The best Porro prism binoculars for birding

Porro prism binoculars are recognizable by their traditional shape, with the objective lenses offset in comparison with the ocular lenses. Some birders are big fans of the distinctive broadness of these binoculars, which to many feels comfortable and stable in the hand.

Optically, Porro prism binoculars offer a bright image because more light enters. Views can seem more 3D than with the more common roof prism binoculars.

Before we go on to more detailed reviews, let’s get an overview of the top Porro prism binoculars for bird watching.

Quick comparison: Best Porro prism binoculars for birding

Reviews: Best Porro prism binoculars for birding

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 Porro prism binoculars

Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 10x50 binoculars Overview

A sound option for beginning birding, these Nikon Aculon 10x50 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 10x50 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 value Porro prism binoculars

Nikon 7245 Action 10x50 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.

10x50 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.

Best lightweight compact Porro prism binoculars

Vortex Optics Vanquish 8x26 Reverse Porro Prism binoculars Overview

A good contender for the best compact Porro prism binocular. It looks tough but acts lightweight. The sturdy non-slip patterned exterior protects the high quality, fully multi-coated optics within.

Size

With 8x magnification and 26mm objective lenses, the Vanquish is light and easy to use one handed. Its reverse Porro prism design allows for extra compactness.

Field of view

Field of view is 352 feet at 1000 yards. You’ll be able to get sharp views as near as seven and a half feet with a fair close focus distance for bird watching within your immediate vicinity.

Ease of use

Great 15mm eye relief for eyeglass wearers. Twist-and-lock eyecups can be adjusted to fit.

The casing has a nice grippable coating. The central focus wheel feels just the right tightness and gives fine tuning of focus.

Durability

The patterned rubber-coated body is comfortable in the hand and seems robust enough to be taken anywhere and cope with most conditions. The Vanquish is waterproof and fogproof with nitrogen purging and o-ring seals.

Image quality

Lenses are fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission through the binocular. In ordinary light, bright and clear images have reasonable resolution.

Sharpness is maintained quite well in low light, though the exit pupil is rather small. Sometimes a little color fringing and distortion can be detected.

Extra features

Vortex includes a case, a strap, and a rainguard. Each pair benefits from Vortex's lifetime warranty.

Best Porro prism binoculars for birding - best waterproof

Bushnell H2O 10x42 Porro prism binoculars Overview

Bushnell have produced a highly weather-resistant design, which is a bonus as it can be difficult to find waterproof Porro binoculars. These can be immersed in water - though whether you actually go ahead and test this is up to you!

All of the features are intended to improve the function of the binoculars in inclement weather or damp conditions. The center focusing knob is grippable in wet conditions or while you’re wrapped up in the cold and wearing gloves.

Clear, bright images

The BAK4 prisms contribute to the clarity, and the image is bright. With an exit pupil of 4.2 mm, these cope well in low light.

The rubberized body of the binoculars is comfortable to hold and provides a good degree of protection to the aluminum chassis.

Adequate eye relief for glasses wearers

The eye cups twist up easily if you don’t wear glasses. If you do wear glasses then eye relief is 15 mm. It’s not the longest eye relief but it should be adequate for most spectacle wearers.
The body of the binoculars is broad, which for some people is a big plus. They can feel more comfortable and well balanced in the hands, though as always it’s a matter of personal preference.

Best Porro prism binoculars for birding - best for rugged use

Vortex Optics Raptor Porro Prism 8.5x32 Binoculars Overview

This long-running model, as with all of Vortex’s products, comes with their fantastic lifetime warranty.

Their diminutive size means they don’t require tripod mounting and therefore do not have the screw adapter. With an interpupillary distance ranging between 50 and 70 mm, they are a good option for the smaller faces of children or teenagers.

Best in the daytime

During the day, images are satisfactory across most of the width. There’s some blurring around the edges.

If you are looking for a smaller pair of binoculars for daytime only, these may fit the bill. Their 32 mm objective lenses limit them to use at times when there is enough light, so don’t count on getting good views at dawn or dusk.

Satisfying to focus

The central focus wheel is broad and intuitive to find and adjust. It’s got a firmness when turning so it won’t get knocked out of place by accident.

When you focus, the eyepieces move. This could cause problems if you use the binoculars often in wet conditions.

The extra moving parts are difficult to protect fully from the ingress of air or damp, though Vortex does claim the Raptors are waterproof. They are purged with nitrogen to be fogproof.

Best Porro prism binoculars for birding - widest field of view

Kowa YF II 6x30 Porro prism binoculars Overview

Despite the small 30 mm diameter of their objective lenses, which limit their ability to gather light, these binoculars offer bright views.

Because of these small lenses, with less glass, the YFs are also very light. They weigh under 17 ounces.

The BaK-4 glass prisms contribute to the efficient light transmission and therefore the brightness. The lenses are fully multi-coated, which also helps the clarity.

Though the center of the image is best for sharpness, the edges of the field are not too bad. Color representation is sound.

Fantastic field of view

The wide field of view is the strong point of these binoculars. At 420 feet at 1000 yards, it’s going to be extra easy to spot those birds. This will be especially helpful if you’re looking for binoculars for younger birders.

At this small size, the binoculars would be very suitable for children due to their narrow distance between the eyes. The Kowa’s interpupillary distance ranges from 50 mm to 71 mm.

Simple to focus

Focusing is simple with the large center knob, easy to turn with either hand. Eye relief is great. At 20 mm, the long eye relief makes the Kowa YFs an ideal choice for glasses wearers.

The neck strap is padded and comfortable, with a bit of stretch which feels secure. Overall they are a pleasure to hold, though the rubber armoring can feel slippery when damp.

Best Porro prism binoculars for birding - next steps

When you're searching for Porro prism binoculars, one of the main benefits you'll notice is the more three-dimensional image. Their wide field of view is great for spotting birds.

The shape of the design reduces reflections through the body of the binocular. Porro prism binoculars are also known for their brightness.

The downside of Porro prism binoculars is their size and weight, though we have looked to include highly portable models here. In general, their broader body can make them less packable. For other compact binoculars, check out these models: The best lightweight compact binoculars for bird watching

Porro prism binoculars also tend to weigh more than a roof prism binocular with the same magnification and size of objective lenses. The movement of the eyepieces, when focusing, can make them more difficult to ensure waterproofing.

With these considerations in mind, we hope you are closer to finding a pair of Porro prism binoculars that will fit with your priorities for bird watching.

To compare these specifications with some roof prism choices, feel free to take a look at this round-up, investigating What are the best binoculars for birding?