High-powered binoculars are essential for various outdoorsmen and women, from birdwatchers to hunters. Heck, even astronomers. Why? Because they offer a wider field of view and zoom in on those priceless details that are otherwise hard to capture. Spotting a rare bird is pretty cool. Seeing the likes of a colorful band on their chest is cooler.
You know what’s even better? Capturing these interesting images on camera. That’s why the art of digiscoping is so valuable and rewarding. While it’s not the only form of optics, most folks think of binoculars for magnifying animals, objects, and landscape features. And for most outdoor photo subjects, the stronger the magnification, the better.
Not all binoculars are created equal, especially regarding price points. Luckily, today quality optics can be attained at different prices. Sure, high-end sets often result in a more quality experience, but today’s technology offers pretty darn good binoculars on the lower end of the cost scale. This means that, from the novice to the expert, there are many good alternative binoculars for digiscoping. What’s more, Phone Skope digiscoping kits, in particular, are custom-fitting. So, whatever your binoculars of choice, you will have a fruitful digiscoping experience whenever you marry your optics and smartphone camera.
Here are 4 binocular models, from the low end to the extravagant, that yield quality results for digiscoping with Phone Skope’s Carbon Pro Series adapter kits.
Budget: Bushnell Explorer 12×50 ($79)
If you are hard on gear or just want a knock-around bino set, Bushnell Explorers are a great choice. They are also more than adequate as a main set. The Bushnell Explorer 12×50 binoculars offer an impressive combination of magnification power and lens size that makes them an excellent choice for long-range viewing. With 12x magnification, this model not only magnifies that interesting set of antlers or wooded hilltop but does so with maximum brightness and contrast. The durable, waterproof design means you can confidently take these binoculars anywhere, from the local park to the wildest of backcountry settings. Like Phone Skope’s tough components, the Bushnell Explorer will withstand harsh weather, as well as the all-too-common drops on rugged ground.
Bushnell Explorer 12×50 binoculars are inexpensive and a good
alternative for digiscoping
Low: Vortex Crossfire 12×50 ($165)
First off, I have to say, these are my favorite all-around binoculars for hunting. The fact is, they’re a fantastic choice for birding too. Either way, their affordable price, and the crystal-clear view is hard to deny. It’s also hard to pass on Vortex’s industry-leading unlimited lifetime warranty, which is a no-brainer for hunters, birders, and photographers alike.
Many outdoorsmen choose Nikon M5 binoculars for their trips to the wild. They also pair well with Phone Skope’s Carbon Pro Series gear
Mid-Range: Nikon Monarch M5 12×42 ($310)
The Nikon Monarch M5 12×42 binoculars deliver exceptional optical performance in a rugged, lightweight package ideal for serious hunters, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Monarch M5 provides incredibly sharp, bright, and detailed images with excellent color fidelity, even in low-light conditions. The 12x magnification brings distant subjects up close while the 42mm objective lenses gather ample light. With a close focus distance of about 8 feet, you can also view nearby subjects in striking detail. Lightweight for their size, the Monarch M5 won’t overly stress your muscles on longer digiscoping treks.
High-end: Vortex Razor UHD Binoculars 18×56 ($999)
While many consider “high-end” binoculars to be in the $5,000 and up price class, the Razor UHD Binoculars are offered for around $2,000. If your budget can handle it, these should be highly considered. Constructed with a lightweight and rugged magnesium frame, the Razor UHD series are tough and relatively lightweight for their size. Still, like all Vortex offerings, this set is robust, handling the toughest conditions and treatment in the fields and forests you roam. With crystal clear vision, they also (you guessed it) come complete with Vortex’s unlimited lifetime warranty. With a whopping 18X magnification, The Razor UHD series is elite and can easily be the last binoculars you ever purchase for long-range viewing and digiscoping. For good measure, they not only come with a chest pack, but an extra accessory storage pack – great for storing digiscoping accessories.
Whether you want to start your digiscoping journey or enhance it, there are great binocular choices for any budget or skill level. Pair these sets and many others with Phone Skope’s custom-fitting digiscoping adapters and you’ll magnify your outdoor sightings, as well as your overall outdoor experience.
Whether you want to start your digiscoping journey or enhance it, there are great binocular choices for any budget or skill level. Pair these sets and many others with Phone Skope’s custom-fitting digiscoping adapters and you’ll magnify your outdoor sightings, as well as your overall outdoor experience