Do you want to know what are the best compact binoculars? The answer is complex and it depends on what you want to use your binoculars and on your available budget. It is one thing to seek for a solid pair of binoculars for kids, and a totally different one to look for a high-quality lightweight binocular for travel to take among with you in your hiking trips or bird watching adventures.
There are some cheap small binoculars, as well as some very expensive ones. In order to find the best lightweight binoculars for you, you have to read some reliable user reviews and to perform a side by side comparison of your available options.
The best compact binoculars have a magnification of 8x or 10x, an objective lens size of 25-30mm, and a weight under one pound. Low lighting conditions may call for a 42 objective lens size, but this leads to an increase of the binocular weight.
To start with, let’s see what are some ideas of mini binoculars by their intended use. We are going to take a look into the following categories: travel, hiking, birding, wildlife watching, concerts, and outdoor sports watching. There are binoculars that suit multiple scopes, but I prefer to keep these lists of the top compact binoculars separate, so that you can easily find the section that interests you. Before we start, make sure you know how to buy binoculars, as this can help you make the best choice..
Best Pocket & Compact Binoculars for Travel & Hiking
The ideal binoculars for travel or for hiking need to be lightweight and compact. If you also travel with a DSLR camera, you may want your binoculars to fit inside of your pocket. Trekking or hiding in the grass with lots of gadgets hanging around your neck can be daunting.
These are the rough specs of pocket and compact binoculars for hiking and travel:
- Magnification: 8x – 10x (preferably 10x)
- Objective Lens Size: 25mm (30mm or 42mm would also do, but keep in mind that the binoculars would be heavier)
- Adjustable eye cups: they allow you to use the binoculars with or without your glasses
Here are a few of the best compact binoculars for travel or hiking, as rated by users.
Overview & Quick Comparison Table
Quick Comparison of Our Top Compact Binocular Choices for 2020
| Image | Model | Magnification | Objective Lens Size | Weight | Price & Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Zeiss 8×25 Terra ED Compact Pocket Binocular | 10x | 25 | 310 g | Check price |
  | Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 Binoculars | 8x | 42 | 600 g | Check price |
  | Leica Ultravid BR 10×25 | 10x | 25 | 265 g | Check price |
  | Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars | 10x | 28 | 380 g | Check Price |
  | Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB Waterproof Black Binoculars | 8x | 25 | 340 g | Check price |
1. Zeiss 8×25 Terra ED Compact Pocket Binocular
The Zeiss Terra binoculars are compact and extremely lightweight (310 grams only). Their hinged, foldable design allows you to store them inside your pockets. The 8x magnification enables you to see objects in detail.
The binoculars weigh 10.9 oz (310 grams), being therefore perfect for outdoor lovers, runners and hikers. While they may not be as fast as to suit bird watching, these binoculars will offer you a seamless nature observing experience. The hydrophobic ZEISS MC coating makes this device a good choice even in rough weather conditions. You won’t have to worry about too low or too high temperatures, either, as this binocular is built to withstand temperatures ranging between -20 to +63 degrees Celsius. It will surely resist better than you.
The Zeiss Terra ED compact pocket binoculars feature high-quality optical system (ED glass is one of the best in terms of image quality and lack of chromatic aberrations).
Taking all these into consideration, you can safely consider adding these compact binoculars on your shortlist to compare them to other devices in this class. Nonetheless, if birdwatching is your main purpose, you should probably search for faster binoculars.
Buy the Zeiss 8×25 Terra ED Compact Pocket Binocular here
2. Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 Binoculars
Compact and featuring a rugged casing, the Nikon Monarch binocular is built to last. The prism and all lenses are coated with a dielectric highly reflective layer. This ensures the optimal transmission of the light through the glass, offering a good experience even in low lighting conditions. The ED (extra low dispersion) glass elements ensure very good image clarity and sharpness.
The binocular weighs 1.3 pounds, so it may not fit your pocket. However, its performance and durability recommend it as a great choice for outdoor lovers .
The 8x magnification, combined with the 42mm lens may result in a bumpy image, as you’ll find it difficult to hold the binoculars still. There’s nothing to worry about, though, as a little practice will take you a long way.
If you are in search for a pair of indestructible and reliable binoculars to take on your adventures, this could be exactly what you need.
Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 Binoculars
3. Leica Ultravid BR 10×25 – One of the Best Compact Binoculars
The top hinge design allows these compact binoculars to fold to an extremely small size, making them some of the best compact binoculars for travel and hiking. Furthermore, the aluminum body helps keeping the weight down and the rubberized coating provides a firm and comfortable grip.
Thanks to its special construction, the Leica Ultravid BR Compact guarantees a sharp view, with no chromatic or fringe aberrations. The body of the binocular features a button that allows you to adjust the diopter.
This pocket-size binocular is waterproof up to 16.5 feet (5 m). This should be good enough even for the most adventurous users. Sealed against dust and moisture, the Leica Ultravid BR can become your trustworthy travel companion around the world and back.
Buy the Leica Ultravid BR 10×25 Compact Binoculars here
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD binoculars are available in a wide array of magnification and objective lens sizes. Out of all these combinations, the 10×28 stands apart, as it makes this device lightweight and compact, without compromising on its optical qualities.
The argon purging and the I ring seal make these binoculars resistant to fog and moisture. The rubber armor protects the binocular and also provides a solid non-slip grip.
The image resolution and the color fidelity recommend this binocular as an ideal choice for those who want top-notch image quality but can’t afford expensive gadgets.
