*Best Binoculars For Hunting*
Hunting is an activity that few men can boast of doing, it requires great patience, timing and a lot of other skills that take anywhere from months to years to develop. If you are reading this and you’re a hunter, kudos to you, you are part of an elite few.
Some companies have taken up the responsibility to make products that make the art of hunting easier and more “fluid”
Today we will be looking at one of these products.
Today, we will be looking at the best binoculars for hunting. If you are in the market for a new pair of binoculars then you might be overwhelmed with the vast amount of choices out there. One model is waterproof, the other is fog proof, this one has a rubber padding, O-ring seals, Argon purging… it is all overwhelming.
And the last thing you want to do is make a purchase you’ll regret
I’ve done you the huge favor of researching the top binocular brands and narrowing my list to what I believe is the best 7 on the market right now, I have also attached a bonus buyer’s guide at the end of the post so that you know exactly what you should be looking for when buying a new pair of binoculars.
Without spending much time lets dive into the article so that you can make your purchase quickly and get back to some happy hunting
Best Binoculars For Hunting
- Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×42 – Top Pick
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42
- Bushnell Trophy XLT 234210
- Nikon Prostaff 7s 16003
- Bushnell Falcon 133410
- Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B – Best Splurge
Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×42
Vortex is a well-known binoculars brand, they are known for making high-quality exceptional products and the Optics Viper HD is no different. In fact, it’s our top pick for hunting binoculars. It has an O-ring seal that prevents water and fog from getting into your binoculars, this stops the inside from getting fogging and rusty. This translates to a highly versatile binoculars that can be used in any climate condition, the binoculars also have a longer lifespan due to the O-ring seal.
Its HD extra-low dispersion provides the product with a highly improved resolution and color fidelity. Images are sharp and crystal clear no matter the lighting condition.
It is tough and rugged, something Vortex has become quite known for. You can be sure your binoculars will last for years. But if you do manage to break something Vortex has got you with their Unconditional lifetime warranty. That is correct, they have a lifetime warranty, (talk about confidence in their product), this further proves the high quality of the Vortex brand.
The binoculars come with some extra goodies such as a carry case, neck strap, lens cover and rain guard. Who doesn’t love extra goodies?
One point of complaint is the eye relief in which some customers who use glasses have complained that the eye-relief for glasses wearers isn’t the best. I guess this is something they can improve on.
Oh, and they are Argon purged, which when added to the O-ring sealing, ensures complete waterproofing and fog proofing of the binoculars.
This product is our top pick and is best suited for those who want the absolute best binoculars they can get on the market.
Pros
- Great quality construction with O-ring seal
- Works very well in low-light conditions
- Comes with several different accessories
- Includes an excellent unconditional lifetime warranty
Cons
- On the more expensive side
- The eye relief isn’t great
Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Binoculars – The Runner-up
The Diamondback 10×42 binoculars is produced by Vortex Optics, the same brand that produces the Viper HD (our top pick hunting binoculars). First off, what this means is that you get the same unconditional lifetime warranty Vortex is well known for.
If you break it or change your mind about it, you can always return it.
Plus their customer support is excellent.
It is Argon purged, nitrogen purged and rubber armored to provide enhanced waterproofing and fog proofing over a wide range of temperatures and conditions.
I love how easy it is to make adjustments with these binoculars. The eyepieces are adjustable and a central tool allows you to quickly and conveniently focus the binoculars depending on what you’re tracking.
If you have a better vision in one eye over the other, you can make adjustments to suit.
This user-friendliness of this product makes it a great value product. This value is further intensified with the extra accessories which include the carry case and lens covers.
The rubber coating of this binoculars means you can maintain a firm sturdy grip even if it is wet (such as when raining).
I do have one problem with it though, the visuals are not quite as good on those on the more expensive models such as the Viper HD, so if you have some extra bucks to spare and want really clear, sharp and HD visuals, I’d recommend you go with a more expensive option. (The Viper HD)
With that being said, this is still a very very good option, and really only the picky “perfectionist” ones like me would notice the difference in optics.
This product is well suited for those who want really good binoculars without breaking the bank, it is our runner-up product and is almost as good as the number 1.
If this product is still above your budget then keep on reading, we’ve got some more budget options below
Pros
- Unconditional lifetime warranty provides assurance
- User-friendly with easily adjustable features
- Includes a number of accessories
Cons
- Optics are good for the price but inferior to market leading products
Bushnell Trophy XLT 234210 – Best Hunting Binoculars for the Money
When you’re on a tight budget but still want to buy the absolute best binocular for hunting you can get for your money, the Bushnell Trophy XLT is your best bet by a long shot.
Like all binoculars in this article they are waterproof and fog proof (thanks to its O-ring Seal)
I like the rubber-armored coating which makes it tough, durable but yet really comfortable in the hands. The rubber coating also helps make your grip tight and strong, preventing any slippage. With a waterproof, fog proof and “slip-proof” capabilities, these binoculars too can be used under any situation.
Like other binoculars on this list, these come with flip covers that protect the objective lens when not in use.
It has fully multicoated optics that deliver ultra-bright, razor-sharp images.
One drawback with this product is that it is on the heavy side, they weigh 2.2 pounds which is a bit heavier compared to other binoculars, due to this they aren’t really the best binoculars if you’re trying to travel light, but if you’re strong and have got the stamina, or if you don’t mind going a bit heavy then this shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Overall, I think the product offers great value with no major downsides.
This is best suited for people who want to buy the best binoculars they can get while being within their budget, it is not as expensive as other binoculars reviewed here, but they sure pack a punch and give you your money’s worth. You can’t go far wrong with this product.
Pros
- Rubber-armored housing provides some durability
- Optics are sharp and bright – very good for the price
- Fast focus is useful, particularly when hunting
Cons
- Flip lens covers are flimsy and prone to falling off
- At 2.2 lbs, they’re on the heavy side
Nikon Prostaff 7s 16003 Binoculars for Hunting – Best For Spectacle Wearers
The Nikon Prostaff 7s 16003 binoculars is ideal not only for hunting but also hiking and birding, it provides really good color and clarity, whatever you’re viewing. The nice visual quality comes from the fact that this product has fully multi-layered coated lenses and phase correction coated roof prisms.
Of course, the visual quality isn’t all there is to hunting binoculars. They also need to be comfortable and these binoculars tick that box excellently. In my opinion, this is best suited for people that wear glasses. This is because the Prostaff 7s features a turn-and-slide rubber eyecups which allow you to adjust the space between your eye and the eyepiece. So you can set up your field of view quickly and easily.
Another thing I like about this product is the rubber armored body which not only makes it really comfortable to hold but also adds an element of protection in case your binoculars gets dropped.
I am a bit disappointed in the lens cover which feels cheap and should be replaced with something of higher quality. (It is a lower-priced binoculars though, so I guess there’s that).
In my opinion, this product has a really good balanced between quality and price. I like its build and its crystal clear optics. It is best suited for those who wear spectacles.
Pros
- Ideal for glasses wearers due to adjustable eyecups
- Excellent quality construction – very durable
- Clear optics offer excellent value for the price
Cons
- The lens covers are cheap and fairly useless
Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B
The Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B is one of the best binoculars money can buy. It has won the label of “the best splurge” in this review. It is for those who have no problem a lot of money on the best binoculars you can get your hands on.
Experienced hunters know that there will be times when they need to be able to make distance shots, and these binoculars make this possible. It has a wide viewing angle which ensures that you can clearly see the area around you. These binoculars also have an impressive range, with the ability to see prey up to 1,000 yards away, you will always be the first in your group to spot a potential target.
The multi-coated lenses provide you with crisp, crystal clear images even in low light situations, details are sharp and colors are true to life which is always helpful when hunting for game in the thick bush.
Trust me the last thing you want to worry about when hunting is comfort, this applies to your binoculars too. Leica designed their binoculars with an ergonomic grip that make it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. The binoculars are a bit heavy, but the ergonomic grip, and its comfort make up for it and make holding the binoculars for long periods of time a no-brainer.
Still on the design, it has a curved chassis which makes it comfortable to grasp, stylish and also provides you with a firm sturdy grip even when your hands are wet or sweaty. You can quickly pull up your binoculars if something catches your attention from a distance. (And not have to worry about the binoculars slipping off).
Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B is housed by rubber-coated magnesium. This gives a sturdy build that is capable of withstanding all the wear & tear and occasional bumps involved in the art of hunting. It has attached caps which will protect the eye pieces of the binoculars when not in use.
It has nitrogen-filled lenses that prevent moisture and fog from clouding your vision, this also ensures that the lenses are waterproof. The Leica AquaDura coating on the exposed glass surfaces means dirt and water on the lenses just roll away and improves viewing performance, particularly in rainy weather. Therefore, these binoculars will always provide optimum performance, even in adverse weather conditions and extremely humid environments.
One of the advantages of these binoculars from Leica is your ability to upload and calculate your ballistics information. This is always helpful for hunters who will benefit from knowing what works in specific situations. There is an online calculator customers can take advantage off, and the information can be loaded onto a micro SD card. There is a small waterproof slot on the side of the binoculars so you can easily slip the SD card in to have all of the calculations at your fingertips.
What really makes the Geovid HD binoculars stand out is the ABC system which gives you three distinct points of reference. When you need to make corrections for distance viewing to ensure a perfect shot you can easily make adjustments in centimeters or inches. The system is also able to provide you with an accurate horizontal range which is ideal for ensuring the cartridges and rifle being used are the correct combinations. This helps make each shot count and reduce the number of wasted cartridges. You can even calculate the air temperature and pressure, along with the incline so it is easier to hit your target the first time.
The Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B is best suited for the advanced hunter who has the pockets to spend on the best binoculars in the market today.
Pros
- Hunters will love being able to load their ballistics information into these binoculars.
- Compensate for incline, temperature and other factors with the ABC system.
- With the wide viewing angle, Leica has designed a pair of binoculars that will let you sight prey from an incredible distance away.
- These binoculars are designed to be comfortable to grip, which is always an important consideration when you are out in the field.
- You will also appreciate the durable construction that is designed to withstand almost any environment.
Cons
- It should be noted that these binoculars from Leica do weigh more than similar models, but this is often overlooked once consumers realize all of the extra features that come standard with this pair.
Buyer’s Guide
There is a wide range of high-quality binoculars for hunting, unfortunately, there are also lots of low-quality ones. How do you separate the wheat from the shaft? Here we have listed out 5 factors you should look at when trying to decide what binoculars to buy.
Also here is a quick video for you, to educate you more on binoculars
1. Magnification
Magnification is an important factor to look at when deciding what binoculars to buy. You need to be able to see your targer clearly from a distance. However there is such a thing as too much magnification. With increased magnifications comes problems with image steadiness. Generally speaking, a magnification of 7x to 10x should be more than enough for you your hunting needs.
2. Objective Size
The objective side is indicated in mm and is the second number you see when researching a pair of binoculars. For example in Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×42, 10×42 means 10x magnification and 42 mm lens. The larger the objective, the wider your field of view tends to be. Unfortunately, larger objective lens tends to cost more and be heavier than lower ones. A safer birth is to go with a 40 or 42 mm lens
3. Field of View
The field of view of binoculars is the widest dimension you can see and is measured in feet over 1000 yards. The higher this number is the wider your field of view will be. Its important to know that when you increase the magnifications on you binoculars the field of vision reduces. (explained in the video above)
4. Image Quality
Image quality simply refers to sharpness and clarity of your view. Most times higher price points correlate with higher image qualities. Of course, not everyone wants to have HD image quality, you’re hunting not watching a movie. If you fall into this camp, you can go for lower-priced binoculars and sacrifice a bit of image quality.
However, if you are a high-level hunter, and you hunt in varied weather conditions (such as low light) then you should go fo the best optics you can afford.
Finally, you should know that image quality goes down the more you magnify your image, so picking low image quality binoculars will only get worse when you magnify your view.
We recommend Vortex Viper HD for high image quality
5. Waterproof
You might not be planning of going swimming with your binoculars or hunting in the rain (a more realistic scenario) but you never know, sometimes life catches us by surprise. The last thing you want is for your binoculars to begin malfunctioning because of a little water. Always look for binoculars that are water proof and fog proof, this will save you alot of headaches down the road
Conclusion
You are now a binoculars expert, you know which products are the best and you know what you should look out for when trying to select a pair of binoculars. The great thing about binoculars is that there are so many brands at so many price points, there will surely be one that is right for you. I hope this review helped you out in making your buying decision easier and quicker. Till next time hunter.
