When looking for compact binoculars it’s very good to find the compact design and lightweight body so you can easily carry them around and store them. The compact size means that binoculars are mid-sized and their portability is less fatiguing. Objective lenses shouldn’t be over 32mm when it comes to lens diameter. Even though this lens size won’t perform well during nighttime, it’s important to look at the other great optical properties, such as using the finest glass covered in layers of high-quality coatings that eliminate distortions such as flaring and chromatic aberration. Good protection and hard build materials are also recommended.

10. Sightron SII Blue Sky

At a very affordable price, you can choose between two Sightron SII Blue Sky 8×32 and 10×32 binoculars that will leave the competition in the dust. Wider field of view, great close focusing distance and fully multi-coated system offers a great view-through. These lightweight binoculars have the same open-bridge design as compact Swarovski EL binoculars. The ergonomics is one of the best when it comes to mid-sized binoculars. They are extremely lightweight, compact and offer great wrap-around grip. The construction is waterproof and fog-proof and can withstand the test of time.

9. Meopta Meostar B1

The smallest MeoStar B1 binoculars with 8×32 and 10×32 configuration offer great field of view and close focusing distance. They are a little bit heavier than their competitors and a little bit sturdier to carry them around. But optically they are quite impressive, with multi-layers of coatings. They are also purged with nitrogen gas and tightly sealed for imperviousness.

8. Kowa Genesis

Kowa Genesis offers 8×32 and 10×32 models that are perfect companions suitable for birdwatchers, hikers, travelers etc. They offer great field of view and have great close focusing distance, perfect for observations of the wildlife up close. Lightweight body makes your experience less fatiguing. Optically, they offer great view-through due to fully multi-coated system. They are also fully protected and are able to withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

7. Nikon High Grade Light

Nikon High Grade Light offers two compact binoculars 8×32 and 10×32 DCF. These binoculars offer excellent optical performance due to many layers of silver coatings that eliminate distortions and enhance brightness and contrast. Very durable magnesium body and hard rubber armouring help to protect them against impacts. They are waterproof and fog-proof and submersible to a water depth of 2 meters. They are a little heavier than their competition but still enough compact for longer observations during daytime.

6. Minox HG 8×33 BR

One of the smallest Minox binoculars HG 8×33 pride itself with the largest field of view on the market (142 m). The price performance ratio is pretty great considering the SCHOTT glass and fully multi-layers of high-quality coatings. They are fully protected with tight seals and rubber armouring and purged with nitrogen gas which eliminates internal fogging. Big grippy central focusing knob offers quick and soft adjustments.

5. Swarovski CL 8×30 and 10×30 Companion

Swarovski CL binoculars are made using the best build materials and optical solutions. Both Companions 8×30 and 10×30 come in three colors: green, sand brown and black. They are extremely comfortable to carry around and have big grippy central focusing wheel for quick adjustments. Extremely lightweight with only 500 grams, they won’t produce any fatiguing. These perfect companions are suitable for different use in the nature.

4. Nikon EDG

Nikon EDG binoculars offer 8×32 and 10×32 models. They are a little less compact, bigger and heavier (around 650 g) and thus more fatiguing when carrying around. But the optical features are still exceptional due to amazing field of view and fully multi-coatings on all of the lenses. They are well protected with hard rubber armouring, impervious due to tight seals and nitrogen filling that helps to eliminate the internal condensation so you can easily take them with you when facing challenging terrain and weather.

3. Zeiss Victory 8×32 T*

Along with Swarovski and Leica, the Zeiss also offers great companion binoculars for versatile use during daytime. Field of view is extremely wide in both 8×32 and 10×32 models. These binoculars have fully multi-layers of special T* coatings that enhance brightness and contrast. Together with great optics, these binoculars are well protected, purged with nitrogen gas and have great ergonomics with big central grippy wheel. They feel very comfortable when pressed against the face and are extremely lightweight (around 560 g).

2. Leica Ultravid HD

Another amazing binoculars that are suitable for versatile use during daytime are Leica Ultravid 8×32 HD and 10×32 HD. They are enclosed in black rubber armouring for protection and filled with nitrogen gas against internal fogging. Together with great ergonomics, big grippy central focusing wheel and amazing high-quality optical properties such as extremely wide field of view make these binoculars really amazing. Lightweight and compact size allows you to take them with you everywhere and they are suitable for hunting, birdwatching, hiking, traveling and other nature observations.

1. Swarovski EL 8×32 WB

The legendary Swarovski EL series offers two compact-size models with 8×32 and 10×32 configurations. You can choose between green and sand brown armouring that encloses and protects these binoculars. Construction is purged with nitrogen gas to eliminate internal fogging so they are perfect companions wherever you go.  Amazing field of view – 141m with 8x magnification model gives you one of the best view-through we’ve seen. Field flattener that eliminates curvature of the field providing razor sharp image from edge to edge is another excellent feature. Ergonomically they also don’t fall short of amazing due to open-bridge design that gives you comfortable wrap-around grip. These binoculars are no doubt a needed asset in your glassing arsenal.

Disclaimer

This review is not sponsored and it’s completely unbiased. It is made simply out of our own interest in the optics and provides an objective opinion of tested binoculars. Big thanks to Optics Trade who kindly offered us their products to review and test.