Top Tactical Binoculars Reviewed & Buying Guide
In case you lack the time to read all our tactical binoculars reviews, yet you are still determined to purchase the best tactical binoculars available on the market, the following paragraph will help you get the model you need. According to our research, the product that meets the requirements of quality and reliability is the Steiner Military/Marine. The unit features military-grade optics that are available to civilians, and it features a magnification power of 8x and a 362-feet-wide field of view. The specialized Sports-Autofocus system makes it very easy to operate the device with the use of a single hand. As a plus, the construction is very lightweight but sturdy enough to handle up to 11 Gs of impact. If our first choice is not available for sale, the Steiner Tactical is another pair of binoculars which boasts impressive features and performance.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
By using military grade optics, this unit manages to offer sharp images in an easy-to-handle design. The auto-adjust and focus system makes it possible for users to operate the unit with the use of a single hand. The body of the unit is very lightweight, yet capable of withstanding impacts.
The construction of the unit was unsatisfactory for some of the customers. It suffers from internal reflections which can ruin the quality of the picture, especially in low light conditions.
The Steiner Military/Marine is a great instrument if you’re looking to purchase a compact device that can provide you with great views and that is extremely durable.
2nd Best
The roof prism design of this model makes it extremely lightweight and compact so that you can easily pack, carry, hold, and use it. The high definition optics are coated to provide the highest light transmission, contrast, and sharp edge-to-edge views, even in low light. The body is ergonomic which ensures absolute comfort.
While reading the reviews left by buyers, we were pleasantly surprised to see that most of the feedback was positive, with only the high price being the major point of complaint.
The Steiner Tactical has gained a reputation for performance and reliability, something that can be seen clearly from its overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Also To Consider
This model is clearly intended to be used in the field when you go hunting or hiking. Because of the nitrogen purged construction, these binoculars are completely waterproof and fog proof, two major traits they are famous for.
Be aware that the lenses on these binoculars are only multicoated and not fully multi coated or phase coated. Therefore, there is an important difference in image quality compared to others.
Designed to be used in extreme weather, these waterproof binoculars come equipped with sturdy construction and excellent picture quality that will satisfy the most pretentious users.
In order to find good tactical binoculars, proper research is a must as that is the only way for you to get a better understanding of which products are worth your money and time. With that said, we do understand that time is a problem for most people and in-depth research is not always achievable.
To simplify the purchasing process, we have compiled a short list which contains the key factors and features one should consider when looking to purchase quality tactical binoculars.
Size matters
Tactical binoculars vary widely in both size and shape anywhere from compact and collapsible binoculars that are easy to fit in your pocket, to full-size options that need to be carried with the help of a tactical binocular case, a quality bino harness, or neck strap. Knowing how you’re going to use your purchase will make it easier for you to decide which size to choose.
Compact options are easy to put away and store in your pocket, and you won’t be weighed down when you’re on the move. The downside is that they’ll generally gather and transmit less light, but that may not be as big of a problem if your primary focus is to get a unit that will not interfere with your ability to move freely.
As far as tactical binoculars go, mid- and full-size binos are the most sought-after models since they are incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any outdoor and indoor activity, from hunting and birding to spectating and stargazing.
Magnification
When it comes to magnification, size is not always everything, and the most popular tactical binoculars are those with lower magnifications such as 8x and 10x. The reason they are so popular has to do with the wider fields of view that they boast, which allow users to see more of the environment without having to realign the device regularly.
Similarly, if you’re looking to get a versatile purchase, a wide field of view is an essential feature for many outdoor activities such as sports or hunting, where you need to follow the fast-moving action. Thus, it is essential to think about how much of the frame you want to see at a time.
A higher magnification (higher than 10x) gives you more detail, but binoculars with a higher power are also much more difficult to keep steady. If magnification matters to you, you might want to get a binocular tripod adapter or look for models that are already tripod adaptable.
Durability
When purchasing tactical binoculars, the quality of the construction is essential because a defective product won’t be able to handle intense usage. Waterproofing is a must-have feature nowadays, especially since you would be hard-pressed to find models that don’t already come with it.
Waterproof models are designed to resist humidity and repeated changes in temperature, features that make it impossible for condensation to damage the internal components of the instrument. Most waterproof models are also fog proof, which prevents the lens from fogging, especially during the morning.
There are also quite a few of models which are built to be impact-resistant and finding them won’t be hard since manufacturers typically advertise features like this one quite heavily. While such models can usually be more expensive, if you know that you’ll use the binoculars heavily, investing in one of these might save you a lot of frustration down the line.
5 Best Tactical Binoculars (Reviews) in 2024
Whether you’re looking for premium or cheap tactical binoculars, we have showcased some of the most popular options currently available on the market for you to choose from below. The options were carefully selected by taking into account consumer reports, surveys, as well as the features and reliability of each of the products.
Contents
1. Steiner Model Military-Marine 8×30 Binoculars
The Military/Marine model comes with a magnification of 8x and a wide field of view of 263 feet at 1000 yards, allowing you to get a better view of the surrounding area even when viewing it at full magnification.
The Sports-Auto-Focus feature will keep everything in focus for effortless one-handed operation and easy low-light viewing.
The unit features Steiner’s advanced lens coating which helps enhance light so that your eyes can perceive brighter details and more contrast, especially when used in low-light conditions.
The Porro prism design has no moving parts which helps the instrument provide increased optical clarity and extreme durability.
Another great feature offered by this instrument is its outstanding durability, which was praised by most owners.
The product features a Makrolon housing and a light and durable polycarbonate chassis that can handle up to 11 Gs of impact. Together with your purchase, you’ll also get a bino case, neck strap, lens protection cap, and objective lens covers.
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2. Steiner Tactical 10×28 Binoculars
The roof prism design allows the Steiner Tactical to be extremely lightweight, streamlined, easy to pack, hold, carry, and use.
This feature makes the unit a perfect choice for customers who are looking for small binoculars that are capable of handling heavy tactical use.
The premium lenses and the BaK-4 prisms are built in-house, and they feature the renowned Steiner quality and craftsmanship. All the air-to-glass surfaces are multi-coated with proprietary coatings for increased clarity and brightness.
Thus, despite the shorter objective lens diameter of just 28mm, the instrument can still fare well in low-light conditions.
The central focusing wheel allows for a very fast close focus with minimal rotation required for quick, absolute sharpness.
The binoculars also feature an ergonomic design which makes the unit rest comfortably in the palm. For a good grip and intuitive use, the rubberized housing boasts hand-friendly ridges, pads, and curves.
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3. Bushnell H2O Waterproof Binocular
Bushnell is well known for the quality of the binoculars it provides to users, and this model is no exception to the rule. As its suggestive name indicates, this unit is designed to withstand humidity and rain, and it performs beautifully even when you are using it in extreme weather.
You can rest assured that this model is made from durable materials and has been tested in real field conditions before being launched on the market. With a field of view of 305 feet at 1,000 yards, it offers pretty good performance, and you will be pleased with it.
The image quality is assured by Bak 4 prisms and multi coated lenses, so you will notice that there is pretty good light transmission available. Besides being waterproof and fog proof, it is also resistant to falls. The body is covered and protected by rubber armor, while its texture ensures that the binoculars won’t slip from your hands, even when wet.
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4. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
The 10x magnification present on these binoculars is superior and comes at a reasonable price, especially seeing that most models that cater to hikers and hunters have lower magnification power. It is interesting to see a pair of binoculars so compact offer so much in terms of power and features.
First of all, the 28mm lenses are fully multicoated, so you can expect superior light transmission, something that will help you when you are out, hunting at dawn or dust. Even more, the Arbortech coating applied to the lenses makes sure that they remain free from scratches and debris.
It is essential to mention that this model comes with adjustable eyecups that can be customized so that even people with glasses can use it comfortably. There is a center focus wheel that you can use to adjust the focus with ease. Waterproof and fog proof, it is your trustworthy ally in the field.
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5. Bushnell Poweview All Purpose Binocular 132050
In spite of it being one of the most affordable options on our list, the PowerView also manages to be one of the most impressive, thanks to the 20x magnification which should guarantee that you will get a perfect view of distant objects.
Apart from tactical purposes, this versatile choice can also be used as a quality pair of astronomy binoculars, but also for hunting and wildlife viewing.
The standard-size Porro prisms feature the patented one-touch Insta-Focus knob for fast and easy focus on high-moving targets.
The multi-coated optics will guarantee superior brightness and light transmission, helped by the 50mm objective lens diameter. Due to the high 20x magnification, the field of view is of just 170 feet at 1,000 yards.
Our review wouldn’t be over without taking a moment to talk about the construction of this unit.
The non-slip rubber armor will provide a secure grip and can absorb small shocks if dropped. The fold-down eyecups allow for easy transportation and storage.
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Steiner 10×42 mm Police Binoculars
The Steiner Police comes with a 10x magnification power and an objective lens diameter of 42mm.
These specifications make the unit ideal for patrol duty, surveillance missions, and tactical operations that require fast capture, sharp detail, and clear images.
The option comes with proprietary fully multi-coated optics to maximize light transmission.
The increased light transmission allows the unit to handle low-light conditions such as during dawn and dusk with minimal loss of detail and brightness.
Thanks to the smart design and the use of lightweight materials, the instrument manages to remain very compact, and you should have no problem fitting it in a larger pocket.
Because durability is important, the unit is water-resistant, meaning that it can handle sudden changes in temperature and humid weather conditions.
The rubber armored housing provides sufficient grip and protection against impacts. As is expected with units that boast such a high magnification power, this unit features a field of view of 328 feet at 1,000 yards.
Vortex Optics V105RT-HD Vortex Viper HD 10×50 Tactical Binocular
The V105RT-HD model is a true premium alternative designed for users who don’t mind spending more for increased performance and additional features.
The HD extra-low dispersion glass can deliver impressive color fidelity and resolution, resulting in images that are truly High Definition and in which details are never lost.
The unit also comes with proprietary coatings to increase the light transmission together with anti-reflective coatings on all the air-to-glass surfaces.
Thus, you will be able to enjoy enhanced performance in low-light conditions, especially when combined with the impressive lens diameter of 50mm.
Apart from the high-quality optics, the unit also comes with a few convenient features such as the adjustable eyecups that fold up and down for comfortable viewing with or without glasses.
Similarly, the diopter located on the right eyepiece can be adjusted for differences in a user’s eyes, while the center knob adjusts the focus on both barrels at the same time.
