Carson Optical Binocular Reviews in 2023 (Trial & Tested)

Reviewed by Dayna Hatmaker
author2-headshot
Dayna Hatmaker

Dayna is a professional optician and has been working in this profession for 7 years. She truly understands her customer's optical needs and recommends the best product. She got her optometry degree from the University of Waterloo. Other than this, she loves golfing, fishing, boating, and hitting the gym.

first choice
chair 1
Carson RD Series 10x50mm HD Full Sized Binoculars
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Also suitable for those who wear glasses
  • BAK-4 prism for sharper images, Wide field of view
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second choice
chair 1
Carson VP Series Full Sized or Compact Binoculars
  • Fully multi-coated lens
  • Suitable for eyeglass wearers( eye relief 17mm)
  • Water-resistant due to rubber armor
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Third choice
chair 1
Carson 3D Series Binoculars with ED Glass
  • ED Glass, along with BAK-4 prisms, produces better images
  • suitable for eyeglass wearers( eye relief 16mm)
  • Tripod mountable with rubber armor textured
Check Price

Carson is a well-known brand that manufactures premium quality optics primarily used for microscopes, magnifiers, rifle scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars. They also manufacture cases, a range of lenses, camera mounts, and other accessories. Carson offers a wide range of best binoculars, suitable for all possible uses.

Most binoculars can be categorized according to the magnification they offer. Binoculars with a magnification of less than 10x will allow you to view objects in good detail at long distances. Binoculars with magnifications between 10x and 20x offer extra high magnification power and are ideal for most uses.

The high-quality image offered by Carson products results from the premium quality materials used. All the optical components are made of high-quality glass. Their binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen purged, eliminating the possibility of internal fogging due to temperature changes.

They have rugged rubber armoring which makes the binoculars tough and durable. The objective lens is treated with multi-layer coating for high transmission rates and low light dispersion. Overall, the construction of Carson binoculars is very solid with a good grip.

Quick Summary: Top 5 Carson Optical Binocular Reviews

1. Carson RD Series 10x50mm HD Full Sized Binoculars

Features
  • Product Dimensions: ‎5.25 x 6.75 x 2 inches
  • Color: Green
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Magnification: 10X

More features:  Waterproof and fog proof, Also suitable for those who wear glasses, BAK-4 prism for sharper images, Wide field of view.

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9.5
Carson RD Series 10x50mm HD Full Sized Binoculars
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000
Carson RD Series 10x50mm HD Full Sized Binoculars
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000

Today Carson is a leading optical manufacturer, and they have a rich history of breaking new ground. Carson Binoculars strive to provide the finest quality products. The Carson RD Series 10x50mm Open-Bridge binoculars are packed with features for hunting, birdwatching, sightseeing, and general day-to-day activities.

First things first, the magnification power of these binoculars is 10x, which is an excellent power for viewing distant objects and bringing things into close focus. This product has a large 50mm objective lens diameter, which translates to the Carson RD Series gathering more light than the average binoculars.

The larger the lens diameter, the more light enters the binoculars, and the brighter your image will be. Another technical aspect is the field of view (FOV) and eye relief. These binoculars have a FOV of 304 feet which means that standing at 1000 yards away; the binoculars can capture 304 feet horizontal width with clear visibility.

Eye relief is especially for eyeglass wearers. Since the glasses will create some distance between the eyes and the lens of binoculars, the image might deteriorate. These binoculars have an eye relief of 17mm which means that the image quality will not deteriorate if the distance between the eyes and lens is within this range, which is quite a reasonable range.

These are lightweight, and the weight of the binoculars will determine how long you can use them during hunting, bird watching, sightseeing, and anything that you do outdoors.

In addition, nitrogen gas-filled and O-ring sealed will make these binoculars waterproof and fog proof, which means you can bring them into the rain, snow, and other weather conditions. Also, the BAK-4 prism, along with fully multi-coated lenses, produces sharper images.

Pros

  • Large magnification power and objective lens diameter for bigger and sharp images.
  • Nitrogen gas-filled and O-ring seals make these waterproof and fog proof
  • Large eye relief is suitable for those who wear glasses
  • Tripod adaptable
  • Multi-coated BAK-4 prism for sharper images.

Cons

  • No negative reviews yet.

2. Carson VP Series Full Sized or Compact Binoculars

Features
  • Product Dimensions: ‎‎5.75 x 5 x 2 inches
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: ‎1.55 Pounds
  • Magnification: 8X

More features:  Fully multi-coated lens, suitable for eyeglass wearers( eye relief 17mm), Water-resistant due to rubber armor.

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9.4
Carson 3D Series HD Binoculars 1
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000
Carson 3D Series HD Binoculars 1
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000

Another Carson high-end product that comes in a compact size is the VP Series Binoculars. It is as close to high-end as possible for an affordable price. The Carson VP Series gives you excellent quality BAK-4 prism optics with a vast FOV and clear visibility.

The rubber armor on the body protects your lens from being scuffed, and it is water-resistant from rain, snow, and other weather conditions. The VP Series Binoculars also have a 17mm eye relief.

There are two types of these binoculars: Full Sized and Compact to meet your preferences. This good-quality binocular is also tripod mountable. A unique feature of this product is that they are lightweight, weighing only 1.55 pounds.

The lens is fully multi-coated, making the image brighter and more transparent. The review for the VP Series Binoculars is a positive one. A 42mm objective lens diameter and an 8x magnification power are enough for your eyes to explore a far-off distance.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact size for portability
  • Fully multi-coated lens to produce more transparent images
  • 17mm eye relief suitable for eyeglass wearers
  • Tripod adaptable
  • 8x magnification power and 42mm objective lens diameter for bigger and sharper images
  • Water-resistant due to rubber armor on the body.

Cons

  • Might feel a bit heavy to some people

3. Carson 3D Series Binoculars With ED Glass

Features
  • Product Dimensions: ‎‎5.5 x 2 x 4.8 inches
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: ‎1.45 pounds
  • Magnification: 10X

More features:  ED Glass, along with BAK-4 prisms, produces better images, suitable for eyeglass wearers( eye relief 16mm), Tripod mountable with rubber armor textured.

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9.4
Carson 3D Series HD Binoculars 1
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000
Carson 3D Series HD Binoculars 1
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000

These Carson 3D Series Waterproof body Binoculars come with a 10x magnification power, which is a high enough magnification to give you good images of distant objects. For example, with 10x magnification power, the target appears ten times closer than it is.

Another technical aspect of these binoculars is the ED Glass and BAK-4 prisms that produce better and sharper images. ED glasses are used for high-grade image quality in high-end cameras, scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars.

The ED Glass is made of extra-low dispersion glass, which gives you more transparent images. The BAK-4 prisms are another great feature allowing brighter images to be produced.

The 42mm objective lens diameter will offer you a brighter image. The internal lens coatings and the rubber armor make this product more durable. It has an eye relief of 16mm, which is excellent for eyeglasses wearers to enjoy the same high-resolution image.

These binoculars do not come alone; they come with a neck strap, shoulder harness, lens covers, and a lens cloth. All these accessories put together can make you feel like a real pro. Not only are they fog-proof, but they are also waterproof making them excellent for use in light showers.

Pros

  • 10x Magnification power and 42mm objective lens diameter for bigger and sharper images
  • Top-of-the-line ED Glass, along with BAK-4 prisms, produces better images.
  • Tripod mountable with rubber armor textured coating on the body
  • Extra-large 16mm eye relief suitable for eyeglasses wearers.
  • Great quality binoculars for their price range

Cons

  • The mesh pockets of the case are not very tight for holding small items.

4. Carson MicroBrite Microscope

Features
  • Product Dimensions: ‎‎3.15 x 0.79 x 1.97 inches
  • Color: Black/gray
  • Weight: ‎1.45 pounds
  • Magnification: 60x-120x

More features:  Compact and ergonomic design, Huge magnification range, LED light for illuminating the surface.

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9.3
Carson MicroBrite Microscope
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000
Carson MicroBrite Microscope
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000

Another line of product that Carson manufactures is the microscope. The Carson Pocket Microscope includes a LED light to illuminate the surface effectively. It is pocket-sized, portable, and perfect for home use or when traveling.

This product does not come with a battery, but any 1 AA battery will work. It is designed to be compact and lightweight with an ergonomic design to allow you to hold it comfortably. The Carson pocket microscope comes with an adjustable magnification system.

The magnification can be set from 60x all the way up to 120x. With an aspheric lens, the light rays do not diverge; rather, it converges to a single focal point making a brighter and sharper image.

The grip is highly ergonomic. It’s a piece of great equipment for diagnosing the micro-world and observing how these microorganisms look in shape and color. This product has a great review and is a definite buy for the price.

Pros

  • Aspheric lenses for brighter and sharper images
  • It’s perfect for home or travel use.
  • LED light for illuminating the surface when you are viewing objects
  • Manufactured by Carson, a trusted brand known for its quality products.
  • Aspheric lenses provide superior optics and brightness.
  • Adjustable magnification power from 60x to 120x.
  • Compact and ergonomic design

Cons

  • Does not have a base.

5. Carson BinoArmor Magnetic Binocular Case

Features
  • Product Dimensions: ‎‎6.5 x 6 x 2.5 inches
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: ‎0.2 Kilograms
  • Material: Neoprene

More features: Magnetic closure system for security, shock absorption, and scratch-resistant, Fits most 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars

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9.3
Carson BinoArmor Magnetic Binocular Case
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000
Carson BinoArmor Magnetic Binocular Case
61N48pRfcgL. AC SL1000

Carson does not just manufacture the best optics; it also manufactures cases for binoculars. The case is made of neoprene, which is perfect for providing the user with shock absorption. It also makes the binoculars a bit more scratch-resistant.

The case has an elastic band that wraps around the binoculars to enable you to secure them into the case and prevent it from falling.

The case does not come alone; it has two lens caps and a carrying strap for easy portability. It’s quick to open and close, allowing you to use the binoculars inside it.

Unlike other cases, this case is made of a magnetic closure system, so you will not have to worry about the lens falling off and breaking.

The whole set comes in black color with a black handle for easy portability. Most 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars up to 6 inches in height can fit into this case.

Pros

  • A magnetic closure system for secure storage
  • Elastic band for secure keeping of binoculars
  • The neoprene material is used for shock absorption and is scratch-resistant to maintain good lens quality.
  • Fits most 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars up to 6 inches in height.

Cons

  • The magnet might interfere with pacemakers.

Frequently Asked Quetions

1. Is Carson a good binocular brand?

Yes, Carson is a leading manufacturer of high-grade optics. They have a wide variety of products, including binoculars, microscopes, and telescopes.

Their binoculars are very durable, waterproof, and shock-resistant, which provides them with better protection against external hazards.

They are made of high-quality materials for long-lasting performance. They also manufacture cases for their products. Their portable size makes them easy to store and carry around with you wherever you go.

2. Are Carson 3D binoculars any good?

They are excellent. Their binoculars are durable, waterproof, and shock-resistant, which provides them with better protection against external hazards. You can use them whether it is rainy or sunny. It also has an anti-slip grip for comfortable handling. It comes with a neck strap for easy portability. The ED glass and BAK-4 prisms produce better and sharper images. Their binoculars are lightweight, which is ideal for travelers.

3. Where are Carson binoculars made?

Carson has an agreement with Chinese optical manufacturers, and they make these binoculars. This means that Carson has complete control over the premium quality.

4. How do you focus on Carson’s binoculars?

First, close one eye and look through the other eye in the eyepiece. Then, adjust the focus until a clear image is formed. Next, do the same process with another eye as well. Now you can look through both eyes.

Conclusion:

Carson manufactures a wide range of products, from binoculars to telescopes, scopes, microscopes, and cases for them. They are known to produce high-quality optics at affordable prices.

No matter what kind of product you are going for, you will not be disappointed. These binoculars from Carson come with some great features. 

Its high magnification power and large objective lens diameter will provide brighter images. One of the unique features is its ED Glass and BAK-4 prism that produces better and sharper images.

In addition, their binoculars are durable and waterproof, making them very convenient for use on rainy days and light showers. Plus, their cases are very durable.

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