The 10 Best Roof Prism Binoculars

If you frequently drop your gear or subject it to some abuse, then the Gosky 10x42 (about $80) are probably not for you. On the other hand, if you don't use these things very often and don't expect to put them through the wringer, then they might be fine, especially for the low cost.

For all their clarity and durability, the Nikon Monarch 5 (about $276) are surprisingly compact and light, weighing in at an admirable 21.6 ounces. That said, the field of view at 1,000 yards is only 261 feet, which is definitely on the smaller side.

The Carson 3D Series HD (about $240) have nearly everything you could wish for when it comes to usability, from ergonomic thumb grooves to ED glass lenses that minimize color fringing. They're a good choice for those who wear specs, too, thanks to eyecups with an extra-long eye relief.

You can't expect the superb clarity of more expensive models with the Bushnell H2O (appx. $85), but if you don't want to invest a lot or want something to keep in your glovebox for occasional use, they'll probably do just fine. You can choose between 10x or 8x magnification.

The Pentax AD (about $106) have a lot going for them, including a reinforced chassis that's tough, yet not heavy, and multilayer coatings for first-rate light transmission. For some, though, the position of the fasteners means that the strap is in the way.

Featuring a minimum focus distance of 6.6 feet, the Carson VP Series 8x42 (about $115) are handy enough for multiple applications and, as a bonus, they're budget-friendly. Many find them comfortable for extended use, as they're not overly heavy and arrive with a padded neck strap.

The hefty price tag on the Swarovski Optik SLC Series (around $2299) means that they aren't for everyone, but for those with serious, or even professional, needs, they're certainly a choice to beat. They are equipped with a 15x magnification and a 62-degree apparent viewing range.

The Army green Celestron TrailSeeker (appx. $189) blend attractive but simple styling with a relatively low price, then top it off with high-quality BAK-4 prisms for bright images. Their field of view is 426 feet at 1,000 yards, which means you can follow your subject with few hassles.

From one of the top names in optics, the Leica Trinovid BCA (about $428) provide high contrast even when viewing conditions are less than stellar, as well as durability you can count on. This particular version offers an 8x magnification and a close focus of approximately 9.8 feet.

When you consider the quality of the glass and then consider the cost, you can probably understand why the Athlon Optics Midas ED (about $282) are a go-to for many, whether for casual or more serious applications. You can expect a clear and bright image with true-to-life colors.