10 Best Binoculars For Whale Watching in 2022 【Affordable】

I hope you will agree with me when I say:

Whales are one of the most magnificent creatures present on the surface of the Earth.

Whales can become a little difficult to be seen. They tend to steer clear from shores or boats, or wherever any human activity can occur. Nevertheless, with advancements in the technology of optics, binoculars are a great tool for whale watching.

Hence, to remove the load off your shoulders, we have comprised this guide to let you know about the most amazing Binoculars for Whale Watching. Moreover, we have also provided you with a guide to help you consider key features at the time of selecting some good binoculars for whale watching.

You can also take a look at other types of binoculars. We have comprised a list of 7 Best Vintage Japanese Binoculars【WW2 Favorites】 that you can go through.

Best Binoculars for Whale Watching:

The table below lists some top-of-the-range binoculars that you can lay your hands on in 2022.

BINOCULARS	RATING
Bushnell 7X50 H2O Binoculars	10/10 (Editor's Choice)
Athlon Optics Midas 8X42	9/10
Nikon Aculon 7X35	8/10
Wingspan Optics Ultra HD 8X32	8/10
Canon 15X50	8/10
Nikon Action 10X50	7/10
Aurosports 10X25 Folding Binoculars	7/10

1. Bushnell 7X50 H2O Binoculars

Why we love it:

They are affordable
Provide bright, sharp images
They are easy to hold with two hands

These binoculars are waterproof and fog-proof
They have a good resistance against corrosion
The specifications meet the right criteria for whale watching

Pros	Cons
✅Waterproof & Fog-proof so they can be used near water	❌Heavy to carry it around in hands for long
✅ 20 mm Eye Relief which is suitable for people with glasses	❌Slightly Expensive than others
✅ BAK-4 prisms for bright viewing
✅ Great Value for Money given the high-quality images for a suitable price
✅ Durable and can withstand tough conditions

If you are looking for the best binoculars for whale watching from land or from the boat, then there is no other way to go about it. Bushnell is the best choice out of the list we are providing here.

Specifications

The Bushnell comes with a range of different specifications but the one under consideration here is the 7X50. This particular Bushnell offers a magnification power of 7X, which is ample for both, short or long distances. So, if you are onshore or on a boat, you can easily make use of these binoculars. Moreover, the Bushnell provides a close focus of 25 feet and a field of view of 380 feet. However, they weigh at about 35 oz, which is heavy.

Optics

To start off with a simple yet impressive fact, the magnification and the objective lens diameter of Bushnell is a standard Coast Guard recommendation. This ultimately means that Bushnell provides you with the optimum values of magnification and the field of view to view whales and other marine species. Therefore, Bushnell allows you to view large objects and can also help you see whales playing.

Furthermore, the generous eye relief of 20 mm gives you ample space to adjust the space between your eyes and the lens of the binoculars. Along with that, the eyecups allow you to easily wear your glasses or sunglasses with binoculars. A center-focusing knob and the right eye diopter let you customize adjustments.

Waterproof & Fog-proof

Under different weather and humidity conditions, such binoculars can perform extremely well. Bushnell has a waterproof O-ring seal around the edges of the lens which prevents the entry of water into the lens.

Other than that, these binoculars are filled with nitrogen gas which prevents fogging. The water and fog-resistant ability work wonders when used on cloudy days or at nightfall. Built with non-slip rubber material, preventing it from saltwater corrosion, these binoculars are of great use even underwater.

Porro Prism System

These best whale watching binoculars come with a BAK-4 Porro Prism System that promises to deliver clear, bright, and crisp imagery. The clear pictures are also stabilized images so there is no disruption when you are enjoying your view. More contrasted images are provided due to multi-coated optics which reduce glare and light loss.

You can get Bushnell 7X50 H2O Binoculars on bhphotovideo.com

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2. Athlon Optics Midas 8X42

Why we love it:

Athlon features UHD glass which eliminates chromatic fringing
These binoculars are made up of Magnesium.
They are lightweight but durable

The ED glass provides top image quality
The Argon gas makes them waterproof and fog-proof
Phase correction and Dielectric coating give clear images

Anti-reflection coating and XPL coating prevents scratching of the lens

Pros	Cons
✅Waterproof & Fog-proof which protects from water damage	❌A little on the Expensive side
✅ Large Field of View to see wide images
✅ BAK-4 Roof Prisms for bright viewing
✅ Extra-low Dispersion give better images
✅ Scratch and Dirt-proof lens due to XPL and Anti-Reflection Coatings

Many of you might be on the search for the best compact binoculars for whale watching. For such individuals, the Athlon Optics Midas can be a great choice. The durable yet sturdy built makes it an even more wonderful product than it already is.

Specifications

To start off, these top-rated small binoculars for whale watching have a high magnifying power of 8X. With such a high magnification, these can be great binoculars for whale watching from shore or a boat. Although the magnification can be a great motivating factor, the large field of view is another factor to wow over.

The Athlon Midas offers a generous field of view of 426 ft. Combined with that, the wide objective lens of a diameter of 42 mm works to give large views. So if you wish to cover a great area or simply want to watch a large whale playing or moving around, the Midas is an ideal option to consider.

Moreover, the eye relief is 17 mm and with the help of the central focusing knob, you can adjust the distance between your eyes and the lens. Along with that, Athlon also features a diopter adjustment for customized settings and twist-up eyecups. Hence, it proves to be an excellent choice for people who wear glasses.

Optics

With an 8X magnification power, undoubtedly Athlon can be categorized as the greatest binoculars for long-distance viewing. Adding to that, a large field of view makes it an ideal deal. But what good can come out of it if the image quality is not up to the mark?

This, thankfully, is not the case with Athlon Midas. Although it is on the higher side of the price range, it promises to deliver a top-quality image to the users. The UHD glass used helps to eliminate any kind of chromatic fringing. As a result, a high-quality image is produced without any compromises.

The BAK-4 Roof Prism system has phase correction as well as dielectric coatings that aim to provide clear images. The glass in the lenses has Extra-low Dispersion abilities that direct individual light wavelengths to give out a sharper image. So what can be better than a large, magnified view which is also sharp and clear?

Durability

If you are looking to buy the finest small binoculars for whale watching, then you should really go for the Athlon Midas. Not only does it promise to deliver a high-quality, magnified image, but its sturdy built helps it perform exceptionally well under tough conditions. Therefore, they can also be categorized as one of the greatest high-power binoculars for hunting.

The magnesium chassis body is vulnerable to temperature changes leading to expansion and contraction, which can further cause changes in the optics of the binoculars. Furthermore, the body is enclosed with rubber to improve the grip and the sturdiness of the body, simultaneously protecting the unit. Hence, they can be used even in your adventures that tend to get rough.

Not only is the body heavily protected, but the lens has its own protection as well. The whole of the optical system is coated with Anti-reflective coatings along with an XPL coating that prevents the lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil.

Moreover, the Athlon Midas is also waterproof, as well as, fog-proof. The O-ring seal prevents the entry of water into the lens, and therefore, hampering water damage. On the other hand, the Argon gas trapped inside the lens prevents the fog from accumulating on the lens.

You can get Athlon Optics Midas 8X42 on outdoorgearlab.com

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3. Nikon Aculon 7X35

Why we love it:

These binoculars are extremely light in weight

They allow a wide view of 9.3 degrees
Nikon offers sharp optics
The rubber armor is waterproof and shockproof

They provide a long eye relief
The objective lens is constructed from eco-glass
They feature BAK-4 Porro prism system

Pros	Cons
✅ Waterproof & Shock-proof to prevent water damage	❌Multi-coated Lenses but not Fully, so all components are not coated
✅ Wide Field of View provides large images	❌The Eye-Relief is on the Lower End, so people with glasses need to think
✅ BAK-4 prisms for bright viewing
✅ Great Value for Money as you get bright, clear images at an affordable price
✅ Eco-glass Objectives without lead & arsenic

In order to lay your hands on the best inexpensive binoculars for whale watching, you should definitely go for the Nikon Aculon 7X35. These top affordable binoculars to watch whales offer very high-end features while keeping the price in the mid-range.

Specifications

Along with an incredible price, these binoculars have a lot on their plate to offer, like any other heavy-duty binoculars. These 7X35 binoculars have a magnifying power of 7X which is an optimal value for viewing whales from the shore or from a boat. Furthermore, the diameter of the objective lens is 35 mm, which helps to provide a wide field of view.

A significant amount of relief, that is 12 mm, comes with the Nikon Aculon. Besides that, a wide field of view at 488 feet is ideal for watching whales. As a result, you are allowed to watch large objects and a wide without any issue.

Optics

One of the commendable features of these top-budget compact binoculars is the material of the objective lens. The objective lens is made up of Eco-glass which is altogether free of lead and arsenic. Moreover, the lens is multi-coated which makes them durable for long periods of time. The center focus wheel is also extremely easy to use, irrespective of dry or wet conditions.

Furthermore, the Nikon sharp optics work to provide a sharp, crisp, and clear image. Along with that, the Nikon Aculon gives a significant 12 mm eye relief along with rubber cups which can help people with glasses to view faraway objects without any hindrance. The 488 ft extremely wide field of view makes viewing whales very easy. The wide view also assists to watch whales when they are constantly moving or playing around.

Waterproof & Shock-proof

If you start wondering “what are the best binoculars to buy“, the answer would be very simple. The definition of best would lie generally around the fact that the binoculars should be inexpensive and should provide high-end features without the fear of them being damaged easily. In other words, Nikon Aculon can be a great answer, too.

These binoculars not only focus on providing great magnification but are also waterproof and shock-proof. They are made of rubber which prevents them from being damaged by water. Hence, these can be easily used near water bodies. Also, the rubber armor is shock-proof, so even if it slips and falls, there will be little fear of damaging it.

Porro Prism System

Similar to many top-of-the-range binoculars, Nikon Aculon features a BAK-4 Porro prism system. This type of system is ideal for watching bright and clear images under uncertain yet various types of lighting conditions. The lens in Porro Prism System tends to catch as much light as possible, preventing too much loss of light. The captured light then aids to give a brighter and clear view, even in low lights.

You can get Nikon Aculon 7X35 on bhphotovideo.com

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For other 7X35 binoculars, you can read through our article on the Top 7×35 Binoculars To Buy【Ultimate Guide】.

4. Wingspan Optics Ultra HD 8X32

Why we love it:

They are extremely light in weight
Compact Design makes them easy to carry around

Wingspan has multi-coated lenses and phase correction coated prism providing HD images
The ED glass and the close focus technology prevents chromatic aberration
It has a large field of view.

It comes with a lifetime warranty

Pros	Cons
✅ Waterproof & Fog-proof protects from water damage	❌ Lenses are not scratch-proof, so you need to be careful
✅ Comes with a Lifetime Warranty	❌ Not recommended for Dim Lights
✅ Extra-low Dispersion glass helps to give better images	❌ Less Brightness in images
✅ Compact and Lightweight making it easier to carry around

Another great option for the best small binoculars for whale watching is the Wingspan Optics Ultra HD. The small size is easy to carry around so you would not be loaded with the extra burden.

Specifications

At just 19 ounces, this whale-watching binocular is surely the lightest one on this list. Moving on, the Wingspan promises a high magnification power of 8X. Hence, you can easily use it as binoculars for whale watching from land or a boat. Although the 32 mm diameter of the objective lens is not too much, it is still significant enough for binoculars for whale watching, providing clear, stable images. It also comes with a good amount of eye relief, making it easier for people with glasses.

Build

One of the distinguishing factors is Wingspan’s size. In many instances, the weight of the binoculars is an important feature. For example, on hikes compact and lightweight tools are preferred. However, since the size of lenses is small, they tend to capture less light due to which less bright images are produced. Therefore, it is also not an ideal choice for viewing objects in dim lights.

On the other hand, the lenses are multi-coated along with a phase correction coated prism that provides ultra HD-quality images. Moreover, the issue of chromatic aberration or color fringing is resolved by the combination of Extra-low Dispersion glass and close focus technology.

Even though the lenses are not scratch-proof, they are water and fog-proof. However, they still won’t work underwater. Nonetheless, they are suitable for use near water bodies or under the rain.

You can get Wingspan Optics ProBirder Ultra HD 8X32 on wingspanoptics.com.

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5. Canon 15X50

Why we love it:

This binocular stabilizes the image
It is water-resistant
It comes with a high magnifying power

The objective lens has a large diameter
It has an inbuilt image stabiliezer
The rubber armor is water and weather resistant

Pros	Cons
✅ Waterproof & Weatherproof prevents damage	❌ Heavy to carry it around
✅ Comes with a High Magnification of 15X to give you extremely enlarged images
✅ Great for Long Distances so you can view from faraway
✅ Produces High Quality, Stable Images

The Canon 15X50 is one of the heavy-duty binoculars for whale watching. With a whooping magnification power of 15X, it is one of the finest binoculars for whale watching from land or a boat. Moreover, the objective lens has a diameter of 50 mm which provides a large field of view. Hence, you can easily use it to view wide areas, as well as, large objects.

Furthermore, as it is a big binocular, it is relatively heavy, too. Due to this, while holding, unsteady images may be produced. However, this is an image stabilizer binocular, which means that it stabilizes the image so that it will not be shaky. Therefore, you get long-range, stable images. Also, it comes with a tripod, so you can adjust accordingly. It comes with a rubber body that makes it weather and water-resistant. However, the Canon 15X50 is expensive compared to many others.

You can get canon 15×50 on bhphotovideo.com

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6. Nikon Action 10X50

Why we love it:

It has a high magnification

It provides a large field of view
Bright, high-resolution images are delivered
Nikon Action is water and weather-resistant

The O-ring seal around lenses prevents water from entering the lens
The trapped Nitrogen gas prevents fog formation

Pros	Cons
✅ Waterproof & Weatherproof prevent damage under rough conditions	❌ Heavy to carry it around for long
✅ Comes with a High Magnification power of 10X, giving huge images
✅ Provides Bright, High-Resolution Images
✅ Quality Build which is sturdy enough to be safe under tough conditions

Nikon brand produces many variants of the finest whale-watching binoculars. So if you are looking for good binoculars for whale watching, then you should consider this brand.

One of the various options is the Nikon Action 10X50. It offers a magnification of 10X which is quite large. Along with that, the 50 mm objective lens promises to provide a large field of view. This ultimately helps to view large objects from longer distances.

This high-end binocular features multi-coated lenses with BaK4 High Index Prisms that work to provide high-quality, bright images. The lenses are O-ring sealed and filled with Nitrogen gas, which makes them water and fog-proof, respectively. Furthermore, the rubber-armored coating prevents it from being damaged if it falls under harsh conditions.

You can get Nikon Action 10X50 on adorama.com

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7. Aurosports 10X25 Folding Binoculars

Why we like it:

It is very compact

This binocular provides high magnification
It is waterproof
The build is durable, with anti-slip properties

It is a highly affordable item
Anti-slip grip and durable material makes it optimal for rough conditions

Pros	Cons
✅ Waterproof preventing water damage	❌ Unclear Instructions Manual so difficult to follow them initially
✅ Comes with a High Magnification of 10X, providing very enlarged images
✅ Compact & Lightweight to carry around for longer durations
✅ Easy-to-Use, without any difficulty

Another one of the greatest binoculars for long-distance viewing is the Aurosports 10X25. It is also one of the finest inexpensive binoculars for whale watching.

With a high magnification power of 10X, this binocular provides magnified images from onshore or a boat. Along with that, a large field of view aids to see large objects from far away. However, this affordable binocular for sale will not be able to do much under low light conditions.

Besides that, this best budget compact binocular is extremely portable so that you can easily carry it around. It can even fit your pockets and, hence, you can take them to your hikes, sightseeing or even concerts. Furthermore, it is made up of durable material and an anti-slip grip helps you to hold it without letting it slip easily.

You can get Aurosports 10X25 Folding Binoculars on walmart.com

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Buying Guide

To buy binoculars for whale watching, you should have a budget in mind already. With that being said, the next thing is to look upon various features and determine what works well for you. For the ease of your binoculars buying experience, we have formulated a list of key features that are important to consider at the time of buying.

Binoculars can be used for many other purposes. For instance, you can check out the 20×80 Binoculars To Buy For Astronomy.

Conclusion

This article has comprehensively given the answer to your question “what is the best binocular to buy“. All of the binoculars mentioned possess an array of features, which are suitable under different conditions. Based on your personal preference you can easily select any. If you do not know what to consider before opting for the best binoculars for the money or long-range binoculars with a camera, you can read our guide to know more.

Key Features to Consider

1. Magnification

A common concept is to pick the binoculars with the highest magnifying power. However, this can be either right or wrong, depending upon certain aspects. Mainly for whale watching, ideal magnifying power is solely dependent on the area you are going to use for watching the whales.

Binoculars come with different magnification powers such as 7X, 8X, or 10X. The power you are going to use depends upon how far are you going to watch from. For instance, binoculars with 7X or 8X magnifications can be ideal for watching whales from a ship or boat.

Since you do not want your enlarged image to exceed the field of view, a 10X magnification would not be recommended in that case. for the purpose of watching whales from the land, a 10X magnification will be the better choice.

2. Size & Weight

A 7X50 binocular can be a little too heavy, and hence, provide unstable imagery. In that case, using a tripod would be a suitable option. If in case, you wish to use binoculars by hands only, 7X32 or 7X35 binoculars will prove to be less troublesome.

Moreover, lighter binoculars can also be used while hiking or to view other objects such as birds. In such situations, heavier binoculars not only give unstable views but also can cause pain in your arms for holding them for a long duration.

3. Objective Lens Diameter

The second number in 7X50 or 7X32 represents the diameter of the objective lens, i.e., 50 mm or 32 mm respectively. The higher the diameter, the more amount of light will be captured by the lens. Increased light will produce brighter, clearer pictures, especially at night.

However, bigger lenses will also be heavier which then prove to be difficult to carry. Binoculars within 35-55 mm range can be ideal for viewing at all times, without being too heavy to carry

4. Eye Relief

Eye Relief is basically the distance between your eyes and the lens, that still enables you to see through the binocular lens. The longer the eye relief, the more comfortably you can use the binoculars away from your eyes. This might not be an important factor for many, but people with glasses are very concerned with this feature. Such people should consider binoculars with at least 11 mm longer eye relief.

5. Waterproof & Fogproof

It is a necessary step to consider protecting binoculars from any kind of damage. If somehow water enters the lenses, it will not be able to dry out. Hence, a waterproof binocular will not be damaged by water, of which there will be abundance! Moreover, you will also need to use fog-proof binoculars since water vapors will constantly fog your lenses when you are on a boat, or even when you are standing very close to the sea on the shore.

6. Field of View

Whales are big creatures, and for which you need a larger field of view. A large field of view is also useful to see moving objects, which can also be useful to watch whales playing. A 380-500 ft range would be suitable for viewing whales.

7. Prism System

The Porro Prism System takes up more space and therefore, corresponds to larger, heavier binoculars. However, the better part is that all the optical components in this system are mainly reflective and hence, much of the light is retained.

On the other hand, Roof Prism Systems make for lighter, compact binoculars. The reflective components are extra reflective, making up for the lost light. Extra measures also prevent double images and image flare to occur.

The various types of glass include Bak4, BK7, and Sk15. Out of these, Bak4 has a high refractive index and minimum light loss. However, BK7 is the most commonly available option in the market. Other than this, SK15 has the highest refractive index. Based on your preference, you can select the glass of your choice.

8. Optical Coating

One or more components can be coated with only a single coating. Moreover, a single component may be coated with multiple coatings and are called multi-coated. Another option is the fully multi-coated where all of the optical components are coated multiple times.

With regard to the external conditions you are bound to encounter, you can choose the optimum type of coating. With that, an extra-low dispersion glass, it is ensured that the outline of the objects is sharp and there is no chromatic aberration.

Maria Chan

Author at Dope Guides

I am a Space enthusiast and have been into deep space research for over 8 years. Inspired by the likes of Mary Robinette Kowal and others to write great content.