The best low light binoculars have usually 7x or 8x magnification and 50mm or 56mm objective lens. This setting allows you to see a lot of details during low light conditions and at the same time offers comfortable handling due to less weight. It’s also very good to watch out for binoculars with great optical quality of coatings which give better light transmission rate, since not all the light gathering ability comes from the size of the objective lenses. It’s also recommendable to choose a Porro prism binocular since this traditional construction offers incredibly bright images, but expect them to be a bit heavier. Due to the bigger size of low light binoculars, it’s very important that they are equipped with tripod adaptable screw so you can mount them on a tripod and eliminate fatiguing.
Zeiss Victory HT 8×54
Revolutionary Zeiss Victory HT binoculars are extremely compact low-light binoculars with unique 54mm objective lens that performs the same as 56mm competitors on the market. These roof prism binoculars are suitable for hunting, bird watching and other nature observations in the challenging light conditions. Thanks to special Zeiss T* coatings and SCHOTT HT glass the brightness, contrast and colors will never be compromised. Extremely wide FOV (130m) that doesn’t fall short of amazing and rubber armouring with tight seals and nitrogen filling protect these binoculars for ages.
Docter Nobilem 8×56
One of the best low-light binoculars Docter Nobilem 8×56 with Porro prism system are extremely bright due to DOCTER® multi-top coating and ED glass. Suitable for hunting, astronomy and other nature observations, these extremely durable binoculars are able to function in extreme temperature conditions thanks to their rugged rubber armouring, tight seals and nitrogen gas filling. Individual focusing mechanism helps you to make proper adjustments without the need to refocus when looking at different distances.
Steiner Nighthunter 8×56
One of the most legendary Steiner binoculars Nighthunter 8×56 are built using the best optical solutions due to 70 years of knowledge and experience in sports optics. Able to satisfy even the most demanding users, these binoculars have great field of view (135m). Fully multi-coated system helps to enhance light transmission rate on these Porro prism binoculars. They are extremely well protected thanks to rugged rubber armour and tight seals. The focusing mechanism is individual so you don’t have to readjust it when looking at different distances. They are equipped with ErgoFlex side flaps and ClicLoc system for quick removal from the hinge.
Swarovski SLC 8×56 HD
Swarovski SLC 8×56 HD offers great performance during low-light conditions suitable for hunters and birdwatchers. These premium binoculars are more affordable than EL series, but still offer great light transmission rate due to Swarobright, Swarotop and Swarodur technology. These binoculars have wider field of view that allows you to quickly track the target. They are filled with nitrogen gas and tightly sealed so the construction is impervious and indestructible.
Zeiss Conquest HD 8×56
Zeiss Conquest HD offers a low-light model with outstanding brightness due to HD lens system, ED glass and multi-layers of T* coatings together with hydrophobic LotuTec. Extreme durability and imperviousness is a result of thick rubber armouring and tight seals which protect against internal fogging. Compact design and lightweight aluminum body helps you to carry them comfortably during birdwatching, hunting or astronomy observations.
Docter 8×56 ED OH
Docter offers the outstanding 8×56 ED OH model with open hinge design for comfortable wrap-around grip that helps with portability. These binoculars are extremely bright, colorful and razor sharp from edge to edge, which is the result of ED glass and DOCTER multi-top broadband coating. Suitable for birdwatchers, hunters and astronomy enthusiasts, these binoculars will satisfy every demanding user. They are well protected due to rubber armouring, tight seals and fog-proof construction to prevent internal fogging.
Fujinon 7×50 FMTR-SX
These Fujinon binoculars with Porro prism system are incredibly bright and suitable for observations in low-light situations, from hunting, birdwatching and marine applications, since 7x magnification decreases the shakiness. With fog-proof and waterproof construction you can take them with you in the worst weather. Wider field of view and great optical performance due to high-quality optical coatings on lenses make these binoculars razor sharp and colorful from edge to edge with minimal chromatic aberration. These binoculars are a great investment and some properties even exceed the high-grade binoculars at the top of this list.
Nikon 7×50 IF SP WP
Another 7×50 configuration that really exceeds during daytime are Nikon IF SP WP binoculars. Suitable for hunters, birdwatchers and marine use, you can take them with you even in the harshest weather conditions. Waterproof, fog-proof and covered in rugged leather that offers a non-slip grip, these binoculars offer individual focusing and side flaps that eliminate the light and the wind coming from the sides. Optical performance is quite extraordinary for this price range and can be compared to high-end binoculars with bigger names. The only flaw is smaller field of view and smaller eye relief.
Minox HG 8×56
Minox HG binoculars offer lightweight 8×56 models, suitable for nighttime observations of hunters, birdwatchers, astronomy enthusiasts etc. These binoculars are equipped with distance-scale, so you can easily measure the distance to the object you are observing. These high-grade binoculars are compact, provide less fatiguing portability and are well protected and purged with highly prized argon gas that helps to eliminate internal fogging. Unfortunately, these binoculars don’t have wider field of view and close focusing distance, but SCHOTT glass and many layers of high-quality coatings help with great performance nonetheless.
Meopta MeoStar B1 8×56
Meopta offers MeoStar B1 binoculars with 8×56 models for low-light conditions suitable for hunters, birdwatchers and other enthusiasts in the nature. These binoculars are lightweight but a little clumsy to carry around. Field of view is relatively okay and optical performance is great due to fully multi-layers coatings that enhance light transmission rate and make the view-through razor sharp from edge to edge. They are well protected, purged with nitrogen gas and tightly sealed so they won’t yield in the most challenging weather conditions.
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.
