Best compact Binoculars (Travel or Safari) 2023 – Powerful + Lightweight

Below is my practical guide to finding the best compact binoculars for travel or for safari.  I never travel without them, but they can get heavy and bulky.
So I have done a complete analysis of the different options for Travel Binoculars to select the most powerful and lightweight.
I hope this will help you save time in your search! I've organized them into 3 categories:

• the versatile lightweight binoculars,
• the best compact pocket binoculars for hiking
• and sightseeing in general and the best safari binoculars (full-size).

Binoculars are not only for Safaris

About this Buying Guide

My Best-Of - Travel Binoculars

So below are the summary table of my best-of for compact travel binoculars, mid-size versatile binoculars and full-size safari binoculars for those who don't want to read the whole article.
But for the others, after these summary tables, you can learn more about the criteria to choose the right binoculars for you and my detailed review analysis of the best options I have found.

Note : this article does not include binoculars for bird watching or stargazing as they are not compact at all.

Best versatile binoculars Mid-size - Overview Table

Best compact binoculars for travel - Overview Table Compacts + Pocket

Best safari binoculars Full-size - Overview Table

Let's start with an introduction of the different numbers and optics elements of binoculars. Nothing too technical but enough to help you understand the specification and make a decision based on your needs

==> IDEAL - a Power of magnification at 8 or 10 are really ideal for all travel situations.

LENS DIAMETER

In the identification we saw above "10x42" or "7x35", the second number is the lens diameter. It is a value in millimetres.

This number determines how much light enters your binoculars. More light means brighter and crisper view, which is particularly good in low-light conditions (at dawn or dusk).

Even a 15mm difference can have a big impact. A 8×50 binocular has the ability to gather twice the light as a 8×35 binocular

==> IDEAL - the higher the number, the best view but for classic travel 35 or 42 are already great

Note that the quality of the glasses are also essential for brightness and crispiness. This is why the Zeiss and Leica are at a higher price point.

FIELD OF VIEW

The field of view is the actual distance across your viewing field (left to right), your scope of view.

It is expressed either in ft at 1000 yards or in an angle. You can convert from one to the other by dividing the feet by 52.5 to get the angle.

==> IDEAL - A typical field of view is 340ft at 1000 yards a.k.a. 6.5° - For fast moving wildlife, a higher field of view is better to keep aim on the subject. Above 390ft or 7,4° is considered wide field.

You know how annoying it is when your glasses somehow get covered in fog and you can't see anything anymore? 
Well, you can have the same problem with binoculars. But then it is way more difficult to remove it.
Some manufacturers have developed system to avoid the formation of fog. I won't go into the technical details.

==> IDEAL - If you have the budget, fogproof binoculars are a definitive advantage. 

LENS COATING

Lens coating is an good element to differentiate cheap binoculars from high quality ones.
Coating layers make them more durable, and they will produce higher quality images for a longer period of time.Plus coatings reduce reflection and ensure sharper images.
==> IDEAL - Fully multicoated lenses reduce most reflections and increase light.

OTHER

Other elements can be taken into account such as prisms (Porro vs Roof) and glass and other technical options, but because of our other criteria for travel they will be implied, so no need to get too technical.

SIZE

Of course the main criteria for your travel is size. When you already have to fill in your backpack with your camera, your lenses, water, the suncream, a raincoat, a jumper, and many other items, adding binoculars can be a difficult decision.

So you have to choose the best size for your travel conditions and your expectations. 

Generally, binoculars are organized into 3 main sizes:

• Compact Binoculars - those are light and small so they fit well in your backpack. They work well in many conditions but would be limited in terms of far away wildlife and low light conditions. Plus they are often less comfortable if used for extended periods.
  Typical specifications for those are 8x25 or 10x25
• Mid-size - often considered the best all around. They are versatile. They will be a bit heavier in your backpack but work well in most conditions
  Typical specifications for those are 7x35 or 10x32
• Full-size - this are for the serious binoculars user for wildlife watching during longer periods
  Typical specifications for those are 10x42 

==> IDEAL - It depends on your expectations
We always want the best of all worlds but you do have to make a choice between criteria.
But if you want compact and powerful, you will have to pay more for the technics. But there is a limit to their power anyway.
If you want to travel with powerful binoculars, you will have to accept to carry a bigger pair.

WEIGHT

Weight is of course largely related to size.

The compact binoculars will be the lightest. Mid-size ones will be a bit more heavy.
But if every gram /ounce counts in your luggage, you can check the exact weight in the specifications and that can help you decide between 2 pairs

Next are the reviews for my choices of best Travel Binoculars. It is possible to write full pages with technical description of materials, technical approach and test under every situation. But considering we are mainly looking for binoculars that will be great in many different travel conditions, I have kept my reviews to the essentials elements to help you choose.

Let's start with my selection of Mid-size binoculars.

When to choose a Mid-size?

• When weight is important but not critical - Their weight is mid-range between the compact and the full size
• When you want a bit more viewing comfort and versatility of fonction - they will allow you better viewing in lower light conditions compared to the compacts

The mid-size are the most versatile binoculars, allowing you to take them almost everywhere and enjoy your experience

For hiking and general travel, sometimes you need something very small and light that you can carry everywhere or keep around your neck as you are hiking.
Because even if a little less powerful, it is better to have a pair than to have none. And some are doing a really fantastic job.

So here is my selection of 3 minibinoculars, my choice for the best small binoculars. As you can see with 2 of those pairs, to achieve such a small size and great quality, you need quite the technics, so prices are steeper.

If you are ready to carry binoculars that are a little bigger and heavier, then go for a full-size pair. They will offer the best images and conditions for many activities including birdwatching and wildlife moving fast.
And they normally are a bit more comfortable to use for extended period of time.