I think we can all agree that:

Vintage Japanese Binoculars are some of the best looking binoculars ever made!

Really, the whole trade of super antique collectible items is a booming industry by now. From day trading on eBay and craigslist to the whole T.V. Shows that showcase the trading of such items; antiquity has become an ever-expanding trend.

So here’s my list for the best vintage binoculars made in Japan, as well as elsewhere. If you want more information on specific magnification as well as the history of Japanese binoculars, check our Guides near the Conclusion

Best Vintage Japanese Binoculars 2022:

Best Vintage Binoculars	RATING	PRICE
R & J Beck Brass	10/10 (Editor's Choice)	Check Price
Hanzla Collection Vintage	9/10	Check Price
Antique Marine Victorian Binoculars	8/10	Check Price
Antique Victorian Marine	7/10	Check Price
Hampton Nautical BI-0322	9.5/10	Check Price
Gosky 10x42	9/10	Check Price
BRIGENIUS 10 x 50	9/10	Check Price

Beware these are not for kids, if you’re interested in kid-friendly gadgets, refer to our guide: Best Telescopes for Kids [Top 9 Reviewed]

1. Antique Victorian Marine

Why we love it:

Made by skilled hand-craft
Victorian Style
Collectible

Pros	Cons
✅Victorian Style	❌Functionality isn't the best
✅ High Quality Leather

Why we recommend this:

This is an antique Victorian style pair of binoculars that are ideal for any birdwatching stargazing enthusiast who has an eye for history. It is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen to ensure that these are one of the best binoculars for stargazing as well as maintaining their vintage appeal for collectors.

But as with any other physical appeal product, you mustn’t fool yourself into thinking that this would be a replacement for something like the Zeiss binoculars. The functional quality is great, but it is not perfect.

You can get Antique Victorian Marine on ebay.com

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2. Hanzla Collection Vintage

Why we love it:

Leather case included
Folds
1857 design

Pros	Cons
✅ R&J Beck Replica	❌ Can be a bit fragile
✅ Perfect as Office Decor

Why we recommend this:

Any antique collector knows that R&J Beck were a very notable brand of their time. With a large list of notable equipment, products sit on the base of velvet cushions at some of the biggest museums in the world. This product would make the perfect gift for any history nerd. The design and build exude beauty and quality. This may not be a binocular made in Japan, but it is one which, at its prime, sat alongside the ranks of any vintage binoculars made in Japan.

Since no replica is ever perfect, do note the fact that this product is a bit too delicate. So make sure to not break it!

You can get Hanzala Collection Vintage on teatyoung.com

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3. Antique Marine Victorian Binoculars

Why we love it:

100% Genuine Brass and Leather
15x Magnification

Handmade

Pros	Cons
✅ Large	❌ Clunky
✅ Functional for bird watching

Why we recommend this:

This is a relatively large 6-inch pair binoculars. They are marine brass vintage binoculars. The material is brass & leather – 100% genuine by the manufacturer CollectiblesBuy. These are functional as well so you do not need to worry about the functionality, in fact, these are one of the best binoculars for hunting, that is if you’re interested in the antique. The processed brass gives a unique look and feel to the product.

Again, this is no replacement for high powered binoculars. You’d be better off searching for where bushnell binoculars are made if you’re looking for that.

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4. R & J Beck Brass

Why we love it:

Crafted using museum designs
Exclusive
Largely functional

Pros	Cons
✅ Engraved exterior	❌ Relatively expensive
✅ Largely portable

Why we recommend this:

This is a beautiful product and really pulls off the antique look very well. The binoculars themselves fold neatly into the leather case that is included. The case itself is elegantly embossed and engraved which adds to the overall old-timey feel of the item. This is the ideal gift for anyone who has a niche interest in old binoculars. And really anyone can appreciate the build quality of this product.

That being said, it is a bit pricey if you stack it against other products on the market so choose carefully!

You can get R & J Beck Grass on ebay.

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5. Hampton Nautical BI-0322

Why we love it:

Nautical themed
Neck strap included
Solid metal

Pros	Cons
✅ High Quality finish	❌ A bit too small
✅ Crafted by artisans

Why we recommend this:

The Hampton is designed with an excellent nautical themed decoration, which is then handcrafted by master artisans. The solid metal along with the high-quality finish ensures that you are paying for more than just mere appearance. The neck strap that comes with it can be of great use. For example, if you’re one for cosplaying, this could be a nice addition to your costume and would also help keep the pair safe and secure.

The product is a bit too small and the solid metal finish can make it a tad bit heavier at the same time so keep that in mind.

You can get Hampton nautical on kmart.com

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6. Gosky 10×42

Why we love it:

Lifetime Warranty
Rubber armor
Superior optics

Pros	Cons
✅ Comes with complete accessories	❌No instructions
✅ Compact prism

Why we recommend this:

This isn’t a vintage product, but it is one that can be an asset to you if you’re one for hiking or stargazing. With 10x power magnification and a large field of view that is specially designed for outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, driving, watching wildlife and scenery, the Gosky is a product that you can rely on for your hobbies. This power also can be used for watching a large stage play, vocal concert, a football game, etc.

In addition, the rubber armor ensures that the pair survives and is functional in even the most extreme weather conditions. But if you end up with a messed up part anyways, you can easily get a replacement; this is made possible due to the fat that the Gosky comes with a lifetime warranty which is a lifetime of worry saved for the customers.

Another advantage is the fact that you can attach it to your smartphones and take some really amazing shots. The lack of instructions means using it can be a bit confusing at first, but once you get around that the sky is the limit, literally!

You can get Gosky 10×42 binoculars on walmart.com

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Enhance your binocular’s magnification for a better viewing experience: 6 Best Barlow Lenses [Reviewed]

7. BRIGENIUS 10 x 50

Why we love it:

Clear image

Easy to use
Sleek and solid

Pros	Cons
✅ Perfect for stargazing	❌Not easy to focus
✅ Heavy duty

Why we recommend this:

This is an overall well-balanced product. It is small enough to be portable and allow for easy carry and easy access but also large enough to be powerful for almost all purposes. These are particularly apt for long distances which makes them one of the best binoculars for stargazing. They are also a but cheap considering their functional aptitude. So these really are one of the best binoculars under 500.

If you’re worried about this being too big an investment, you can rest assured knowing that the Brigenius comes with an 18-month warranty and 24/7 customer service. So if you’re ever confused with the instructions, you’re just one call away from help and if you accidentally break something, you’re one call away from a replacement.

Again, this is not a vintage product but it is one you could greatly benefit from having if you employ the use of binoculars regularly.

You can get Brigenius 10×50 on brigenius.net

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Conclusion

Some of the best vintage japanese binoculars on the market right now. Collectibles are a window to the past. And for that, you should only get the best. Antique binoculars are especially important in this regard, for they represent the ever-expanding bounds of human potential.

Think about it, the first sailors, conquerors, and travelers all employed the use of magnification devices such as binoculars to get their bearings right. It only makes sense that these items now go on to become one of the most collectibles in the modern world. What’s astounding is that even to this day, there is no perfect replacement for a binocular; we still need them.

Finding The Perfect Binocular Made In Japan

So if you’re interested beyond just the vintage aspect, it is worth checking out our top picks for the Best Monoculars For Stargazing. The guide is a combed out and concise catalog of what the market looks like for monoculars. Remember, the sky is the limit and binoculars help bridge the gap!

This trend fascinated the lights out of me! So I went researching and – lo and behold – I found a niche market for vintage binoculars made in Japan. But before we dive into that world, I think it is worth checking this Article out on the history of telescopes and binoculars (it’s a great read for anyone who wants to get familiar with binoculars in general, not just binoculars made in Japan).

Intrigued as I was, I couldn’t help check out what the market looked like for the best vintage japanese binoculars made in Japan. While there aren’t many that exactly fit that description, there are definitely those that follow the same design philosophy and even more that are some of the most perfect binoculars out there.

Additional Information

Which is the Best Magnification For Binoculars?

Whenever you browse for binoculars, you will notice certain numbers in all the product descriptions. For example, 10×30 or 4×10 or anything of the like, wherein one number is multiplied by another. This number indicates the magnification of the binoculars along with the objective lens diameter.

Let’s say that the listed magnification was 10×30. This means that the binoculars have 10x magnification power, making the view through them appear 10 times closer than it appears to the naked eye. For most situations, you should look for binoculars from 7x to 10x power as this is the normal requirement for most day to day binocular usage if you’re a casual hiker. This is even lower if you’re going to the theater or watching a football match from the top stands.

Hunting is a different story as they would need 10x or higher for long-range observations. Keep in mind that for many users, holding binoculars greater than 10×42 steady for long periods may present some difficulty, so a tripod should be considered if you are looking at models with higher magnifications or larger objectives. This is another reason why you should primarily be on the lookout for balanced and versatile products.

History of Japanese Binoculars

The Fujii Brothers were the first binocular manufacturer in Japan They were the original pioneers and started the production of their first models in the year 1911. Ryuzo Fujii graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology with a major in mechanical engineering. And to further his career, he studied optics in Germany for 3 years; and later served as a naval engineer (1901-1908) .

He left the armed forces to open a business with brother Kohzo (or Mitsuzo), a chemist.They opened the Fujii Lens Works in Tokyo with German fabrication equipment and Zeiss measuring instruments to make zeiss binoculars in 1909. Their intent was to produce binoculars, and after two years of development, circa 1911, the first Japanese binocular was produced, the Fujii Brothers Victor 8 x 20.

Galilean field glasses might also have been made. WWI brought on difficulties in obtaining the German optical glass used in these early models, but production continued. And so the pioneering brothers, molded by history, made the history of Japanese binoculars set the bar for Japanese binocular brands for years to come.

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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.