With Christmas just around the corner, you're probably looking for gift ideas that combine utility, emotion and durability. For nature lovers, binoculars are the obvious choice! Whether you're birdwatching, admiring landscapes or gazing at the stars... a well-chosen pair of binoculars transforms every outing into an immersive experience. But what criteria should you choose? What's your budget? And above all, which models stand out? Find out which binoculars to give this Christmas 2025.
Why give binoculars at Christmas?
Giving binoculars at Christmas means giving the gift of unique moments with nature:
- For an amateur ornithologist, they enable you to admire the details of birds' plumage and behavior without disturbing them.
- For hikers, they reveal the subtleties of distant landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to verdant valleys.
- For an astronomy enthusiast, they open a window on the universe, making lunar craters or star clusters accessible.
Unlike other ephemeral gifts, binoculars are a lasting investment, designed to accompany their user for years to come, whatever the weather conditions or terrain explored. What's more, recent technological advances have made these instruments more powerful, lighter and more affordable.
All that's left is to find the model that perfectly matches the expectations of the person to whom you're giving this beautiful gift.
Technical criteria to master when choosing
Lens magnification and diameter
The first reflex when buying binoculars is often to focus on their magnification, indicated by the first number of the part number (e.g. 8x42). A magnification of 8x or 10x is ideal for most uses, since it offers a good compromise between image stability and the ability to observe details. On the other hand, too high a magnification, such as 12x or 15x, can make the image shaky without the aid of a tripod, especially for prolonged observations.
The second number in the reference corresponds to the lens diameter in millimetres. The larger the diameter, the more light the binoculars can capture, which is particularly useful in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk. However, larger objectives make binoculars heavier and more cumbersome. For multi-purpose use, a 42 mm diameter is often recommended, while compact models (25 to 32 mm) are better suited to lightweight hikers.
Field of vision and optical quality
The field of view, expressed in meters at a distance of 1,000 meters, determines the extent of the area that can be observed without moving the binoculars. A wide field of view, such as 120 m at 1,000 m, is particularly useful for tracking birds in flight or moving animals.
Top-of-the-range models often incorporate ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, which reduce chromatic aberrations and improve edge sharpness. Anti-reflective coatings optimize light transmission, for brighter, higher-contrast images.
Robustness and waterproofing
A good binocular must be weatherproof and shockproof. Waterproof standards (such as IPX7) guarantee protection against water, while nitrogen filling prevents fogging inside the optics.
Magnesium or reinforced polycarbonate bodies combine lightness and strength, ideal for outings in the great outdoors.
Finally, good ergonomics, with non-slip grips and easy-access diopter adjustment, make binoculars a pleasure to use, especially in cold or wet weather.
Which binoculars for which purpose?
For ornithology
Birdwatchers need binoculars with fast, precise focusing, a wide field of view and excellent brightness.
Moderate magnification (8x or 8.5x) makes it easy to follow birds on the move, and advanced optical coating ensures that plumage colors are faithfully reproduced.
For hiking
When hiking, weight and size are crucial. Compact binoculars are precisely designed to fit in a backpack without weighing down your walk.
With 8x to 10x magnification, you can observe landscape details or spot animals at a distance, while remaining stable handheld. Shock-resistant models are also appreciated for their durability, even in the harshest conditions.
For astronomy
Observing the night sky requires binoculars with high magnification (10x to 15x) and an exit pupil greater than 5 mm to capture maximum light. The benchmark models in this field therefore offer large apertures and optical coatings optimized for low light conditions.
Our selection of binoculars for Christmas 2025
To help you decide, here's a selection of models for different uses and budgets:
| Main use | Recommended model | Magnification | Diameter (mm) | Field of view (m/1000m) | Weight | Estimated price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ornithology | Bushnell Trophy R3 10X42 | 10.0 | 42 | 99.6 | 0.593 g | ~200 € | Waterproof, robust, excellent value, ideal for beginners. |
| Hiking | Vortex Viper HD 8x42 | 8.0 | 42 | 125 | 0.68 g | ~600 € | Ultra-light, compact, waterproof, ideal for long walks. |
| Astronomy | Nikon Monarch 5 20x56 ED glass | 20 | 56 | 58 | 1235 g | ~800 € | Exceptional optical quality, advanced features, ideal for sky observation. |
Giving a pair of binoculars as a Christmas present means giving a nature lover the chance to enjoy unique experiences, whether in the heart of the forest, on a mountain top or under a starry sky. By keeping in mind the essential technical criteria (magnification, diameter, field of view and robustness) and adapting the choice to the main use, you're sure to make a gift that will be used and cherished for years to come.
Discover our complete selection of binoculars for all uses on Jumelles.com.
