Best Binoculars For Safari – Our Top Picks

Are you planning to explore Africa and its fauna soon ? It's perfect ! We have put together the ultimate guide for you to choose the best binoculars to use on your safari .

f you have the chance to go with family or friends to explore the African savannah , you certainly want to take in your suitcase the essential accessory for the success of your stay: binoculars for safari . 

Do not miss the opportunity to choose the best pair of binoculars that will make all the difference. African safaris are the best way to observe wild animals in their natural environment, nothing to do with the animal parks that we can see on the whole territory, failing to be able to leave for South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia or Tanzania. 

Very popular during the winter dry season from June to October when the grass is low and the view is clear, the safaris require binoculars adapted to these specific places and conditions.

How to choose the best binoculars for safari?

Before going over the different binoculars suitable for safaris , we will detail some important points to define before buying your pair of binoculars.

Binoculars, an essential accessory for a safari?

It is legitimate to ask the question, do we necessarily need binoculars during a safari? To tell the truth, this tool is essential to flush out the smallest details and see without being seen. 

Although most of the time you will be close enough to the animals you will often need a good pair of binoculars to track down the most suspicious mammals such as the leopard . Nestled at the top of a tree or sneaking through tall grass, the only way to see them discreetly is to use your binoculars. Would you be ready to let go of an opportunity like that after having traveled thousands of kilometers to observe the animals?

What magnification to choose for safari binoculars?

Contrary to popular belief, binoculars with high magnification are not recommended for a safari. Even if most animals rest under the trees in the middle of the day, nature is alive and constantly awake. You will not always have time to mount your binoculars on a tripod to observe the wildlife. A high magnification means high weight and reduced hand stability . Observing animals from a vehicle that is sometimes in motion is always complicated, which is why it is preferable to use an intermediate magnification.

We therefore recommend that you select a pair of compact, medium-sized binoculars that are easy to carry . Binoculars with 7x or 8x magnification will be fine. Several other criteria will also need to be taken into account in determining the best binoculars for safari.

What diameter to choose for safari binoculars?

The diameter of the binoculars has a direct impact on the amount of light thus influences the clarity of the image. However, in view of the use it is not necessary to use binoculars with a large diameter, most safaris taking place in broad daylight and ending for the most part in the late afternoon. Diameters of 25, 28, 30 or 32 will be perfect (example 8 × 32).

Which exit pupil should you choose for safari binoculars?

First of all, what is an exit pupil? For those who do not know it is happening here.

Very important factor not to be overlooked, the exit pupil . The selection of binoculars does not stop at the combination of the magnification and the diameter of the lens . These indicators are important but are not the key to a pair of safari binoculars. Indeed, when the magnification is high it must be proportional to the diameter in order to obtain the same brightness ratio.

To calculate the exit pupil you simply divide the diameter of the lens by the number of magnification . For example, the 10 × 42 binocular exit pupil is 4.2 mm (42/10).

You should know that in the middle of the day, the pupil of an adult does not fully expand and reaches approximately 3 mm , so choose a pair of safari binoculars with an exit pupil of about this value.

What weight to choose for safari binoculars?

You will understand, in a safari situation the weight of the binoculars is an important criterion because it depends on your comfort of use. We advise you to use compact or medium binoculars not exceeding 600 grams.

What are the other criteria to take into account when choosing safari binoculars?

Whether it is a use for a safari or a birdwatching trip , the quality of view is determined by that of the components of the binoculars. The quality of the prism and of the glasses used is an essential criterion. This quality is often found in high-end optics from major brands such as Steiner, Pentax or Swarovski.

What about using a monocular during a safari?

The monocular has its advantages as well as its disadvantages but in the case of a safari it can have an interesting utility because it makes it possible to observe the animals while holding on to the moving vehicle, a considerable additional security. However, the downside is that you will not be able to use both eyes, which can be uncomfortable for some people.

How much do safari binoculars cost?

Many brands share the binoculars market, which allows us to have fairly competitive prices depending on the range sought. In the end, the quality of the lenses is the most important criterion, which is what determines the quality of the image “unlike” technical indicators such as magnification and diameter. It is therefore preferable to go towards recognized brands in this field such as Nikon, Bushnell, Steiner or Swarovski.

For occasional use, there is no need to spend huge amounts on the purchase of a pair of binoculars. A budget of $100 to $200  will be enough to meet your needs.

Now that you have all the information necessary to select your binoculars, you will find below our selection of the best safari binoculars.

The best safari binoculars

Celestron Nature DX 8 × 32

The Celestron Nature DX 8 × 32 binoculars are ideal for an outdoors trip. It is a very good product for occasional outdoor use. With BaK-4 prisms and fully optical tr aitée multi-layer , these binoculars cheaply are light and highly maneuverable . Its waterproof case will allow you to use them even in bad weather and its nitrogen purge will offer you anti-fog protection , important during your morning outing in the savannah.

The Nature DX reveals unmatched image details you won't find with other entry-level binoculars. Indeed, the sophisticated optics implemented in this model makes it possible to increase the contrast and the resolution of the images .

With 8x magnification and 32mm diameter , these binoculars are the perfect balance between performance and ease of use . They will allow you to observe and follow moving animals thanks to its wide field of vision . You will also have the possibility of viewing close subjects with a focus of only 2 meters .

Its resistant rubber armored polycarbonate case protects your binoculars from damage in the event of a fall. They will not, however, withstand the weight of an elephant or the bites of lion, understandably. Multiple screw blinds guarantee correct positioning of the eyes even for those who wear glasses.

Bushnell Natureview 8 × 42 Binoculars

Considered one of the best pairs of binoculars for bird watching , the Bushnell Natureview 8 × 42 is equipped with 10x magnification and a diameter of 42 mm giving you a wide field of vision in any environment.

Available at a reasonable price , these binoculars were designed for bird watchers and nature lovers. The extra short focusing distance allows you to see and distinguish the smallest details of your target. Its BaK-4 prisms give you a clear and bright image and its grooved central wheel will allow you to easily adjust your vision in all circumstances.

An ultra-resistant cover is provided and allows you to easily protect and transport your pair of binoculars.

Nikon Sportstar EX 10 × 25 Binoculars

The Nikon Sportstar EX 10 × 25 binoculars offer incredible user comfort, lightness and attractive optical performance for this type of binocular. Equipped with multilayered processing lenses for bright and clear images, the optical system uses several layers of anti-reflective compounds for excellent brightness and resolution.

Waterproof and anti-fog, the ergonomic rubber coating gives you a comfortable and non-slip grip . Its slim and ergonomic design folds down so that it can easily slip into your pocket. The center focus button is smooth and fast and allows you to quickly adjust your view.