The Best Binoculars For Safari In The World

It is always interesting to go on a safari with specialized binoculars. Explore the best binoculars for safari now and not miss a thing on your trip.

Introduction of safari binoculars

safari binoculars

When going on a journey into the world of nature, whether you intend to hunt or just watching animals, suitable binoculars are always your best companion. However, what should we expect at the best binoculars for safari? Let me give you a list.

  • Brand

Of course, don’t forget to consider a reputable brand before you purchase anything. For instance, Nikon, Bushnell, Vortex, Vanguard are familiar names.

  • Cost

In my opinion, something around $250 is ideal for most of you here. However, if you are going expertise or have a big budget, feel free to enjoy the luxury.

  • Close focus

This is the shortest distance for you to focus on images. A lower number is better for observing smaller animals like insects.

  • Eye Relief

This is the optimal distance between the eyepiece lenses and your eyeballs. The wrong distance will reduce your vision. Depending on your eyesight, let’s pick the right eye relief. For example, glass wearers will need the minimum eye relief of 15mm.

  • Field of View

This factor decides how broad your view is at a specific distance, which is vital when you need to follow moving targets like tigers, birds, etc. 

For the largest view on your safari, the minimum field of view should be 330ft at 1000 yards, and the magnification should be less than 8x.

  • Objective lens

The bigger the aperture is, the more amount of light can pass via your lens. As a result, you can get more bright and clear images, which is especially vital in dark places. Thus, try to get fully multi-coated lenses.

  • Magnification 

The magnification multiples the size of the images you receive. For example, 8×42 binoculars magnify images 8 times compared to what you can see with naked eyes. 

As I said above, the maximum magnification should be 8x if you desire an optimal field of view.

  • Durability

Seek for rubberized or synthetic-housing armoring and Bak-4 prisms. They ensure extra durability of your binoculars.

  • Waterproof

When you go into the wild, rain and dust are your number one enemy. Therefore, waterproofing is a must-have feature.

  • Weight and Size

Ergonomic binoculars are essential to observe fast-moving animals.

  • Purpose

Normally, 8×42 binoculars are good for birdwatchers while 10×50 models are for spotting other animals or scan the horizon.

Now, you may know what you need. And I will give you some good patterns of safari binoculars at different price ranges for you to consult.

Best binoculars for safari – Tested and Reviewed

Best binoculars for safari under $300

1. Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism 8×42 Binocular

Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism 8x42 Binocular
Bushnell H2O Waterproof

Price: $106

Overall score: 83/90

FeatureScore
Clarity9
Brightness9
Ease of adjustment9
Construction quality9
Comfort9
Close focus range8
Field of view10
Brand and warranty10
Price10

Pros

  • Extra durability

The binoculars are 100% water-repellent and fog-free, have a non-slip rubber coating for grip and robust protection. Besides, the soft texture can absorb all kinds of shock.

  • Beautiful images

Equipped with multi-coated optics and high-quality BaK-4 prisms, the Bushnell binoculars produce brightness and HD clarity for images. No matter what the weather is like, you can always experience a full and vivid field of view.

  • Lifetime warranty

The reputable binoculars manufacturer Bushnell provides its customers with the best guarantee policy. You can always have your items repaired or replaced if the faults are of the manufacturer.

Cons

  • No accessories included

With paying a not really high price, you will need to purchase accessories such as carrying cases, lens protectors, a tripod, or straps individually.

  • Bulky

These binoculars are not too heavy or big to carry. Nonetheless, in comparison with other 8×42 binoculars in the same product line, it may be somewhat bulky, especially if you need to observe speedy animals like cheetahs.

Recommended cases

  • View natural scenes and animals relaxing
  • All light conditions (but not at night, of course)
  • You should have a carrying case, lens protector and straps
  • You do not have much to pay for binoculars

2. Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 8×42 Binocular (Black)

Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 8x42
Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 8×42

Price: $276

Overall score: 81/90

FeatureScore
Clarity10
Brightness10
Ease of adjustment9
Construction quality10
Comfort9
Close focus range7
Field of view10
Brand and warranty7
Price9

Pros

  • Excellent light transmission

Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses lead more light travel across the light spectrum so that you can have a more natural and bright view. Every image will look vivid in their true and rich colors.

  • Convenient use

The small size and lightweight together with the sleek design make it portable in any safari. The turn-and-slide eyecups let you customize the eye-relief for a full field of view, which is especially ideal for glass wearers.

  • Sturdy cover

The rubberized construction can stand any weather and environment. Moreover, it also offers a non-slip grip regardless of the humidity. But it is still okay even if users inadvertently drop their binoculars.

Cons

  • Poor chromatic aberration control

When you use these binoculars in the extreme light condition, there may be the appearance of colored halos in the lenses, which makes your eyes uncomfortable and dramatically reduces your vision.

  • Limited warranty

With this product, Nikon provides the guarantee to only a limited number of states. Also, in some areas, you can just have partial repair. This is really a remarkable disadvantage for customers.

Recommended cases

  • Normal and rather dark conditions but not too dark or bright one.
  • Watching animals in the jungle.
  • In a humid climate.
  • People who are in areas that Nikon provides the warranty.

Best binoculars for safari in the $300 – $750 range

3. Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars

Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars

Price: $489

Overall score: 83.5/90

FeatureScore
Clarity10
Brightness10
Ease of adjustment9
Construction quality10
Comfort9.5
Close focus range8.5
Field of view10
Brand and warranty8.5
Price8

Pros

  • Superior ergonomy yet durable

The item is lighter than most 8×42 binoculars. As a bonus, its rubber-armored frame has two perfect thumb indents for easy gripping.

  • Excellent resolution 

The highly-dense optical system provides outstanding sharpness and clarity. Also, the XR anti-reflective lens covers enhance the natural light and your field of view.

  • Optimal design

The lockable diopter fixes the focus level while the smooth focus wheel in the center gives you effective control. Additionally, the eye relief is also customizable. And wonderful construction prevents fogging, dust, water, or oil as well as any scratches permanently.

Cons

  • Rather expensive

Nearly $500 is not a small number, especially if you will not use the binoculars too often.

  • Bad close focus range

There has been an increase in the close focus range of this pattern. So it is harder for you to see nearby targets.

Recommended cases

  • All types of weather, terrains, and conditions.
  • You don’t need to watch targets at a short distance.
  • You frequently use binoculars for safari, hunting, etc.

4. Vanguard Endeavor ED II Binocular with Premium HOYA ED Glass

Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars

Price: $524

Overall score: 83/90

FeatureScore
Clarity9.5
Brightness9.5
Ease of adjustment9
Construction quality8
Comfort9
Close focus range10
Field of view10
Brand and warranty10
Price8

Pros

  • Premium lifetime warranty

Whenever your VANGUARD Endeavor ED II binoculars get cracked or even broken, you can have them repaired or replaced with $0 by the manufacturer. 

  • Lively and beautiful image

The high-quality extra-low dispersion (ED) glass almost removes the chromatic aberration hassles to deliver the color fidelity throughout the complete field of view. What’s more, the phase-corrected Bak4 prisms promote light reflection, true color apart from high contrast.

  • Compact and convenient design

The open-bridge shape is lighter yet more comfortable to hold and 3-stage twist-up eyecups are suitable for either people with or without glasses. 

Cons

  • Inflexible wheels

Not only the focus wheel but also the diopter wheel are extremely stiff, so you may struggle to adjust them.

  • Inferior quality in some parts

The eyecups and lens covers are somewhat flimsy and fragile.

Recommended cases

  • Suitable for outdoorsmen as well as nature enthusiasts.
  • Watching birds’ plumage or hunting wild animals.
  • Great for intense light conditions.

Best binoculars for safari in the $750 – $1500 range

5. Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars

Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars

Price: $1179

Overall score: 83.5/90

FeatureScore
Clarity10
Brightness10
Ease of adjustment9.5
Construction quality10
Comfort10
Close focus range9
Field of view9.5
Brand and warranty8.5
Price7

Pros

  • Eye-opening and razor-sharp images in any conditions

Thanks to hand-selected prisms and premium high-density glass, users can enjoy unparalleled resolution and stunning pictures.

  • Ergonomic design

The open-hinge magnesium chassis is robust yet light in addition to a comfortable grip.

  • Great durability

Equipped with waterproof, fog-proof and scratch-free armored coating, the binoculars are always in their good state.

Cons

  • Very pricey

If you are not a professional hunter of a frequent user, nearly $1200 may be too expensive.

  • The locking ring does not work well

It is rather difficult for you to adjust and lock the ring to fit your eyesight.

Recommended cases

  • Expertise hunters.
  • People who are using binoculars regularly.
  • Who with a big budget.
  • All kinds of conditions for safari.

Final Words

In the end, we have gone through the list of the best binoculars for safari and the noticeable points of these items. Depending on my guide and reviews, you can totally have your own choice. 

However, even if you need binoculars for different purposes in a safari, you may need to buy more than one product.

Comment below if you have any further questions. Thanks for reading!