Cheap binos for kids that are still good (1 Viewer)

[Logitech]

Hi,
I am planning to go on an excursion and I would like to also equip my kids with binos. Do you have any recommendation for binos that would be rather cheap but still deliver and do not weigh too much? Should I just go for the cheapest "kids bino" or would you recommend something different? What would be the cheapest bino you know that still delivers some kind of acceptable performance?

 

[dwatsonbirder]

A reverse Porro-prism compact (7x or 8x) by Nikon or Opticron would be a good option. There are small Porro-prism binoculars by Kowa/Opticron/Vortex/Leopold 6x - 8x with a 30mm objective lens that also a offer good value to performance ratio. Have a search on the forum, there are numerous threads 👍

 

[Cest]

Vortex Bantam 6.5x32 or Oberwerk 6.5x32. Either would be perfect. The Vortex was $69 on Amazon.

 

[jafritten]

Hi,
I am planning to go on an excursion and I would like to also equip my kids with binos. Do you have any recommendation for binos that would be rather cheap but still deliver and do not weigh too much? Should I just go for the cheapest "kids bino" or would you recommend something different? What would be the cheapest bino you know that still delivers some kind of acceptable performance?

How old are your kids? And how much are you willing to spend?

You won't get them into it with poor optics. Consider something used perhaps.

Check out Gijs' test: Gijs' new test: Compact binoculars suitable for children

 

[Jinac]

Ninon sportstar ex 8x25 can be found at 50€-60€ for second hand (here in France), could be a good choice too. Little, 300g, big field

 

[Dennis Mau]

Kowa YF II 6x30's are hard to beat for kids and adults for a low-cost binocular, costing only $119.00. An inexpensive porro is always better than an inexpensive roof because porro's are much simpler and cheaper to manufacture.

Kowa 6x30 YF Porro Prism Binocular

Discover superior optics with the Kowa 6x30 YF II Binoculars. Cost-effective and 100% waterproof, these binoculars balance retro design, modern functionality, and superior optical performance.

www.kowaoptic.com

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/840762-kowa-yf-ii-6x30-a-dandy-little-porro/

https://www.amazon.com/Kowa-YF-II-6x30-Binocular/dp/B08C7YKXDD?th=1

 

[Logitech]

Whats your opinion on the Nikon Aculon 8x42 or even 7x35? I could get them for around 100 euros

My kids are 10, 12 and 16

 

[Dennis Mau]

Whats your opinion on the Nikon Aculon 8x42 or even 7x35? I could get them for around 100 euros

My kids are 10, 12 and 16

I have tried them, and they are not as good as the Kowa 6x30 YF above. The Kowa is hard to beat for the price.

Kowa 6x30 YF Porro Prism Binocular

Discover superior optics with the Kowa 6x30 YF II Binoculars. Cost-effective and 100% waterproof, these binoculars balance retro design, modern functionality, and superior optical performance.

redirect.viglink.com

Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 Review

The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 is an affordable pair of binos that let in a lot of light for a bright viewing experience. That said, its clunky porro-prism...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

 

[Logitech]

although I like 8x better than 6x

 

[Dennis Mau]

although I like 8x better than 6x

I thought they were for your kids? Kids are better off with 6x because of easier eye placement, less shaking and a bigger FOV. The Kowa YF also come in a 8x30.

Kowa YF II 8 x 30 Binocular

The YF II 8 x 30 binocular from Kowa utilizes fully, multi-coated optics to provide a crisp view. The prisms are phase corrected and also have Kowa's KR coating to protect the external lenses from dirt and residue. The YF II series is lightweight as well as fogproof and waterproof. If it's...

kowaoptics.com

https://www.amazon.com/Kowa-8x30mm-Binocular-Coating-Waterproof/dp/B09968J9DM?th=1

 

[safaridreaming]

Depending on age I found 8x25 very good. They are light enough for hte kids to have around their neck for prolonged periods and good exit pupil size. The only issue is the double hinge - I had to teach my kids some techniques on how to use. Single hinge options would hv been much better. My kids are now 12 and 14 and still use the 8x25’s - they find my 8x32’s too heavy around their necks so just need to be conscious of that.

I think the 8x25’s will with them for a few yrs yet, after which they will likely get their own 8x32’s….

I think more broadly, owning their own binoculars has also taught them pride of ownership. I see both taking a lot of care cleaning their optics and storing them and making sure they pack them when we travel so that’s another really good outcome I’m very pleased with.

 

[TXdefender]

My kids are 6 and 9 and enjoy using the Vortex Bantam 6.5x32