7 Best Wide Angle Binoculars in 2024

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The ultimate list of wide field of view binoculars with magnification up to 10x.

wide angle binocular

Wide angle or wide view binoculars have a large field of view aiming to collect tiniest details. This feature will be very useful if you go bird-watching or hunting.

In the article below we are going to present 7 wide angle binoculars, show you how to choose the binocular that fits your needs.

Top 7 Wide Angle Binoculars to Buy

  1. Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 - The best wide-field binoculars for bird watching
  2. Bushnell Spectator Sport 4x30 - For a long time viewing
  3. Carl Zeiss Victory FL - Wide FOV binoculars for outdoors excursions
  4. Orion 09350 UltraView - For stargazing
  5. Leica 7x42 Ultravid - For stars & nebulae
  6. Bushnell Falcon 10x50 - For hunting & range spotting
  7. Orion Expanse 4x21 - Large field of view for fast-paced events

Everyone buys binoculars because of their magnification power. But what about the field of view or angle of view? It’s important too.

Wide angle binoculars show you really wider picture that helps in finding objects faster, easier which is very convenient if you’re a hunter or bird watcher.

Let's take a closer look at the best wide angle binoculars for hunting, star gazing, fast-paced events and more.

1. Nikon 8248 ACULON A211

Our сhoice
large field of view

Magnification: 10x | Objective diameter: 50 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 114 metres | Closest focusing distance: 7 metres | Eye relief: 11.8 mm | Weight: 900 g

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⊕ Smart astigmatism correction
⊕ Low level of distortion
⊕ Broad field of view
⊕ Low vignetting of Bak-4 prisms
⊖ Poor correction of chromatic aberration
⊖ Poor image quality at the edges
⊖ Not really stable ocular bridge

Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 wide angle binoculars have a rubber armor, which makes holding it very pleasant. The eyecups are rubberized for additional comfort. Their regulation has 4 stops, the adjustment is noiseless.

The central wheel is ribbed, it has a smooth move and is well-adjusted. The whole distance scale is run through a turn of 450 degrees. The wheel is joined to a classical ocular bridge, which moves evenly. The eyepieces are strong enough, so you won’t defocus the device by applying some pressure, though there is some side play.

The binoculars have a large field of view; we measured and it was up to 6.44 +- 0.04 degrees. Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 is provided with a very good prism quality BaK-4.

2. Bushnell Spectator Sport 4x30

Wide-view binoculars for long time viewing
apparent field of view

Magnification: 4x | Objective diameter: 30 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 298.8 metres | Closest focusing distance: Not Given | Eye relief: 10 mm | Weight: 481 g

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⊕ Waterproof IPX4
⊕ Fog protection
⊕ Sports action tracking
⊕ Close to a panoramic view image
⊖ Not IS or tripod mounted
⊖ Low magnification compared to competitors

Bushnell Spectator Sport 4x30 is considered to be the best wide angle binoculars to watch sports. It guarantees a field of view up to 900ft and is provided with 4x magnification.

The multi-coated optics, used in these wide field of view binoculars, increase brightness and the amount of transmitted light. It will function perfectly under various weather conditions and temperatures, as it has special nitrogen filling, which reduces fogging.

The manufacturer proudly claims that the Bushnell Spectator Sport 4x30 is the best sports binoculars.

You will be able to observe a sporting event without missing the tiniest detail, because the large field of view of 900ft guarantees an image close to a panoramic experience. Considering all these points, these binoculars will be a really good choice to watch sports.

3. Carl Zeiss Victory FL

Wide FOV binoculars for outdoors excursions
wide field of view binoculars

Magnification: 10x | Objective diameter: 32 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 120 metres | Closest focusing distance: 2 metres | Eye relief: 15.2 mm | Weight: 560 g

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⊕ Triple-click system on adaptive locking eyecups
⊕ Rubber armor reinforced with glass-fiber
⊕ Water and fog protection
⊖ High price

Carl Zeiss Victory FL is compact wide angle binoculars with a weight of only 19.8 oz. If you are looking for light-weight binoculars to take it with you anywhere, this portable model is just what you need.

These 10x32 wide view binoculars work amazingly in bright and low light. It has a great innovative feature - the Adaptive Locking Eyecups with a triple-click system. You may adjust each eyepiece separately to fit you perfectly.

Another great feature of the Carl Zeiss Victory FL is the most secure protection. A special coating protects it from water, dirt, dust, and any other object that may contact with the lenses. Besides, there is rubber armor, reinforced with a special glass-fiber. The nitrogen seal ensures long life and durability of the binoculars.

4. Orion 09350 UltraView

Wide view angle binoculars for stargazing
wide field of view binoculars

Magnification: 8x | Objective diameter: 42 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 144 metres | Closest focusing distance: 3.7 metres | Eye relief: 22 mm | Weight: 771 g

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⊕ Fully coated with rubber armor
⊕ May be used with eyeglasses or sunglasses
⊕ Large field of view
⊕ Smooth adjustment
⊖ No liquid protection
⊖ Weight

Orion UltraView are wide field binoculars that will offer you the best optical quality. The BAK-4 glass prisms guarantee the greatest comfort while using the device. A full multi-coating on all lens and prism air-to-glass surfaces provides you with a perfect light transmission, which is not possible with the standard coating.

Awesome pure colors, sharp images, perfect quality – these are the benefits you get using the Orion 09350 UltraView. If you need to focus quickly, just use a large center focus wheel. These binoculars will be a perfect option if you need a device for traveling, to bird-watching or to observe nature.

5. Leica 7x42 Ultravid

Wide-angle binoculars for stars & nebulae
7 x 35 wide angle binoculars

Magnification: 7x | Objective diameter: 42 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 140 metres | Closest focusing distance: 3.3 metres | Eye relief: 17 mm | Weight: 770 g

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⊕ Stable subject viewing
⊕ Quality image in lower light
⊕ Water protection
⊕ Great depth of field
⊖ High price
⊖ Weight

Leica 7x42 Ultravid is HD-PLUS wide angle binoculars, provided with the new Schott HT glass and the latest renewed coatings. One of the special features of these binoculars is the Leica’s proprietary AquaDura water-shedding coating. On the prisms, there are P40 phase-corrective coatings.

All the lens elements in each barrel are provided with the full HDC multi-coating to improve the light transmission and resolution of the Ultravid HD-PLUS wide view binoculars. The weight of the binoculars is 27.1 oz.

The most secure protection is guaranteed by the black rubber armoring, which covers the durable magnesium frame. The binoculars are protected from fog, from water at the depth of 16.5 feet, are fully sealed and nitrogen filled.

6. Bushnell Falcon 10x50

Wide view angle for hunting & range spotting
wide view angle binoculars

Magnification: 10x | Objective diameter: 50 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 99.6 metres | Closest focusing distance: 7.62 metres | Eye relief: 9 mm | Weight: 765 g

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⊕ Good image quality and huge magnification
⊕ Large field of view
⊕ Reasonable price
⊕ Perfect quality
⊖ Big size and weight
⊖ Improperly installed barrel in some devices

The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars is one of the best wide angle binoculars with great magnification. Wildlife observation, bird-watching, or hunting will be awesome with the 10x magnification, offered by the binoculars.

The eyecups are made of soft rubber. All the optical elements are lightened with one-layer illuminating coating. There is a special central focusing system called Insta-Focus, designed to refocus quickly while you are watching fast-moving objects.

The drawback of the binoculars is the weight of 27 ounces, which is rather heavy. So, if you are planning to use the binoculars for short-distance walks, they will be a perfect fit. But for long treks, we recommend you to choose more compact wide angle binoculars.

7. Orion Expanse 4x21

Large field of view bino for fast-paced events
wide view angle orion expanse

Magnification: 4x | Objective diameter: 21 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 274 | Closest focusing distance: 10 metres | Eye relief: 11 mm | Weight: 363 g

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⊕ Panoramic view
⊕ To watch sports and fast-paced events
⊕ Bright performance
⊕ Anti-reflection coating
⊖ Not enough eye adjustment

Orion Expanse 4x21 is extra wide angle binoculars, with an amazing 18-degree FOV. You will get a panoramic picture with a 4-power magnification boost.

If you are planning to watch sports or other fast-paced events, you will appreciate the fixed-focus design. adjustments. The brightest performance is guaranteed by the specially designed mirror-based Porro prisms that collect light more efficiently.

A magnesium fluoride anti-reflection coating, that covers the binocular optics, helps improve contrast and maximize light transmission.

Image Name Features  
wide angle binocular
Nikon 8248 ACULON A211
Our Choice
  • Magnification and objective diameter: 10x50
  • Field of view at 1000m: 114 metres
  • Closest focusing distance: 7 metres
  • Eye relief: 11.8 mm
CHECK PRICE
extra wide angle binoculars
Bushnell Falcon
Budget
  • Magnification and objective diameter: 10x50
  • Field of view at 1000m: 99.6 metres
  • Closest focusing distance: 7.62 metres
  • Eye relief: 9 mm
CHECK PRICE
wide field of view binoculars
Carl Zeiss Victory FL
Professional
  • Magnification and objective diameter: 10x32
  • Field of view at 1000m: 120 metres
  • Closest focusing distance: 2 metres
  • Eye relief: 15.2 mm
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose Wide Angle Binoculars?

wide angle binocular

Field of View (FOV)/Angle

The field of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can zoom in with the help of your binoculars, expressed as a linear or an angle width. A wide angle binocular usually gives from 300 up to 1000 feet at 1000 yards. Such a large field of view allows you to have the best quality image of a wide area.

The only thing you need to do is to adjust focus. A powerful magnification makes your field of view narrower. The eyepiece design has an impact on the FOV too. Wide field of view binoculars require short eyepiece, so the binoculars will be less comfortable to use with the eyeglasses.

Magnification Power

Magnification is a very important feature of the binoculars. You can find binoculars that offer magnification from 4x to 10x. It is possible to choose an adjustable magnification. It requires steadier focus and, in general, isn’t recommended, as it affects the quality of the view.

We recommend you to choose the binoculars with fixed magnification. The clearest view is provided by 8x magnification binoculars with the field of view up to 500 feet at 1000 yards.

Objective Lens Diameter

Another thing you should consider, choosing the best wide angle binoculars, is the objective lens diameter. The amount of light coming inside the binoculars directly depends on this parameter. The more light enters, the brighter and clearer the image you will see. It is recommended to select the binoculars with a 42mm wide front lens, which are the most wide-spread options on the market.

Optics Quality

wide angle binocular

The top-quality optics guarantees the best view without any chromatic aberrations with great contrast to see all the colors and the tiniest details. The BAK-4 prisms and the roof prisms will give you the clearest image and an awesome optical performance, ensuring 99% light transmission thanks to the multi-layer coating.

FAQ

  • • What is the best field of view for binoculars?

The field of view is the width of the view provided by the binoculars at 1000 yards, measured in feet. The 8x32 binoculars have a field of view of about 400 feet at 1000 yards. The binoculars with a field of view between 300 and 375 feet at 1000 yards are considered to be good enough.

  • • Which is the best magnification for binoculars?

For hunting, usually, a magnification from 7x to 10x is enough. A 12x to 16x magnification is used for long-range shooting. At bigger magnification, you need to use a tripod to stabilize your binoculars and get crisp images.

  • • Are 10x42 binoculars better than 8x42?

An exit pupil is larger at the 8x42 binoculars, though the light gathering capabilities are the same as at the 10x42. The 10x42 binoculars offer a better twilight factor, which provides you with better image quality in low light conditions.

  • • What does 10x50 mean in binoculars?

The first number is the power or zoom of the lens, it shows the magnification. The second number is the diameter of the lens. So, if you have 10x50 binoculars, it means that the object will be 10x closer, and the binoculars have a lens of 50 millimeters.

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