Find the best 8×21 binoculars as we review Bushnell Powerview, Pentax UCF-R & Galileo 8×21 roof prism binoculars. Learn what compact binoc is best for you!
If you want the most portable binoculars that offer crisp images when focusing in on something a medium-distance away, consider a pair of 8×21 binoculars. These aren’t going to give you the most amazing views in the world, but they’re still eons beyond opera or theatre glasses.
And even better than that: they’re cheap.
A lot of companies don’t make an 8×21 binoc–the more upscale brands like Zeiss, Swarovski, and Steiner have 8.5×21, 8×20, or 8×22, but they don’t have an interest in manufacturing a pure 8×21.
That’s OK though! The ones that are manufactured are quality optics for an affordable price.
8×21 Binoculars: Why Use Super Compact Binoculars
What could you possibly need such a small pair of binoculars for? Well, how about everything?
Ultra compact binocs like an 8×21 model are great for:
- Sporting events
- Nature walking
- Up-close bird watching
- Certain hunting excursions
These are great specs to have around the house for any number of different activities. And since they’re so small and affordable, they also make fantastic kids binoculars.
With most of the 8×21 models, you can keep them in a pocket or a bag without ever feeling their weight. These are glasses that can and do go absolutely anywhere you want to take them.
We really love these optics as a pair of hiking binoculars, as you can get decent optics for no weight in your pack.
The major drawback: Because the objective lens is so small and due to manufacturers not producing top-tier 8×21 optics, their performance is limited in badly lit areas.
Top 3 Bestselling 8×21 Binoculars
For a little introduction into the world of super small, compact binoculars, here’s a look at three of the bestselling 8×21 binocs on the market today.
And good news for your wallet: none of these cost more than $60, and two of them are closer to $10.
Bushnell Powerview 8×21 Folding Binoculars
How do you make an incredibly compact pair of binoculars even more compact? Make them fold-able!
You can keep these in your pocket, in your purse, in your backpack–virtually anywhere–and never feel the bulk or weight of a standard pair of binoculars.
Bushnell is masterful at crafting ultra compact glasses that are beyond affordable. These may only be $15 from Amazon, but they still feature BaK-7roof prisms, fully coated optics, and a non-slip rubber housing.
Read our more in-depth review of Bushnell Powerview Binoculars.
Galileo 8×21 Roof Prism Binoculars
At just over $10, these ultra compact binocs are perfect for the occasional observer or for kids just learning the fine art of birdwatching. You can literally take these anywhere, they are so small and light.
Simply slip them into your back pocket and away you go!
Obviously, at such a low price and such small dimensions, these glasses aren’t going to give you the brightest, cleanest, clearest images in the world. But these are definitely handy to keep in the glove box of your car in case a need to zoom in when the action arises.
Pentax 8×21 UCF-R Binoculars
Roof prisms may be lighter and offer a bit better imagery–depending on what you want to use your binoculars for–but in a body this compact, porro prisms may be the way to go, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
The Pentax 8×21 UCF-R are designed for the best in ergonomic comfort. With a porro prism construction, you can really get a grip on the housing and focus in on the important sights.
Some of this Pentax model’s other nice features include:
- Rubber covered exterior for a sure grip and tough body
- Sliding eye piece rings
- Easy central focusing knob
- And the Pentax Super-multi-coating for the optics.
Read our more in-depth Pentax UCF binocular reviews.
Not sure if 8×21 is the right spec for you? Then return from 8×21 Binoculars to Best Binoculars.
Or, head on back home to our full range of Binocular Reviews