Initial Impressions: Celestron Outland X 8×25 binoculars

Santa brought me a pair of Outland X 8×25 binoculars because I was such a good boy this year. I will be traveling in January and wanted a small pair of binoculars so I can go birdwatching even though nature is not the primary goal of my trips. I have gotten them out twice in the past two days and for my initial impression, I am happy with my purchase.

These are the first “real” 8×25 binoculars I have used. I already owned a pair of low-quality 8x25s that were given away as promotional merch for a real estate firm. I used those as my everyday binoculars that stay in my backpack for unplanned birding opportunities. My upcoming trips inspired me to upgrade to some proper 8x25s. After a bit of research, I eventually settled on the Outland X.

The first thing I noticed is how much better the Outland X feels. It feels solid and well-built, like a good pair of binoculars. I especially like the eyecups. My cheap 8×25 does not have eyecups, so the mere existence is a step up. However, I prefer the eyecups on the Outland X to the eyecups on my Bresser Pirsch ED 8×56. The Outland X eyecups feel better (to me) because they are more like knobs with set points as you twist them instead of truly smooth twisting.

I found the image quality of the Outland X to be excellent in bright light. Not as good as my Pirsch, but that is to be expected. The Outland X uses multicoated BaK-4 glass that provides better color in well-lit areas. I have not tried the Outland X in low-light environments. However, if I need optics to work in the evening, I already have a better option.

Since I wanted a pair of travel-friendly, everyday binoculars, environmental protection was important. The Outland X is nitrogen-purged to provide water and fog-proofing. I cared about size as well. The binoculars are small and light enough (even with the carrying case) to always stay in my backpack. Weighing less than 350 grams, the Outland X weighs less than the daily planner that stays in by bag all day. At 116mm x 110mm x 43mm, the binoculars are smaller than the planner as well. I am basically carrying an extra paperback book in my backpack. Not bad at all.

I will revisit my Outland X 8×25 later after traveling. At the moment, I think they will serve me well. They are small enough to carry around and not intimidate random people who may ask to go birdwatching for the first time. If the requirements call for a small, affordable, well-built pair of binoculars, a buyer could do a lot worse than the Outland X 8×25 by Celestron.