The best binoculars for hunting don’t have to cost a fortune. Although high-end binoculars offer the ultimate features and performance, you can still get a decent quality pair without having to break the bank.
Luckily, hunting binoculars come in different price ranges to meet the needs of different users with different budget needs. You can find a wide range of dependable and high-quality binoculars that cost not more than $500.
What Binocular Magnification is Best for Hunting?
For most hunting activities under normal conditions, binoculars with either 8x or 10x magnification are sufficient. In most cases, binoculars with 8x magnification are suitable for hunting in thick forests and bushes, while those with 10x magnification are ideal for hunting in wide and open fields.
Binoculars with very high magnification power can be hard to use especially for beginners. They are not only difficult to hold steady, but they also provide a smaller field of view which makes tracking on moving targets difficult.
7 Best Hunting Binoculars Under 500
If you are having a difficult time trying to find the best hunting binoculars under 500, we are here to help. Here is a detailed review of the best hunting binoculars under 500 you can choose from. Let’s dive in!
1) Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars
If you are an avid hunter who’s always on the move, the Steiner Predator hunting binoculars are your best option. They have everything you need to make your hunting expedition more competitive and are built tough to stand up to the harsh hunting conditions.
Weighing about 19oz, the binoculars are amazingly light, portable, and easy to maneuver around with. You can carry them for long hours as you track down your targets and they won’t weigh you down.
Featuring an advanced optical design, these binoculars provide the ultimate optical performance. The 10x magnification brings you closer to your targets, while the wide field of view helps you keep track of the moving game with ease. Not to mention the Color Adjusted Transmission (CAT) technology which helps you spot animals that are hiding in foliage and shade.
These binoculars also bring to the table great accuracy and razor-sharp images. The fast-close-focus helps you maintain crisp clear image sharpness without over-rotating the focus wheel.
The rugged Makrolon housing enhances durability and is laser textured to give you a comfortable and secure grip in all weather conditions. Above all, the binoculars are fully waterproof, and fog-proof for use in all hunting environments.
Features
- Rugged Makrolon housing
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Ergonomic silicone eyecups
- Military-grade Porro prism design
- Wheel-free open-bridge design
- CAT game-sensing lens coatings
- Lightweight, portable and great for hunters on the move
- Fast-close-focus
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Optimized light transmission
2) Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 Binoculars
Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars are compact and lightweight binoculars suitable for multiple outdoor applications among them hunting. Made with the avid hunter in mind, these compact binoculars are durable and virtually indestructible. The lightweight design makes them highly portable, while the compact size allows for a smooth one-hand operation.
These binoculars are designed to provide the highest optical precision. The hydrophobic LotuTec coating sheds off water, dirt, or fog to provide brilliant images all the time. Not to mention premium quality Schott ED glass which provides high-quality images even in low light conditions.
With its waterproof and fogproof construction, this pair is suitable for use in all weather conditions. Better yet, the large, smooth and easily accessible focus wheel makes it easy to use and beginner-friendly. To top it all, these binoculars are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Features
- Compact and lightweight design
- Hydrophobic multi-coated lens
- Easy-to-grip focus wheel
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Robust construction
- LotuTec lens coating
- 16mm eye relief
- Schott ED glass which provides high-quality images
3) Maven C3 ED 10×50 Binocular
The Maven C3 ED Binocular is another excellent hunting binocular under $500. This binocular comes with numerous accessories to make your hunting expedition better. The large 50mm objective lens makes it suitable for hunting in low light conditions.
It gathers the optimum light needed to produce bright and clear images. On top of that, these full-size binoculars are equipped with ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses to provide bright, vivid, and color-accurate images from dawn till dusk.
With the 10x magnification, this binocular is ideal for hunting games in wide-open fields. It’s fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability and comes with scratch-resistant exterior lens coatings for added protection.
The lightweight polymer frame makes the binoculars easy to carry, so you’ll have an easy time maneuvering around with them in the field. Lastly, it’s backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty
Features
- Well-balanced lightweight polymer frame
- 10x magnification and 50mm objective lens
- Unconditional lifetime warranty
- Numerous accessories
- Excellent low-light performance
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Premium ED glass
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Scratchproof lens coatings
4) Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×42 Roof Prisms Binoculars
Vortex is a reputable brand in the world of optics. It’s known to make excellent quality binoculars at a decent price tag. The Viper HD Roof Prisms Binoculars are the best Vortex binoculars for hunting under $500. Additionally, these are the most lightweight full-size binoculars available on the market today.
These rugged roof prism binoculars are made for avid hunters who are always on the move. They are built tough so you will get many years out of them. The durable, shock-absorbing rubber-armored coating offers protection from weather elements.
An Armortek coating on the exterior lenses ensures that binoculars are ready for every hunt. Not to mention they are O-ring sealed and argon purged to defy all weather elements and provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
These binoculars bring to the table unmatched optical performance. They boast advanced high-density extra-low dispersion glass which delivers outstanding resolution and color fidelity. Also, the lenses have anti-reflective coatings for excellent light transmission from dusk to dawn.
Another good attribute about the binoculars is that they are beginner-friendly and eye-glass friendly too. With the multi-position eyecups, you can easily customize them to the most comfortable viewing position with or without your eyeglasses. They also come with a locking right eye diopter which adjusts for focal differences between your eyes.
Features
- Enhanced anti-reflective lens coatings
- 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
- Armortek exterior lens coatings
- Generous 16.5mm eye relief
5) Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10×42 Binocular
When it comes to durability and optical performance, it’s hard to go wrong with the MONARCH 5 10×42 Binocular from Nikon. This binocular is built for extreme usage.
It comes with a protective rubber armor which strengthens its durability while still providing a secure, non-slip grip. Additionally, the binocular is fully waterproof and fogproof for all-weather reliability.
What makes the Monarch 5 stand out among similar products is its outstanding optical performance. The high-end optical system delivers sharp and high-contrast views, while the ED glass paired with the fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses provides bright and clear images even in low light conditions.
This binocular uses Nikon’s high eyepoint design to give you a clear field of view and a long eye relief as well. The long eye relief makes it suitable for eyeglass wearers, while the clear and wide field of view aids in quick target acquisition. This binocular also features a smooth central focus wheel and turn-and-slide eyecups.
Features
- Premium ED glass
- Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Long eye relief
- Rubber armored body
- Wide and clear field of view
- A smooth central focus wheel
- Turn-and-slide eyecups
- High-reflective multilayer prism coatings
- Lightweight and portable
6) Carson 3D Series High-Definition Waterproof Binoculars
If you are looking for a pair of binoculars that isn’t limited to weather conditions, you should get the Carson 3D High-Definition binoculars. These binoculars feature internal O-ring seals that prevent the entry of dust and moisture. The barrels are then purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging in high humidity environments.
These binoculars come with ED glass for bright, sharp and clear images. The phase-corrected prisms provide better contrast, while the BaK-4 glass enhances light transmission for bright and high-quality images.
The extra-long eye relief makes these binoculars eyeglass-friendly. It also offers a wide field of view which is essential while hunting as it helps in quick target acquisition.
For added convenience, the binoculars are fairly light and easy to carry in the field. You can also mount them on a tripod and enjoy the ultimate, hands-free viewing. Above all, the binoculars come with a BinoArmer case for convenient storage.
Features
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Extra-long 16mm eye relief
- BaK-4 prisms
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Rubberized armored textured coating
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Tripod mountable
- Dielectric coated prisms
- 10x magnification power and 42mm objective lens
7) ATN Binox-HD 4-16x/56mm Smart Day & Night Smart HD Binocular
The ATN Binox-HD 4-16x/56mm binoculars give you the ability to see your targets clearly during the day and at night as well. It provides high-quality images regardless of the lighting conditions. This makes it a favorite among most hunters who hunt prefer to hunt early in the morning or when the sunsets.
With a built-in smart rangefinder, you don’t have to buy or carry a separate rangefinder. The integrated gyroscope keeps the images steady and blur-free, while the smart e-compass helps you not get lost in the fields. Additionally, the binocular comes with an E-zoom that lets you magnify your targets without losing what’s in your FOV.
If you love to keep a record of the game that you hunt, this is your go-to binocular. It comes with a record HD video that you can use to capture images and record videos in 1080p full HD. After that, you can share what you have recorded with your family and friends via Wi-Fi.
Features
- Day and night mode
- E zoom
- Built-in smart rangefinder
- E-compass and 3D gyroscope
- 1080p HD video recording
- Wi-Fi streaming
- Versatile 4-16x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
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Best Hunting Binoculars under 500 Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Hunting Binoculars under $500
Whenever you are shopping for the best binoculars under $500, here are some of the important factors you should put into consideration before you finally decide to settle on a specific model.
Magnification
Magnification is always a priority when choosing any pair of hunting binoculars regardless of the price. Since most hunting takes place in thick forests or wide fields, it can be harder to spot your target with your naked eyes. Plus, most animals are highly sensitive to noise, so you’ll want to track them down from a distance.
A good quality pair of binoculars with about 10x magnification will help you hunt down your game smoothly. Magnification will also help you make a more accurate shot placement by bringing the target closer to your eyes.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is a key factor you should consider especially if you wear eyeglasses. This is the maximum distance between your eyes and the binocular eyepiece. Go for binoculars that have long eye relief as they provide the most comfortable viewing position with or without eyeglasses. Also, look for a model with adjustable eyecups as they provide customized eye relief.
Field of View
A wide field of view in hunting binoculars is vital as it makes the hunting expedition less strenuous. This is particularly the case if you are hunting in wide spaces at long distances. Moreover, most games are always on the move, so you’ll need a pair that helps you monitor their movement easily.
Durability
Even if you are on a budget, you must get binocular that’s durably made so you’ll get many years out of them. Today, it’s difficult to come by binoculars that don’t have rubber armor.
The majority of hunting binoculars that fall under this price category have durable rubber armoring which enhances durability by withstanding shock, impacts and falls.
The armoring also shed off weather elements and provides an easy-to-hold, anti-slip grip in wet weather conditions. Other than the body quality, the binoculars should be weatherproof. Try to look for binoculars that are fully waterproof and fogproof, as they provide all-weather reliability.
Image Quality
Image quality is the other important part of binoculars for hunting. You’ll want your binoculars to provide bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. So, make sure that the binoculars you are eyeing offer superior optical performance.
Go for binoculars whose lenses are fully multi-coated or multi-coated with anti-reflective coatings. You’ll also have a better hunting expedition if the binoculars come with ED glass which delivers razor-sharp and clear images even in dismal conditions.
10×42 vs 10×50 Binoculars
Binoculars are identified by their model’s name and size. In a 10×50 model, the binocular has a 10x magnification and 50mm objective lens. The magnification power is the same for a 10×42 model, but the objective lens diameter is much smaller.
Both models are appropriate for hunting applications. However, the 50mm model is better for hunting in low light conditions. This is because it collects more light which is necessary for bright and clear images.
Other than the optical performance, the 10×50 models are more expensive than the 10×42 counterparts. So, if you are looking for the best binoculars under $500, you’ll find most 10×42 binoculars under this price category.
Read: Best Night Vision Binoculars
Best Hunting Binoculars under 500 FAQs
Q: What Do Numbers on Binoculars Mean?
A: The numbers on binoculars represent their magnification power and the size of the objective lens. In a 10×42 size, the binocular has a 10x magnification power which means that the targets will appear 10 times closer than with naked eyes. The 42 on the other hand is the diameter of the objective lens in mm.
Q: What Should I Look for When Buying Hunting Binoculars?
A: Cost is one of the primary factors that dictate which pair you’ll get. Other than cost, you should also look at the magnification power, the quality of the lenses, and the durability. Additionally, you must get a waterproof and fogproof pair for reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Q: Are Binoculars Under $500 Worth it?
A: Yes. The majority of binoculars under $500 offer reliable performance and durability found in high-end models. These binoculars are suitable for most hunting applications. They are also good for low light conditions which most hunters prefer to hunt down their targets.
Conclusion
In the end, everybody wants to have great value for their hard-earned money. Knowing what you want will help make your selection process easier. With the wide range of hunting binoculars under 500 available on the market today, finding the best pair can be challenging. All the binoculars listed above are quality, durable and reliable. Invest in any one of them and transform your hunting for the better.