Best 5 Lightweight Binoculars For Different Uses In 2022 Reviews

Are you interested in buying lightweight binoculars?

Then you should read my article!

Here I’ll describe to you 5 best lightweight binoculars that are available on the market. You can read about their technical specification, design, and functions. Compare them, and decide which one is the most suitable for you. Also, here you can find tips that could help you while shopping.

lightweight-binoculars

Things To Know Before Buying Lightweight Binoculars

Where To Buy Good Lightweight Binoculars?

I’ll recommend online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Amazon, for example, has a very wide offer of lightweight models, and you can easily compare them. For each model, you have described specifications, and you can read other customers ‘ reviews. You can also buy the model at the brand’s official websites, local and specialized stores.

The Price Range

The lightweight models can be both high-end and cheap. The weight depends on materials and construction. In general, price is determined by materials used in the production of housing and optic system, as well by brand and additional features. In general, the price range is between $20 and $8000.

Optic System And Magnification

The weight of the model is an important feature to consider because it determines comfort. But, there are other factors equally important such as an optic system that allows you to see clear and detailed images. Also, the magnification of objective lenses will determine how much closer you can see very far away targets.

Useful Accessories

When buying lightweight binoculars, it’s desirable to choose the models that have full package included. That means you’ll get carrying case for protection, cleaning cloth for maintenance and neck strap for easier holding. Warranty is also desirable.

Additional Features And Functions

According to other lightweight binoculars reviews, it’s great if your model has some additional functions such as high light transmission for low light vision or auto-focus for moving targets. Other great features are a built-in camera, compass or rangefinder.

The Best 5 Lightweight Binoculars Review

The Best Small Lightweight Powerful Binoculars

SkyGenius 8×21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars

Compact Dimensions

These are one of the best small lightweight binoculars you can find on the market. They’re 4.1” long, 3.6” wide and 2.4” high. The compact design enables you to put these small lightweight binoculars in the pocket or backpack.

Skygenius 8x21 Small Binoculars

Package Content And Magnification

Their weight is only 8 ounces, so they’re easy to carry in the hand or around the neck. You’ll get the neck-straps, cleaning cloth and carrying case in the package with the model. The view is magnified up to 8x when looking through objective lenses that are 21mm wide.

Comfort Chassis For Wide Usage

Therefore, these SkyGenius 8×21 binoculars are ideal for concerts, safari, bird watching, hunting, etc. You can use them on any occasion. The exterior of chassis is made from durable material, and it’s rubber-armored to ensure comfortable holding.

Skygenius 8x21 Small Binoculars review

Optic System And Glass Type

Optic system of these SkyGenius binoculars 8×21 model has a professional roof prism system which is a user-friendly feature that ensures high brightness and high resolution of images. The prism system is made from the Bk7 glass type.

Low Light Vision And FOV

Also, these are the best lightweight binoculars for safari and wildlife observing because they’re fully multi-coated with the FMC broadband green film that ensures HD vision and increased light transmission for a clear view when lights are reduced. The field of view (FOV) is 369 feet wide at 1000 yards.

Characteristics:

  • roof prism system with Bk7 glass
  • multicoated with FMC broadband green film
  • 369 feet wide FOV at 1000 yards
  • 8x magnification with 21 mm wide objective lenses
  • small and weighs 8 ounces

The Best Lightweight Waterproof Binoculars

Stellax ZoomX Lightweight Powerful Binoculars

Dimensions And Weight

These binoculars are 6” long, 5” wide and 2.1” high. Their compact dimensions make them highly portable, and they’re easy to carry with the included neck strap and carrying bag. Their weight is 1.2 pounds, so they’re lightweight and highly portable.

Stellax ZoomX Binoculars 10x42

Magnification Great For Hiking

Because of high magnification, in comparison to other models from this list, these are the best lightweight binoculars for hiking. The view can be magnified for 10x when looking through objective lenses that are 42 mm wide.

High-Quality Optic System

Another reason why these lightweight binoculars for hiking are the ideal choice for wildlife observations in nature is high-quality optics. They have a roof prism system that’s made from BaK4 glass type which is the best thick barium crown glass. Therefore the images are highly bright and detailed.

Stellax ZoomX Binoculars 10x42 review

Fully Multicoated And High Light Transmission

All lenses on the model are fully multicoated with the achromatic layers, which means that chromatic aberration is prevented. Also, the lenses can catch more light which results in the high light transmission and great view during twilight.

Phone Adapter And Waterproof Rubber-Armored Housing

A unique feature of this model is the binoculars phone adapter that you can connect with the iPhone x, Samsung Galaxy S6, and many other models. This ensures you to make a super photo. The housing is waterproof and has an IPX7 certificate. Rubber-armoring makes it comfortable to hold.

Characteristics:

  • 10x magnification with 42mm wide objective lenses
  • roof prism system with BaK4 glass
  • fully multi-coated achromatic lenses
  • phone adapter and waterproof chassis

The Best Lightweight Compact Binoculars:

Nikon ACULON Lightweight Compact Binoculars

Dimensions Of Lightweight Design

The length of this model is 1.9”, width is 1.7” and height is 0.7”. In comparison to another model from this list, they are the most compact binoculars. You can put them in a pocket, purse, backpack, and suitcase. Since they weigh only 13.6 ounces, you won’t even feel that you’re carrying them all day.

Nikon ACULON Compact Zoom Binocular 8-24x 25mm

Unique Zoom Range

When comparing to other models, there is another reason why these Nikon lightweight binoculars are unique. They have an 8-24x zoom range, which means you can magnify the view up to 24x with these 25 mm wide objective lenses.

Great For Bird Watching

Therefore, besides being lightweight and compact, these are powerful and best lightweight binoculars for bird watching. You can also use them for hunting, safari, sports events, etc. The optics of these lightweight binoculars for bird watching have a Porro prism system.

Nikon ACULON Compact Zoom Binocular 8-24x 25mm review

Optic System

It’s lower quality than roof prism system, but it ensures higher contrasting images. Nevertheless, the prism glass of these lightweight compact binoculars is made from high index BaK4 glass type, so the view is detailed and bright.

High Light Transmission And Focus Adjustments

The lenses of the model have multilayers for high light transmission, which is a great user-friendly feature and makes them one of the best lightweight binoculars for birding. The central wheel on the lightweight binoculars for birding is used for focus adjustments.

Characteristics:

  • 8-24x zoom range with 25mm wide lenses
  • Porro prism system with BaK4 glass type
  • 9” long, 1.7” wide and 0.7” high

The Best Lightweight Binoculars 10×42 Model:

Noptix Lightest 10×42 Binoculars

Magnification Great For Hunting

Like the previous model from the list, these binoculars have powerful 10x magnification with objective lenses that are 42 mm wide. Because of the high-quality optic system and magnification, these are one of the best lightweight binoculars for hunting.

Noptix Binoculars 10x42

Comfortable Rubber IPX3 Waterproof Chassis

The housing has an ergonomic design that’s coated with rubber that makes them very comfortable to hold. It’s also waterproof with an IPX3 certificate, which is very user-friendly because you can use them during any weather.

Package Content

With these lightweight hunting binoculars, you’ll also get a smartphone adapter, neck strap and carrying case for easier transport and holding, cleaning cloth for maintenance and tripod for positioning the binoculars on the ground.

Noptix Binoculars 10x42 review

Phone Adapter, Warranty, And Return Policy

Phone adapter allows you to take a photo of wildlife on your smartphone, which is a great feature. Another great feature is a 1-year limited warranty on all parts and a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the product.

Professional Grade Anti-Reflective FMC Lenses

The optic system allows you to see crystal clear images. It has professional-grade high-definition fully multi-coated (FMC) lenses. The layers are anti-reflective which ensures high light transmission so you can see sharp images even during low light conditions during twilight. Eyecups are adjustable.

Characteristics:

  • IPX3 waterproof and FMC anti-reflective lenses
  • warranty, tripod and phone adapter included

The Best Lightweight Binoculars For Travel:

Ozark Trail 8×21 Lightweight Binocular

Dimensions And Weight

These lightweight travel binoculars are 5” long, 5” wide and 3” high. These dimensions make them very compact and easy to fit in any backpack, pocket, purse, or suitcase. Their weight is only 8 ounces so there are very lightweight and great for traveling.

Ozark Trail 8 x 21 Compact Binoculars

Roof Prism System With Bk7 Glass

These are one of the best lightweight binoculars for travel because they have a durable roof prism system for a very low price. The glass type is Bk7 which isn’t as high-quality glass as BaK4, but it still ensures high brightness, sharpness, and detailed image.

FMC With High Light Transmission

All lenses on the model are multi-coated with the layers that catch a lot of light, so you can have great vision even during low light conditions. Therefore you can use them at the end of the day when you’re at concerts, or during the day in nature.

Ozark Trail 8 x 21 Compact Binoculars review

Diopter Settings For Eyeglass Wearers

The housing of these binoculars is made from metal, and it’s rubber-armored for comfortable holding. The view can be magnified 8x with the 21 mm wide objective lenses. The device has diopter settings so it’s ideal for eyeglass wearers. The exit pupil diameter is 0.1” long.

Twilight Factor, Light Intensity And Other Specifications

The twilight factor of the model is 12.96, while the light intensity is 6.8. The linear field of view is 126 feet at 1000 yards, while the angular field of view is 7.2 degrees. The close focus distance is 5 yards. The model has a center wheel for focus adjustments.

Characteristics:

  • 126 feet wide FOV at 1000 yards
  • 8x magnification with 21 mm wide objective lenses
  • suitable for eyeglass wearers
  • roof prism system and Bk7 glass
  • 5” long, 5” wide and 3” high

Conclusion: Which Two Best Lightweight Binoculars You Should Buy?

In my opinion, you should buy these two best lightweight binoculars: Stellax ZoomX model and Nikon Aculon model. The Stellax lightweight binoculars have a roof prism system with BaK4 glass and include phone adapters. The Nikon model is specific because of the large 8-24x zoom range and ideal for birdwatching or other wildlife observings.

If you want to read about other compact binoculars available on the market, read this review. For reading about different devices for observing surroundings, read this review on the best binoculars on the market. In case you need binoculars that are functional in extreme hot and cold weather, check out this article on the best thermal binoculars.