Best Birding Glasses $200
and Above

Here's Our Top Picks Of Bird Watching Binoculars

By Richard Worden


So you're looking to bite the bullet and invest in good-quality birding glasses. But when investing in the best birding glasses $200 and above, you want to be sure you're choosing the right ones. So how do you choose the right ones for you without wasting your money?

The best birding glasses for $200 and above are the NIKON Monarch M7 10x42. These aren't the cheapest, but they have all the essential features you’ll need from a great set of binoculars.

There are many other options, depending on your price range and requirements. Here is a helpful list of the best birding glasses $200 and above that should meet any requirement you may need. The great news is that they're all available on Amazon, too!

Best Overall

NIKON Monarch M7 10x42

NIKON Monarch M7 10x42

If you have a relatively high budget for your birding glasses but don't want to spend thousands on fancy models, the Nikon Monarch is for you. These binoculars do their job as intended. They are great for taking on hikes and can provide a crisp, clear image from a long distance without setting you back a small fortune.

Pros

  • They work in low-light and rainy conditions. These will work really well for you if you’re out in changeable weather.
  • Crisp, clear image. These are the best birding glasses over $200 for affordable, high image quality. They are lightweight enough to take on hikes and view wildlife from a considerable distance. 

Cons

  • Limited features. These won’t have as many flashy features as binoculars at a higher price point.

Best Value

Athlon binoculars

Athlon Optics Argos G2 10x50 Gray HD Binoculars For Adults-Kids

The Athlon Optics 10x50 birding glasses may be only just over the $200 mark, but they perform outstandingly regardless. They are a smaller model and have a little less range than some of the other models in this category, but the compact size makes them perfect for children or casual use with easy setup.

Pros

  • They are incredibly lightweight. These are small but powerful, so you won't strain your arms holding them up, and they can be passed around the whole family.
  • Great value. These are the cheapest binoculars on this list, but they still provide excellent specifications worthy of a more expensive model.
  • They have great light gathering abilities (bright views) enabling them to also be a great choice for a night of stargazing.

Cons

  • They can be uncomfortable to use. There are reports of the focus wheel jutting out, making it awkward to rest the lenses close to face.
  • They aren't as powerful as other, more expensive birding glasses. While these binoculars are excellent quality for their size and price, they are undoubtedly weaker than other models in this category.

Best Variety

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars

Birding glasses that come in at $200 or above can be anything from small compact models to expert luxury items. Vortex offers a huge range of sizes and specifications to suit your specific needs. Their great customer service gives them a boost over cheaper options as you can easily hold them accountable for their mistakes.

Pros

  • Excellent customer service provided. Vortex has a great track record with quality control. If your binoculars arrive broken, just let them know, and they’ll fix them for you free of charge.
  • Comes in nine different specifications. These birding glasses are great, whatever your needs are. Whether you want a lightweight pair for hiking or a bigger pair for improved visuals, they’ll have something for you.

Cons

  • There are more cost-effective options out there. These birding glasses are accessible for any user, but if you look further, you will likely find a model of similar quality under the $200 mark. However, Vortex is a credible company that offers guaranteed quality, so you’re paying for quality assurance.

Best For Low Light Birding-Astronomy

Celestron – SkyMaster Binoculars

 Celestron – SkyMaster 

These birding glasses are great if you want to observe the night sky or go birding at dusk or dawn. They adjust to low lighting far more effectively than your average binoculars, allowing for great uninterrupted birdwatching or stargazing.

Pros

  • The 80mm objective lens takes in as much light as possible for the best view. Birdwatching can be difficult when looking for a bird that comes primarily in low lighting. Dawn might be the best time of day for a bird watcher, and these birding glasses will ensure that the early mornings don't dim your experience.

Cons

  • You will need a tripod. These binoculars come with a sizable optic lens, making the model relatively heavy. If you’re using them for birdwatching in tall trees, you will need a pretty good tripod to use them effectively.
  • The company has some minor quality control issues. A few people reported instances of color aberration from the lens. Still, they noted that it mainly affected their ability to take photos through them, so this shouldn't be an issue for recreational use.

Best for Long Hikes

Celestron – TrailSeeker ED 8x42 Binoculars

Celestron – TrailSeeker ED 8x42 Binoculars

What these birding glasses don't have in power, they make up for in accessibility. If you are an avid birdwatcher, you probably enjoy long hikes and stake-outs looking for specific birds. If this is the case, you don't want to be lugging around heavy birding glasses all day. These are smaller and more compact, so you can throw the strap around your neck and not think about them until you need them.

Pros

  • They are straightforward to use. Their compact size and simple adjustments make them perfect for a beginner or expert use.
  • They are incredibly lightweight. Whether you want to pass them around the family or carry them around your neck all day without any hassle, these should be perfect for you.

Cons

  • Due to their small size, they aren't as powerful as other models on the list. These binoculars forfeit some magnification power in exchange for low weight. However, they are still suitable for most recreational use.

Best Multi-Purpose Birding Glasses

Bushnell Fusion X 10x42mm Rangefinder Binoculars

Bushnell Fusion X 10x42mm Rangefinder Binoculars

While their primary use might be for birding, a great pair of binoculars can be used for many activities. These are great for birding, hunting, stargazing, and much more. They focus quickly and let in a reasonable amount of light, all while being compact and easy to carry. They aren't the cheapest model on this list, but they are considerably more affordable than other models.

Pros

  • Practical for a range of activities. These binoculars are adequate for hunting, birdwatching, and much more. If you are an outdoorsy person, you will love these.
  • Contains Activsync technology for hunting. This allows you to quickly find your target if you're using these for hunting. It changes color depending on light levels for the best vision.

Cons

  • The company occasionally experiences poor quality control. A small number of customers complained of the binoculars not fitting the case and a defective viewfinder. However, most were satisfied with their purchase and didn't find this a problem.

Best Birding Glasses $200 And Above...Conclusion

The overall best birding glasses $200 and above are the NIKON Monarch M7 binoculars. On the other hand, if you’re looking for great value, you’re better off buying the Athlon Optics binoculars, which offer an accessible, affordable experience for all your bird watching needs. 

Whichever binoculars you choose, all the options on this list are excellent and will only improve your birding experience.

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About Me


About the Author...

Richard Worden, a dedicated bird lover for over 20 years, I love to share my in-depth knowledge and passion for birds. Read more About Me and my expertise in this field.



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