If you love the outside world, nature and animals, then you know why it is important to find the right binoculars. Nonetheless, finding the right binoculars that will serve your needs as an outdoor fan is a daunting challenge.
In this review, we’re going to discuss some of the best close focus binoculars with other great features like magnification, field of view, and many more to make the perfect binoculars for you.
In the end, you will find the right binoculars that will cater to both your enthusiasm and budget.
Recommended Product
Probably the best close-focus binoculars out there. Made specifically for close viewing. Amazing review by users on Amazon too – check them out.
Pentax 8.5x21mm U-Series comes with multi-coated optics that ensure you have the highest viewing quality. To minimize internal glare, every part of this binocular is fully coated. The manufacturer created a unique body, the Uni-body that enables the locking of the objective lenses in one housing thus making it easy to synchronize eyepiece movement.
It has a close focus of 1.6ft or 0.5 meters making it ideal for birders and anyone looking to observe small animals like butterflies, ants and other insects up-close. Its spherical lens provides a cutting-edge view.
PROS
- To help with carrying it around, the Pentax 8.5x21 Papilio U-Series has a neck strap and a carrying case.
- Ideal for short distance viewing.
- The uni-body minimizes movement thus preventing unnecessary damage.
- Very affordable!
- Easy to carry around due to low weight and small size features.
- Produces high-quality images that are clear and bright.
- Has a close focus of 1.6 feet
CONS
- Not tripod-adaptable.
This is the other variant of the Papilio II – with a smaller magnification and hence wider field of view and better stability.
It is a Porro prism type of binocular with a relatively cheap price tag on it. The fully coated optics give the binoculars maximum transmission of light thus giving the user high-quality viewing experience with images that are bright, clear and crisp. With a close focus range of 19.2 inches to infinity, having this gadget is like having a microscope with you!
For durability, the Pentax Papilio II 6.5x21 has a Uni-body. The body encloses all-important features in a hard body that will not allow any harm to the binocular thus making it a gadget that you can use for many years without worrying about damage.
PROS
- It is light at only 10.4 ounces.
- The price is pocket-friendly.
- It is ideal for close viewing (as close as 50 centimeters).
- Some users say that this is an excellent ‘microscope’ thanks to its close viewing that give very detailed views including color and sharpness.
- Because of its close view focus, there is minimal shaking.
CONS
- It is not suitable for long-distance viewing
The 8X25 Terra ED from Carl Zeiss is a more general binocular than the Papilio above, but has a very good close focus distance – 1.9 m.
This binocular comes with a field view of 390ft at 1000yards with a magnification of 8x. It is built to be water and fog proof making it suitable for activities such as sailing and others that involve harsh conditions. It produces excellent, clear and sharp images in all light conditions as it has hydrophobic multi-coating and maximum optical precision.
Focusing on an object or action is made easy by the positioning of the focusing wheel in a strategic position that makes it easy to hold the binoculars. It is very light and provides an option of folding it to make it more compact and easy to carry around.
PROS
- It is super light at only 310 grams.
- It is waterproof.
- Gives quality color and outstanding images.
- Comes with perfect ergonomics and handling specs.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty.
- It is very cheap considering what the service this binocular provides.
CONS
- Not good for hunting and astronomy.
- Diopter adjustment does not come with a safety lock.
Here’s a pair of full-sized binoculars that are probably one of the best close focus binoculars if you’re looking for a general-use tool.
The Wingspan Optics WideViews has a close focus of 2meters (6.5 feet) and a really wide field of view on top of that – 430 feet at 1,000 yards.
It has great optics for the price – and are specifically designed with birders in mind. As you’d expect, they’re waterproof and fog proof and provide high quality HD images.
Certainly check these out!
PROS:
- Full-sized binoculars
- Large objective lens
- Good close focus distance for the size
- Excellent optics for viewing nature
CONS:
- Bigger and heavier than specialized close-focus binoculars
Why you need a binocular?
Do you ask whether it is essential to have a binocular? The answer to that question is yes. For instance, if you travel a lot, enjoy activities such as birding or attending operas, hunting or sailing, a pair of binoculars would make your experience much more exhilarating as it brings you up-close to the action. What is more is that modern binoculars are incredibly affordable. Depending on your budget, there is a myriad of choices to choose from.
Types of Binoculars
Roof Prism Binoculars
These types of binoculars the distinctive feature is that both the eyepiece and the lens that is called the objective lens are in the same line. They come in the shape of an ‘H.’
Porro Prism Binoculars
Binoculars of the Porro prism use prisms in a Z-shaped configuration to make the image upright. As opposed to the Roof Prism Binoculars, the Porro Prism Binoculars comes with an eyepiece that does not line with the objective lens. They are larger in size and are easy to make.
What To Look For When Buying A Binocular
When you are out to buy your gadget, you should consider many things including;
Close focus
This is the closest distance that a pair of binoculars can focus on. The shorter the close focus distance, the more one can focus on details that are typically not visible to the naked eye. The best close focus binoculars have a close focus distance of less than 6.5 feet / 2 meters.
Cost
Of course, this is the first thing you should ask yourself. Does the price of this binocular fit with my current budget? It is always wise to find something that will give you value for your money.
Magnification
Look at things like 6x50, 8x42, etc. which means that the first number represents the times an object you are viewing will appear closer than it would actually be if you were using the naked eye. The bigger the number is the closer the view.
Field of View
This is a fundamental feature. If a binocular says it has a field of view of 350ft at 1000yards, it means that you will have a width view of 350ft from a distance of 1000yards.
Other things to put into consideration are the size and weight of the binocular. This is true especially if you travel a lot. It wouldn’t be ideal to carry around a bulky gadget on your neck or pocket.
Is the binocular waterproof? Is it suitable to use in harsh weather conditions? Binoculars are majorly outdoor tools. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure they are best suited to work in the area you intend to use them.
Conclusion
The gadgets listed above have excellent features and are all aimed at attaining that amazing experience while birding, hunting, sailing, etc. It is your decision about the type you will buy. Whichever the choice you make, any of them would be a good fit for your needs.