The short version
- Typical range: £15 – £90
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Cameras & Photography
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used binoculars is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for binocularss, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £90 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £76 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £58 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £40 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £22 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a binoculars
- Recognised optics brands
- Correct collimation with a single clean image
- Clear glass with no fungus or haze
- Case, caps and strap included
What lowers it
- Misalignment causing eye strain or double images
- Fungus or haze inside the prisms
- Stiff or seized focus wheels
- Cheap unbranded binoculars
How to work out what yours is worth
- Look through them at a distant object and check for a single image
- Shine a torch through and look for haze
- Turn the focus wheel through its full range
Once you have those three answers you can place your own binoculars on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check binoculars are aligned?
Look at a distant straight edge. If you see a double image or feel eye strain, they are out of collimation and need specialist work.
Does fungus ruin binoculars?
It spreads and is expensive to clean, so it substantially reduces value. Check by shining a torch through.
Are the caps and case worth including?
Yes. They protect the optics and their absence suggests the pair has been stored carelessly.
More value guides: cameras & photography guides · all value guides · browse live cameras & photography listings.