Best Binoculars Under $500 - Pros and Cons of Each

In this video we look at 9 of the best binoculars under $500 and how each of them performed in our huge side by side binocular review (link below). If you are looking for the best binoculars for hunting, best binoculars for the money, the best binoculars in the world, or the best binoculars under $500, this video series is for you!

We recently had the chance to test 26 pairs of 10x42 binoculars side by side on multiple occasions, in multiple lighting conditions, and by our team of 10 volunteers to rank each of them. We took each of our testers opinions and pulled together a weighted average to come up with these rankings. None of the our volunteers were paid or incentivized in any way for their participation. We hope this series helps you find the best binoculars for your purpose, no matter if you are a birder, hunter or just enjoy watching wildlife.

Check out the full review:

Check out our other gear reviews:

0:00 Intro
1:27 Maven C.1
2:16 Athlon Midas
3:15 Zeiss Terra ED
4:30 Kowa BD II XD
5:34 Bushnell Forge
7:29 Vortex Viper HD
9:22 Leupold BX-4
10:48 GPO Passion ED
12:14 Athlon Cronus UHD

[scupking]

Over the past 2 months I tested the vortex diamondback 8x32 and 8x42. Returned the 32s after a week and tested the 42s on vacation. They just lacked the sharpness I was looking for. Decided to try the Athalon midas g2 8x42s. The midas g2 are much sharper with little to no purple fringing like the dimondbacks had. I returned the diamondbacks keeping the Athlon Midas G2 8x42! They are worth the 50 price increase over the dimondbacks. The Athlon Midas probably would even compete with the Vortex Vipers.

[larbueno]

Unsponsored comment here… why you didn't include the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 is beyond me...and I'm sure a lot of other people, too. Around $250, lightweight, bright, contrasty, very sharp edge-to-edge, as good a warranty as you can get...to me an amazing value. I somehow lucked out and got mine for a 150, but even at 250, they are exellent bang4buck. I have been a birder for 30 plus years and I've tried just about every significant brand of glass out there including Swarovski Zeus and Leica. These are an amazing value. No one's giving me any kickback for this. I'm just shocked you didn't mention these.

[travelswithMTcharlie]

Fantastic. Based on your review I just purchased the Athlon as a gift for somone

[ddallgood]

Not sure if you're familiar with Carson 3D-ED. I've compared sided by side to. Vortex Viper, Terra ED, Cabelas EDHD, Leopold BX4, and No perceivable added quality from any of those. Vortex being pretty close. I now have the Athlon Cronus and they are so close, keeping them both. Huge props to you for all the replies back to so many questions!!

[commonsense]

Would really love to hear your opinion on the Athlon Cronus UHD vs Tract Toric which has the clearer image quality?

[garrettsorensen]

I've watched a bunch of your videos...they are awesome. I really liked this one and the one with all the spotting scopes. If you haven't made one trail cameras I think that would make a great video! Thanks.

[fcanomalcarria]

What do you think of the vanguard IV 10X42 ed, have you tried them?

[BaronSaturday]

It's really nice to see Luke Wilson doing binocular reviews and not Hollyweird movies for a change.

[jordanp]

Gabe, love the channel and your comparisons! Wondering if you could include the new Nikon monarch M7s at some point? Thanks!

[johnnewcomb]

Athlon Chronus uhd or Vortex razor hd Which should I get? not really worried about warranty. Should I spend the extra 600 bucks for the Vortex Razor? Or are they pretty close? Thanks

[mauriciolacruz]

From what material Bushnell Forge's chassis is made of? Metal (magnesium, aluminum...)? Plastic (policarbonate...)? Fiber?...

And the prisms on the 8x42 version are Schmidt-Pechan or Abbe-Koenig?

[archstanton]

I wonder how the Meopta Optika 10x42 binoculars would have fared under your comparison.

[roman]

How would the following binoculars compare the the list: Nikon Monarch M7 and Hawke Frontier ED?

[stevemoore]

Have you ever looked at the nikon monarch 7. Thanks for any information.

[mathiashammar]

I totally agree with Leopolds. Surprisingly good optics at low light. Compared to my pentax SD 10x42 WP Leopolds are superior. Its not a fair comparison. Daytime Leopolds have a bit yellowish hue/tone and colors are not popping. So definitely no color rich sensations like when bird-watching/flowers etc.

[jordanselsor]

thank you so much for the great comprehensive review! I only wish you would have included nikon monarch 7's!

[nick]

Nice video, thanks a lot. Any suggestions on the Bushnell Engage 10x50?

[semiprohunter]

Borrowed a buddies Athlon Cronos G2 and it really was great glass/ clarity but way to heavy for me. Major bummer. Ended up buying the Midas and happy with the performance and weight so far

[justindiaz]

What would you recommend maven c3 12x50 or the athlon Midas 12x50?

[dwaynephilpot]

I have the Bushnell forge I don’t have seem to have any problems with the edge to edge clarity.