Best Zoom Binoculars (2024)
What are zoom binoculars?
They are binoculars with adjustable magnifications so you can zoom-in or zoom-out, for example, from 10-22 times.
This is different than traditional binoculars will have a fixed magnification such as 8x or 10x.
There are certainly advantages to zoom magnification, but there are some disadvantages as well. And are they good for birdwatching?
Top-Rated Zoom Binocular for Less than $140!
Nikon Aculon 10-22 x 50mm Zoom Binoculars
- Adjustable magnification from 10x to 22x
- Instantly go from high power to super-high power
- Multi-coated optics for sharp contrast and vivid color
Advantages of Zoom Binoculars
The most obvious advantage is that you can have one pair of binoculars with multiple magnification levels.
With this versatility, you can instantly change from low to mid to high power with the flick of your fingertip.
This is especially useful in long range viewing situations such as wetlands, during raptor migration watches, on boats and from lots of other non-birding activities such as sporting events or concerts.
When you are initially trying to spot a bird, other wildlife, or a player on the field, you want a lower magnification which provides a wider field of view.
Once you spotted your target, then you can zoom in and use the higher magnification settings to view finer details.
Disadvantages of Zoom Binoculars
So why would you ever get fixed-magnification binoculars when you can get zoom binoculars that offer multiple magnification levels?
When there are some inherent design problems that cannot be overcome in zoom bins with variable magnification.
First off, if you were to compare the equivalent fixed 10x binocular with a zoom 10-22x at the 10x magnification, the field of view on the fixed pair will be as much as twice as wide than the zoom.
Comparison of Field of View @ 1000 Yards for Zoom vs Fixed Magnification:
- Nikon 10-22x50 Action (Zoom): 199 ft
- Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme (Fixed): 342 ft
Also you should take into consideration that beyond 20x magnification you will want to have a tripod to help stabilize the binoculars.
It's nearly impossible to hold the binoculars free-hand at higher levels without getting a lot of hand shake - not so noticeable at lower levels, but definitely so at the higher magnifications. Most of the zoom bins are larger and heavier, but you can find compact zoom binoculars as well, typically at a higher price.
Our overall recommendation is that zoom binoculars are nice to have in addition to having a fixed magnification pair, especially for some types of bird watching as mentioned above in the advantages section.
If you read the additional reviews (over 50) from the Nikon Action Zoom pair listed at the top of this page, lots of people enjoy them for a variety of uses and think they perform very well.
Just keep in mind some of the drawbacks and that they will perform differently, of course, then a fixed magnification pair of binoculars. They are certainly useful for long range viewing, for marine or astronomy binoculars, but I would not necessarily use them for viewing warblers in a tight spruce/fir forest.
How to Choose Bird Watching Binoculars:
Binocular Reviews:
Best Binoculars for Bird Watching
Nikon Monarch Binoculars ATB 8x42 Review
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42 Binoculars
Swarovski SLC HD Binoculars Review
Budget Nikon Action Binoculars
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Digital Binoculars with Camera and Video Built-In
Binocular Repair and Care:
Binocular Accessories:
Spotting Scopes:
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Zoom binoculars vs fixed magnification binoculars
You can identify zoom vs fixed magnification binoculars by the numbers listed. A fixed magnification binocular will only have two numbers such as 8×42. Variable or zoom binoculars will have three numbers such as 8-20x42 with the range of magnification listed - in this case, with a range of 8 to 20 magnification.
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Our Favorite Bird Watching Binoculars, Squirrel-Proof Feeder & Hummingbird Feeder Read Our Reviews: |
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Nikon Monarch M5
Best mid-priced bird watching binoculars. Waterproof, shockproof, multi-coated ED-Glass. |
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Best Hummingbird Feeder
Drip-Free, Ant-moat, Durable, Easy to Fill and Clean. |
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