Safaris are so popular with travelers these days. There’s something special about seeing an animal in their natural habitat.
You have the chance to get up close and personal with amazing creatures, but the opportunity to get closer is not without risk.
That is where binoculars come in handy. They also offer a great way to spot game when animals are distant.
Below I give you some of the best binoculars for safari hunting.
I have narrowed down the list to 5 of the better options and the reasons why I think they are the best binoculars for safari in 2022.
These five binoculars offer quality, durability and value for money.
If you’re after the best binoculars for that big game viewing Safari, I think you will find something that tickles your fancy below.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42 | Best Overall |  |
| Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10×26 Binoculars | Budget Pick |  |
| SWAROVSKI EL 10×42 Binocular | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42
Pros:
- excellent image quality
- top-notch optical quality
- cost-effective
The 10×42 Vortex Optics Viper HD lens binoculars mirror the quality of high-end binoculars at a much lower price.
They feature Fog-proofing, waterproofing, and nitrogen purging. They come with a water-repellent & water-resistant hard case with a belt loop. It's also smaller than most binoculars making it very easy to carry.
The binoculars have extra wide field of view and excellent brightness even in low light. They'll allow you to see things you wouldn't see with your naked eye. You won't believe how far you can see and how clear they can make it look.
2. Nikon 16000 PROSTAFF 7S 8×30 Inches Compact Binocular
Pros:
- Takes a beating and still works
- Durable waterproof chasis
- View on both eyes, instead of one.
Cons:
- You have to flip it view 100%
- It cannot be tripod mounted unless you remove the rubber protective casing from one of the eyepieces
3. SWAROVSKI EL 10×42 Binocular
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Tripod adaptable
- Great Price
Cons:
- Some parts not as durable as others
- Not 100% waterproof
SWAROVSKI EL 10×42 Binoculars (with FieldPro Package) are a top 10 binocular for safari.
They are arguably the most popular 10×42 binoculars in the business right now.
They have many features to enjoy such as waterproofing, fog proofing, a tripod adaptable design, and an improved ergonamics.
4. Steiner Optics Predator Series Binoculars
Pros:
- Nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging
- Image lock focus system
- Rubber armored
- High definition optics
- 4.20 x 33° view
- Porro prism
- Eye-relief: 19mm for 16x19mm objective lens
- Exit pupil: 4.4mm
- Close focus: 8.2 feet
- Prism type: BAK-4 prism
5. Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10×26 Binoculars
Pros:
- Ultra clear optics
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Rubber Armoring
- Matte finish
- Center focus wheel and quick-release eyecups
- Black-out porro prism design allows a full range of motion and memory
- Multi-coated lenses provide for a bright and clear image
- Internal focusing system allows for a more compact design
- Limited Lifetime warranty
If you love to watch nature your way, then these binoculars from Steiner are going to provide you with amazing viewing capabilities. These are the ideal binoculars for the nature enthusiast that is looking to get as close to the action or target as possible.
The 10x magnification power in these binoculars allow you to drill deep into the game you’re hunting with crystal clear, next to no distortion of the image what-so-ever.
The field of view is remarkable and the lens in this binocular captures almost all light for high contrast between the targets and the rest of the image.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of binoculars are best for safari?
There’s no getting around it, binoculars are expensive.The best binoculars for safari are going to cost you a pretty penny; you want exceptional quality and functionality. This is really important. Renting disappointing binoculars can be a costly and frustrating mistake. Plan ahead and choose a pair based on your specific needs and budget. Remember, investing in great binoculars is a far better option than losing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a great sighting due to poor eyesight.
There are a lot of good options, but some are far better than others. To make it easier for you to find a pair that will make all the difference, here’s my recommendations for the best binoculars for safari.
Do I need binoculars for safari?
If you plan on traveling to East Africa for a safari, binoculars are an essential piece of equipment.
Most people who hear the word, binoculars assume that they should be a separate piece of equipment from your camera. While you can have a pair of binoculars on hand just for viewing wildlife during your safari, you probably won’t need to buy a whole new set. The good news is that most new camera models come with 15x zoom.
This makes them suitable for closely observing animals from your safari vehicle. When selecting the pair to bring along, you can opt for something higher like 20x or something lower like 7x. The higher magnification will allow you to spend more time studying the animals at close range.
What are the best binoculars for the money?
For the best binoculars for the money, you’re looking for a pair at least 10 x 50. If you want to buy binoculars for the purpose of making long-distance observations, your criteria could include image quality and whether or not they are waterproof. Binoculars for birdwatching should be lightweight and compact.
Reach out to your friends who are into birdwatching and nature to learn about which binoculars work best. However, you don’t have to buy the most expensive binoculars on the market as long as you get the size and magnification you need.
Are 10×42 binoculars better than 8×42?
8×40 and 10×42 have exactly the same magnification and field of view. The only difference is that 10×42 have a slightly bigger objective lens (the lens closest to your eye). Objectives lenses serve to enlarge the image and therefore increase the amount of light captured.
It’s true that bigger objective lenses also magnify poor quality images. However, your ability to find the perfect binocular is about more than magnification. Field of view is also an important consideration because it will affect whether your binocular’s 8x magnification will be too powerful. Overall, I think 8×42 are better for safaris than 10×42 because they will allow you to see larger animals and remain inconspicuous.
Conclusion
Have you been thinking about the best binoculars for your next big safari? Let us help you pick the right ones based on our detailed expedition. We hope it helps you make an easier choice and lets you get out there for some great viewing.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42 | Best Overall | |
| Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10×26 Binoculars | Budget Pick | |
| SWAROVSKI EL 10×42 Binocular | Upgrade Pick | |