Best Binoculars for Kids: For Every Budget and Age

 

If you plan to buy a good pair of binoculars for your child I would say it’s a great idea. I know it firsthand. I have to boys at home.

In our modern age most children spend their time in front of pc or game console or tablet like iPad.

We need to encourage them to get physically active, spend time in nature and to minimize the harm that comes from electronic world.

We can’t get rid of it completely but we can reduce the impact of it.

I personally love binoculars and have different optical instruments at home. My children love them too. We like observing nature, the Moon, birds and many other things.

It’s really very interesting. In a modern age it’s not easy to find an occupation that would be attracting both for you and your children.

Binoculars is one of this as well as microscopes or telescopes.

Binoculars is one of the best gifts you can give to your kids. It will allow them to go to nature, explore and discover the world.

Even if they stay at home they still can observe objects from their home.

That’s why in order to help your kids enjoy from it you need to choose the right pair of binoculars for them to maximize the positive experience.

 

 

How to Choose Binoculars for Kids

Choosing binoculars for kids though may seem an easy task but in fact for many of us becomes a difficult task.

Because selection of binoculars available on the market is really huge. Some people are afraid of buying binoculars because of the harm it can cause to their kids’ eyesight.

In reality there is no any harm for your eyesight if you choose the right binoculars.

If you buy binoculars from a well-known optical company like Bushnell, Celestron, Bresser or any other that has years of experience in manufacturing quality optics you can be free from any fears in terms of harm of optics to your kids’ eyes.

If you buy from unknown Chinese manufacturer there is no guarantee whatsoever. I wouldn’t buy such an optical device and don’t recommend it.

Also, if you buy a standard pair of binoculars it will be probably an expensive buy, something around $100 or even $200.

Such binoculars are bulky and may not fit well your kids eyes distance.

Plus it Amy not be the best decision to give kids such an expensive pair of binoculars because they can break it.

 

 

Brand Binoculars

In that case it would be better to buy binoculars designed specifically for kids that are not so expensive.

Such binoculars have a decent magnification power and decent image quality in terms of optics. That would be an ideal choice for children under 8.

For children over 8 you can buy standard binoculars from brands like Bushnell, Celestron, Bresser, Carson, Leupold, Vortex or Nikon.

Binoculars form these brands are high quality and reliable.

 

 

Compact Binoculars

If you decide to buy a standard pair of binoculars I would recommend to buy the most compact device so your kids can fully enjoy it.

Compact binoculars are easy to use for kids eyes and such binoculars are lightweight.

Compact binoculars have objective size 20mm, 21mm, 22mm or 25mm which is an ideal size and weight for children.

Make sure you choose binoculars from well known brands so your kids can get an optical device of high quality.

Good binoculars are lightweight, produce crystal clear, bright image and areas to use.

Low quality optical instruments can break from a simple drop, produce dark image and cause eye fatigue very quickly after 5, 10 minutes of usage.

 

 

Magnification Power

When you choose binoculars for your kids magnification power is the first important aspect you need to take into account.

If kid’s age is under 8, binoculars with magnification 4x or 6x is an ideal choice. For kids over 8 years old magnification 8x is the best choice.

Especially, if you buy binoculars for kids under 8 you better to choose binoculars with magnification power 4x because such binoculars don’t need adjustment when looking through it.

You don’t need to adjust the focus mechanism or diopter. Such binoculars are very easy to use for kids.

 

 

Fit for your kids eyes

Not all binoculars may fit your kids eyes well. Standard binoculars fit well adults or children after 12.

For children it’s better to buy binoculars designed specifically for kids or standard compact binoculars with objective size up to 25mm.

Because in standard binoculars kids’ eyes may not be a perfect fit for the distance between binoculars barrels. It’s called Interpupillary Distance (IPD) in the field of optics.

 

 

 

Durability

If you buy binoculars for your kids you probably need a shockproof binocular that will not break in case of accident drop.

Brand binoculars are very often shockproof. If you choose a non brand binoculars make sure to choose the one that is shockproof.

 

 

Don’t Buy Cheap Binoculars

Cheap binoculars are rather toys than binoculars. In fact, they don’t even have magnification power. It’s just plastic glasses in a plastic body with zero optical effect.

Your kids will throw it away after 2,3 times of usage. It’s wasted money. Normal magnification power interesting for adults or kids start from 4x.

Anything less than that is not usable in terms of quality optical instrument.

 

 

Don’t Buy High Power Binoculars for Kids

I don’t recommend to buy high power binoculars for your kids for a number of reasons.

First of all, high power binoculars that have magnification power 12x and above have objective size 50mm at least.

Such binoculars are bulky and will cause shaky image when looking through them. Such binoculars must be used with tripod only. Your kids will not like such binoculars.

Secondly, kids don’t need high power binoculars. Any binoculars with magnification from 4x and up to 10x will satisfy all their needs, even for astronomy purposes.

 

 

Field of View

The best choice for 5-11 years old kids would be binoculars with magnification power from 4x and up to 8x.

Because such binoculars have a wide field of view which delivers a great experience especially to kids.

Such binoculars have field of view between 14 degrees and up to 7.5 degrees which is considerably wider than in binoculars with magnification power 10x and above.

 

 

 

Age Restriction and Kids

Some people want to know if there is any age restriction when buying binoculars. Yes, if your kid’s age is under 3 you better avoid buying binoculars for them.

I think it does make sense to buy binoculars only if your kid’s age is at least 5.

 

 

Eye Relief and Kids

Some people are asking if they need to buy specific binocular for their children if they wear glasses.

Normally, binoculars have central focus mechanism and diopter that allows to adjust the vision. In fact, most of the time you don’t need glasses.

The binoculars will correct the vision for you. But if your kids have astigmatism then you need to choose binoculars with eye relief at least 17mm.

In that case you can choose any compact binoculars below.

 

 

Binoculars according to Kids Age:

• Kids 5-8 years – Binoculars magnification power 4x,6x
• Kids 8-11 years – Binoculars magnification power 7x,8x
• Kids 12-18 years – Binoculars magnification power 10x,12x

 

 

 Binoculars for Kids (Age 5-8) Prices $36-$44

 

 

     OutNowTech Compact Waterproof Binoculars for Kids 10×25

• Magnification power 10x
• BAK-4 prism
• Field of view: 5.7°
• Rugged construction
• Waterproof
• Customer satisfaction 65%
• Weight: 340g
• Price: $44

 

This binocular is good for outdoor or any other observations, nature, bird watching, traveling. It’s very lightweight and compact.

BAK-4 prism ensures good image quality in any conditions. The most beneficial feature is the binoculars being waterproof.

Your kids can play with it without any fear to drop the device into a water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Binoculars for Kids 8×21 Living Squad

• Magnification power 8x
• BAK-4 prism
• Field of view: 7°
• Shock-proof rubber coating
• Lens coating – Fully coated
• Customer satisfaction 92%
• Weight: 212g
• Price: $25

 

The binocular is a perfect fit for kids to be used almost everywhere, like nature watching, traveling, bird or animal watching.

It’s shockproof which means your kids can play with it without any fear to break it. But it’s not waterproof. You need to be careful when using it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Bresser ExploreOne 6×21 Binoculars

• Magnification power 6x
• BK-7 prism
• Rubber Armored Body
• Folding Rubber Eyecups
• Lens coating – Fully coated
• Customer satisfaction 80%
• Weight: 181g
• Price: $16

 

Bresser binocular is good for children under 8 years old. The binoculars has everything required for children.

It has rubber armored body to protect from damages in the hands of children. It’s very lightweight and designed specifically to be used for various outdoor activities.

The prism quality BK-7 is not the best type of optics but more than enough for kids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Kidwinz Shock-Proof High Resolution 8×21 Binoculars For Kids

• Magnification power 8x
• BAK-4 prism
• Field of view: 7°
• Rubber Armored Body
• Shock-Proof
• Folding Rubber Eyecups
• Lens coating – Fully coated
• Customer satisfaction 94%
• Highest Levels of Safety
• Weight: 294g
• Price: $24

 

Kidwinz is designed to be used almost everywhere like outdoor activity or to be used at home.

BAK-4 prism ensures high image quality for traveling, hunting, theatres, sports games. It is durable binocular to withstand drops.

It also has extra protection for binocular lenses. With Kidwinz binocular your children will spend hours learning surroundings and having fun this premium quality optics.

It’s small and fits very well children’s hands and face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Scotamalone Kid Binoculars 4×30

• Magnification power 4x
• BAK-4 prism
• Natural Rubber Material
• Folding Rubber Eyecups
• Focus Free
• Weight: 150g
• Customer satisfaction 78%
• Price: $11

 

Best for sporting events, outdoor activities. It’s focus free binoculars very easy to use for children.

Magnification 4x is a good starting point for children to keep kids interested in learning surroundings for hours.

It’s not the best pair of optical instrument in the world but good quality at reasonable price.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Educational Insights GeoSafari Kids Binoculars

• Magnification power 2x
• Focus Free
• Weight: 240g
• Customer satisfaction 90%
• Price: $12
• Award winner

 

Best fit for children under 6 years old. The binocular’s magnification power is very limited. It’s more a toy rather than binoculars.

It’s designed in a way that makes an impression of a scientific tool to encourage kids to explore surroundings.

Kids can take it anywhere like outdoor activity, when traveling, going to a zoo.

The optical instrument was made by Educational Insights that has been making toys since 1962.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Binoculars for Kids High Resolution 8×21 (ThinkPeak)

• Wide field of view 7.2°
• Magnification power 8x
• BAK-4 prism
• Customer satisfaction: 90%
• Comfortable eye cups
• 30 Day money back guarantee
• Shock-proof
• Soft flexible eye cups
• Price: $24

 

This optical instrument made by ThinkPeak is an excellent pair of binoculars that will work everywhere.

It’s highly durable device that kids can play with without any fear to break it quickly. Special rubber coating technology was used to manufacture this optical toy for kids.

It’s an excellent toy (gift) for your kids. Premium BAK-4 prism ensures premium image quality without any blurry effect.

Like standard binoculars it has central focus mechanism and diopter on the right barrel to adjust the vision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Bresser Junior 4×30

• – Wide field of view
• – Magnification power 4x
• – Fully coated optics
• – Customer satisfaction: Yes
• – Price: $11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     National Geographic 4×30

• – Wide field of view
• – Magnification power 4x
• – Fully coated optics (Galilean) BK-7
• – Customer satisfaction: Yes
• – Price: $17

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Bresser Junior 6×21 for kids

• – Wide field of view
• – Magnification power 6x
• – Fully coated optics (BK-7)
• – Customer satisfaction: Yes
• – Price: $28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Bresser Junior 4×30 outdoor set

• – Wide field of view
• – Magnification power 4x
• – Fully coated optics
• – Customer satisfaction: Yes
• – Price: $36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Little Experimenter Night Vision Binoculars

• Wide field of view
• Magnification power 2x
• Built-in flashlight
• Customer satisfaction: 90%
• Comfortable eye cups
• Soft flexible eye cups
• Price: $13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     BESPIN Binoculars for Kids 8×21

• Wide field of view 7.3°
• Magnification power 8x
• BAK-4 prism
• Customer satisfaction: 86%
• Comfortable eye cups
• 30 Day money back guarantee
• Shock-proof
• Weight 212g
• Suitable for glass wearers
• Soft flexible eye cups
• Price: $22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     National Geographic 6×21 Child Binocular

• Magnification power 6x
• BAK-4 prism
• Customer satisfaction: 72%
• Comfortable eye cups
• Rubber armor
• Weight 189g
• Suitable for glass wearers
• Soft flexible eye cups
• Price: $25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Compact Binoculars for Kids (Age 8-15) Prices $30-$299

 

     Bresser C-Series 8×25

• – Waterproof
• – Magnification power 8x
• – High quality optics BAK-4
• – Customer satisfaction: Yes
• – Price: $67.49

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Bresser Montana 8×25

• – Wide field of view
• – Waterproof, fog proof
• – Magnification power 8x
• – High quality optics BAK-4
• – Fully multi-coated
• – Customer satisfaction: Yes
• – Price: $299.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Bresser Pirsch 8×26

• – Wide field of view
• – Waterproof, fog proof
• – Magnification power 8x
• – High quality optics BAK-4
• – Fully multi-coated
• – Customer satisfaction: Yes
• – Price: $142

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stinger HW-8×22 – BK-7 prism

– Wide field of view
– Magnification power 8x
– Customer satisfaction: Yes
– Price: $50

 

 

 

 

 

Tracker TZ-8×21 – BK-7 prism

– Wide field of view
– Magnification power 8x
– Customer satisfaction: Yes
– Price: $30

 

 

 

 

 

Scout JD-8×22 – BK-7 prism

– Wide field of view
– Magnification power 8x
– Customer satisfaction: Yes
– Price: $49

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carson RD Series – 8x26mm

– Wide field of view
– Waterproof
– Magnification power 8x
– High quality optics BAK-4
– 100% customer satisfaction
– Price: $105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carson VP Series Compact High Definition Binoculars 10×25
– Wide field of view
– Waterproof/Fogproof
– Magnification power 10x
– High quality optics BAK-4
– 82% customer satisfaction
– Price: $165

 

 

 

 

 

 

  TrailMaxx TM-8×21 – (BK-7 prism)

– Wide field of view
– Magnification power 8x
– Customer satisfaction: Yes
– Price: $40

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pentax UP 8 x 21 Binoculars (Navy) – Porro prism

– Bak-4 Prism
– Magnification power 8
– Customer satisfaction: Yes
– Price: $99

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Steiner BluHorizons Binoculars 8×22

– Wide angle of view
– Steiner Autobright optics
– Magnification power 8
– Customer satisfaction: 100%
– Price: $192.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Compact Binocular 10×25

– Wide field of view (waterproof/fog proof)
– Magnification power 10x
– BAK-4 prism
– Customer satisfaction: 90%
– Price: $149

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steiner Optics Safari Series Binoculars 10×26

– Wide angle of view, waterproof
– Steiner high-contrast optics
– Magnification power 10
– Customer satisfaction: Yes
– Price: $154

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nikon Trailblazer 10×25 Binoculars

– Wide field of view (waterproof/fog proof)
– Magnification power 10x
– BAK-4 prism
– Customer satisfaction: 90%
– Price: $79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zeiss 8×25 Terra ED Compact Pocket Grey-Black Binocular

– Wide field of view
– Magnification power 8x
– High quality ED glass optics, waterproof
– 92% customer satisfaction
– Price: $289.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leupold BX-1 Rogue 10x25mm Compact Binoculars
– Wide field of view
– Magnification power 10x
– BaK-4 prism
– 91% Customer satisfaction
– Price: $94.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Vortex Optics Vanquish Reverse Porro Prism Binoculars 10×26
– Wide field of view
– Magnification power 10x
– High quality optics, porro prism
– 95% customer satisfaction
– Price: $99