Various materials are used to make up a pair of binoculars’ chassis, such as magnesium alloy and polycarbonate.
Many high-end binoculars have magnesium chassis because it has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which means it is heavy-duty yet lightweight. Given that, it is no surprise that most outdoor enthusiasts prefer binoculars with a magnesium body.
On the other hand, polycarbonate is less durable than magnesium alloy. It is often used in entry-level binoculars because it is inexpensive. Nonetheless, it is favored for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and temperature.
If you have the budget and can afford binoculars with a magnesium chassis, the Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10×42 is worth considering. You can check out our in-depth review here. However, if you are looking for affordable binoculars that can perform well in low-light settings, you should check out the Celestron Nature DX 8×42. You can read our comprehensive review here.