It’s easy to see the appeal of small, light-weight binoculars. Whether you’re a new birder looking for your first bins at a reasonable price point or a serious lister hoping for a more portable pair to travel with—or keep on your person at all times—diminutive bins could be just what you’re looking for.
Definitions vary, but “compact” binoculars typically have lens diameters around 32 mm (compared to 42 mm for full-size), while “pocket” bins measure at 25 mm or under. By these metrics, we’ve included one compact model here (Vortex Bantam) along with five pocket binoculars. All are solid choices, and all weigh in under 15 ounces.
While you’ll probably want to keep using full-size bins for most planned birding expeditions, just as photographers say “the best camera is the one you have with you,” the same holds true for binoculars. With pocket bins, you’ll never be caught empty-handed.
Vortex Bantam HD 6.5×32 Youth Binoculars
Price: $100
The Takeaway: While the Bantam is slightly larger and heavier than the other binoculars reviewed here, they’re still a breeze to carry or pack. The model is a popular choice among Audubon staffers for their children’s first “big kid” bins, but make no mistake: These are serious optics. And Vortex’s “unlimited, unconditional” lifetime warranty is among the best in the business.
More specs: 14.4 oz; 4.9 in x 4.8 in; 400 ft/1,000 yd FOV; waterproof/fogproof; unlimited lifetime warranty
Nocs Standard Issue 8×25
Price: $100
The Takeaway: A relative newcomer to the scene, Nocs has quickly earned a devoted following among birders for their solid, affordable offerings and fun design. Available in several cheerful color combos, the company’s smallest bins have an easy-to-hold grippy finish, a “no matter what” warranty to set your mind at ease, and an undeniable cute factor.
More specs: 11.85 oz; 4.53 in x 4.25 in; 357 ft/1,000 yd FOV; waterproof/fogproof; unlimited lifetime warranty
Pentax AD 8×25 WP
Price: $176
The Takeaway: Truly pocket-size, these bins are an Audubon staff favorite for travel and worry-free everyday use. Even packed in their included case, this pair will be no problem to stash in your bag, and they are light enough to hold comfortably in one hand while birding.
More specs: 10.6 oz; 4.3 in x 4.1 in; 288 ft/1,000 yd FOV; waterproof/fogroof; limited 25-year warranty
Zeiss Terra ED Pocket 8×25
Price: $400
The Takeaway: Zeiss also sells a top-of-the-line pocket pair, the intriguingly asymmetrical Victory Pocket 8×25s, for $925. But at less than half the price, the Terra ED Pockets are nothing to sniff at. Our testers love the bright, crisp image quality of these bins and note the easy focusing, even at close range.
More specs: 10.9 oz; 4.5 in x 4.4 in; 357 ft/1,000 yd FOV; waterproof/fogproof; limited lifetime warranty
Maven B.7 8×25
Price: $600
The Takeaway: Heftier than some pocket models, these bins are still comfortable in the hand and offer sharp and bright looks at the world. They earn points for design, too, with eye-catching orange detailing, and the large, easy-on-the-face eyecups are a nice touch.
More specs: 12.4 oz; 4.6 in x 4.8 in; 356 ft/1,000 yd; waterproof/fogproof; lifetime warranty
Swarovski CL Curio 7×21
Price: $999
The Takeaway: It’s no surprise that these tiny bins are bright and clear, thanks to Swarovski’s exceptional glass. (That’s also what makes them so pricey.) At under 9 ounces and just 3.6 inches long, they’re also the smallest bins we tested—so light and compact you might forget you have them with you, but you’ll be glad you do.
More specs: 8.9 oz; 3.6 in x 3.7 in; 405 ft/1,000 yd; waterproof/fogproof; limited lifetime warranty
