The best beginner binoculars are cheap but also great for stargazing and nature observation.
This guide is for those just starting to explore the fantastic world of binocular observation. Whether it's stargazing or observing birds from a bird hide, we will walk you through each of the most critical aspects of this hobby, from magnification and clarity to weight and ease of use.
We've picked our favorite beginner binoculars, detailing what makes them good to help take some of the confusion away. Hopefully, we can make a daunting area seem a little less complicated and help you towards making an informed decision. We cover everything from budget-conscious models to the best image quality, to guide you into this exciting hobby.
For top-of-the-range models, check out our best binoculars guide. If you're looking for something a little more compact, our best compact binoculars guide may come in handy. Or, if you have a little one who you're keen to share this new hobby with, our best binoculars for kids guide has a host of suitable binoculars for children.
The optics in the Nikon P3 8x42 performed well in our review, especially considering their price point. They are a roof prism design, making them lightweight and slender, enabling them to be easily carried under a coat on the provided neck strap.
They have the lowest chromatic aberration of any similarly priced binocular we have tested, with just a little softness around the edge of the image and slight color fringing, with some high contrast views. This wasn't a problem at night, though.
There are some small concessions to be made though but these are small such as poorly fitting lens caps and a rather thin, uncomfortable neck strap. But the important area of image quality has been concentrated on here by Nikon.
We conducted a thorough evaluation of the 8x42 models and noticed that the construction and finish exhibit remarkable consistency across all four versions in the P3 series. Each model is equipped with a sophisticated multilayer coating that effectively minimizes lens flare and ghosting, enhancing image clarity and contrast. Furthermore, the prisms housed within the binoculars are treated with a high-quality silver alloy coating that significantly boosts light transmission and brightness. This meticulous attention to detail makes the P3 series particularly effective for low-light observation, providing users with vibrant and clear views in challenging lighting conditions like those found whilst stargazing.
The premium feel extends to the adjustable, twist-up eyecups that give a satisfying click as they're turned and have a generous maximum eye relief of 20.2mm, suitable for most people who wear glasses. We were impressed with the eyepieces as they felt reminiscent of the much more expensive Nikon Monarch HG binoculars.
There are benefits to the premium design here for beginners. The waterproof ability of the P3 makes it tough enough to withstand unfamiliar hands accidentally dropping it in streams or just the general extra level of abuse that beginners subject their equipment to.
