Compact binoculars are popular aids for hunters across the globe. They are not only easy to use but also very comfortable to carry and hold during extended hunting sessions. Because of their small and lightweight design, they make the perfect companion for hunters who move around a lot in search of a game. In this day and age, you don’t have to use a full-size binocular to have a successful hunting trip.
A good compact binocular will help you see your intended target easily and increase your odds of accurate shooting. But with so many models available on the market, finding an excellent pair can be taxing especially for the uninformed buyers. In this post, we are going to take you through some of the best compact binoculars for hunting to help you make an informed buying decision. Let’s take a look.
#1) Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex makes some of the best optics in the industry and the Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars are no different. These binoculars are offered in 8×42, 10×42 and 10×50.
The 8×42 is one of the best compact binoculars for hunting. It’s incredibly light and convenient for hunting. The Viper HD Roof Prism bino is an optical masterpiece that harbors impressive features that will revolutionize your hunting.
This pair of binoculars features HD, extra-low dispersion glass that delivers high-quality images. The lenses also feature high-quality anti-reflective coatings for bright and clear images from dawn till dusk. Add in multi-layer prism coatings and you’ll be assured of great resolution and excellent color contrast.
Though compact, this Viper HD binocular is built ready for any hunt. It’s sturdily made for long-lasting durability and has a rubber-armored chassis that makes it shockproof and resistant to impacts.
It also boasts an Armortek lens coating that protects the external lenses from scratches and a waterproof and fog proof construction for all-weather performance.
Features
- HD extra-low dispersion glass
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Wide field of view: 347ft at 1000 yards
- 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Compact, lightweight design
- Adjustable eyecups
- Rubber-armored chassis
- Completely waterproof and fogproof
- Right eye-locking diopter
- Armortek lens coatings
#2) Bushnell Trophy Roof Binoculars
The Trophy XLT is a compact Porro prism binocular ideal for numerous hunting applications. It features a stunning 10x magnification that’s perfect for glassing targets at any range.
The Bushnell Trophy binocular is one of the best compact binoculars for hunting at long ranges. It also boasts a spacious field of view for easy target identification which is essential for accurate shot placement.
This pair of binoculars is fully fog proof so you don’t have to worry about internal fogging caused by thermal instability. Additionally, it has an IPX7 waterproof rating so you can use it even when it’s raining. It also comes with a rubber-armored housing with ergonomically placed thumb grips for a positive grasp even when it’s raining.
The optical performance of these binoculars is pretty impressive. It has fully multi-coated FMC optics that increase light transmission in low-light conditions and reduce glare during broad daylight.
It’s also equipped with high-quality BaK-4 prisms that deliver brilliant, high-contrast images. Above all, it has generous eye relief and a fast focus center wheel for smooth image focusing.
Features
- IPX7 waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- One-hand operation
- High-quality BaK-4 prisms
- Generous eye relief
- Fast focus center wheel
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Lightweight design
#3) Nikon 8×30 Prostaff 7S Binoculars
The Nikon 8×30 Prostaff 7S Binoculars are your best compact binoculars for hunting if you are on a budget. It packs numerous features at a reasonably affordable price. It’s compact, lightweight and easy to hold. Nikon’s PROSTAFF 7S 8×30 is specially made for the outdoors making it the go-to bino for any outing.
These binoculars are specially made for use in all terrains. They are toughly made to handle any environment. The rubber-armored coating withstands wear and tear and gives you a firm, non-slip grip even in wet conditions. They are also nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging and sealed with O-rings for total waterproof performance.
If you wear eyeglasses, this pair suits you. It has turn-and-slide rubber eyecups that provide comfortable glassing with or without eyeglasses. More importantly, the lenses are fully multi-coated while the roof prisms are phase-corrected to provide bright, clear, and more natural images.
The superior optical system transmits more light and reduces the reflection of light to maintain image brightness regardless of the surrounding lighting conditions.
A tough construction, adjustable eyecups for changing the eye relief, ergonomic body for comfortable viewing, best-in-class optical system and image brightness are some of the highlights of the Nikon Prostaff 7S that make it one of the best compact binoculars for hunting.
Features
- Adjustable eyecups
- Rubber armored body
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Phase-corrected roof prisms
- Lightweight design for ergonomic handling
- Fully multi-coated eco-glass coatings
- Durable, all-terrain construction
#4) Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binocular
Superior low light performance and versatility best describe the Vortex Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binocular. It has multi-coated optics that increase light transmission for bright and clear image views even in dismal environments.
The prisms are also phase-corrected to provide great color fidelity. The best-in-class optical system surely makes the Diamondback binocular one of the best compact binoculars for hunting.
This is a full-size binocular that’s incredibly compact and amazingly lightweight as well. It weighs just 1.5 pounds so you’ll have an easy time carrying it as you look for a game. The 10x magnification provides great target detail at any range, while the wide field of view enables you to track moving games with ease.
These compact binoculars for hunting are built to provide many years of field use. It’s fully waterproof and fogproof so it’s ideal for use in extreme environments. It also boasts a tethered objective lens cover and rugged armor. Overall, it’s an excellent binocular for all hunters regardless of their skills or experience.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Rugged rubber armor
- Wide field of view: 345 feet at 1000 yards
- Phase corrected prisms
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- 5 feet close focus
- Lightweight, compact and portable
#5) Carson 3D Series High-Definition Waterproof Binoculars
Another excellent pair of compact binoculars for hunting is the Carson 3D Series 10×42 High-Definition Waterproof Binoculars. It boasts ED glass which minimizes color fringing and corrects chromatic aberration to provide bright, clear and sharp images.
These binoculars offer a high 10x magnification and a large 42mm objective lens to meet the needs of various hunters. They also bring to the table a wide field of view which is essential for tracking moving games and an extra-long eye relief that works well with eyeglass wearers.
Another good thing about this binocular is the tough construction. It’s well-made to stand up to harsh outdoor environments. It has a rugged rubber armor that makes it shockproof and a fully waterproof and fogproof body for use in any weather condition. To top it all, you can mount it on a tripod for comfortable, hands-free viewing.
Features
- Extra-long eye relief
- Tripod mountable
- Ergonomic thumb grooves
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Phase-corrected prisms
- High-quality ED glass
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Durable rubber armor
#6) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular
Next on our list of the best compact binoculars for hunting is the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular. This pair of binoculars has almost every feature you need to make your hunting expedition more successful. First, it offers stunning HD clarity and excellent optical performance when hunting in any lighting condition.
The binocular has a magnesium chassis design that enhances durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It weighs 22.5oz only so it’s amazingly light and portable. Better yet, it boasts a long eye relief that makes it eyeglass-friendly and a spacious field of view for rapid target acquisition.
More importantly, this binocular is O-ring sealed for total waterproof protection and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging and remove any internal moisture. On top of that, it has a water-repellant coating that delivers clear views even in wet conditions.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- ED prime glass
- RainGuard water-repellent coating
- Lightweight magnesium chassis
- 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens
- Long eye relief
- Ultra-wide field of view
- Ultra-wideband lens coatings
#7) Leica Ultravid BR 10×25 Robust Waterproof Compact Binocular
If you are always on the move, the Leica Ultravid BR 10×25 is your perfect companion. It works well for a wide range of outdoor activities among them hunting. It’s small, ultra-lightweight and convenient for hunting.
Leica Ultravid BR 10×25 Compact Binocular is clearly the go-to binoculars for anyone looking for something small and lightweight. Though compact, these binoculars are toughly made to deliver unbeatable durability. They feature an aluminum body that’s covered by a durable rubberized coating.
The coating provides a secure grip in all weather conditions and makes the binocular shockproof and impact-resistant. The binoculars’ high level of optical performance and ruggedness makes them top contenders as the best compact binoculars for hunting.
Like any other best compact binoculars for hunting highlighted in this review, the Leica Ultravid BR is fully water-resistant. You can use it when it’s raining and it will still perform. Moreover, it brings to the table AquaDura coating on the exterior lenses which sheds water, dirt and dust for clear views even when it’s raining.
Features
- Smooth central focusing knob
- Durable rubber armor
- Water-resistant housing
- 10x magnification
- Generous 15mm eye relief
- AquaDura water-repellent coating
- A durable yet lightweight aluminum body
- Foldable design for easy storage
#8) Vortex Optics Vanquish Binoculars
Here is another quality compact binoculars for hunting for budget buyers. The Vanquish is one of the smallest and lightest binoculars from the Vortex brand. It weighs just 12.7 ounces so you’ll have an easy time maneuvering with it in the field as you look for the game.
Featuring twist and lock adjustable eyecups, these binoculars are perfect for users who wear glasses. You can adjust the eyecup to your personal preference for snug viewing with or without eyeglasses.
The other facet that makes Vanquish binoculars top contenders for the best compact binoculars for hunting is the fully multi-coated lenses that produce bright and clear crystal images from dawn to dusk.
This pair of compact binoculars for hunting is sturdily made to ensure long-lasting durability. It’s crafted from aluminum and has durable rubber armor for added durability. Better yet, it’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to provide you with a lifetime of waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Features
- Durable aluminum body
- Compact, lightweight and portable
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Twist and lock adjustable eyecups
- Robust rubber armor
- 6 feet close focus
- Fully multi-coated lenses
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Best Compact Binoculars for Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Compact Binoculars for Hunting
Whether you are buying your first compact binoculars for hunting or looking for an upgrade, here are some of the key factors you should consider to make a correct buying decision.
Magnification
Magnification is one of the primary factors you need to consider when shopping for the best compact binoculars for hunting. Higher magnification is better for spotting targets that are far away.
Binoculars with 10x magnification is sufficient for hunting at long distances, especially in wide-open fields. You can also go for a model with a lower 8x magnification if you’ll be hunting at close and mid ranges.
Objective Lens
The other important factor you should consider after magnification is the size of the objective lens. Compact binoculars for hunting tend to have a smaller objective lens compared with their mid-size and full-size counterparts.
If you’ll be hunting in low light conditions, you’ll want a large objective lens that provides increased light transmission. In such a situation, a product with about a 42mm objective lens will suffice. However, if you’ll be hunting during the day, you don’t need to worry so much about the size of the objective lens.
Field of View
The size of the field of view is inversely related to the magnification. Binoculars with high-strength magnification have a smaller field of view and vice versa. When it comes to hunting, a large field of view is important as it helps you spot different animals smoothly. So, look for a model that offers a high magnification and a large field of view as well.
Weight
Typically, compact binoculars for hunting are incredibly light because of their small size. This makes them ideal for hunters who trek for miles in search of game. But the weight differs from one model to the other. If you’ll be backpacking or traveling for long distances, make sure that you get the lightest pair of binoculars possible.
Durability
Even if the binoculars are compact, they should be sturdily made to withstand harsh hunting conditions. When it comes to hunting, the binoculars should be fully weatherproof. This way, you can use them even in extreme environments.
Moreover, the best compact binoculars for hunting should have durable rubber armor that provides additional protection from weather elements. The rubber armor also cushions the binoculars from shock, impacts and accidental fall and provides a secure, non-slip grip in all weather conditions.
Read: Best Lens Cleaning Kits for Binoculars
Types of Binoculars
There are three main types of binoculars: roof prism, Porro prism and monoculars.
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Roof Prism
Roof prism binoculars have lenses are prisms that are placed right behind each other. This design makes them compact size. They are easy to use and simple to focus on as well. They are also less susceptible to dust and water.
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Porro Prism
Porro prism binoculars have the lens and the eyepiece not in a straight line. All images are transported through an N-shaped bend. As a result, their housing is a bit wider than that of the roof prism. Their main advantage is that they offer a better depth perception.
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Monocular
A monocular is simply a binocular with one piece. Monoculars are compact and ultra-light. They are easy to use and ideal for users who are always on the move. But they have the downside of providing a smaller depth and causing eye fatigue during extended glassing sessions.
See Also
Best Compact Binoculars for Hunting FAQs
Q: What is the Best Binocular Magnification for Hunting?
In most cases, 8x and 10x magnification are the best binocular magnifications for hunting. 8x magnification is perfect for small to mid-range hunting in thick forests and woods and 10x is ideal for long-distance hunting in wide, open fields.
Q: Are Compact Binoculars Any Good?
Yes. Compact binoculars are lightweight and easy to carry around. Their small size makes them easy to pack and conceal, while the lightweight design makes them easy to carry and hold during extended viewing sessions.
Q: What Should I Look for in Compact Binoculars?
Other than size, look for a model that offers a decent magnification power and field of view. This will ensure that you spot distant targets smoothly. Also look for rugged binoculars that are durable, waterproof, and fogproof.
Conclusion
Good compact hunting binoculars should help you see your targets regardless of how far they are. They should be lightweight, packable and easy to carry in the field. We hope that this post has given you the information you need to choose a pair that meets your hunting needs and hunting habits as well.