The best binoculars 2025: Our top test winners in comparison!
Find out everything about the best binoculars from Eschenbach and other brands, their test winners and purchasing criteria.

The best binoculars 2025: Our top test winners in comparison!
Binoculars are indispensable companions for many leisure activities such as hiking, beach walks and safaris. They not only allow a detailed view of nature, but also the observation of birds and animals from a safe distance. The current test from IMTEST shows which models in the upper entry-level class are particularly impressive. Using a variety of criteria in the evaluation, the experts were able to put five binoculars through their paces. The results provide helpful guidance for anyone looking for high-quality binoculars.
The test winner is the Kowa SV II 8×32, which is characterized by its excellent appearance and practical user-friendliness. The equipment and service also performed well in the test. In second place was the Nikon Prostaff P7 8×30, which is particularly known for its good price-performance ratio. These models are ideal for different uses, whether bird watching, traveling or simply on excursions into nature.
The tested models at a glance
| Model | optics | equipment | handling | Service & Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kowa SV II 8×32 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
| Nikon Prostaff P7 8×30 | 2.0 | 3.1 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| Vortex Diamondback HD 8×32 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| Eschenbach sector D 8×32 compact+ | 3.2 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 2.0 |
| Kite Ursus 8×32 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
The test results show that the binoculars offer 8x magnification, making them ideal for all-round use. However, with the Adasion models there were discrepancies in the advertised magnification, which was advertised as 12x but is actually only 10x. Kowa and Nikon each offer a 10-year warranty, while Kite even offers a 30-year warranty. Vortex stands out with a lifetime warranty, however Adasion excludes optical damage from their lifetime warranty.
Special features of the Kowa SV II series
The Kowa SV II 8×32 impresses with its robust construction and was designed based on over 60 years of experience in optics development. It offers a bright and high-contrast image with natural color reproduction, which is a great advantage for nature observations. The lenses are fully multi-coated, which further improves the image quality. The clearly attractive focus wheel and the waterproof, nitrogen-filled housing also make the model particularly attractive. In addition, Kowa's KR coating prevents dirt and moisture, making it easier to use in various weather conditions. Optics Pro emphasizes that the model has an excellent price-performance ratio.
Calumet Photo In addition to an overview of purchasing criteria such as magnification and lens diameter, it also offers tips on usability for glasses wearers. In this context, it is important that the binoculars can be used by people who wear glasses, although they sometimes have limitations in the field of vision.
The current IMTEST comparison helps potential buyers find the right binoculars for their needs. Whether for bird watching, experiencing nature or simply exploring the surrounding area - the selection of high-quality models offers the right solution for everyone.