The 4 Best 12×50 Binoculars Are:
- Simmons ProSport 12×50 Binoculars (Best Budget Option)
- Nikon 7573 Prostaff 5 12×50 Binoculars (Best Bang for Buck Options)
- Celestron 71376 12×50 Granite Binoculars (Best High Budget Option)
- Vortex Optics Viper HD 12×50 Binoculars (Luxury Option)
Ok, now let’s get into the detailed reviews and pros and cons of the top binoculars!
1. Simmons ProSport 12x50 Binoculars
The best budget 12x50 binoculars (great for beginners).
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fog Proof
Overview:
- Magnification: 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.17mm
- Eye Relief: 16 mm
- Linear Field of View: 255 ft /1,000 yrds
- Angular Field of View: 4.85 degrees
- Height: 10 in
- Width: 9 in
- Weight: 1.75 lbs
- Type of Prism: Roof
Cons:
- Image may not be as clear as higher quality binoculars
- Difficult to focus
First on the list is the Simmons ProSport. The most striking aspect of these binoculars is the price. The roof prism they use is most associated with higher quality binoculars. By using this more advanced prism, these binoculars are able to stay in the same weight and size categories as more expensive models.
These binoculars are also waterproof, fog proof, and have a rubber armor coating. This coating makes them easy to grip and handle during any wildlife viewing expedition. BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated, high-quality optical glass should allow for high-quality viewing.
At times when comparing binoculars on specifications alone, it may be difficult to justify spending a large sum of money on an elite pay of binoculars. That is when looking at reviews is most necessary. A few reviews for the Simmons ProSport state that these binoculars did not produce a clear image and the focusing knob stopped working after only several weeks. These are things that one can’t know when looking at specifications alone.
For the price, the Simmons ProSport (See at Amazon) binoculars are worth every penny. If you need an extra pair of binoculars to bird watch from time to time or to see a family sporting event from the bleachers this pair will get the job done without breaking the bank. If you are an avid wildlife viewing who goes on outings more often it may be best to spend a bit more to know you are getting what you need.
2. Nikon 7573 PROSTAFF 5 12x50 Binoculars
Best bang for the buck 12x50 binoculars.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fog Proof
- Made with lead and arsenic free Eco-glass
Overview:
- Magnification: 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
- Eye Relief: 15.5
- Linear Field of View: 246 ft /1,000 yrds
- Angular Field of View: 4.7 degrees
- Height: 7.2 in
- Width: 5.5 in
- Weight: 1.74 lbs
- Type of Prism: Porro
Cons:
- Not tripod adaptable
If you want to move up into the next price category then the Nikon 7573 PROSTAFF 5 is the pair to choose. As with all the binoculars on this list these are waterproof and fog proof so you do not have to worry about the weather when using these. If you need binoculars for a last minute trip these are a great option.
The turn-and-slide multi-click rubber eyecups and long eye relief mean that you will be able to use these binoculars for long periods of time comfortably without straining your eyes. All of the lenses are fully multi-coated which means you will be able to see colors beautifully as you would with your natural eye. The higher light transmittance provides a clear and detailed picture which is very important when viewing something at 12 times magnification.
If you are an outdoorsman or outdoorswoman buying eco-friendly products may be a priority. That is why it is important to know that Nikon also uses lead and arsenic free Eco-glass. You won’t have to worry about the environmental impact from this purchase.
The only downside to these binoculars is that they are not tripod adaptable. If you like using a tripod for extended viewing or are thinking about using one in the future then these are not the right pair.
Overall, the Nikon 7573 PROSTAFF 5 12X50 Binoculars (See at Amazon) are an excellent pair of binoculars that you will not regret purchasing.
ALSO READ: “The 4 Best Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing“
3. Celestron 71376 12x50 Granite Binoculars
Best high budget 12x50 binoculars.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fog Proof
- Made with lead and arsenic free Eco-glass
Overview:
- Magnification: 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2mm
- Eye Relief: 15mm
- Linear Field of View: 280 ft /1,000 yrds
- Angular Field of View: 5.3 degrees
- Height: 6.6 in
- Width: 5.2 in
- Weight: 1.73 lbs
- Type of Prism: Porro
Cons:
- None
Next on the list is the Celestron 71376. One of the first things you will notice about these binoculars from their Amazon page is that they come in six different sizes including 8 x 42 and of course the 12 x 50 which we are reviewing here. If you have another pair in a different size and love it then it can be reassuring to purchase your new pair from the same company. Also, there will be no learning curve for something like a different focusing knob.
There are many accessories that are also included with this product such as objective lens caps, eyepiece rainguard, deluxe carrying harness, padded neck strap, carrying case, lens cloth, and an instruction manual. If these binoculars cost a bit more than what you were originally planning on spending you can rest assured that you don’t need to spend additional funds on accessories.
The twist-up eyecups are comfortable to use and the BaK-4 Prisms provide beautiful images. The metal construction in the focus knob, diopter ring, and eye cups provide precision movement and will last a long time.
The Celestron 71376 is also Eco-Friendly and made lead and arsenic free. Since this product is tripod adaptable you can bring it on more stationary bird watching outings.
Feel free to read more of the Amazon reviews on the Celestron 71376 12×50 Granite Binocular (See at Amazon) before making your final decision.
ALSO READ: “Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting“
4. Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Best unlimited budget, bang for the buck 12x50 binoculars.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fog Proof
- Armortek coating (scratch and dustproof)
- High Density extra-low dispersion glass
Overview:
- Magnification: 12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2mm
- Eye Relief: 15mm
- Linear Field of View: 252 ft /1,000 yrds
- Angular Field of View: 4.8 degrees
- Height: 6.7 in
- Width: 5.2 in
- Weight: 1.75 lbs
- Type of Prism: Porro
Cons:
- Expensive
The final pair of binoculars on the list is the Vortex Optics Viper. These are some of the best 12 x 50 binoculars on the market so you will not be disappointed with this purchase.
These binoculars come with a lot of the same features as the lower priced binoculars on this list such as being waterproof, fog proof, good eye relief for extended viewing, and having a compact design.
What sets these binoculars apart is the high-density extra-low dispersion glass. The resolution and colors in the images you see are incredible and well worth the additional costs. You will also be covered under Viper’s warranty so even though these binoculars are strong enough to handle any adventure you do not have to worry if something does end up happening.
In the end, the Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars (See at Amazon) are an amazing pair of binoculars, but they are pretty expensive. Go check them out at Amazon to get more info on them.
Conclusion
That wraps it up for my list of the best 12×50 binoculars. By choosing one of these binoculars on the list, you ensure that you’re getting the best value binoculars for the price you pay.
I hope you found this article helpful, and as always, make sure to share this with your friends and family.
About The Author:
Hi! I’m Will Scott, the author of this post. I’m an outdoor enthusiast with over 10 years experience. I love trying out new gear and reviewing it so that other adventurers can get the most out of their experiences. I hope you’ve found my website informative, educational and helpful.