We have lots of posts on what binoculars to buy. Here is the most recent NY Times Wirecutter report on binoculars . https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-binoculars/
This is sort of long but it is a copy of the actual report. Note that none of the choices are less than $100 and none of the recommended ones include the $20 cheapie ones that some people have considered buying. Also note that all of them are a very reasonable power of 8x and not the 20x power binoculars thatsome people have looked at. Stuff in italics is my additions to the NY Times report.
DON
Athlon Optics Midas ED
The best binoculars for nearly everyone
Relatively affordable with great optics, these binoculars have comparable performance to many models that cost thousands more.
$315 from Amazon. Current price on Amazon is $269. The eye relief on these is also very good.
The Athlon Optics Midas ED 8x42—along with nearly all of the other binoculars we tested—are the beneficiaries of a revolution in optical quality caused by the falling costs of precision manufacturing and optical treatments. For just over $300 you can get a pair of binoculars that matches—that’s matches, not comes close to—products that cost hundreds, or even thousands, more. The Athlon Midas ED pair’s optics aren’t its only strong suit: These are exceptionally durable binoculars that easily withstood the humid, dusty, and hostile environment of the Mexican rain forest and harsh sun of the Californian desert. And their focus dial adjusts reliably and smoothly across a wide range of depths, making it easy to focus on what you’re trying to see, no matter where it is.
Runner-up
Celestron Trailseeker ED
For a smaller grip
These binoculars are a close second to the Athlons, with just-as-clear optics, solid construction, and easy-to-use focusing. They also have a slightly smaller grip than the sturdier Athlons.
$326 from Amazon
$329 from Adorama
If you prefer a slightly smaller grip or the Athlon Optics Midas ED pair is out of stock, the very similar Celestron Trailseeker ED 8x42 Binoculars are a sharp, easy-to-use choice. After the Athlons, these were the binoculars I most often grabbed when trying to see a new bird. Like the Athlon set, the Celestron Trailseeker features crystal-clear optics (even around the edges of the field of view), comfortable ergonomics, and predictable focusing, all in a slightly smaller package.
Budget pick
Carson VP
Splendid views at a great price
Proof that binoculars have undergone a quality revolution, these are high quality at a price that once would have gotten you little but junk.
Buy from Amazon
$133 from Walmart
*At the time of publishing, the price was $231.
If you’re on a supertight budget and are willing to see less of a scene at a time, you can get the Carson VP 8x42 for around half the price of the Athlons and get almost all the performance, with only a slight compromise in field of view (how much of the landscape you’ll see through the binoculars).
Also great
Pentax AD 8x25 WP
The best compact binoculars
Compact binocs aren’t the best for birding, but these combine pocket-size convenience with enough magnification to actually identify things.
$120 from Adorama
The low-cost Pentax AD 8 x 25 WP are ideal for day hikes or airplane travel, where you want good-quality optics in a small package. Everything worked—the eyecups felt solid and comfortable, the hinges weren’t too loose, and focusing was quick and surprisingly accurate at any distance. Of course, this is not the pair for serious birding, stargazing, or anything requiring exceptional detail. But if you want inexpensive, very compact binoculars, this is the pair for you.
