wild, rain and dust are your number one enemy. Therefore, waterproofing is a must-have feature.
- Weight and Size
Ergonomic binoculars are essential to observe fast-moving animals.
- Purpose
Normally, 8×42 binoculars are good for birdwatchers while 10×50 models are for spotting other animals or scan the horizon.
Now, you may know what you need. And I will give you some good patterns of safari binoculars at different price ranges for you to consult.
Best binoculars for safari – Tested and Reviewed
Best binoculars for safari under $300
1. Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism 8×42 Binocular
Price: $106
Overall score: 83/90
| Feature | Score |
| Clarity | 9 |
| Brightness | 9 |
| Ease of adjustment | 9 |
| Construction quality | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Close focus range | 8 |
| Field of view | 10 |
| Brand and warranty | 10 |
| Price | 10 |
Pros
- Extra durability
The binoculars are 100% water-repellent and fog-free, have a non-slip rubber coating for grip and robust protection. Besides, the soft texture can absorb all kinds of shock.
- Beautiful images
Equipped with multi-coated optics and high-quality BaK-4 prisms, the Bushnell binoculars produce brightness and HD clarity for images. No matter what the weather is like, you can always experience a full and vivid field of view.
- Lifetime warranty
The reputable binoculars manufacturer Bushnell provides its customers with the best guarantee policy. You can always have your items repaired or replaced if the faults are of the manufacturer.
Cons
- No accessories included
With paying a not really high price, you will need to purchase accessories such as carrying cases, lens protectors, a tripod, or straps individually.
- Bulky
These binoculars are not too heavy or big to carry. Nonetheless, in comparison with other 8×42 binoculars in the same product line, it may be somewhat bulky, especially if you need to observe speedy animals like cheetahs.
Recommended cases
- View natural scenes and animals relaxing
- All light conditions (but not at night, of course)
- You should have a carrying case, lens protector and straps
- You do not have much to pay for binoculars
2. Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 8×42 Binocular (Black)
Price: $276
Overall score: 81/90
| Feature | Score |
| Clarity | 10 |
| Brightness | 10 |
| Ease of adjustment | 9 |
| Construction quality | 10 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Close focus range | 7 |
| Field of view | 10 |
| Brand and warranty | 7 |
| Price | 9 |
Pros
- Excellent light transmission
Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses lead more light travel across the light spectrum so that you can have a more natural and bright view. Every image will look vivid in their true and rich colors.
- Convenient use
The small size and lightweight together with the sleek design make it portable in any safari. The turn-and-slide eyecups let you customize the eye-relief for a full field of view, which is especially ideal for glass wearers.
- Sturdy cover
The rubberized construction can stand any weather and environment. Moreover, it also offers a non-slip grip regardless of the humidity. But it is still okay even if users inadvertently drop their binoculars.
Cons
- Poor chromatic aberration control
When you use these binoculars in the extreme light condition, there may be the appearance of colored halos in the lenses, which makes your eyes uncomfortable and dramatically reduces your vision.
- Limited warranty
With this product, Nikon provides the guarantee to only a limited number of states. Also, in some areas, you can just have partial repair. This is really a remarkable disadvantage for customers.
Recommended cases
- Normal and rather dark conditions but not too dark or bright one.
- Watching animals in the jungle.
- In a humid climate.
- People who are in areas that Nikon provides the warranty.
Best binoculars for safari in the $300 – $750 range
3. Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Price: $489
Overall score: 83.5/90
| Feature | Score |
| Clarity | 10 |
| Brightness | 10 |
| Ease of adjustment | 9 |
| Construction quality | 10 |
| Comfort | 9.5 |
| Close focus range | 8.5 |
| Field of view | 10 |
| Brand and warranty | 8.5 |
| Price | 8 |
Pros
- Superior ergonomy yet durable
The item is lighter than most 8×42 binoculars. As a bonus, its rubber-armored frame has two perfect thumb indents for easy gripping.
- Excellent resolution
The highly-dense optical system provides outstanding sharpness and clarity. Also, the XR anti-reflective lens covers enhance the natural light and your field of view.
- Optimal design
The lockable diopter fixes the focus level while the smooth focus wheel in the center gives you effective control. Additionally, the eye relief is also customizable. And wonderful construction prevents fogging, dust, water, or oil as well as any scratches permanently.
Cons
- Rather expensive
Nearly $500 is not a small number, especially if you will not use the binoculars too often.
- Bad close focus range
There has been an increase in the close focus range of this pattern. So it is harder for you to see nearby targets.
Recommended cases
- All types of weather, terrains, and conditions.
- You don’t need to watch targets at a short distance.
- You frequently use binoculars for safari, hunting, etc.
4. Vanguard Endeavor ED II Binocular with Premium HOYA ED Glass
Price: $524
Overall score: 83/90
| Feature | Score |
| Clarity | 9.5 |
| Brightness | 9.5 |
| Ease of adjustment | 9 |
| Construction quality | 8 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Close focus range | 10 |
| Field of view | 10 |
| Brand and warranty | 10 |
| Price | 8 |
Pros
- Premium lifetime warranty
Whenever your VANGUARD Endeavor ED II binoculars get cracked or even broken, you can have them repaired or replaced with $0 by the manufacturer.
- Lively and beautiful image
The high-quality extra-low dispersion (ED) glass almost removes the chromatic aberration hassles to deliver the color fidelity throughout the complete field of view. What’s more, the phase-corrected Bak4 prisms promote light reflection, true color apart from high contrast.
- Compact and convenient design
The open-bridge shape is lighter yet more comfortable to hold and 3-stage twist-up eyecups are suitable for either people with or without glasses.
Cons
- Inflexible wheels
Not only the focus wheel but also the diopter wheel are extremely stiff, so you may struggle to adjust them.
- Inferior quality in some parts
The eyecups and lens covers are somewhat flimsy and fragile.
Recommended cases
- Suitable for outdoorsmen as well as nature enthusiasts.
- Watching birds’ plumage or hunting wild animals.
- Great for intense light conditions.
Best binoculars for safari in the $750 – $1500 range
5. Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Price: $1179
Overall score: 83.5/90
| Feature | Score |
| Clarity | 10 |
| Brightness | 10 |
| Ease of adjustment | 9.5 |
| Construction quality | 10 |
| Comfort | 10 |
| Close focus range | 9 |
| Field of view | 9.5 |
| Brand and warranty | 8.5 |
| Price | 7 |
Pros
- Eye-opening and razor-sharp images in any conditions
Thanks to hand-selected prisms and premium high-density glass, users can enjoy unparalleled resolution and stunning pictures.
- Ergonomic design
The open-hinge magnesium chassis is robust yet light in addition to a comfortable grip.
- Great durability
Equipped with waterproof, fog-proof and scratch-free armored coating, the binoculars are always in their good state.
Cons
- Very pricey
If you are not a professional hunter of a frequent user, nearly $1200 may be too expensive.
- The locking ring does not work well
It is rather difficult for you to adjust and lock the ring to fit your eyesight.
Recommended cases
- Expertise hunters.
- People who are using binoculars regularly.
- Who with a big budget.
- All kinds of conditions for safari.
Final Words
In the end, we have gone through the list of the best binoculars for safari and the noticeable points of these items. Depending on my guide and reviews, you can totally have your own choice.
However, even if you need binoculars for different purposes in a safari, you may need to buy more than one product.
Comment below if you have any further questions. Thanks for reading!