Zoom in on Wildlife: The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Binoculars for Safari
For many, going on safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience … So make sure you don't miss out on any of the action! For a better look at all of nature's wonders both big and small, don't forget the #1 safari trip packing essential: binoculars. Here’s how to find the best binoculars for your safari vacation.
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10 best binoculars for safari in 2024
1. Best overall binoculars: NOCS Provisions
There are a lot of details to organize when you’re planning a safari vacation. If you want to simplify your packing list, then these are the go-to, fail-safe binoculars that are the perfect mix of affordable, feature-rich, and rugged for a perfect week of game viewing. Available in 8x or 10x magnification, the Standard Issue Binoculars from NOCS Provisions were designed to be the “perfect travel binocular.” And they certainly hit the mark! With best-in-class optics, twist-up eyecups, impact-absorbing housing, and lenses that are multi-coated, fog-proof, and scratch-resistant, these binoculars are the can’t-miss pick for a safari adventure. (Bonus: They’re even available in over a dozen fun, bright colors!)
Price: starting at $95
2. Best compact binoculars: Steiner
When you spend the day out in nature, the last thing you want is to be bogged down by your overpacked bags. To help you pack light, look for a pair of compact binoculars, like these from Steiner. Measuring just 4.6 x 4.5 inches at 10.5 oz with a 10x magnification, the Safari Ultrasharp 10x26 combines word-class durability and imagery with lightweight functionality. Whether the safari game is getting up close and personal or keeping their distance, you can count on these compact binoculars to help you get breathtaking views every time.
Price: starting at $107
3. Best binoculars with neck strap: Xgazer
Water bottle? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Camera? Check. For a day out on safari, there’s a lot to manage! That’s why it pays to pack binoculars with a neck strap so they’re always within reach when the big game comes into view. But the Xgazer Optics HD 10x42 Professional Binoculars have more to offer than just a neck strap. With twist-up eyecups for comfort and a cleaning cloth for smudge-free views, these binoculars are the pair to turn to for supreme comfort on safari.
Price: starting at $89
4. Best budget-friendly binoculars: Carons
Booking a safari vacation doesn’t always come cheap, so it’s understandable if you want to keep additional purchases to a minimum. To help you experience the best views on your trip without adding to your growing travel bill, opt for these budget binoculars from Carons. With 8x magnification, a convenient wrist strap, and an easy-to-use centered focusing knob, these budget binoculars come with enough bells and whistles to make you feel like a sightseeing pro—without having to pay pro-level prices.
Price: starting at $31
5. Best high-end binoculars: Vortex Optics
If you’ve booked a stay at a fancy lodge in Kruger National Park and you’re ready for the safari trip of a lifetime, then why not go the extra mile with a pair of high-end binoculars that will bring out your inner adventurer? And we have to say, these Crossfire HD Binoculars from Vortex Optics are a real beaut. With a whopping 12x magnification, these safari binoculars feature multi-coated lenses, a diopter on the right eyepiece, and nitrogen-purging and o-ring seals. Huh? Altogether, these fancy-schmancy details mean you can expect impeccable resolution, crystal-clear sharpness, striking color fidelity, and safari views that’ll knock your socks off.
Price: starting at $145
6. Best binoculars with carrying case: Bushnell
If you’re the kind of girl who loves to accessorize, then these are the binoculars for you. Complete with their own carrying case, the H20 10x42 Binoculars from Bushnell are not only a useful tool for a safari vacation but a pretty darn cute one, at that. Along with a convenient carrying strap, these safari binoculars (made by a legendary optics manufacturer who’s been in the industry for over 70 years) feature a non-slip design with durable rubber armor and comfortable twist-up eyecups so you can zero in on the very best sights even if you’re wearing glasses or sunglasses.
Price: starting at $129
7. Best wide-angle lens binoculars: Bienvenir
What’s one of the downsides of long days on safari? Eye fatigue. To help give your eyes some relief and keep things comfortable so you can keep sightseeing for hours to come, try a pair of wide-angle lens binoculars, like this pick from Bienvenir. With a 70 mm super-large objective lens, the 18x70 HD Binoculars let you take in a larger field of view and see more distances under a brighter field of view. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide-angle 24 mm eyepiece makes it easier to position your eyes for long-term viewing. In other words, these wide-angle lens binoculars let you see more in more detail, more comfortably. Win-win-win!
Price: starting at $137
8. Best fog-proof binoculars: Celestron
Picture this: A pack of lions steps into view and you reach for your binoculars to zoom in on the action … Except they’re totally fogged up and you can’t see a thing! Make sure you never miss out on a big game moment by packing fog-proof binoculars with you on safari. Specifically designed to withstand all weather conditions, the Outland X Binoculars from Celestron isn’t just fog-proof—they’re also waterproof. During assembly, these fog-proof binoculars are filled with dry nitrogen gas and then sealed, making them fit for rigorous outdoor use so you can travel and trek to your heart’s content without worrying about foggy lenses ruining your views.
Price: starting at $70
9. Best binoculars with phone adapter: Gosky
A good pair of binoculars will give you unparalleled views of birds, big game, and other wildlife. But a pair of binoculars with a phone adapter will also help you capture those views forever. How does it work? Take the 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars from Gosky, for example. Featuring a near-universal phone adapter, these binoculars let you align and attach your smartphone’s camera to the binocular eyepiece so you can snap pictures with 10x magnification and preserve all the details and the memories of your safari adventure in crystal-clear clarity.
Price: starting at $79
10. Best binoculars with tripod: Adorrgon
For a full day of sightseeing on safari, sometimes it pays to come prepared with all the extra gear. When you want to really soak up all Mother Nature has to offer and don’t want to tear your eyes away from your binoculars for a minute, using a tripod can help make the day more comfortable. The 12x42 HD Binoculars from Adorrgon come with a 360° rotatable tripod so you can take in the full landscape of sights without having to worry about maintaining a steady hand. This is particularly useful for long-distance viewing so you can game-watch and check out the horizon for hours without straining yourself.
Price: starting at $50
Binoculars for safari - common FAQs
Do you need binoculars on a safari?
Of course, there’s plenty to see with the naked eye while on safari—but there’s also plenty to miss out on, too! Bringing binoculars on safari is a must, as it lets you get a close-up look at wildlife that otherwise may be too far away to see.
What is the best binocular magnification for safari?
The best binocular magnification for safari depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to zoom in for the most details on faraway scenes, then go for 10x42 binoculars. But bigger isn’t always better. If you’re watching birds or other animals on the move, then 8x42 binoculars actually help you see a steadier, clear picture.
What is the difference between 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars?
Both 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars have 42mm lenses—but they differ in magnification. 8x42 binoculars offer 8x magnification (i.e., you’ll see everything eight times bigger), and 10x42 binoculars offer 10x magnification (i.e., you’ll see everything 10 times bigger).
