Binoculars for Christmas 2025 - under $500

Binoculars are always a popular gift at this time of the year!

There are many different binocular brands and models available in Australia today and we know that choosing the best set can be confusing. At BINTEL, we're always happy to spend time on the phone, online or in person at our retail store helping you select the best binoculars or spotting scope for you and your lifestyle.

What do all the numbers mean?

First of all, it might help to explain how binoculars are measured. They usually have two numbers.  For example:

• 8x2
• 10x4
• 7x50 

The first is the magnification and the second is the size of each front lens in mm

Magnification

While it might see the highest number is always the best option - after all, the point of binoculars is to increase the size of things in the distance, isn't it? However, higher magnification also means a narrower field of view when searching for fast moving things like birds or sports action as well a emphasising and hand movements or shakes. 

Lens size in mm

The second number is the diameter of each front lens in mm. For example,  10x32 and 10x42 binoculars would both produce the same size image to your eyes but the 10x42 binoculars would gather more light due to the larger lenses and offer a wider view. This would make them better for low light conditions or for use during dawn or dusk as well as producing a slightly sharper image. They'd also be heavier and likely to be more expensive. 

What's the best size for....

There's no one set size that fits all and there's one size that is used for certain activities despite what you read online!

Here's a few suggestions for sizes and their uses. This a rough guide and have a chat with us to fine tune the right model binoculars just for you:

• Bird Watching - 8x42 or 10x42 for more experienced birders
• Scenery viewing from land - 10x50 or 10x42
• Whale Watching on the water - 10x42
• Sports - 7x50 or 10x50
• Concerts - 10x32
• Travelling - 8x32
• Compact/pocket sized - 8x25
  

Vortex Crossfire

Vortex produce a wide range of binoculars that offer excellent optical quality and mechanical construction at quite affordable prices. We've had positive and encouraging feedback from our customers who've purchased Vortex from BINTEL. 

All of their Crossfire range sit below the $500 Christmas budget. 

They're waterproof, include a carrycase, handy "Glasspack" harness in addition to a neck strap and as with all Vortex binoculars, have a lifetime warranty.  You can see the full Crossfire range here.

If you'd like to spend a little more, the Vortex's famous Diamondback HD binoculars offer better optics and an improved body design. Check them out here.

ZeroTech Thrive

For some surprisingly good optics at a low price, binoculars from ZeroTech would be hard to pass by. For example, the ZeroTech Thrive series all feature rugged bodies and are very much aimed at those with an active outdoor lifestyle. 

Like Vortex, they have a "no questions" lifetime warranty. You can check out the full Vortex Thrive range here. Part of the Thrive line up such as the ZeroTech Thrive HD 8x42 ED Binoculars for $499 also includes "ED Glass" which helps produces fine, sharp images. This is normally found in more expensive binoculars and spotting scopes. We talked about this in article you can find here. 

Gerber 

Another brand to look at for those after value for money binoculars is Gerber.

Several of their binoculars also feature ED glass and a number are aimed at those heading out onto the water with an inbuilt compass plus toughened coatings that allow them to float. Handy if they're dropped overboard! Gerber also produce spotting scopes for under $500 that include  tabletop tripod and mobile phone adaptor.  You can find more about Gerber at BINTEL here. 

Cheers,

Earl White

BINTEL

5th December 2025