If you are looking for the best hunting binoculars, you have come to the right place. One of the most important tools in any hunter’s toolkit is a good-quality pair of binoculars.
Binoculars give us the ability to spot targets at varying ranges and bring them closer for accurate shot placement. Additionally, binoculars provide a detailed view of the target which you can’t see with your naked eyes.
Over the past few years, the demand for hunting binoculars has seen tremendous growth. More and more hunters are now preferring to use binoculars for hunting over other optics. We have made a detailed review of the best hunting binoculars available on the market today.
What Makes a Great Hunting Binoculars?
There are several features that a good pair of hunting binoculars should have. First, the binoculars should have the right magnification. Magnification helps bring the distant game closer for accurate shot placement. It also helps you identify the detail that you can’t be able to see with naked eyes.
Since hunting takes place outdoors, a great hunting binocular must be fully waterproof and fog proof. Then it should be durably made to stand up to harsh hunting environments and light enough to be easy to carry around. Lastly, the binoculars should have high-quality glass that provides bright and crisp images from dawn till dusk.
What Magnification do you Need for Hunting?
In most cases, you’ll either need an 8x or 10x magnification. 8x binoculars are ideal for hunting beginners and are great for hunting in thick woodlands and forests. On the other hand, 10x binoculars are ideal for hunters looking to step up their hunting game. They provide more zoom and are suitable for hunting in more open fields.
Why Use Hunting Binoculars?
Hunting binoculars offer numerous benefits. For starters, they provide clear views of the targets which are vital for accurate target acquisition. Modern binoculars also provide excellent low-light performance for bright and clear images even in dismal environments. Lastly, the majority of hunting binoculars are lightweight, portable and convenient for hunting.
10 Best Hunting Binoculars
When hunting, a good set of eyes makes the whole difference. Hunting binoculars are a necessity when in the field. Let’s face it, odds success is limited if you don’t know where to focus.
There are numerous binos out there but not all are designed for hunting. To help you get the right pair, we have compiled a top selection of the best hunting binoculars. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look.
#1) Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binocular
The Leupold BX-4 Pro is an exceptionally bright and clear binocular suitable for both small and big-game hunting. It’s built on a true strength platform to ensure many years of field use.
Thanks to the 10x magnification, this binocular is perfect for most hunters. It provides a wide field of view for tight spaces, while still ensuring providing enough optical strength for wide and open spaces.
The ergonomic open bridge design makes it compact, lightweight and convenient for hunting. You can carry it for long hours and you won’t feel fatigued. Besides, it’s a tripod ready so you can use a tripod and take the weight all the weight off your hands. As the best hunting binoculars, BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42 makes scouting your surroundings a breeze so you get to stay on top of things.
With the elite optical system, the Leupold BX-4 Pro binocular provides outstanding dawn-to-dusk light transmission needed for bright and clear images. Better yet, this optic features the best-in-class glare reduction for hunting in broad daylight.
Another remarkable attribute about this binocular is weatherproof construction. It’s waterproof and fog proof to provide a lifetime of all-weather reliability. To top it all, it’s guaranteed for life.
Features
- Open bridge roof prism design
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Phase coated prims
- Tripod ready
- Fully multi-coated lens system
- Best-in-class glare reduction
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Lifetime warranty
- Scratch and smudge-resistant lens coatings
- Lightweight and portable design
- Field replaceable eyecups
#2) Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10×42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
If you are looking for the best binoculars for Western hunting and long-range hunting, the Fury HD 5000 suits you. This range-finding binocular has built-in environmental sensors and in-display ballistic data which saves you the hassle of having to calculate the ballistics yourself.
The combination of binocular and rangefinder makes the Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 a top contender among the best hunting binoculars for those keen on taking their hunt a notch higher.
These hunting binoculars are equipped with a built-in compass, humidity, barometric pressure and temperature sensors. It’s also compatible with Kestrel wind meters as well as applied ballistics Garmin devices to give you the best precision.
There is also a primary HCD mode that provides key angle compensated range information that most hunters find handy in a quick-to-read display. Moreover, all Fury HD 5000 binoculars are made to last. They have a rubber-armored housing that enhances durability and provides a secure, non-slip grip.
These binoculars are also fully waterproof and fog proof for use in extreme weather conditions. Above all, the HD lenses are fully multi-coated to provide impressive images from dawn till dusk.
Features
- Built-in environmental sensors
- In-display ballistic data
- Compatible with Kestrel wind meters and applied ballistics Garmin devices
- Two wind modes: full cross and wind bearing capture
- XR fully multi-coated HD lenses
- Dielectric phase-corrected prisms
- Fully waterproof and fog-resistant
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
#3) LEICA Geovid HD-R 2700 Binocular
If you are looking for an excellent binocular for both close and long-range hunting, look no further than the LEICA Geovid HD-R 2700 Binocular. As one of the best hunting binoculars, this binocular combines high-power optical performance and with a laser rangefinder to help you get the most out of your hunting expedition.
It’s easy to use and beginner-friendly as well. With 10x magnification, this binocular brings the distant game closer and helps you see the detail that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Additionally, the 42mm objective lens collects optimum light, while the HDC fully multi-coated optics increase light transmission for bright and clear images even in low-light situations.
Moreover, this range-finding binocular is equipped with an inclinometer and a ballistic calculator with a high-powered IR laser to improve your accuracy in dismal environments.
The large center focusing knob provides for smooth operation, while the magnesium alloy chassis design enhances durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Features
- Perger-Porro prism configuration
- Magnesium alloy chassis
- Lightweight, portable and easy to use
- HDC fully multicoated optics
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- High-powered class 1 eye-safe IR laser
- Large center focusing knob
- ABC ballistic compensation system
- Open bridge/dual-hinge design
- 10 to 2700 yards range
#4) Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
Vortex is renowned for its high-quality hunting binoculars and the Diamondback HD Binoculars are no exception. These binoculars are packed with lots of impressive features at a budget-friendly price.
Optimized to deliver exceptional resolution and cut chromatic aberrations, Diamondback HD binos offers a stellar performance to suit the needs of every hunter, birder, or outdoor enthusiast.
The Diamondback HD binoculars are equipped with high-quality glass to provide the best of the best resolution and color fidelity. The fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission for impressive images from dawn to dusk.
Delivering up close and personal details in all weather and lighting conditions, Diamondback HD binoculars are the best hunting binoculars. The adjustable eyecups make the binoculars eyeglass-friendly. You can easily twist them up or down to the most comfortable viewing position with or without eyeglasses.
Besides, the right eye diopter adjusts for the focal differences in the user’s eye, while the center focus wheel adjusts the focus of both barrels simultaneously. These binoculars are made with hunters in mind. They are durably made to withstand harsh hunting environments.
The rugged construction withstands recoil, while the shock-absorbing rubber armor provides additional external protection and gives you a secure, non-slip grip. The binoculars are also waterproof and fogproof to provide a lifetime of all-weather reliability.
Features
- Tripod adaptable
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Rugged and durable construction
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Adjustable eyecups
- Smooth and easy to operate center focus wheel
- Twist-up eyecups
- Right eye diopter
- Protective Armortek lens coating
#5) Swarovski SLC 8×42 Waterproof Binoculars
The Swarovski SLC is a multipurpose binocular suitable for various outdoor applications among them hunting. The HD optical system found in these binoculars produces high-quality images with sharp outlines and natural colors. This helps you identify important details, particularly when hunting in low-light conditions.
The SLC is a favorite among most hunters because of the wide field of view it provides. This is important for rapid target acquisition, especially when hunting fast-moving games. Besides, the binoculars feature a large eye relief which reduces eye fatigue during extensive hunting sessions.
Apart from being waterproof, these binoculars are also fogproof and shockproof. They are built tough to stand up to the harsh hunting conditions. The armor coating also enhances durability and provides an ergonomic grip to ensure optimum viewing and operating comfort. SLC Bino is a frontrunner among the best hunting binoculars and its outstanding low-light performance is a testament.
Features
- Sturdy and durable magnesium housing
- Ergonomic and secure grip
- Large field of view
- HD optical system
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Built-in lens covers
- Lightweight and portable
- Lifetime warranty for optics and 10 years for other parts
- 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens
#6) Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
If you are into big-game hunting, the Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars are your best hunting binoculars. These premium-quality binoculars are one of the most lightweight full-size binoculars on the market today. This makes them easy to carry and maneuver around with.
These rugged roof prism binoculars are built to tackle anything you throw at them. The durable, shock-absorbing rubber-armored coating protects from weather elements, while the Armortek coating on the exterior lenses ensures that this optic is ready for every hunt. In addition, the optic is O-ring sealed and argon purged to defy all weather elements and provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The optical performance of these binoculars is pretty impressive. They boast advanced high-density extra-low dispersion glass which delivers outstanding resolution and color fidelity. The lenses are coated with anti-reflective coatings for excellent light transmission from dusk to dawn.
These binoculars are not only beginner-friendly but also eye-glass friendly too. They have a user-friendly design and multi-position eyecups which you can customize to provide the most comfortable viewing position with or without your eyeglasses. They are also equipped with a locking right eye diopter which adjusts for focal differences between your eyes.
Features
- Dielectric, multi-layer prism coatings
- Compact, rubber-armored chassis
- Adjustable eyecups
- Locking right-eye diopter
- Lightweight design
- Waterproof and fogproof
- High-density extra-low dispersion glass
- Enhanced anti-reflective lens coatings
- Armortek exterior lens coatings
- Generous 16.5mm eye relief
#7) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular
If you are looking for a quality yet budget binocular for hunting, the Legend Ultra HD Binocular from Bushnell suits you. This roof prism binocular is built using the latest waterproof and fog-proof technology to give you the ultimate all-weather reliability.
It also features Rain Guard HD water-repellent lens coating for clear views in wet weather conditions. Dependability and unbeatable performance make this bino one of the best hunting binoculars in the mid-price range.
This binocular is designed to provide exceptional optical performance. The ED prime glass delivers outstanding resolution and color fidelity, while the ultra-wideband coating maximizes light transmission to provide exceptionally bright and crisp images even in low-light situations.
On top of that, the binocular has a long eye relief which reduces eye fatigue during long hunting sessions and a wide field of view for easy target identification and tracking.
The Legend Ultra HD is made to provide unbeatable durability. It has a magnesium chassis design which enhances durability without adding any unnecessary weight. It weighs just 22.5oz so you’ll have an easy time carrying it around.
It also comes with a neck strap for easy carrying in the field and a soft carrying case for safe and secure storage. Overall, it’s a decent quality binocular available at a price that’s hard to pass.
Features
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Ultra-wide field of view
- Locking diopter
- Durable and lightweight magnesium chassis
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective
- Long eye relief
- Soft case and neck strap included
- Rainguard HD water-repellent lens coating
- ED prime glass and ultra-wideband lens coating
#8) Vanguard Endeavor ED II 10×42 Binoculars
Next on our list is the Vanguard Endeavor ED II Binoculars. These are the best hunting binoculars for the money. They are equipped with several high-quality features suitable for all hunting applications.
This pair of binoculars features premium HOYA ED glass which provides more than 93% light transmission. This gives you bright and crips images from dawn till dawn. The binoculars also feature advanced multi-guard coatings that provide a crisp field of view in all weather conditions.
For all-weather reliability, this optic is O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dirt, dust and moisture. It’s also nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging in extreme weather conditions.
This lightweight binocular also comes with pebbled rubber armor which enhances durability by offering reliable protection from drops and falls. This armor also helps provide a secure, non-slip grip, particularly in wet weather conditions.
Features
- Pebbled rubber armor
- Open-bridge design
- Advanced lens coatings
- premium HOYA ED glass
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Long 18.5mm eye relief
- Field of view: 340ft at 1000 yards
- 3-stage click-stop twist-up eyecups
- Locking diopter ring
- Lightweight magnesium alloy housing
#9) Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 Binoculars
If most of your hunting takes place in tough terrains, then you should get these Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars. Made with top-notch materials, these compact binoculars are virtually indestructible. The lightweight design makes it easy for you to carry them for long hours, while the compact size allows for one-hand operation.
These binoculars are designed to provide a crisp field of view in any weather. They boast a LotuTec coating which sheds off any water, dirt, or fog on the lenses. Not to mention that they are fully waterproof and fogproof so you don’t have to worry about water damage or internal fogging.
Featuring Schott ED glass and hydrophobic lens coatings, Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars provide excellent optical clarity and precision even in low light conditions.
Better yet, they have a large, smooth, and easily accessible focus wheel for easy operation. Above all, these binoculars are backed by a limited lifetime warranty so you can rest assured that they are quality.
Features
- Ultralight design
- Hydrophobic multi-coated lens
- Easy-to-grip focus wheel
- Compact and convenient for hunting
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Robust construction
- LotuTec lens coating
- 16mm eye relief
#10) Maven C3 ED Binocular
The Maven C3 ED Binocular is a mid-range binocular with a massive 50mm objective lens. The large 50mm objective lens makes it suitable for hunting in low light conditions.
It collects the optimum light needed to produce bright and clear images. This powerful binocular also features ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright, clear, and color-accurate images from dawn till dusk.
With the 10x magnification, this binocular brings distance closer for accurate shot placement. They are fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability. They also feature scratch-resistant exterior lens coatings so they are always ready for the hunt.
Lastly, all Maven C3 ED Binoculars come with a neoprene neck strap, lens cap, double-layered microfiber storage bag and an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Features
- Superior low-light performance
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Premium ED glass
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Scratchproof lens coatings
- Well-balanced lightweight polymer frame
- 10x magnification and 50mm objective lens
- Unconditional lifetime warranty
- Numerous accessories included
Related Posts
- Best Long-Range Binoculars
- Best Binoculars for Birding
- Best Vortex Binoculars for Hunting
- Best Night Vision Binoculars
Considerations when Choosing Best Hunting Binoculars
Magnification
A binocular magnification shows how much closer an object will appear when you look through the optical lens. With 10x binoculars which are commonly used in hunting, the target will appear 10 times closer than they are in real life. If you’ll be hunting in thick bushes and forests, go for a binocular with 8x magnification and 10x magnification for more open fields.
Objective Lens Size
How big the objective lens is will determine how much light is collected. Since most hunters prefer to hunt at dusk and dawn, having a pair that performs well in such light settings is important.
Binoculars with a 42mm objective lens are the standard go-to for most avid hunters. However, you can go higher if you’ll hunting in extremely low light conditions. Nevertheless, it’s good to know that the weight of the binoculars increases with an increase in the size of the objective lens.
Field of View
Field of view is an important feature that shows whether a binocular is good for hunting or not. Binoculars with a wide field of view make the best hunting binoculars. They are useful in that they help you spot your target easily and also help you keep track of the mobile targets with ease. This is vital for rapid target acquisition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the maximum distance between your eyes and the binocular eyepiece. The amount of eye relief that a specific pair of binoculars offers is important for comfortable viewing especially if you put on eyeglasses. Try to look for a pair that offers an eye relief of 15mm or more.
Read: Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
Best Hunting Binoculars FAQs
Q: What’s the Best Binocular Magnification for Hunting?
10x is the best binocular magnification for hunting. Most hunters regardless of their skills or expertise find the 10x magnification sufficient for most of their hunting needs.
Q: Are 10×42 Binoculars Good for Hunting?
Yes, they are. The 10x magnification provides a wide field of view and helps bring distant targets closer. The 42mm objective lens collects optimum light inside which is needed for bright and clear image production.
Q: Are 10×50 Binoculars Good for Hunting?
Yes. You can still use a 10×50 binocular for hunting. The large 50mm objective lens means more light collection which translates to brighter and clearer images. However, most 10×50 binoculars have the drawback of being more expensive, bulky and large-sized.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has been insightful. The best hunting binoculars are a must-have tool for every avid hunter out there. Use our buying guide above to find a quality pair of binoculars that will help transform your hunting expeditions for the better.