Have you been searching the internet trying to find the best 12×50 binoculars, but finding the choices perplexing? Our team of product researchers has been diligently working to bring you the facts you’ve been looking for. We have collated thier findings, and put together our top ranked picks for the very best 12×50 binoculars!
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What are the Best 12X50 Binoculars?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best 12X50 Binoculars and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available best 12×50 binoculars that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these best 12×50 binoculars.
We also wrote a brief best 12×50 binoculars Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 8 best 12×50 binoculars based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. UsoGood 12X50 Waterproof Compact Binoculars with Tripod
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.1 Pounds (0.5 kg) Size: 5.8 x 5 x 2.3 Inches (14.7 x 12.7 x 5.8 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm Magnification: 12x Eye Relief: 15.7mm Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The UsoGood 12×50 Compact Binoculars are a great option for those who love nature and wildlife. The binocular is very suitable for activities like birding or climbing. While climbing or hiking, you’ll be glad to know that the binocular is considered lightweight for the magnification it provides. Thus, it will not be too much of a liability. The external rubber coating on the binocular will also help you grip it more firmly and more comfortably even for long durations. While putting the image into focus, you will be able to do so without much trouble. One thing we like is the prompt reply from customer service personnel when we forward our queries. However, do take note that the tripod they provide is not as stable as we would like.
Pros
- Pretty lightweight for its magnification power,
- Rubber coating provides firm grip,
- Easy to put image into focus,
- Customer service is prompt at replying
Cons
- Tripod provided is not stable,
- Phone attachment is hard to set up
2. Swarovski EL 12×50 Binocular with FieldPro Package
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.2 Pounds (1 kg) Size: 11.8 x 9.7 x 3.6 Inches (30 x 24.6 x 9.1 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Magnification: 12x Eye Relief: 19 mm Waterproof: No Stabilization: No Video: No |
See it in your local store:
The Swavorski EL 12×50 Binocular with FieldPro Package, Green comes with a 12x magnification ability and a 50 mm objective lens. They are not waterproof but they are covered with a liftime warranty on the optics and a 10 year warranty on other parts. These binoculars come with fluoride lenses that are prism coated for crystal clear images. They have an ergonomic wrap around grip design for easy and lightweight handling. The focusing knob is easy to use and allows for acheiving the most crisp possible image. The field flattener lenses provide an edge to edge clarity that allows for even easiey viewing. The neck strap has been said to break easily and can be repaired by sending in to Swarovski.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty on optics,
- Clear images in low lighting,
- Easy to focus with precision,
- Crystal clear viewing
Cons
- Neck strap can break easily,
- Not waterproof
3. 12X50 Powerful Binoculars with Smartphone Holder & Tripod
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.1 Pounds (0.5 kg) Size: 5.8 x 5 x 2.2 Inches (14.6 x 12.7 x 5.6 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Magnification: 12x Waterproof: Yes Video: No |
See it in your local store:
These 12×50 Powerful Binoculars with Smartphone Holder and Tripod boast a 50 mm objective lens and a 12x magnification ability. They have phase corrected BAK-4 roof prisms and fully multi coated lenses to provide high contrast images. The eye relief is adjustable to make them comfortable for use with eyeglasses. The optics are filled with nitrogen for waterproofing to allow these to be used outdoors in a variety of climates. The smartphone holder is suitable for various phones, and the tripod adaptor allows for stable viewing. The quality has been controversial, and the objective lens does not quite measure up to the advertised length, but these are an affordable option.
Pros
- Lightweight,
- Smartphone holder included,
- 2 year warranty,
- Waterproof optics
Cons
- Poor quality,
- Objective lens does not measure to advertised length
4. Usogood 12×50 Binoculars for Adults – IPX7
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.5 Pounds (0.7 kg) Size: 2.4 x 5.2 x 6.7 Inches (6 x 13.3 x 17 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Magnification: 12x Eye Relief: 7.4 mm Waterproof: Yes Video: Yes |
See it in your local store:
The Usogood 12×50 Binoculars for Adults – IPX7 Professional has a 12x magnification and a fully multicoated 50 mm objective lens. They feature BAK4 prisms with a new phase film technology for the best clarity. The optics are filled with nitrogen and sealed with rubber O-rings to prevent fog in all climates. You can adjust the eyecups for use with eyeglasses and for comfortable viewing. These also come with adaptors and a tripod, although the smartphone adaptor does not work with all smartphones. There is a 3 year limited warranty and also have high light transmission coatings so they can be used in low light environments.
Pros
- Smartphone adaptor and tripod included,
- Waterproof and fogproof,
- Adjustable eyecups for use with eyeglasses,
- Comes with neck strap and case
Cons
- Tripod is very small,
- Smartphone adaptor does not fit all smartphones
5. Nikon 7573 PROSTAFF 5 12X50 Binocular
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.7 Pounds (0.8 kg) Size: 7.2 x 5.5 x 2 Inches (18.3 x 14 x 5 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm Magnification: 12x Eye Relief: 15.5mm Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The Nikon 7573 PROSTAFF 5 12×50 Binocular is good for activities like hunting or sightseeing. Since the binocular is also lightweight, you can even consider bringing it when you travel! We like how it is easy to adjust the eyecups of the binocular. Furthermore, the binocular provides adequate eye relief so those wearing glasses can consider this option. We also like how the binocular is relatively lightweight. However, there are also certain limitations. Firstly, the lens covers are not secured to the binocular, which increases the risk of you losing them. Secondly, the images that the binocular will capture could seem a little dull to some.
Pros
- Lenses are fully multi-coated,
- Eyecups are easy to adjust,
- Eye relief is adequate,
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lens covers are not secured to binocular,
- Pictures look slightly dull
6. Athlon Optics Midas G2 12×50 UHD Binocular
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2 Pounds (0.9 kg) Size: 6.7 x 5.4 x 2 Inches (17 x 13.7 x 5.1 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Magnification: 12x Waterproof: Yes Video: Yes |
See it in your local store:
The Athlon Optics Midas G2 12×50 UHD Binocular features a 50 mm objective lens diameter and a 12 x magnification ability. The chassis is made of magnesium for a durable and lightweight material. Advanced fully multi coated lenses provide crystal clear images. The glass has extra low dispersion to reduce chromatic fringe and allow for even more clarity. They have an XPL coating that helps to prevent dirt, oil and scratches as well as a dielectric coating to help enhance colors. These come with tethered lens caps to help keep them from getting lost and falling off. The materials are also waterproof to allow for use in a variety of climates outdoors. They don’t come with a protective case but they do have a padded neck strap. These are also not able to be focused well for people with a narrow pupil distance, so they are not a good choice for children.
Pros
- Lifetime transferable warranty,
- Lens covers tethered so they won’t get lost,
- Crystal clear images,
- Padded neck strap included
Cons
- Not a good fit for narrow pupil distances and children,
- Protective case not included
7. Nikon 7246 Action 12×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.3 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 9.6 x 8.4 x 4.2 Inches (24.4 x 21.3 x 10.7 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Magnification: 12x Waterproof: Yes Video: No |
See it in your local store:
The Nikon 7246 Action 12×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular, black features a 12x magnification ability and a 50 mm objective lens. These have a metal chassis with a lightweight polycarbonate exterior and a rubber coating for durability and to prevent drops. The dielectric high reflective multilayer prism coatings allow for sharper images and greater contrast for colors. These also come with the 25 year warranty that covers repairs and replacements. Some have said the lens caps are difficult to work around and there might be some shaking at longer distances. The binoculars are waterproof and fogproof so they can be used for a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Pros
- Waterproof,
- Neck strap and case included,
- Adjustable eyecups for use with eyeglasses,
- Tripod adaptor attachement
Cons
- Poor quality lens caps,
- Some shaking at longer distances
8. Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 12×50
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.8 Pounds (0.8 kg) Size: 6.5 x 5.2 x Inches (16.5 x 13.2 x cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm Magnification: 12x Eye Relief: 16mm Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 12×50 is well-suited for activities like hiking and camping. The binocular is relatively lightweight, so you will be able to carry it with you at all times on your hiking trip. Since it is also waterproof, you do not need to worry about slight rain damaging your binocular. Those who wear glasses may be delighted to know that there is considerably long eye relief for your viewing pleasure. However, we have also noted certain limitations. Firstly, the eyecups may be damaged if you are not careful. Also, the binocular has a narrow field of view and thus might not be suited for other activities like birding or sporting events.
Pros
- Waterproof,
- Long eye relief,
- Compact,
- Lenses are anti-reflective
Cons
- Eyecups do not have high build quality,
- Narrow field of view
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best 12×50 binoculars is below:
Overall best best 12×50 binoculars out there: UsoGood 12X50 Waterproof Compact Binoculars with Tripod
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Swarovski EL 12×50 Binocular with FieldPro Package
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: 12X50 Powerful Binoculars with Smartphone Holder & Tripod
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Best 12X50 Binoculars
Magnification
Binoculars with a high magnification may sometimes not be beneficial. For instance when hunting/fishing, you do not want a binoculars with magnification that is too high because it reduces the quality of the images. The best magnification is between 7X and 8X. High magnification narrows the field of view, but if your aim is to zoom in on far away items, then higher magnification is your best bet.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens’ size determines the amount of light entering the binoculars. Therefore, the larger it is, the better the image in terms of quality, especially in dark places. When buying a pair of binoculars, check for the lens size, which is the numeric figure right after the X on its description. A ratio of 5 to magnification is best, so in a case where you have an 8 X 25 versus a 8 X 40, the 8 X 40 has better images because generally the lens diameter is wider.
Durability
A quality pair of binoculars can be a hefty investment, hence finding a pair that is long lasting and hardy is important. Get a pair with lens coating to protect them against damage from dust or debris. Waterproofed or fog-proofed binoculars are also good as they protect the lens and body surface, ensuring the longevity of the binoculars. However, always dry off your binoculars if they have water on them, even though they are waterproof. Lastly, its always doot to get a pair with lifetime warranty such as those from Nikon.
Weather Proofing
Modern binoculars are made weatherproof by coating the housing unit in silicone. Pairs for hunting are also made from reinforced leather painted in camouflage. The lenses and eyepiece glass is coated with water, dust, and scratch-proof film. These features invariably drive the price of a pair of binoculars up, with multi-coated pairs being the priciest.
Zoom
Zoom binoculars offer a wide variety of magnification and is written as 10-30X60 or 12-35X70. In these examples, 10X and 12X are the lowest magnification and 30X and 35X being the highest magnification. Most models have a lever to adjust the zoom, but for those that don’t, it’s important to know that high magnification may lower the quality of the images. If you are looking to go bird watching, fishing or hunting, then get binoculars with 8X – 10X. This zoom range is best for getting clearer images and a wider field of view. If your goal is to zoom in on far way objects, choose binoculars with a high magnification, even though your field of view narrows. It is best to get zoom binoculars so you can adjust your binos to your liking or to suit your needs.
Questions and Answers About Best 12X50 Binoculars
What are 12×50 binoculars good for?
A 12×50 binocular is exceptionally good for activities like stargazing, hunting at a distance, and long-range shooting. This is due to the substantially higher magnification power of 12x. Thus, a 12×50 binocular is good for long distance activities. A 12×50 can also be used for astronomy to spot the moon’s craters!
What is a good field of view for binoculars?
Binoculars with a good field of view (F.O.V) should allow you to see more of the terrain and detect your prey without having to adjust your binoculars. Additionally, when targeting a moving animal, binoculars with a good field of view should also support a long-distance view within the circular frame of lenses without shifting the binoculars. In general for a distance of 1,000 meters, most high-quality binoculars have a field of view of 300 to 375 feet.
What is the maximum range of binoculars?
Binoculars have no limit on how far you can see with them; the magnification of your binoculars is what determines how near the object seems to be. As a result, high-powered binoculars will enable you to see crispier and clearer images over longer distances. However, the horizon and atmospheric conditions may limit how far you can view. When it’s rainy, cloudy, foggy, or highly polluted outside, you can’t see as far as you can in clear weather. The horizon limits how far you can see, and its distance may vary depending on where you are positioned.
Are there binoculars that take pictures?
These are called digital camera binoculars. The camera function is built into the binocular. When you press the button to take a picture, the camera will capture the magnified image. Most digital camera binoculars also allow you to take videos with them! You can then transfer your files to your phone or computer via USB.
How far can you see with night vision binoculars?
How far you can see through a pair of night vision binoculars depends on factors like the device’s viewing range – retention and recognition range. With simple night vision binoculars, you can see as far as a distance of 400-800 feet, while higher-quality binoculars may allow you to see over a distance of 1300 feet. However, visibility, weather conditions, and the size of prey can all alter how far you can see with night vision binoculars.
