Eight of the best 10×50 birding binoculars

10×50 binoculars have a magnification of 10x. Their objective lenses, measuring 50 mm, give a good light gathering capacity. This size is also still relatively portable and able to be hand held without a tripod.

We dedicate this article to comparing some great choices of 10×50 binoculars for birding, with reviews of the main features plus the pros and cons.

If you are looking for 10×50 binoculars, it’s likely that you think they will be good for the type of birding you like to do.

Before we go into details about each model of binoculars and the different birding scenarios for which they are best, let’s get an overview of each pair.

Quick comparison: Best 10×50 binoculars for bird watching

LEICA 10×50 ULTRAVID HD-PLUS BINOCULAR LEI40096

Offering outstanding optical performance in low light birding situations, Leica 10×50 Ultravid HD-Plus is a premium product with the memorable views and build quality to match.

Best overall 10×50 binoculars

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NIKON 8248 ACULON A211 10×50 BINOCULAR

The Porro design Aculon binoculars give you access to sharp images with the brightness and good color representation for which Nikon is well known – at a low price.

Best value 10×50 birding binoculars

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NIKON 7245 ACTION 10×50 EX EXTREME ALL-TERRAIN

Nikon’s Extreme All-Terrain Binocular is a reliable budget option from a top brand.

Best Porro prism 10×50 binoculars

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VORTEX OPTICS DIAMONDBACK HD 10×50

The addition of HD glass gives the Diamondbacks a clear bright image. They are one of Vortex’s most budget-friendly rugged, versatile options.

Best 10×50 binoculars for near viewing

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CELESTRON GRANITE 10×50

Celestron Granite’s modern open frame makes these binoculars a relatively lightweight, easy-to-handle option – always a bonus for 10×50 binoculars!

Best 10×50 binoculars for comfort

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VORTEX OPTICS VIPER HD 10×50

Featuring Vortex Optics’s comfortable ergonomic design, the Viper HDs are clear as well as being well built.

Best 10×50 binoculars for ergonomics

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VORTEX OPTICS RAZOR UHD 10×50

Amazing low light details in a sleek, stylish body. The phase-corrected Abbe-Koenig prisms put these binoculars a cut above the regular Vortex Razors.

Best 10×50 binoculars for low light conditions

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SWAROVSKI 10×50 EL BINOCULAR SWA35210

The EL 10x50s boast top of the range sharpness, color, and clarity, with long eye relief.

Best 10×50 binoculars with long eye relief

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Reviews: Best 10×50 binoculars for bird watching

In this review section, we list all the most important specifications of each product along with a summary of its main features.

For each model there is a quick summary of its pros and cons, before a fuller review of how it performs.

As price is always a key consideration, we have included the facility to check the current price so that you can also compare from that point of view.

Best overall 10×50 birding binoculars

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Leica 10×50 Ultravid HD-Plus binoculars Overview

One of Leica’s most popular sizes with their Ultravid range, which also includes the 8x and 12x. The company, which has been making optical products for more than 100 years, is known for achieving amazing color performance.

Outstanding in low light

The image has a great 3D quality about it and this is why people find the Leica brand to be worth the investment. They offer outstanding optical performance in low light conditions, as you would expect from such a premium product.

The performance of all the components is of the highest quality, with a reliable focus wheel functioning well at all weathers and temperatures. It is sufficiently large, with a double function as dual focus and diopter.

Focusing action is tight. From the closest focus distance of just under eleven feet all the way out to infinity is about one and a quarter turns.

The diopter includes a marked scale to take note of your individual adjustment in case you share the binoculars and need to switch between different eye sights of different people.

Schmitt Pechan prisms means a compact size

The configuration of the Schmitt Pechan prisms enables the binoculars to be shorter and more compact. This is especially helpful for birders who have smaller hands.

The rubber armor is thin but tough. The tactile feel of the coating on the body makes these a pleasure to hold for longer periods. On the underside there are smooth thumb rests for extra comfort and support.

Additionally, as well as the binoculars you get two sets of lens caps – for objective and ocular – as well as a case and a strap.

Best value 10×50 birding binoculars

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Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 10×50 binoculars Overview

A sound option for beginning birding, these Nikon Aculon 10×50 binoculars are pitched at the lower range of the budget.

These binoculars are built in the Porro prism design, which means their shape is not as streamlined as roof prism binoculars. To learn more about this kind of configuration, you can check out the article here.

Comparatively short close focus distance

Their close focus range is quite close for 10×50 binoculars, so that is one of their plus points. The large center dial is easy to use, with a satisfactory firmness when turning.

While the focus itself is sharp, they are also good in low light. The sharpness doesn’t quite extend to the edges of the image.

As well as this blurring at the outside edge, there is also some fringing of chromatic aberration. Other than this the colors at the center are well rendered.

Shockproof rubber coating

The rubber armoring provides a nice feeling grip. They are easy to adjust, but possibly a bit too loose when moving the bridge.

Overall the binoculars are of a sturdy build. There shouldn’t be any complaints about their solidness!

The package includes lens caps, an adjustable strap (not very padded), packed in quite a stiff case.

Best Porro prism 10×50 birding binoculars

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Nikon 7245 Action 10×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain binoculars Overview

This offering from Nikon is similar in many ways to the Aculon model that we also review. As another Porro prism binocular, the All-Terrain feels wide in the hands and can be easily adjusted by moving the bridge more open or closed.

Likewise, the build quality is very good. The sturdiness of the Extreme All-Terrain binoculars is impressive.

Clear view across most of the image

As for the image quality, sharpness extends across nearly the whole image. Where it does start to degrade, at the edges, this is clearly visible. The vast majority of the view is clear though.

If you’re planning to mount these binoculars on a tripod then there is attachment for that too.

10×50 size is at the highest point of magnification that most people can effectively hand hold, so it’s worth considering trying these out on a tripod to see if that works for you.

Reliable budget option from a top brand

These binoculars are not far past the $100 price mark, which is often used as a good benchmark for the lowest budget you should spend on a pair.

Spending less than $100 runs that risk of leaving you disappointed and wishing you’d saved up just a bit more for a pair like these.

If you have a limited budget these binoculars do offer a good performance. Nikon is known for its reliability and these certainly live up to that reputation.

For more binocular choices with the Porro prism configuration, feel free to read this round-up of The best Porro prism binoculars for birding

Best 10×50 birding binoculars for near viewing (short close focus)

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Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×50 binoculars Overview

Vortex offers its lifetime warranty along with outstanding build quality on its binoculars. These Diamondbacks are fully waterproof and fogproofed, thanks to the argon-purging and O-ring seals.

Simple to adjust for individual use

The focus knob is smooth and simple to use, with ridges to make it non-slip. Its central location is good for left or right handers.

The diopter is on the right side. The rubber armoring covering the binoculars is rugged too.

The twist-out eye cups are soft and comfortable, with clicks to indicate how far you’ve moved them. This is handy to remember so you can set them back to the same eye relief length each time you use the binoculars.

Package includes a harness

These binoculars can be tripod-mounted on a tripod. The little knob with the logo on unscrews to fit the adapter on. Vortex sells the adapter separately.

The package does, however, include Vortex’s GlassPak harness, which is a nifty addition. Many birders find that a harness is a comfortable and lightweight alternative to hand-holding the binoculars and carrying them on a simple neck strap.

The GlassPak itself is a neat design with handy little mesh pockets on each side, then another at the back.

Best 10×50 birding binoculars for comfort

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Celestron Granite 10×50 binoculars Overview

While they can’t be described as budget level, these binoculars do line up well with the more premium products that we also review here.

If you’re not quite able or ready to completely splurge $1000s but are prepared to make a significant investment, then these Celestron Granite 10×50 binoculars are a happy compromise.

At 342 feet at 1000 yards, the field of view of these Celestron Granite matches the Porro prism models also reviewed above.

When it comes to 10×50 binoculars (or any for that matter!) it’s good to get the widest field of view possible. This allows you to view more of the landscape and therefore spot more birds.

Comfortable for long use

The open frame hinge design is lighter, and comfortable for extended sessions.

Its design is secure to hold with one hand only. It could be questionable, though, whether you would be doing this with 10×50 binoculars, which really require two hands so as to be as steady as possible.

At 17 mm the eye relief is adequate if you want to wear glasses or sunglasses while using these binoculars.

Otherwise, the rubber eyecups twist out so that you can use them equally effectively without eyewear. And they stay where they are set, which can be a challenge with some binoculars!

What’s in the pack?

Celestron includes a neck strap, harness strap and carry case, plus a rain guard and lens caps – but only for the objective lenses. And those lens caps are not the most effective so it might be worth investing in an alternative set.

If you’re looking to mount these binoculars on a tripod there is an optional adapter.

Best 10×50 birding binoculars for ergonomics

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Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×50 binoculars Overview

In contrast to the Celestron Granite binoculars, the Vortex Vipers have a closed-bridge configuration. Vortex offers this as a solid platform for the internal focusing mechanism. Basically it makes them feel extra robust and look good!

Great for poor weather conditions

If you’re using the binoculars in inclement weather, it’s crucial that the binoculars’ controls are still manageable. Here, Vortex’s large slip-resistant center focus knob meets this requirement. There is a locking diopter on the right side.

Assuming poor weather might also translate to lower light conditions, all of the Viper’s optic components contribute to the clear, sharp views.

On this point, though, there is room for improvement. Though they do well in low light, if we were being really fussy we would wish for more brightness. At this price point, we want top-notch light transmission.

Eye relief is on the short side

Whether you are using the Vipers with or without glasses, it doesn’t matter. Without glasses, you can twist up the click-stop rubber eyecups to whatever distance means your eyes are at a comfortable distance for the full view.

For use with eyewear, eye relief on the Vortex Viper binoculars may be a little short. The spec gives the distance as 16 mm.

Externally, the ArmorTek coatings instil confidence with their repulsion of damp and grease.

Best 10×50 birding binoculars for low light conditions

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Vortex Optics Razor UHD 10×50 binoculars Overview

With the Razor UHD you are getting Vortex Optics’ best of the best. The Razor was already the top tier, and the UHD is a further upgrade from this.

Basically, what you are getting is even better glass and Vortex’s top-of-the-line XR Plus lens coatings.

The improved twilight factor is a big plus with the Vortex Optics Razor UHDs. What this does is heighten contrast and make it easier to see birds in low light, particularly when they are moving.

Highly efficient light transmission via Abbe-Koenig prisms

The main advantage of the phase-corrected Abbe-Koenig prisms is their ability to transmit light more efficiently, meaning that less light is lost along the path.

All this translates to a brighter image. This is a big factor in their superiority over the Razor HDs.

Abbe-Koenig prisms allow a slimmer body

The Abbe-Koenig prisms are a more compact prism system, allowing the binoculars to be better streamlined. Their slim shape is pleasing to the eye, to hold, and of course it is more packable.

One downside of these binoculars is that turning the focus wheel is a slow process. To travel the full range requires two whole turns.

It’s more of a bonus for hunters. While this is good for extreme fine-tuning, some birders may regret that this takes a longer time when trying to get on a fast moving bird.

GlassPak harness is included

The inclusion of the GlassPak chest harness is a plus point. Using the binoculars in this enables you to keep them really handy to pick up quickly while being less of a strain than a neck strap.

The Razor UHD is tripod-compatible if you want to stabilize the binoculars more than hand holding. There’s a little fitting in the centre that unscrews for you to attach the adapter.

Best 10×50 birding binoculars for eye glasses wearers (long eye relief)

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Swarovski 10×50 EL binoculars Overview

People talk about Swarovskis as heirloom optics. From these Swarovski 10×50 EL binoculars it’s easy to see why.

How the binoculars feel in the hands is a difficult concept to measure. These Swarovski 10×50 EL binoculars are not only ergonomically shaped but well balanced in the hand.

The magnesium alloy body is clad in rubber armor, to keep the binoculars easily grippable even in damp or cold conditions. The main focus wheel incorporates a pull-out diopter – a satisfyingly minimal design feature.

Field flattening lenses

In terms of image quality, it’s difficult to think up enough superlatives. You really get what you pay for. The aim of Swarovski’s field flattener lenses is to make sure the outstanding contrast reaches all the way to the edge of the view.

Long, forgiving eye relief

Another great point is that the eye relief, at 20 mm, is long. This is always a benefit. It’s more forgiving, not only for people who wear glasses or sunglasses when birding, but for all users.

If you’re not wearing glasses, you can pull out the eyecups, which move extremely smoothly.

Tripod adaptable – as long as you do it the Swaro way!

If you would like to attach your Swarovski binoculars to a tripod, then it is possible. But it is not quite as simple as other brands, who often offer a little screwable attachment at the front of the binoculars.

In this case, the binoculars need a different adapter. It works using an elasticated band that stretches over the body of the binoculars. So you’ll need to buy Swarovski’s own product, rather than using one that you already have.

Seems like a small detail, but even the carrying strap is really comfortable!

How to choose the best 10×50 binoculars for bird watching

Here are some suggestions of what to consider when choosing a pair of 10×50 binoculars for bird watching.

As is so often the case with finding the right optics, it is about weighing up what are the most important features to get the best from your particular birding interests and habits.

The consensus about many birders is that 10×50 binoculars are less suitable than sizes such as 8×42 or 10×42 for general bird watching. The 10×50 binoculars tend to weigh a bit more, because of their larger objective lenses.

What to consider when buying 10×50 binoculars

As the time that you are holding them goes on, your arms tire. It can get more tricky to hold the binoculars steady and maintain a clear view without shake.

Another argument given against 10x50s is that the extra magnification and therefore narrower field of view make it more difficult to spot the birds initially.

There can also be less eye relief (crucial for people wearing eye glasses – read why here). A longer close focus distance may also be restrictive.

Situations when 10×50 binoculars excel

The extra magnification of 10×50 binoculars suits bird watching in situations where the birds are:

• more likely to be at some distance
• less active and therefore less likely to be moving around much

These scenarios include, for example, sea watching or following shore birds from the beach. For raptor watching, 10x50s are the preferred option for some birders.

We have a more full discussion of what 10x binoculars are good for here.

With their 50 mm objective lenses 10×50 binoculars gather in more light, giving a bright image at times of less natural light. So other birding situations in which 10×50 binoculars excel are:

• at dawn
• at dusk
• In overcast weather conditions
• In dark, densely wooded areas

Best 10×50 binoculars for bird watching – next steps

While 10×50 binoculars work for many people, if you want to increase magnification above this, then it could be worth considering adding a spotting scope to your birding kit. This is because the higher the magnification (and weight of the binocular), the more difficult it gets to hold the image steady.

Spotting scopes, with their increased magnification, often with a zoom capacity, are generally used with a tripod. So you can zoom in while the optics are held completely still.

Another solution is to mount your binoculars on a tripod, or to consider other ways to hold the binoculars still. We cover the most practical and popular options here.

Many birders like to keep the large 50 mm objective lenses of the 10x50s, but increase the magnification. In this case, we have a wide range of 12×50 binoculars to suit all budgets in this post – The top 12×50 long-distance birding binoculars.