Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Pocket Binoculars

Who makes a good pocket sized binocular that wont break the bank ?

We have the Zeiss Terra TL Pocket 10x25 on sale, reduced from $399.99 to only $199.99.
Compact, light and robust: the fiberglass-reinforced waterproof housing of ZEISS TL binoculars makes them extremely light, very robust and suitable for use in all weathers.
Fast and convenient focusing: the grip-optimized focusing wheel makes focusing particularly fast and easy.
Discover the world of nature up-close: ZEISS TL binoculars show you the glories of nature in every detail, no matter how close or far away.
Modern and ergonomic design: the innovative folding design makes the binoculars so compact that they fit comfortably into any pocket. Wherever the spirit of adventure takes you - your ZEISS TL is ready to go.
Set content: ZEISS TL 10 × 25, ZEISS TL carrying strap, ZEISS TL pouch, ZEISS microfiber cloth.
Extremely compact
Foldable, easy to transport
Functional handling
Smooth, exact focusing
100% waterproof
T* multi-layer coating
For reduction of reflections, maximum contrast and high light transmission
Extra-low dispersion glass
For fine detail resolution and a bright viewing image
Impressive images
Field of view 291 ft/1,000 yds
10x magnification (10x25)

For me 10X yields disappointing viewing in a 20 or 25mm objective. I'd always rather have 8X20 or 25.

Gotta agree with Brad on this - but it is a heck of a deal Doug.

Leemar28 -there are banks and there are BANKS. This forum brings out wallets of all sizes like no other discussion table.

Leupold makes an 8x25 Rogue you can get for about $75 and reviews heap praises on it. For about the same there is a very compact Nikon Trailblazer 8x25.

For around $125 a Celestron DX might be a candidate.

IF able to spring maybe $225 Maven makes a 7x28 - which after comparing all would have me saving a bit to afford.

If your bank is bigger still- please let us know. Plenty here willing to help you spend your $$$

I wear glasses and finding affordable binoculars with long eye relief is kind of tough but I’ve been happy with Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28 binoculars. With 18mm of eye relief I can use them without having to remove my glasses and the image is clear and bright.
You can find them for around $160.

With the 10x pockets, you will need to get really good with hand eye coordination. And worse I’m sure if you wear eye glasses. When I went birding I carried my 8x32’s to help find stuff and the tiny tens for a closer look.

A x20 or x25 objective is for the birds, figuratively, not literally.

Find a Leica 8x20 to look through before you buy anything else. Not cheap but you will not be looking to replace them in a few weeks.

I certainly appreciate all the tips and advice.
I'm not going to spend $ on Chinese or low quality glass.
Had a pair of little Leupold and gave them to a kid.
Sure won't rule out 2nd hand.

Leica 8x20's are without peeer. Hint.

It's the one thing they do right. Hint.

Just sayin'..............

I’ll agree with those that said 10X is not as good as 8X in pocket glass. Hard to hold in my opinion.

I have Swarovski 8x25mm and they perform almost like midsized binoculars. I also have Leica HD 8x32mm, as a reference of performance. I use the 8x25mm more often, and never feel I am lacking. Wooded, close views around here.

I read the Zeiss Terra made in Japan, is pretty close in performance to the 8x25 Swarovski. So for a limited budget, i would be considering the Zeiss in 8X.

Bought my first pair of B&L Custom Compacts 7x26 in 1976. They quit making them quite a while ago, and nobody can fix them, so I prowl e-bay for ones with clear glass and in good shape. Bought up about 6 pair over a two year period for an average price of about $70. Ive had a couple that didnt work when I got them, but I just ate the cost instead of bitching to the seller. To my eyes, they are better than any of the current pocket binocs made, and most of the medium sized ones too. If you can find a good pair, I recommend trying them.

I keep a set of 8x20 Leicas in the sunglass holder in my pickup. I can even use them w/my glasses on.

Kowa genesis 8x22, if they are as good as the 44mm, they'd be nice

Not trying to derail but has anyone used these?

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...0139-254e-00163e90e196?variation=3036491

Well, first off I think one needs to define "won't break the bank". What's your upper price limit?

However, I'll offer up this comment. Maven Optics out of Lander, WY is a company uses the direct to consumer model like TRACT does. Maven has two levels of quality - their best ones are made in Japan (I've been told by Light Optical Works) and assembled/tested in San Diego by Maven staff.

My wife was looking for a better compact birding binocular last year and when Maven had their Xmas sale in Dec, she got demo units of their compact B.3 6x30mm and B.7 8x25mm models. We test drove their demos for a week or so, including comparison tests using the 1951 USAF resolving power test target, and returned them for full credit once she had made her choice. Then she bought a NIB Maven B3 6x30mm, and has been very happy with it since.

I feel that the view through those 6x30mm B.3 binos is outstanding, but the I just don't like using mini-binoculars due to their tiny feel and light weight. I much prefer a full-sized porro prism glass and will stick with my Nikon 10x42mm Superior E bino. However, Maven has other models that got great reviews in recent Outdoor Life Binocular reviews; see The Best Compact Binoculars of 2024, Tested and Reviewed and The Best Binoculars for Bird Watching of 2024, Tested and Reviewed.

I really like my Kowa BD 25's (8 power). -Al

I have a Maven C2 and would recommend it. It is very pocketable, has ED glass and price is affordable.

Met a guy in Wyoming several years ago that hunted mountain lion, deer and elk. He had a pair of Leica 8x25 or 10x25's, and said once he started using them, he had no need of anything else.