When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Looking for a pair of pocketable compact roof prism binoculars for walks or other outdoor pursuits? We are here to help Infrared Optics
The answer may seem obvious, but consider why you might want a pair of compact binoculars. Generally, it’s because you want to bring the faraway closer, yet avoid having to bring an extra bag or rucksack to cart around a heavier pair of bins. Or maybe you want the younger members of the family, not just an adult, to be able to get to grips with them?
1. Best compact 2. Best affordable 3. Best for everyday 4. Best for travel 5. Best folding binos 6. Best rugged option 7. Best for hiking 8. Best performance 9. Best budget alternative 10. Best for ocean adventures 11. Best for close-viewing
Broadly speaking, the smaller the device is, the more it’s suitable for ramblers or sightseers, rather than birders though as some of the featured examples attest, that isn’t always the case.
And, once you’ve also established an idea of budget, ask yourself how far you’re willing to compromise, if you are at all, to achieve the most portable pair of bins available. For example, physically larger objective lenses and greater magnifications usually mean more sizable binoculars too, which is why we find most ultra-compact binoculars sticking to magnifications of, say 8x or 10x, and objective lens sizes of a relatively modest 21mm or 25mm., but that is not always the case.
That being said, for daytime use a lens size with a diameter of 21 to 25mm is arguably ideal. You’ll probably also notice the term ‘roof prism’ mentioned as part of the specification of the smaller binoculars we’re showcasing here.
Due to the positioning of the internal prisms that make up their construction, roof prisms tend to be narrower and far more compact than the alternative Porro prism design also commonly used for binoculars. Thus compact binoculars always use the roof prism design. Let's look at some of the best available today…
Best compact binoculars If price isn't a concern and you want the best optical quality on the market to date, then these pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 compact binoculars are just the thing. Read more below
Best affordable option
Best Affordable option Incredibly affordable and with the rugged build quality, the images created by the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 binoculars lack ultimate brightness, clarity, and contrast yet be helpful for getting impressive close-ups.
Best for everyday
Best for everyday use An inexpensive and portable offering for travelers and hikers alike, this compact pair of binos would also be suitable for concert and theatre-goers, as well as sports fans, or indeed anyone wanting an unobtrusive pair for daily use.
Best for travel
Best for travel If you're looking for great quality to take with you on holiday these are the best around. Read more below
best folding binos
Best folding binos These are a great compact solution to fit into your pocket when not in use Read more below
best rugged option
Best rugged option These rugged binos will be able to take on the toughest of environments. Read more below
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
If price isn't a concern and you want the best optical quality on the market to date, then these pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 compact binoculars are just the thing to let you observe wildlife from as close to 3 meters all the way up to 132 meters with crystal clear vision.
If you are looking for the best optical quality binoculars that are also lightweight for carrying long distances, and that let you see your observations from a far distance, these are possibly the best compact binoculars you can buy to date.
With the lightweight construction of the CL Companion binoculars and the impeccable build quality, you can be sure your investment will withstand the test of time, which is what would expect as these are far from cheap. But you get what you pay for and the optical quality of these binoculars is possibly the best on the market.
Read our full Swarovski CL Companion 10x30 review for more details
Incredibly affordable and with rugged build quality, the images created by the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 binoculars lack ultimate brightness, clarity, and contrast yet prove useful for getting impressive close-ups.
Handy, travel-friendly, and highly affordable, the Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 will suit anyone after close-ups of birds, animals, and objects in the middle distance and they’re good enough for occasional use in vast landscapes and at sea, too.
Read our full Celestron UpClose G2 16x32 review for more details
An inexpensive and portable offering for travelers and hikers alike, this compact pair of binos would also be suitable for concert and theatre-goers, as well as sports fans, or indeed anyone wanting an unobtrusive pair for daily use. Available in non-nonsense black plus several other colors, one of the main selling points here is that, at 195g in weight, users will barely notice they’re carrying Nikon’s Aculon T02.
Optical Glass Prism While they are slightly light on features too for their budget-friendly price, we do get adjustable turn-and-slide eyecups, and a familiar central focus knob, as well as multi-coated lenses, to increase light transmission for a crisper view. A slim and stylish single-hinged design also catches the eye, while a soft case, strap, and eyepiece caps come as standard here.