11 most powerful binoculars

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

For astronomical observations or hunting, powerful binoculars are required. Thanks to the strong magnification, the owner will be able to clearly see objects located at a great distance. However, with an increase in the multiplicity, the price of the device increases, and also such negative aspects as jitter and picture deterioration appear. Therefore, you should find a middle ground between the multiplicity of the optical device and the picture quality. The recommendations of our experts will help you choose powerful binoculars with good technical parameters and an adequate price.

Selection recommendations

1. Increase. One of the most important characteristics of binoculars is the magnification factor. It shows how much larger an object looks in binoculars than in normal observation. The multiplicity of the device is traditionally indicated in the marking (first number), which is applied to the case. For example, the designation 25×70 indicates that the magnification factor of the device is 25 times. According to this parameter, binoculars are divided into 3 groups, optical products with a magnification of 10 times or more are considered powerful models.
2. Zoom (zoom). In some devices, the magnification factor can be adjusted, this option is called zoom. It allows you to expand your viewing capabilities at high magnification. Binoculars with variable magnification will be the optimal solution if you need to observe at different distances. But a more complex design negatively affects the reliability of the device.
3. Objective diameter. The aperture ratio of the optical device depends on the size of the objective lens. This parameter is also indicated in the marking (second number). So, in the designation 25×70, the lens diameter is 70 mm. The larger the lens size, the brighter the picture will be even in low light. However, with an increase in the lens diameter, the overall dimensions and weight of the product increase, as well as its price.
4. Housing. For the manufacture of binoculars, manufacturers most often use plastic or metal. Plastic is lightweight, it is used on budget models. The metal housing provides maximum protection for expensive optics. For ease of use, it is covered with a layer of rubber.
5. Moisture protection. To prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the case, all connections are made sealed. Such binoculars can be used in any weather, they are not afraid of rain or temperature changes. In some models, the interior is filled with an inert gas (nitrogen).
6. Installation. Since powerful binoculars have high magnification and considerable weight, a tripod is a necessary accessory for a clear picture. Few manufacturers complete their products with a stand. But it is more important that there is an adapter in the case that allows the device to be mounted on a tripod.

We have selected 11 of the most powerful binoculars for review. All of them are sold in the Russian retail network. When allocating seats, the editorial board of the journal relied on the opinion of the expert community and reviews of domestic users.

Rating of the most powerful binoculars

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the most powerful binoculars	1	Celestron SkyMaster 18-40×80	RUB 15,990
	2	BRESSER Spezial Zoomar 12-36×70 1663670	19 395 RUB
	3	Veber PSU 25×100 WP	RUB 18,295
	4	Celestron SkyMaster 25×100	RUB 34 800
	5	BRESSER Spezial Astro 20×80	RUB 18 166
	6	LEVENHUK Bruno PLUS 20×80	RUB 15,990
	7	Celestron SkyMaster 25×70	RUB 8,729
	8	Zeiss Victory RF 10×56 T	RUB 196,990
	9	Nikon Monarch 5 20×56	RUB 56 843
	10	Nikon Aculon T11 8-24×25	RUB 10,865
	11	Olympus 10-30×25 Zoom PC I	RUB 7,990

Celestron SkyMaster 18-40×80

Rating: 4.9

Celestron SkyMaster 18-40×80 binoculars have the highest magnification (40x). The optical device is addressed to hunters, naturalists and novice astronomers. The experts appreciated the good aperture (80 mm), all-weather performance, and ease of use. The magnification can be changed quite simply, there is an adjustment lever near the left eyepiece. Comfort during observation is provided by a rubberized body and retractable rubber eyecups. Powerful binoculars weigh quite a lot (3.4 kg), so the manufacturer has equipped its product with a tripod mount. The model wins our review.

Domestic users liked the binoculars for the wide field of view, high magnification, and ease of use. Of the minuses, an unpleasant smell of plastic is mentioned.

Advantages

• large increase;
• affordable price;
• moisture-proof design;
• comfort at work.

disadvantages

• unpleasant smell of plastic.

BRESSER Spezial Zoomar 12-36×70 1663670

Rating: 4.8

The powerful German BRESSER Spezial Zoomar 12-36×70 binoculars have 36x magnification. Thanks to the special adapter included in the kit, the device can be easily mounted on a tripod. Despite its low weight (1.49 kg), a support is indispensable at maximum magnification. The optics are made of high quality BAK-4 glass with multilayer coating. The manufacturer has reliably protected its product from moisture and dust. Experts recommend the model for people with vision problems, since the binoculars have the possibility of diopter adjustment. The device is inferior to the leader of the review in cost, lens diameter (70 mm) and equipment.

Russian consumers are satisfied with the quality of workmanship, low weight, versatility. On the downside, they include a plastic zoom lever.

Advantages

• German quality;
• ease;
• large increase;
• moisture protection.

disadvantages

• plastic zoom lever.

Veber PSU 25×100 WP

Rating: 4.7

It is convenient to carry out stationary observations with the Veber BP 25×100 WP astronomical binoculars. The device is made in a waterproof case, which allows it to be installed outdoors in any weather. Optical elements are made of high quality BAK-4 glass. The experts noted the multi-layer coating and high light transmission of the optics. The manufacturer has provided for separate adjustment of the eyepieces, which is typical for professional models. There is a universal mount for mounting on a tripod. The maximum magnification is 25x. The device takes an honorable third place in the review.

Users like the excellent image, aperture ratio, high-quality optics. They consider the main disadvantage to be a large weight (3.9 kg).

Advantages

• great image;
• waterproofness;
• separate adjustment of eyepieces;
• universal mount.

disadvantages

• great weight.

Celestron SkyMaster 25×100

Rating: 4.6

Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 binoculars have a large aperture (100 mm). Thanks to high-quality optics made of VAK-4 glass with multilayer coating, the manufacturer managed to achieve a high-quality image. Experts recommend the model for astronomical observations and wildlife studies. It has a maximum magnification of 25x and has a carrying case for safe carrying. The device has a large weight (3.968 kg), so the manufacturer equipped its product with an adapter for attaching to a tripod. Binoculars are convenient for people who wear glasses, due to the large eye relief, observation is comfortable without additional optics.

The device stops one step away from the prize podium, the high price and heavy weight did not allow it to rise higher.

Advantages

• large aperture;
• high-quality optics;
• comfort at work;
• 5-year warranty.

disadvantages

• high price;
• great weight.

BRESSER Spezial Astro 20×80

Rating: 4.5

The BRESSER Spezial Astro 20×80 binoculars stand out from the competition with a rich set. The manufacturer supplies a tripod with a removable head, a case for binoculars and a tripod, a neck strap, protective covers for lenses and eyepieces, napkins, paper and a soft brush. The experts liked the combination of 20x magnification and 80mm aperture. The weight of the model is 2.1 kg. The asset should include excellent balance, high-quality assembly and a waterproof case.

Russian consumers speak flatteringly about the rich configuration, affordable price, versatility of use. The users did not like the rubber eyecups, in order to comfortably observe what is happening, they have to roll up.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• excellent balancing;
• rich equipment;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• high eyecups.

LEVENHUK Bruno PLUS 20×80

Rating: 4.4

The powerful LEVENHUK Bruno PLUS 20×80 astronomical binoculars are a serious competitor for entry-level telescopes. It can be used to study both planets and meteor showers. The manufacturer used a classic optical design based on Porro prisms. They are complemented by glass lenses made of VAK-4 with multilayer coating. The result is a clear picture even at maximum magnification (20x). The aluminum case has a waterproof design, which allows using the device in any weather. A standard diameter connector is provided for mounting the binoculars on a tripod.

The binoculars managed to take a place in the TOP-6 of our review due to the 80-mm aperture and nitrogen filling of the case. But there are no reviews from the owners of the device yet.

Advantages

• sealed housing;
• high-quality optics;
• tripod adapter;
• large aperture.

disadvantages

• heavy weight (2.6 kg);
• no real reviews.

Celestron SkyMaster 25×70

Rating: 4.3

Celestron SkyMaster 25×70 binoculars will provide a good picture in any weather at any visibility. The manufacturer made the case in a waterproof design, the rubberized insert prevents the device from slipping out of the hands. The model is intended for astronomical and ground observations, the magnification factor reaches 25 times. Volumetric realistic image is provided by Porro prism and VAK-4 lenses. Despite the low weight (1.474 kg), using binoculars without a tripod is inconvenient, so a special adapter is included in the kit.

Domestic users praise the model for its excellent optics, good alignment, rubberized body. Among the shortcomings, there is a tight central adjustment, limited extension of the eyepieces.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• high-quality optics;
• rubberized body;
• good alignment.

disadvantages

• tight central adjustment;
• eyepieces do not open too wide.

Zeiss Victory RF 10×56 T

Rating: 4.2

Experts consider the Zeiss Victory RF 10×56 T binoculars a professional device. The model is equipped with a built-in laser rangefinder, high-quality optics, and a ballistic calculator. The product is a dream of hunters, distance measurements are carried out quickly and accurately (in two clicks). The asset should include a sealed case with a rubberized coating. The working temperature range is -10 … + 50 ° C. The low position of the binoculars is explained by the astronomical price and low magnification (10 times).

Few Russian hunters can afford to buy this sophisticated device. In addition to the rich equipment, praise deserves a small weight (1.15 kg), a high-quality case and a neoprene shoulder strap.

Advantages

• high quality optics;
• laser rangefinder;
• ballistic calculator;
• rubberized body.

disadvantages

• astronomical price;
• slight increase.

Nikon Monarch 5 20×56

Rating: 4.1

In the most difficult weather conditions the Nikon Monarch 5 20×56 binoculars give a good picture. The experts highly appreciated the new generation of environmentally friendly glass. To ensure excellent resolution, phase correction coating is applied to the optical elements. The rubberized plastic case helps to securely hold the device in your hands. The interior is filled with nitrogen, so the lenses do not sweat during sudden temperature changes. The asset of the model should include a 20x magnification, low weight (1.235 kg) and a wide angular field of view (59.9 degrees).

In thematic forums, the owners praise the binoculars for good magnification and decent equipment. The users did not like the high price, the inability to use the product without a tripod.

Advantages

• environmentally friendly glass;
• rubberized body;
• moisture resistance;
• good magnification.

disadvantages

• high price;
• it is impossible to work without a tripod.

Nikon Aculon T11 8-24×25

Rating: 4.0

In terms of a number of parameters, the Nikon Aculon T11 8-24×25 binoculars look more modest than their brother. But on the other hand, the cost of the product is also affordable. The experts liked such qualities of the device as compactness, lightness (0.35 kg), decent magnification (24x), large zoom. The manufacturer is confident in the quality of his product, which is confirmed by a 10-year warranty. Comes with a handy case. The high-quality optics are commendable with Porro prism and multi-coated lenses. The low place in the review is due to the lack of moisture protection and rubber coating of the case.

Users have a few comments. They are unhappy with the glitches in the zoom mechanism that occur in the early days of operation. The picture darkens after 8x magnification.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• good magnification;
• 10-year warranty;
• compactness and lightness.

disadvantages

• the image darkens;
• there is no moisture protection.

Olympus 10-30×25 Zoom PC I

Rating: 4.0

Olympus 10-30×25 Zoom PC I binoculars round off the list of powerful optical instruments. The experts included it in our review for a 30-fold increase, affordable price, compactness and lightness (0.315 kg). The manufacturer has set an excellent zoom, there is no jitter when changing the magnification. The asset should include ease of use, Porro prism, multi-layer lens coating, UV protection, adjustable eyepieces. However, after a 10x magnification, the picture quality deteriorates, and after reaching the 25x mark, the image begins to darken.

Domestic users praise the compactness and lightness, affordable price and ease of use. On the downside, they include a small field of view and a deterioration in image quality after 10x magnification.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• lightness and compactness;
• large increase;
• ease of use.

disadvantages

• grainy image;
• the picture darkens.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.