The best binoculars for kids can be an excellent gift in summer when the skies are generally clearer for skywatching, camping trips for nature spotting or even for taking to festivals and getting 'closer' to the action. They are also practical gifts that are both fun and educational; they encourage kids to learn about the world in real life rather than via a screen, something that is becoming increasingly difficult to do.
Binoculars are usually made for grown-ups, and they tend to be larger and heavier. The lenses are often spaced farther apart, making it hard for kids to use them comfortably. However, finding the right binoculars for children can be a bit tricky. Avoid toy or novelty binoculars because they usually have low-quality materials and poor optics.
To save you throwing your money away, we have thoroughly tested, reviewed, rated and ranked the best children's binoculars on the market. Each pair of binoculars in this guide is here because our expert team has deemed them to be durable, lightweight and comfortable for a child to use, either handheld or mounted on a tripod (not all binoculars are tripod-mountable).
If you're looking for a pair of binoculars for all of the family to enjoy, opting for one of the best compact binoculars might be better. Adults looking for their own pair can use some of the larger binoculars for stargazing and birdwatching. Some may prefer a pair of rangefinder binoculars that can display distances, and night owls may want to peer in the dark with a pair of the best night vision binoculars — we've got guides (and reviews) for all of them. We've also included a best binoculars for kids FAQ at the bottom of this page to help dispel any jargon and myths to help on your hunt for the top kids binoculars.
The quick list
Excellent high-quality optics. Get rid of the need for a tripod. Rock steady views thanks to the in-body stabilization. Expensive but worth it if you're in it for the long haul.
The water-resistant exterior of these binos offers excellent grip and gives a robust feel. The large center focus knob makes focusing easy, and the tripod adaptability is welcome, given the large size and magnification.
These binos offer outstanding build quality. They are lightweight to aid those long viewing sessions, and the optics give great contrast and superb clarity. They are also waterproof and fogproof and great for spectacle wearers.
The waterproof sealing on these binos makes them a versatile pair of binoculars for both day and night time use. They were built with the outdoor enthusiast in mind.
Get an excellent pair of binos for the price, with surprisingly good optics. The roof prism construction makes them easy to transport, and the build quality is great; they feel premium in hand.
These binos have a wild field of view for taking in all of your surroundings at once. They offer great optics at a very reasonable price point. They don't have the best optics in the world, but they are still great value for money.
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These tiny, pocketable binos are surprisingly good quality. They feel robust and well-built, with plenty of texture for grip, and offer pleasing views. The moon looks awesome through them!
These brightly colored binoculars are the perfect size for small hands and faces. Their low magnification means youngsters won't struggle to hold them steady for a wobble-free view.
A lightweight and portable design makes these a great option for traveling. The long eye relief is well-suited for spectacle wearers and the fully multi-coated, quality BaK4 glass offers outstanding optics. They're waterproof too.
These binoculars are the ideal size and weight for stargazing. They are immersive and offer super steady views. They are easy to adjust and are easily portable.
Best binoculars for kids that we recommend 2023
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Best overall
✅ You can afford to: Chances are if you're looking for 'kid-specific' binoculars, you won't want to spend a lot. But if you're lucky enough to have the budget to get the best of the best, you won't be disappointed.
✅ Your child will benefit from built-in image stabilization: These are the only binoculars on this list with built-in image stabilization — view the stars, wildlife, sports events and concerts without any wobble!
❌ Your child won't use them often: They are a big investment, so if your child won't get much use from them, opt for a much cheaper pair.
❌ Your child wants to use binoculars unsupervised: We strongly recommend these binoculars are used under supervision and with the neck strap attached to prevent drops and breakages.
🔎 Canon 10x42L IS WP Binocular: Pricey but almost perfect for hand-held astronomy. In a market saturated with low-priced astronomy-centric binoculars, some clear, sharp and high-resolution optics and image stabilization wizardry make the waterproof Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars expensive but worth it. ★★★★★
It is difficult for anyone to remain absolutely still. When large magnification (power) is thrown into the equation, keeping a subject in view without using support from a tripod becomes even more challenging. This is especially true for small children.
Here's where the waterproof Canon 10x42L IS WP steps in. There's no denying that they are very pricey, but they are strong, easy to carry and utterly irresistible — they completely transform the experience of looking at the stars. They use the same advanced image stabilization (IS) technology found in Canon's expensive camera lenses to keep what you're looking at perfectly steady. Anyone who tries them, whether it's kids or grown-ups, will be instantly impressed. They top the list in our best binoculars buying guide, and we gave them five stars in our Canon 10x42L IS WP review.
Inside, there are gyro sensors (similar to those in a gimbal) that detect any shaking or wobbling caused by the user. When this happens, small motors (actuators) located around the lens inside the binoculars move the lens elements to counteract the shaking, so the view appears steady. You can turn this system on by pressing a button on top of the binoculars, and it runs on two AAA batteries, which will provide about two hours of image stabilization. The stillness of these binoculars helps produce pin-sharp images, so star clusters and the moon look spectacular. Even Jupiter and its moons become genuinely incredible to look at. It's not just the image stabilization you're paying for — inside are the ultra-low dispersion glass lens elements and 'Super Spectra' lens coatings.
It's worth noting that this is a specialist (expensive) purchase and shouldn't be used by children without supervision and a neck strap (to prevent drops). That said, they do represent the most enjoyable and impressive binoculars for skywatching that we have ever used.
- Read our full Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Waterproof design |
| Performance | Bright and colorful images |
| Functionality | Image stabilization provides steady views |
Best for detail
✅ You want to stargaze with them: The huge aperture drinks in loads of light and can be used for deep sky astronomy.
✅ Your child wears spectacles: The eye relief is a generous 17mm so these are comfortable for glasses wearers.
❌ You don't want to buy a tripod: The amount of wobble caused by the 12x magnification is too big to enjoy the views for any length of time without leaning them on something. In reality, this means purchasing a tripod.
❌ You want something lightweight and portable: These binos weigh over 2.2 lb / 1kg.
🔎 Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binocular: Great value for an excellent pair of low-light-friendly binoculars with fantastic specs and a quality design. The tripod adapter is especially welcome given the high magnification. ★★★★½
Though pretty large and heavy at over 1kg, the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars are an excellent choice for any child who has outgrown their lower-power binoculars and wants to get close-ups of deep-sky objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy without having to move into telescope territory. They are also surprisingly affordable, sitting around the $70 mark.
Thanks to the 12x magnification, these binoculars are perfect for spotting moon craters and resolving individual stars in clusters like the Pleiades and Hyades — but we wouldn't recommend purchasing them unless you have (or purchase) a tripod. We certainly appreciated the extra stability of a tripod during our Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binocular review, and it's an absolute must for children. Without support from a tripod, the 12x magnification will make for a very frustrating, almost impossible skywatching experience. Setting a tripod up also means views can be shared between siblings or groups of children without them each having to find the target separately.
Built around a Porro Prism design featuring BaK-4 glass and boasting multi-coated optics for bright and detailed views, the objective lenses of 60mm let in heaps of light — ideal for sky-watching.
The Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars have a tough rubber coating on their barrels that makes them easy to hold and shields them from accidental bumps. They come with a basic carrying case and lens caps to keep them safe when not in use or while traveling. It's worth noting that the lens caps aren't the best fit, so it's a good idea to attach them to the binoculars to avoid misplacing them.
- Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binocular review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Excellent build quality |
| Performance | Excellent light transmission |
| Functionality | Generous 17mm eye relief |
Best for all-weather use
✅ You're likely to use them in inclement weather: They are nitrogen purged with aids with waterproofing, fog proofing and dirt-proofing.
✅ You're looking for a reasonably priced but good-quality all-round user pair: They sit at a price point of around $70 — that's a great price for top-quality optics and excellent build quality.
✅ You want something pocketable: They weigh just 260g and have a dual-hinge design to fold them neatly away and pop them in your pocket.
❌ You want binoculars primarily for stargazing: The little aperture doesn't let enough light in for anything more than moon observations, though your little ones will be able to see more light through them than you will.
🔎 Olympus 8x25 WP II Binocular: The Olympus 8x25 WP II's seamless housing and exquisite optical system offer small but clear, crisp views of bright targets with stunning contrast. ★★★★½
On paper, the 8x magnification and 25mm objective lenses make the Olympus 8x25 WP II appear less than ideal for stargazing — they just don't have the appropriate light-gathering power to produce bright images. However, when buying a pair of binoculars for a child, you also have to think about weight, size, and image quality (and remember, kids' eyes typically take in more light than adults' eyes do).
In our Olympus 8x25 WP II review we found them to be a durable and kid-friendly option for young people who love the night sky and the great outdoors. In many cases, a child's first pair of binoculars is just to see whether they enjoy the hobby, then you'd upgrade to a better quality (likely more expensive) pair. At $70 (or thereabouts), these are good choice.
These roof-prism binoculars have high-quality BaK-4 optical glass inside, which helps to create a bright image. They're designed to work well for people with smaller faces, and they have a hinge that makes it easy to adjust them to fit your face (or your child's face) perfectly. A dioptric adjuster also matches the lenses to suit the user's eyesight.
The Olympus 10x25 WP II binoculars are sealed with nitrogen inside, which makes them waterproof, fog-proof and resistant to dirt, so you don't need to worry too much about damaging them in tough conditions. They're also covered with a rubber coating that feels nice to touch and helps with grip, making it less likely (though not impossible) for kids to accidentally drop them.
They're easy to fold up and carry in a pocket, and the paltry 260g weight is just a fraction of the weight of many skywatching-specific binoculars and is ideally suited to smaller hands and weaker arms. You can purchase them in 'Forest Green' or 'Deep Purple,' which may add to the aesthetic appeal for young users. The only thing we'd recommend, as we mentioned in our Olympus 8x25 WP II binoculars review, is to upgrade the neckstrap so it's more comfortable.
- Read our full Olympus 8x25 WPII binoculars review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Excellent, high quality build |
| Performance | Good views of bright night-sky targets |
| Functionality | Low light-gathering prowess |
Best all-rounders
✅ You're looking for a good all-rounder: These are general-purpose binoculars that can be used day and night in any weather.
✅ You want something suitable for glasses wearers: The 17.5mm eye relief is generous so glasses wearers will find them comfortable to wear.
✅ You want to share the views with others: They are tripod mountable so once you've had a look at what's in the field of view, you can show someone else without them having to readjust.
❌ You want something stargazing specific: These are a generalist pair for casual observations. Though you'll be able to get good views of the moon and other bright celestial subjects, you'll want something with a bigger aperture for stargazing.
🔎 Celestron Nature DX 8x32 Binocular: A great all-round pair that will see you through many years of stargazing as well as wildlife watching and getting closer to sporting action. ★★★★
If you want compact and lightweight binoculars for your child, consider a pair like the Celestron Nature DX 8x32. These binoculars have 32mm lenses and 8x magnification, which keeps them lightweight and easy for kids to hold. They're also waterproof on the outside, which means they won't slip easily from their hands, reducing the risk of drops and breakage. Plus, they work well even in bad weather conditions.
Inside, they have top-quality BaK-4 prisms with a phase coating to maximize contrast and increase sharpness, and they have multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission for seeing brighter images in the dark. There's even a built-in tripod mount to aid stability or for sharing views with siblings or groups of kids. A tripod mount on this size binocular is pretty unusual.
Both portable and highly versatile, the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 is perfect for beginners but perhaps best suited to older kids; they are pricier than the models mentioned below.
- Take a look at our Celestron telescope and binocular deals hub
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Waterproof design |
| Performance | Versatile for day and night |
| Functionality | Not designed specifically for skywatching |
Best for the whole family
✅ You are looking for a pair of 'go anywhere' binoculars: These binos are kid-friendly but also a great quality pair for adults.
✅ Durability is a must: Not only are they guaranteed to be fog and waterproof, but they also feature a shockproof rubber coating.
❌ You don't want to spend too much: Though they are good value for money, they are still usually between $110 and $150 which is one of the more expensive models on this list.
🔎 Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42: Reasonably priced and easy to use, the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binocular is suitable for beginners and hobbyists alike who want bright, sharp optics in a compact device. ★★★★
Not everyone can justify paying for binoculars solely for their kids to use. Instead, you might want to find a great quality pair that the whole family can share, but that are appropriate and comfortable for kids to use. If that is the case, look no further than Nikon — a photography and optics brand specializing in viewing and imaging for over 100 years.
Our Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review showed us that the view is sharp, clear and bright thanks to multi-coated lenses and high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror-coated prisms. A long eye relief design also means added comfort and a clear field of view for users who wear glasses. We think they are an excellent pair of 'go-anywhere' binoculars.
These binoculars are great for beginners and easy for kids to use. They're also handy if you find it tiring to hold binoculars up to your face for long periods. While they're not the cheapest, with prices ranging from $110 to $150 (which often fluctuate), they're not overly expensive for a quality pair of binoculars that everyone can appreciate.
The Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are guaranteed to be fog-free and waterproof (up to 1 m/3.3 ft for 10 minutes), so will be fine to use in all weather environments. They're coated with non-slip rubber to provide a good grip and offer important protection against shocks in case they're accidentally dropped. However, we recommend taking precautions, like using a neck strap, to prevent drops. Despite their size, these binoculars are slim, compact and lightweight, making them comfortable to hold during extended stargazing sessions.
As mentioned before, 8x magnification with a 42mm objective lens is perfect for kids' binoculars, and this pair from Nikon is just that — perfect for light-gathering and stargazing. Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are also available in 10x30, 10x42 and 8x30.
- Read our full Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Waterproof and fogproof |
| Performance | Sharp and bright views |
| Functionality | Premium feel in the hand |
Best value for money
✅ You're on a tight budget: For a full-sized pair of binos, you won't find much cheaper than this pair.
✅ You don't know if the hobby will last: At the time of writing these binos are less than $35; it's a relatively risk-free way of seeing if your child's hobby will last.
❌ You want the best quality glass: This pair uses the inferior BK7 glass which means the edges will appear more blurred than if BaK-4 glass was used.
❌ Your child wears spectacles: The 13mm eye relief is no good for glasses wearers — they likely won't be able to see the entire field of view.
🔎 Celestron Cometron 7x50 Binocular: If you are looking for a very inexpensive entry to the joy of binocular skywatching, you can't do much better than Celestron's Cometron 7x50. ★★★★
You could choose a pair of binoculars like the Celestron Cometron 7x50, which, thanks to their large aperture, let in a lot of light but are still reasonably lightweight.
With 50mm objective lenses and 7x magnification, these binoculars — which we thought were remarkable value for money in our Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars review — are an ideal size for a kid's introduction to stargazing.
Moreover, their optics are multi-coated and include a stargazing-centric Porro prism. They also have a large exit pupil, guaranteeing maximum light at night and dawn/dusk. As a bonus, they can are easily adjustable to fit smaller faces.
There are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind. First, they use BK7 glass, which is not as preferred as BaK-4 glass for optics. Second, the aluminum-covered Celestron Cometrons are not waterproof; they are water-resistant. Additionally, their outer coating doesn't feel particularly premium to the touch. However, children typically won't be bothered by these factors, and we still believe they offer excellent value for the price. So, these drawbacks shouldn't be a reason to avoid buying them.
- Read our full Celestron Cometron 7x50 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Water-resistant (not waterproof) |
| Performance | Useful for other subjects in the daytime |
| Functionality | Wide FOV |
Best lightweight option
✅ You want a pocketable pair: They weigh just 8.8 oz / 249g and fit nicely in the palm of your hand. Not only are they great for kids, but they double up as a good second pair when you don't want to take a large pair with you.
❌ You need something waterproof: These are fair-weather binoculars; they would probably be fine in a light shower but nothing beyond that.
🔎 Occer 12x25 compact binoculars: Ideal for keeping in your pocket and the perfect size for children and small hands, and surprisingly good quality. ★★★½
These are lightweight, compact and powerful, kid-friendly binoculars with surprisingly good views. They're excellent value for money as a beginner pair and double up well as a handy portable pair when you don't want to take your more expensive glass with you. They also have non-slip rubber armor and stippling and an easy-to-hold grip — even for small hands.
With the BaK-4 multi-coated lenses, your child can enjoy sharp images with accurate colors. The center focus wheel is simple to operate, allowing for quick and comfortable focusing. Additionally, the soft rubber foldable eyecups enhance comfort during use.
We were pleasantly surprised during our Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review that there was less chromatic aberration (color fringing) than even a pair from Celestron (the Celestron Outland X 10x42), which we were reviewing at the same time as this pair.
The Occer 12x25 binoculars come with a neck strap to prevent accidental drops, and they also include a carry pouch for protection against bumps and knocks when you're carrying them or while traveling. These binoculars are compact and tough, so you can even slip them into a jacket pocket, as long as there's nothing sharp in there that could scratch the lenses (lens caps are not included). We often found ourselves choosing these for walks over pricier and more complex models because they are so easy to carry around.
- Read our full Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lots of texture for good grip |
| Performance | Bright and colorful views |
| Functionality | Wide FOV |
Best for young kids
✅ You are buying for a young child: The bright colors and rugged design, as well as being reasonably priced make these a great pair of first binoculars.
❌ You're buying for an older child: Though young children will love the brightly colored binos, older children would be better off with a more sophisticated pair.
🔎 National Geographic 6x21 children's binoculars: These are a big step up from a pair of toy binoculars and they sit at a price point that warrants them being treated with respect, but one that doesn't break the bank. ★★★½
These binoculars are tough, small, and easy to carry. They come in bright yellow or green colors, making them hard to misplace! These binoculars are specifically made for very young children and are built with strong polycarbonate housing. They have a roof prism design and use BK7 glass, and also come with a small case and a simple wrist strap, which is important because they are quite small in size.
Featuring only 6x magnification and with just 21mm objective lenses they're only really useful for looking at the moon after dark, as they lack the light-gathering abilities of superior astronomy-specific binoculars. Don't mistake them for a throwaway novelty, though, as inside, you will find surprisingly good optics and anti-reflective coatings that brighten the image.
Since kids tend to find it harder to stay still than adults do, the smaller amount of magnification can help everything seem more stable. The higher the magnification is, any little wobbles are also magnified. Reduced wobble makes finding and focusing on things like the Moon easier. They lack substantial eye relief, and as we found in our National Geographic 6x21 Children's binocular review, the eye cups are poor quality — so we wouldn't recommend them for kids who wear glasses.
For terrestrial viewing, they do the job of magnifying sporting action, birds and other wildlife perfectly adequately for a very young user, even indoors. If you can put up with their shortcomings, these are a great little cost-effective option as an introductory pair of binoculars, ideal for getting young children interested in stargazing and nature spotting. Our young (five-year-old) test subject preferred these over the aforementioned Occer pair purely because they are bright yellow.
- Read our full National Geographic 6x21 Children's Binocular review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Ergonomic for small hands |
| Performance | Acceptable performance considering the price |
| Functionality | Not good enough for stargazing |
Best for glasses wearers
✅ You want the best quality glass: These binos utilize top-quality BaK-4 glass that is fully multi-coated.
✅ The child wears glasses: These binos have a generous 18mm eye-relief, so the young person will be able to see the entire field of view, even when wearing glasses.
❌ You're buying for a young child: At 623 grams, these are fairly heavy binoculars that young children may struggle to hold.
🔎Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 Binocular: They are good but not great, performing well for astronomy but having little to make them stand out in a competitive field. ★★★
If your kids want to view the night sky, these binoculars with an 8x magnification and a 42mm objective lens would be ideal. These specs are lower than the 10x50 specification that is generally recommended for adults — it means they have lighter and smaller bodies but still have enough light-gathering power and magnification for an enjoyable skywatching session. In our Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review, we consider these an excellent value pair of binos.
The specs are good: They use a Porro prism design with high-quality BaK-4 glass and fully multi-coated lenses. They are also designed to be waterproof and resistant to dew, and they're wrapped in protective rubber-like armor, which makes them perfect for kids. You'll also get a soft carrying case, a neck strap and rubber lens covers to keep them safe. Additionally, they have long eye relief, which ensures comfort for kids who wear glasses when using them.
All these factors help to make night sky viewing easy and enjoyable for kids. The Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 binoculars are an ideal entry-level option for kids with a serious interest in astronomy, but they're just as good during the day for wildlife and landscapes. They're also available in other specifications, including 6.5x32, 8x32, 10x42, 10x50 and 12x50.
- Read our full Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Tough rubberized coating |
| Performance | Poor close focus |
| Functionality | Narrow FOV |
Best for portability
✅ You want to view entire constellations at once: The 25-degree angular field of view can show you entire constellations at once. For comparison, most astronomy binoculars give about 6.5 to 8-degrees.
❌ You're buying for a young person with spectacles: There is no eye relief, so spectacle wearers won't be able to see the entire field of view.
🔎Vixen SG 2.1x42 Binocular: The small size and specs make them something of an oddity for astronomy, but stargazers will love the low-power opera glasses style. ★★★★½
These are among the most unusual binoculars available for children and adults who want to view the night sky in full 3D. They can be likened aesthetically to a pair of opera glasses.
Vixen SG 2.1x42 binoculars are most appropriate for wide-field observation of the stars and the Milky Way, and the lenses are composed of five multi-coated elements to help star clusters like the Pleiades, Hyades and the Perseus Double Cluster pop against the dark sky. They aren't suitable for close-up planetary or lunar observations — you need a higher magnification level for that. The stereoscopic depth is incredible, and the light-gathering power is remarkable, though the nature of the optics means that there is a distinct ring of blur around the edges of the field of view.
Made in Japan and supplied with a soft case and comfortable neck strap, we thought, in our Vixen SG 2.1x42 review, that they are very user-friendly and boast excellent build quality.
Focusing each lens individually can be a bit tricky, but once you get it right, you'll enjoy a stable image thanks to the wide field of view. This stability, along with the strong yet lightweight build, makes these binoculars a great choice for kids.
One small downside is that the lens caps can be easily misplaced. However, this is just a minor issue with these special pocket-sized binoculars that both young stargazers and their parents will appreciate.
The only reason these binoculars sit at the bottom of this guide is that they are increasingly difficult to find — stock levels are extremely low. A similar pair is the SVBONY SV407 though we are yet to review these.
- Read our full Vixen SG 2.1x42 binoculars review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lack of eye relief and rubber eyecups |
| Performance | Very stable image |
| Functionality | Low magnification |
Best binoculars for kids Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best binoculars for kids?
The Canon 10x42L IS WP Binocular are the best binoculars for kids and have in-built image stabilization but they are for those with big budgets. Those with older kids to buy for should take a look at the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binocular and for younger children the Olympus 8x25 WP II Binocular are the best rated in our guide.
What is better 8x or 10x binoculars for kids?
8x magnification binoculars are better for kids that are happy to see a wider field of view. But a slight boost to 10x will help children spot subjects close-up and better fill the view (provided the field of view is narrower).
Why do kids see better in the dark with binoculars?
It's a known fact that children can see better in the dark than adults. Their pupils can dilate wider, improving their night vision by increasing light-gathering power. They also have more rods — light-sensitive cells on the retina that aid low-light viewing — making it possible to give a child smaller binoculars that are easier to carry and hold but allow less light in than yours. They'll still see a glistening night sky, whereas, with the same pair, it might not look as impressive to an adult.
How do I know which binoculars are best for children?
Binoculars can be a great starting point for budding young astronomers and nature watchers, yet there are some things worth considering before purchasing them for children. Above all, be wary of 'toy binoculars.' They are much cheaper and generally more visually appealing to children (often found in toy stores), but their performance will be much different from the standards of 'proper binoculars' and will therefore affect enjoyment and learning. Knowing what to look for in a pair of kids' binoculars is essential.
What features should I look for in a kids binocular?
A few key features to look for in children's binoculars are:
1. Make sure the binoculars aren't too heavy or bulky for a child to hold steady. If they are, ensure they have a tripod adapter.
2. Magnifications of 7x to 10x are generally the best for skywatching.
3. Porro prisms and BaK4 glass are best for stargazing.
4. Foldable designs are convenient and portable.
It's worth checking how much you can physically adjust the binoculars. Binoculars have a degree of flex to better fit individual faces, particularly the distance between the eyes (this is called the interpupillary distance). The more flex, the more likely they will fit a smaller face comfortably.
How heavy should kids binoculars be?
we recommend pairs that weigh less than 10 oz (283g) for very young children (four to seven years). Older kids and teenagers can generally handle standard-sized binoculars well but can still benefit from a more lightweight pair with lower magnification so as not to experience too much wobble.
Binoculars can tire even grownup users with prolonged use, so it's important to factor in weight when choosing a pair for a child. Children can struggle to keep an image steady with even mid-weight binoculars.
What is the best magnification for binoculars for kids?
If the weight of your binoculars can cause image shake and affect the stability of your view, so too can magnification. High-powered binoculars with a magnification above 8x can make it tough for smaller hands to keep the view steady, as any movement from the hands also gets multiplied by the magnification amount. Since a shaky image can prove frustrating and ultimately bore younger users, having low-powered, stable binoculars can enhance their enjoyment.
Lower-magnification binoculars also produce a wider field of view than high-powered/higher-magnification binoculars, with several benefits for all users, especially children. High-powered binoculars zoom in closer to the subject you're looking at, but low-powered binoculars, with a wider field of view, make finding objects quickly much easier. They also help locate fast-moving objects such as birds (as they are in the frame for longer) and can significantly improve a beginner’s coordination and accuracy.
My kid struggles to hold binoculars steady, what should I do?
Here are some tips from our page on How to Hold Binoculars Steady.
1. Get a comfortable, firm grip on the binoculars
2. Tuck the elbows into the body, preferably against the ribcage or place them on something stationary like a wall or fence.
3. Use a tripod with a binocular mount for prolonged use with heavier binoculars.
What size aperture should binoculars for children have?
The bigger the better for low light viewing, but kids can see better in the dark than adults so this is less important for young observers.
The aperture of binoculars refers to the diameter of the front lenses and affects the amount of light that reaches the rear lenses. It is the second number after the magnification and is written in millimeters. So, a pair of binoculars that are rated at 7x30 offers a magnification of x7 and a diameter of 30mm.
That aperture can make a big difference to the experience of using binoculars, especially in low light and at night, so we recommend using a pair of binoculars with a 40mm or above aperture to let in more light, especially for night-time stargazing.
Essentially, larger objective lenses mean brighter images. The best binoculars will have fully multi-coated optics and BaK-4 glass (rather than BK7). There are cheaper instruments available, which will still give enthralling views of the heavens, but you won't be getting the absolute best image possible.
How durable are kids binoculars?
The models reviewed and rated in our guide take durability into account. Kids are typically still developing motor skills so a pair of binoculars for kids may take a tumble more often than a pair for adults.
Anything can happen when you're out in the field, so to prolong the life of your binoculars and ensure the best possible user experience for as long as possible, it's sensible to purchase the most durable pair that meets your needs. This doesn't have to mean the most expensive, as many, including those above (like the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60), come with some form of protective rubber coating, and some are even waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof (these will list nitrogen purged as a specification).
Anything that minimizes accidental damage can only reduce your worry and add to your child's enjoyment of binoculars and the incredible views of nature and the sky above that binoculars can open up. Look for binoculars that come with a neckstrap so they don't end up on the floor by accident.
How much do the best binoculars for kids cost?
We'd say anywhere between $30 and $150. The National Geographic 6x21 children's binocular are available at the time of writing for just $30 whereas the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 are around $150. However, the Canon 10x42L IS WP Binocular are the best pair we've tested in this round-up but come in at around $1300.
How we test the best binoculars for kids
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best binoculars for kids to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every binocular through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each binocular designed for kids is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each pair of binoculars is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each binocular and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy they are to operate, whether eye relief can be adjusted for spectacles wearer if a binocular comes with appropriate accessories or carry bags and also make suggestions if a particular set of binos would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on binoculars for kids, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
