For hunters, sport shooters, bird watchers and other outdoors types, there are few pieces of gear as essential as a good pair of binoculars. Of course, what constitutes “good” is often in the eye — and the checkbook — of the beholder.

Before we jump into a discussion of some of the new binoculars shipping to retailers in 2024, a short primer is in order.

The function of binoculars, of course, is very easy to understand — a good pair makes an object that is very far away look like it is much closer. How binoculars make that happen is much more complicated. A combination of lens glass, lens size, lens coatings, magnification and a number of other factors determine whether a pair of binoculars will serve your purposes well or leave you disappointed every time you try to view a distant animal.

Magnification is the first number in a binocular description, such as 10x40. In this case, it has a magnification power of 10, meaning that an object you are looking at will appear 10 times closer than it would to your naked eye. So, a buck standing 500 yards away will appear 50 yards away through your 10x binoculars. 

The objective lenses are the large lenses on the front of a pair of binoculars, measured in millimeters. The objective lens is the second number in the description, for example the 42 in a set of 8x42 binoculars. Typical sizes for objective lenses are 25-28 mm for compacts, about 30 mm for mid-sized units, 40 to 42 mm for full-sized binoculars and 50 mm and higher for long-range models.

The coating on binocular lenses is also an important consideration. Good lens coatings reduce light reflection off the glass surfaces to further enhance the image. With uncoated lenses, light transmission from objective to ocular lenses might be less than 70%, but good lens coatings can raise that to 95% transmission. Coating categories include: Coated, at least one major optical element has a coating on at least one surface; Fully Coated, all lenses and glass surfaces have a coating layer; Multi-Coated, at least one of the major optical elements has multiple coatings of anti-reflective compounds on at least one surface; and Fully Multi-Coated, all glass surfaces have multiple coatings, resulting in 90-95% light transmission. Binos with fully-multicoated lenses are the best option if customers can afford them.

Thirty years ago there was a vast difference between low-end and high-end binoculars. But with advancements in manufacturing technology and tighter tolerances, that gap has closed somewhat. Sure, you still get what you pay for, but today’s consumers can find some very nice binos that won’t make them choke when they see the price tag.

Now, let’s take a look at nine new models for 2024.

German Precision Optics Passion SD

GPO has expanded its popular Passion line this year with its new Passion SD models. Smaller models that are great for bowhunters and others not wanting to carry heavy binos, the Passion SD line includes three 8-power and three 10-power models—8x26, 8x34, 8x42, 10x26, 10x34 and 10x42. Made with a durable magnesium micro-bridge body and aluminum adjustable eyecups for customizable eye relief, these binoculars feature the company’s GPObright, high-transmission lens coatings on every glass surface. The smallest in the Passion SD line, the 8x26 model weighs in at only 11.4 ounces. The largest, the 10x42, is still very lightweight at only 24.6 ounces. They’re all covered with full rubber armor to take on rough handling in the field or woods, and come with the company’s lifetime warranty. And best of all, the MSRP is only $299 to $399 depending on the model.

Leica Geovid Pro 10x42 AB+ 

The best binoculars I’ve ever owned were made by Leica, and after 15 years I still carry them on every hunt. For this year, Leica has introduced the next generation in the popular Geovid Pro line — the Geovid Pro 10x42. Made with Leica’s world famous glass, the unit also includes a rangefinder integrated with Applied Ballistics Elite software for excellent aiming solutions. This unit is truly a technological marvel. In less than .3 seconds, the onboard computer outputs the measured distance plus takes shot distance, wind speed, rifle precision and muzzle velocity to determine the probability of an exact hit. The 10x magnification is suitable for very long shots and, in combination with the wide field of view, offers maximum safety into the early twilight hours. The unit ranges out to 3,200 yards with +/- .5-yard precision. With a Flat Dark Earth exterior, the Geovid Pro 10xr2 AB+ is also a very attractive bino. MSRP is $3,500. 

Leupold BX-4 Range HD  

 Another new rangefinder binocular was introduced by Leupold, a longtime maker of top-quality binoculars and other optics. The BX4 HD features top-quality glass along with a high-contrast red OLED display that delivers visible readouts in any light, and its edge-to-edge clarity makes glassing sessions easy on the eyes. A reversible power button allows for right- or left-hand operation, and Leupold’s proprietary gas blend and seals are waterproof tested to a depth of 33 feet and a multitude of pressure changes. Built around Leupold's Elite Optical System, light transmission is boosted, and glare is reduced. Plus, Leupold’s True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W) technology takes precision to the next level by offering 25 selectable ballistics groups that account for the user’s preferred cartridge, helping dial in the exact range of the target. The BX-4 HD ranges reflective targets at 2,600 yards, trees at 1,600 yards and deer-sized game at 1,100 yards. MSRP is $1,600.

Hawke Optics Vantage 

Hawke Optics has expanded its Vantage line for 2024 with four new, easy-on-the-budget models — 8x32, 10x32, 10x50, and 12x50. Built with a polycarbonate body and rubber armor, the units’ large objective lenses admit ample light for a bright image even at dusk and dawn when there is low light, and a fully coated optical system and BAK4 roof prisms provide a crisp view for hunting and general use. The Vantage binos are waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging and have a threaded socket for easy mounting on a tripod. The new Vantage System H2 features rubber-coated polycarbonate bodies that boost optic protection and ensure a secure grip regardless of the weather. Additionally, twist-up eyecups mean users can perfectly set eye relief to match their preferences. MSRPs range from $149 to $219, which should appeal to customers not wanting to spend a bundle on a new set of binoculars. 

LaserWorks LW809 Rangefinding Binoculars

Another one for customers looking to carry their binoculars and rangefinder in one package, LaserWorks launched the LW809 10x42 OLED this year. The new unit gives those shopping for binos all the optical viewing performance and rangefinding capabilities they would expect from higher-priced products in a more budget-friendly bino. It features an aluminum body and is waterproof to IP 67 standards. While the binocular functions are great, this unit also can range targets out to 2,500 meters, giving hunters and shooters both spotting and ranging abilities in one fell swoop. This angle-compensated laser rangefinding bino is intended for hunters, archers and shooters looking to take the guesswork out of long-range shots with in-display ballistic data and built-in environmental sensors. The unit comes with a carrying case, front and back lens caps, a lens cloth and a battery. MSRP is TBD. 

Riton 5 Primal 10x42 ED

Engineered with a robust aluminum alloy frame with a rubberized waterproof coating for durability, these binoculars are lightweight while at the same time offering quality optics and imagery. Riton’s advanced ED glass yields 90% light transmission, ensuring prolonged use without eye strain. And Nitrogen purging ensures waterproof, fog-proof and dustproof performance in all climatic conditions. With their wide field of view, they are great for hunting, wildlife watching and checking groups at the gun range. Length of the unit is 5.7 inches, width is 5.1 inches and weight is 1.67 pounds. Field of view is 380 feet at 1,000 yards. They also come with a carrying bag and neck strap. Riton offers a lifetime warranty on binoculars that it calls the “industry’s best” warranty. MSRP for the 5 Primal 10x42 ED is $650.

Sig Sauer Zulu10 HDX  

Sig Sauer might be more recognizable to customers as a gun manufacturer, but their jump into the optics world has been wildly successful. Their new Zulu10 HDX line of binoculars optimizes light transmission and ultra-high image resolution to meet and exceed the expectations of serious hunters. Sig’s HDx glass lenses pair high definition and high-transmittance glass for ultra-high resolution and light transmission. The four different models — 10x42, 10x50, 12x50 and 15x56 — feature a rugged aluminum chassis wrapped in rubberized armor for durability, as well as Sig’s proprietary SpectraCoat, LensArmor and LenShield technologies for maximum clarity. Plus, an updated locking diopter ring and three-position adjustable eyecups make focusing and fitting the binoculars super easy. The Zulu10 HDX binos are also IPX-7 waterproof and fog-proof rated. They come from the factory with a molded EVA carrying case for streamlined protection. MSRP runs from $1,400 to $1,700 depending on model. 

Swarovski AX Visio 

If you have customers looking for top-of-the-line glass with a ton of extras — and if they have a pocketful of cash and aren’t afraid of paying for quality — the new AX Visio binocular from Swarovski might just be to their liking. These “smart” binoculars feature a number of technological advancements, including built-in software that can identify more than 9,000 species of birds and animals with the touch of a button. And a built-in camera allows users to photograph whatever they view. Featuring Swarovski’s Swarovision glass, they offer excellent image sharpness, as do all Swarovski binos. The AX Visio is 6.1 inches long, 5.4 inches wide and weighs 34 ounces. Field of view is 336 feet at 1,000 yards, and light transmission through the lenses is 88%. MSRP is $4,800.

Zeiss SFL 30 Ultra Compact 

Zeiss has added a new SFL 30 Ultra-Compact to its SFL line of binoculars, the lightest, most compact binos in the company’s SF family. The SFL 30 Ultra Compact combines exceptional optical performance with compact design and light weight that make them perfect for pocket carry. Thanks to reduced lens diameter, the use of thinner and more closely spaced lens elements and the rugged, durable magnesium housing, these binos are up to 23% lighter than comparable models, weighing in at 16.2 ounces. Plus, the ultra-high-definition (UHD) concept ensures that the binoculars deliver the highest level of detail and reproduce colors with natural fidelity thanks to special coatings, high-quality glass types and an improved optical design. Additionally, with a large exit pupil in relation to its size, along with modified eyecups, the ZEISS SFL 30 also offers a comfortable viewing experience comparable to larger high-performance binoculars. MSRP is $1,500.