How to Choose the Best Hunting Binoculars

Hunting is one of the most exciting and adventurous activities. What makes it so, is the thrill and expectation that comes with stalking the prey, and the joy followed by having a successful catch. However, being able to identify your target isn’t always easy. Besides using the different types of deer calls, experienced hunters know that having the right binoculars makes a great difference in the game of hunting. 

Binoculars are considered one of the most important tools in any hunters’ kit and some hunters claim they’re just as important as their rifle. Good hunting binoculars should provide you with a crystal clear view of your surroundings, wildlife, and potential targets and give you the information to make calculated hunting decisions.

However, finding the best hunting binoculars takes having an understanding of what are some of the features you should be keeping an eye on when shopping. To help you in your decision-making process I’ve compiled a list of features that some of the best models have, so hopefully, you can pick a model that suits your needs and budget. 

How Do You Pick Good Hunting Binoculars?

Clarity and Resolution

Clarity and precision are what a good pair of quality binoculars should have. They shouldn’t fog easily or cause your eyes to ache after using them. Today’s quality binoculars for hunting offer crystal clear viewing and have extremely good low-light performance. Moreover, they feature a low dispersion glass that makes it easier to see movements and identify your target especially at a greater distance or at the time of the day when animals are the most active.

Are They Suitable for the Type of Habitat?

The habitat plays a vital role in what type of binoculars will be perfect for the environment you choose to hunt in. For instance, dense forests require more optics with less magnification and a greater field of view (ft/1000 yds). Therefore, when searching for the best models, you should be aware of the level of magnification they offer. The best binoculars for hunting feature a level of magnification anywhere from 6-12x. Still, for finding the ideal pair you need to choose according to the habitat you’re hunting in. For instance, when hunting in the woods it’s better to pick binoculars with lower magnification so you can have a wider field of view when looking through them. Conversely, if you are hunting in open mountainous terrain, you should choose bino with somewhat bigger magnification so you can have a better and enlarged view of the terrain and your target. 

Types of Binoculars

Most types of binoculars use either convex lenses for objective lenses and eyepiece lenses, or prism to erect the image. There are two types of prisms, including Porro prism and Roof prism. The prism design refers to how an image is “righted after passing through the objective lenses. The Porro prism design was developed by an Italian inventor. These binoculars have excellent optical properties enabling a bright and sharp field of view from low to high magnification. 

The Roof prism binoculars typically have two straight barrels while Porro prism binoculars have barrels that bulge out beyond the eyepiece which makes them easy to distinguish. Porro prism binoculars provide better and more quality images than roof binoculars. Still, the last one has qualities that the first lack, including lighter weight, a narrower field of view, easier to hold, and better performance in damp conditions.

Hopefully, by now, you’ve tried to form a picture of what type of binoculars you may need. To help you choose better, I’ve made a list of some of the best binoculars for hunting that have proven to be the top-rated and high performance on the market. So, let’s have a close-up look at each one of them.

What Are the Most Top-Rated Binoculars for Hunting?

Athlon Optics Neos HD 8×42 Binocular

If you looking for the right pair of hunting binoculars, look no further as I’ve chosen the right model for you. The Athlon Neos G2 HD 8×42 binoculars are rugged, durable, and ideal for outdoor adventures. These binoculars are designed for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoor, near water, or in damp conditions, as this design can withstand all that the forest or outback throws at them. They are built tough, with a composite chassis that’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for 100% waterproof and fog-proof protection. 

In addition, the rubber armouring can give you a sure grip in slippery situations. They feature fully multi-coated optics and premium-quality BaK-4 prism glass that maximize light transmission and image clarity, allowing these awesome, affordable binoculars to produce crisp, bright images.

Steiner Safari Ultrasharp 10X26

The Steiner Safari Ultrasharp 10X26 design is the ideal pair of bino for true adventurists at heart. They have everything a good pair of binoculars need. Featuring precise image clarity, accurate colours, low light capability, and field-proven toughness they ensure maximum performance. The 10x magnification feature can show you more details from farther away, which is perfect for sports events and wildlife observation enabling you to see, understand and enjoy more on your hunt. 

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10X42 Roof Prism Binocular

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10X42 Roof Prism binocular is a brand that speaks for itself. Compact and lightweight, they offer exceptional performance and durability on the field. This model encompasses pretty much everything you desire in a pair of hunting binoculars. Its body is coated with rubber armour, which prevents slipping and further increases its durability. Moreover, the Viper HD binoculars feature a central focus wheel which allows quick adjustments and a locking diopter on the right eyepiece which allows the viewer to accommodate the view to their particular needs. This design also has a multi-coated lens, which increases light transmission through several layers of anti-reflective coating, providing the viewer with the brightest and clearest image possible.