Our Editors’ Favorite Binoculars Are on Sale for Black Friday
Updated: Nov. 21, 2022
If you're interested in Black Friday binoculars deals, you've come to the right place. Some of our favorite birding binoculars are on sale.
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If you’re shopping for a Black Friday deal on binoculars, you’re in luck! There are great prices right now on the binoculars that the Birds & Blooms editors use and recommend for birding. No matter what level of birding experience you have, from beginner to advanced, there’s a pair of binoculars on sale that is right for you! For more tips on how to buy binoculars, check out our complete birding binoculars guide.
Nikon Aculon A211 10×42 Binoculars
Deal: $86.95 (from $99.95)
When I joined the Birds & Blooms team as a digital editor, I was a beginning birder. I picked up an affordable pair of Nikon Aculon binoculars to use in my yard and a field guide to help me identify more birds. I still use these Nikons every day (mine are the 8×42 model) checking out the birds at my feeders, and I’ve taken them out birdwatching dozens of times. They’re a perfect choice for new birders, especially at this low Black Friday price.
These Nikons are very easy to focus and use, even if you’ve never used binoculars before. They offer a wide field of view and clear, bright images, even in the early morning and evening hours. My husband has even used them at night to look at stars, planets and the moon. I can also attest to their durability—my daughter once tossed them off of our second-story deck and they were not damaged. One caveat—these are not waterproof, so leave them at home on rainy days and boat rides.
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Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
Deal: $113.13 (was $169.95)
The Celestron Nature DX 8×42 binoculars are a very solid choice for casual/weekend birders and nature explorers. Birds & Blooms content director Kirsten Schrader told me these are the binoculars that her mother uses for birdwatching. I highly recommend them for anyone who is looking for a high quality, easy-to-use pair of optics under $125. While looking at birds through my living room window, I initially immediately noticed the large field of view (388 feet). This makes it easier for me to find the bird faster (all those tree branches look alike, I swear!)
These binoculars feel thick, sturdy, durable and are comfortable to hold. The Celestrons are also lightweight, which can make a big difference if they’re hanging around your neck on a long hike. I keep these in my car, so I always have them handy for a spur of the moment birding trip. Objective lens caps, rainguard, neck strap, carrying case, lens cloth, and the instruction manual are all included. Two features I would like to see improved: a padded neck strap and a locking diopter ring.
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Nikon Monarch M5 8×42 Binoculars
Deal: $259.99 (was $289.95)
One of Kirsten Schrader’s favorite pairs of binoculars, the Nikon Monarch 8×42 binoculars, are available for a great price on REI.com right now, so don’t miss out!
Kirsten says they’re the perfect birding binoculars for those looking to go beyond the basics but not quite ready to break the bank. They will last you years with their sturdy, modern design. We like the wide field of view (335 feet), and colors look vibrant and accurate through the ED glass.
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Vortex Viper HD 10×42 Binoculars
Deal: $299.97 (from $499)
Vortex is a highly regarded optics company that is based in Wisconsin. The Viper HDÂ is their midrange binoculars level. This is the best Black Friday binoculars deal we’ve seen advertised so far, with a discount of $200 at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop.
You may want to step up to 10x magnification if you want to see warblers in greater detail, or if you’re looking at ducks or shorebirds at a distance out on the water. Do keep in mind that the field of view and brightness will be slightly lower than 8×42 binoculars. These Vortex Viper HDs also have an exceptional close focus distance of 5 feet, if you are interested in viewing wildflowers or butterflies. Vortex stands behind their products with a lifetime guarantee, promising that they will repair or replace your binoculars if anything happens to them.
Next, try digiscoping to take better bird photos with your smartphone.
Originally Published: November 21, 2022
