If you’re passionate about looking at things and viewing objects through a binocular but don’t have the budget for the high-end brands don’t worry, there are products out there that you can look at so you can continue doing what you love to do!
In this article, we are giving you a list of the most popular models that don’t cost much – the 12 best binoculars under 200!
The criteria that we will use for this list is similar to the top 10 list of binoculars under 500 we’ve written earlier which are:
- High User rating: from 4.8 to 5 stars only
- User reviews: at least 10 or more
- Price is less than or equal to 200 dollars
The list that we have for you have some really exciting models in it that made users happy for their performance and for what they’re really worth. You’ll definitely enjoy this list. Here goes!
Sitting on number 12 is the Leupold 8×30 BX-1 Yosemite binocular with a user rating of 4.8 and has 35 reviews.
This binocular is designed for those with smaller hands and with smaller IPD (interpupillary distance between eyes) of 50 to 70mm.
It is lightweight, affordable and compact with a good field of view (about 390 feet). The lenses are super clear and optics is great. This binocular can be used for hunting, sports, bird watching and nature viewing.
11. Eagle Optics Denali 8×42
With a 4.8 rating and 37 product reviews, the Eagle Optics Denali 8×42 D082 owns the 11th spot on our list.
This binocular is particularly popular for bird watchers because of its clear optics and wide field of view (408 feet). It is pretty light at 1.37 pounds and with a secure, non-slip rubber armor, it is really comfortable to use.
The eyecups can be twisted up and down to give you whatever viewing preference you would require. It also has a central focus wheel that can be used to adjust both barrels at the same time.
10. Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 10×42
Coming in at 10th place is the Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 10×42 binocular. It has a 4.8 average user rating from 41 users.
This binocular has the lowest eye relief of all the binoculars in our list with only 13.7 mm. For those that wear eyeglasses, you might find this binocular hard to use.
The image quality of this binocular is rated highly by users while using it for hunting and bird watching. The downside for users is the loose lens covers that come off easily.
9. Steiner 8×30 Military – Marine Binocular
In 9th place, is the Steiner 8×30 Military-Marine binocular with 53 user reviews and average rating of 4.8 stars.
This binocular is really lightweight – just a shade over one pound! With its rugged design, tough rubber-armored housing and unique auto-focusing feature, it makes sense that it is one of the most popular models from Steiner.
However, this is not suitable for low-light or night use so if you’re planning of using this for a “darker” environment, you might be better off with a different model.
8. Nikon 7537 8×42 Prostaff 7
One of the two Nikon models that made our list, in 8th place, is the Nikon 7537 8×42 ProStaff 7. This is one of the various models in Nikon’s all-terrain-binocular (ATB) series.
As with the other models in this series, it has high resolution and fully multi-coated optics which produces bright and clear images. That is why this binocular is good for hunting and birding.
Compare to other Nikon’s models, the ProStaff 7 is a bit sleeker and longer however the top-notch armor finish is the same. It has plenty of eye relief as well, so for those who wear glasses this binocular is suitable for you.
7. Votex Optics Diamondback 10×42
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 roof prism binocular occupies our 7th place position with a 4.8 average user rating from 227 users.
This binocular provides clear images with superior quality that is great for hunting and bird watching. It has multi-coated optics with phase corrected prisms.
With its waterproof, fog proof and great quality armor at a cheap price, this binocular is really a joy to own.
6. Sightron SIIBL832 8×32
The 6th position is the start of our 4.9 rated binoculars and in its place is the Sightron SIIBL832 8×32 binocular. The product rating came from 15 users.
It has a very wide field of view of 420 feet and is pretty light at 1.24 pounds.
Customers love this model for its exceptionally high performance (even at night time) and because it comes at a relatively cheap price.
5. Steiner AZ842
In 5th place is the Steiner AZ842 binocular. This is one of the cheapest models in our top 12.
Users love it for its great light transmission, producing clear and sharp images that are great for bird watching and hunting.
The eyecups are adjustable by twisting up and down and it has indents on the side that suits your thumbs when you hold it on the side.
For users, the overall quality and the cheap price is really a great combination that is why they love this binocular.
4. Redfield Renegade 10×50
We have a tie in the 4h place position, they both came in with an average of 4.9 stars out of 27 user reviews – the Redfield Renegade 10×50 and the Pentax Papilio II 6.5×21 binoculars.
The Redfield Renegade 10×50 is a well-built binocular that weighs a bit heavier than the other ones we have on this list.
It is actually the heaviest of all of them at 1.96 pounds. However, with a well-made and comfortable strap, this poses no problem anyway especially for hunters.
One thing that is really a crowd favorite with the Redfield Renegade is that it is crystal clear and bright and it has a very impressive 3d effect. Some people use it for stargazing activities as well.
With a price of only less than $115, the quality that you get from this binocular is really amazing.
4. Pentax Papilio II 6.5×21
The Pentax Papilio II 6.5×21 is the lightest of all the binoculars in our Top 12 list with a weight of only 0.64 pound.
It is really compact so carrying it for hours won’t even matter to you you – feels like you’re not actually holding anything at all!
It has a unique uni-body design that houses the objective lenses in just a single housing so the eyepiece movement is synchronized. The surface of each element is fully coated thereby minimizing glare and flare which gives a bright, clearer view.
It has a very short close focus capability of 1.7 feet which is ideal for flowers, insects and birds. This is one feature that users love about this binocular. Edge to edge sharpness is also exceptional with this Pentax model.
With a magnification of 6.5 it is easier to hold steady views, no shaking compare to other high powered binoculars.
This is probably one of the best compact binoculars available in the market.
3. Celestron TrailSeeker
Getting our 3rd place with 60 users rating them at 4.9 stars is the Celestron TrailSeeker series binoculars. The most popular model comes in 8×42, 10×32 & 8×32 configurations.
The TrailSeeker has a magnesium alloy body that is lightweight and yet durable frame. The optics is made of Bak-4 prisms with phase and dielectric coatings.
This is a great binocular for avid bird watcher, field hunter or sports spectators. A combination of a better close focus and wider field of view makes this binocular very popular with users.
The 8x has more than 400 feet of FOV while the 10x has 325 feet.
Price and quality optics really comes together with the TrailSeeker series from Celestron. The sixty people are not wrong in saying that this is really a great binocular with a price that is relatively cheap.
2. Steiner AZ830
In 2nd place is one of the two 5-star rated binocula
rs in our list. From 15 users rating it at 5 stars is the German made Steiner AZ830.
With its compact design, rugged chassis and light weight, it is comfortable to carry and would fit neatly in your pack.
The housing that is made of polycarbonate with NBR long-life rubber armor is highly durable and rugged. It can withstand impacts of up to 11G which makes it impervious to harsh and unforgiving conditions.
It has an autofocus system that lets you focus your vision to each eyepiece once and then it keeps the images pretty sharp from 20 yards and beyond.
This is a great feature but take note that this suits the user who sets it up first. If you share it with others, the autofocus needs to be readjusted.
Users love it because it is easy to use and the quality of the optics is absolutely fantastic.
With the price of less than $140 and quality performance, the Steiner AZ830 is a real bargain.
1. Nikon ProStaff 7S
Occupying our top spot is the Nikon ProStaff 7S Series binoculars with 5 star rating from 34 users.
Product features include the following:
- Fully multi-coated lenses with phase corrections
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups for easy adjustment
- Easy-to-hold and durable rubber armored housing (even in wet conditions)
- Lightweight (the 8×30 and 10×30 weigh less than a pound, the 8×42 is 1.43 pounds)
- High-quality brightness and resolution
Users are amazed of its amazing performance in the field, rendering clear and sharp images with almost any outdoor activities. It brings color and clarity to your views and images.
Some people say it is comparable to the Trailblazers and the Monarchs range with its astonishing brightness and extraordinary color rendition.
With a price that is not so hard on your wallet that goes along with high-quality optics, it is not a surprise that the Nikon ProStaff 7 is number one in this price range.
Summary of The 12 Best Binoculars Under 200
As a way to quickly see and compare all the models in this list, below is a tabulated summary of the 12 most popular binoculars worth less than $200.
| Nikon ProStaff 7S | ||||
| Steiner AZ830 | ||||
| Celestron TrailSeeker | ||||
| Redfield Renegade 10x50 | ||||
| Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 | ||||
| Steiner AZ842 | ||||
| Sightron SIIBL832 8x32 | ||||
| Vortex Optics Diamondback 10x42 | ||||
| Nikon 7538 ProStaff 7 8x42 | ||||
| Steiner 8x30 Military - Marine | ||||
| Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 10x42 | ||||
| Eagle Optics Denali 8x42 D082 | ||||
| Leupold 8x30 BX-1 Yosemite |
You can sort the table by clicking the up or down arrows in each column.
*** – The price here is for indicative purposes only and is not exact; just to give you an idea of how much it cost more or less.
Conclusion
The less than 200 dollar range binoculars certainly have some great models to offer enthusiasts and hobbyists that are a bit on the budget side.
However, having said that, the quality of the binoculars in the list we provided can rival those in the 1000 dollar price range. The Nikon ProStaff 7 series binocular, which is in our top spot, is a perfect example of this.
If you’re budget is a bit on the lower side, you can still enjoy your favorite outdoor activities with binoculars in this price range.
The Top 12 list we have for you are highly rated by users and represent quality models at a cheaper price.
We hope you’ll find this useful in your search for your binocular under the 200 dollar price.