The Best Binoculars in 2026

Binoculars can be a deceptively simple thing to purchase. After all, they all do the same thing. Or do they? In our Binocular Buying Guide, we delved into the technical details of binoculars, giving you the full lowdown on how they work and the different types on the market. In this guide to the best binoculars this year, we help you put this technical knowledge to use when buying binoculars.

Table of contents:

• Why are There so Many Different Types of Binoculars?
• Binocular Technical Details
• Which Pair of Binoculars is Right for Me?
  • Travel and Kid's Binoculars
  • Nature Viewing and Wildlife Binoculars
  • Marine and Hunting Binoculars
  • Astronomy Binoculars

Why are There so Many Different Types of Binoculars?

Binoculars are used for one thing: magnifying a scene so you can see the contents clearer. So why are there so many different models on the market? Which binocular magnification is better? Is it worth investing in a pricey pair if it will only get periodic use? To answer all these questions, first decide what you're going to use the binoculars for.

This may seem obvious, but the best binoculars for astronomy are not necessarily also the best small binoculars for travel. Features and capabilities vary significantly between models, so it's important to choose the best binoculars that suit your intended use.

Binocular Technical Details

Curious about how binoculars work? Read on for a brief overview, or check out our Ultimate Binocular Buying Guide for a more in-depth explanation.

Firstly, most binoculars available at Ted's Cameras fall into two categories: Porro or roof prism binoculars. Binoculars featuring a porro prism generally provide a clearer and more detailed view but are also typically larger and heavier than their roof prism counterparts. Roof prism binoculars are commonly available in a more compact and travel-friendly size, but often have a higher initial cost.

Secondly, every binocular is described using a set of numbers, for example 16X50. The first number refers to the magnification of the binoculars and the second number is related to the objective, or front, lens in millimetres. From this, we can gather that binoculars with a larger first number have higher magnification capabilities and are therefore the best binoculars for long distance viewing. A larger objective lens allows binoculars to let in more light, which is useful for viewing in low-light situations - these are the best binoculars for stargazing and similar purposes.

Which Pair of Binoculars is Right for Me?

Now that you have an idea of how binoculars work, it's time to put that knowledge to use and find the best binoculars for you.

Travel and Kid's Binoculars

If you're looking for the best binoculars for kids, we recommend compact binoculars such as those within the 8x20, 8x25, 10x20 or 10x25 range. These smaller models are easier for children to handle, and provide a clear view with minimal adjustments. Due to their portability and light weight, items in this range are often also the best binoculars for safari trips on which space efficiency is essential. For more on preparing for a safari, see our photographer's guide to planning the perfect African safari.

Explore our full range of compact kids' binoculars here.

Nature Viewing and Wildlife Binoculars

The best binoculars for birdwatching tend to fall in the 8x50 to 12x50 range. Moderate magnification capabilities in this range give you a steady, clear image, while large objective lenses maximise light and allow you to distinguish small details. These qualities make mid-range models the best binoculars for observing many types of wildlife, and not just birds. If you're planning to photograph the birds you spot, our bird photography gear and settings guide is a great companion read.

If your treks to the wilderness often take you to darkly-lit places or your subjects are fast-moving animals, you may want to consider a pair of image-stabilised binoculars.

Browse our wide range of wildlife binoculars here.

Marine and Hunting Binoculars

If you're wondering how to choose binoculars for hunting, just think of the skills required to be a successful hunter. You want to be able to see wildlife before it sees you, which will require more magnification - something with a minimum of 10x. You'll also want something that can withstand all weather conditions, such as a waterproof pair with non-slip rubber armoring. Similar considerations should guide your decision when purchasing the best marine binoculars, although in this case, the magnification will not have to be as long.

The best waterproof binoculars are sealed and nitrogen filled, allowing you to use them freely in inclement weather and near water sources without the fear of water or dust damage.

See our entire selection of waterproof binoculars here.

Astronomy Binoculars

The best binoculars for stargazing vary depending on what exactly you want to see in the sky. For a detailed breakdown of specs, features, and top picks, see our guide on how to choose the best binoculars for stargazing. Smaller objective lenses are not particularly helpful when looking at the night sky: A larger lens is necessary.

The best binoculars for astronomy have wide scoping views, strong magnification, and fast and easy focus, in addition to weather- and shock-resistance for stargazing in any conditions. If you're ready to take your night sky observations further, our beginner's guide to astrophotography covers everything from Milky Way shooting to capturing the Aurora Australis.

Check out our extensive range of specially-designed astronomy binoculars here.

Find Your Perfect Pair of Binoculars

Ready to explore the world in greater detail? Browse our complete range of binoculars online or visit your local Ted's Cameras store for expert advice on choosing the perfect binoculars for your needs.

Best Binoculars for Hunting in Australia (2026)

Hunting binoculars need to earn their place in the field. You need reliable low-light performance for those critical dusk and dawn windows, a rugged weatherproof build, and a profile that won't weigh down a long pack-in. Magnification in the 8x–10x range strikes the right balance between reach and image stability when glassing open terrain.

Here are three strong picks for Australian hunters in 2026, all available at Ted's Cameras:

• Nikon 10x42 Monarch M7 Waterproof Binoculars — Nikon's flagship Monarch series delivers exceptional low-light performance with ED glass that eliminates chromatic aberration across high-contrast bush edges. Fully waterproof and fog-proof with a rubber-armoured body built to handle rough Australian terrain.
• Nikon 10x42 Prostaff P7 Waterproof — A rugged, value-focused option with fully multi-coated lenses and a dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating for bright, clear images at dawn and dusk. Waterproof and nitrogen-purged for fog-free performance in variable conditions.
• Bushnell 10x42 Legend WP Binoculars — A proven field performer with ED Prime glass, fully multi-coated optics, and a waterproof, fog-proof build. The 10x42 configuration is the sweet spot for hunting — enough reach to glass open country while remaining stable handheld.

When hunting, also consider objective lens coatings (fully multi-coated is the minimum), twist-up eyecups for use with or without glasses, and a neutral finish that won't catch light or spook game.

Best Binoculars for Whale Watching

Australia's coastline offers world-class whale watching, from humpbacks along the east coast to southern rights in Victoria and WA. If you want to capture these moments on camera as well, our whale watching photography tips will help you make the most of the season. Marine environments demand binoculars that handle spray, salt air and rolling decks. Look for a wide field of view (at least 110m at 1000m), waterproof construction, and image stabilisation if budget allows — boat motion makes standard binoculars hard to hold steady.

An 8x42 configuration is the sweet spot for whale watching: enough magnification to pick up distant blows and breaches, without the narrow field of view that makes tracking fast-moving subjects frustrating. If you're scanning from a fixed clifftop vantage, 10x42 gives a useful reach advantage. For serious offshore use, consider Canon's image-stabilised binoculars, which dramatically reduce the fatigue of glassing on moving vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Binoculars in Australia

What are the best binoculars on the market in 2026?

The best binoculars depend entirely on use case and budget. For all-round performance, the Nikon Monarch M7 and Prostaff P7 series consistently top expert recommendations. For budget buyers, the Bushnell Legend WP range offers exceptional value without compromising on waterproofing or optical quality.

What magnification binoculars should I buy?

8x is the most versatile choice for most users — stable handheld, wide field of view, and bright in low light. 10x suits open-country hunting, sport, or astronomy. Avoid magnifications above 12x unless you plan to use a tripod.

Are expensive binoculars worth it in Australia?

Yes, if you'll use them regularly in demanding conditions. Premium optics deliver meaningfully better low-light transmission, edge sharpness, and build durability. Casual users will find mid-range options from Nikon or Bushnell perform well without the price premium.

What binoculars are best for Australian wildlife and birdwatching?

An 8x42 with ED or HD glass is the gold standard for birdwatching. Close focus distance matters too — aim for under 2 metres to observe small bush birds at close range. The Nikon Monarch M7 8x42 and Olympus 8x42 EXPS I are both highly regarded choices available at Ted's Cameras.