The market of hunting binoculars is flooded with a wide array of products, some excellent and some not so good. While experts already know what’s best for them, those less experienced may have trouble finding the best hunting binoculars.
It is important to read up on these products as much as you can since some of these binoculars can cost quite a bit. You don’t want to end up with a product that doesn’t suit you after spending a lot of money. This is why we’ve prepared a list with our picks for some of the best binoculars you can find.
Reviews of the Best Hunting Binoculars
1. Vortex Optics Viper HD
Best Overall
Great quality and durability
Work well in low light
Great accessories
Eye relief could be better
For those looking for a high-quality combination of excellent durability and peak performance, the Vortex Optics Viper HD has everything you could ask for, and more! This product has a 10x magnification and supports a wide field of view.
You won’t have trouble spotting your target no matter the distance, whether you are hunting deer or going on a camping trip. These binoculars are sturdy and are built to survive any type of condition. If you buy them, you can expect them to last you for an extremely long time.
Of course, this product is waterproof, fog proof and it has an O-ring seal used to repel any sort of debris or dirt. The glass used on these binoculars is an HD, extra-low dispersion glass that offers amazing resolution and impressive color fidelity.
You can use these 10×42 hunting binoculars in conditions with limited lighting without a problem. Expect your image to be sharp and clear, even at large distances.
Naturally, good durability and excellent quality aren’t the only things this product has going for it. It also comes with a plethora of accessories, including a lens cover, rain guard, a neck strap, and a carry case.
You will also get a lifetime warranty, an unconditional one at that. The one negative to these binoculars we could find is the eye relief. If you wear glasses it might hurt your overall viewing experience. Still, it’s a minor gripe to an overall excellent product.
With a great ratio of price to quality, the Viper Optics Viper HD is the clear winner of our choice and is a great pick for novice hunters, as well as experienced ones. These top-rated binoculars will last you for a very long time and make all of your hunting trips a joy.
2. Vortex Optics Diamondback
Runner-Up
User friendly
Excellent quality
Good price
Not as durable as the Viper
No HD vision
The Diamondback is just a small downgrade to our overall winner. Vortex Optics delivered another excellent product, for less demanding customers and at a more affordable price. The main thing this model is missing is the HD optics, so don’t expect your image to be as crystal clear as with the previous product.
Other than that, these two products are extremely similar, so it makes sense that they take up the top two spots on our list. The Diamondback also has the same durability, it is waterproof and fog proof, and it offers the trademark 10x magnification.
This model comes with a lifetime warranty, just like the previous one, so you will get your money’s worth. The visuals provided by the Diamondback are quite similar to a lot of products that are more expensive than this one. We believe there is no reason to pay extra for something offered by this product.
You can adjust the eyepieces and by using the central tool on these binoculars, plus you can freely focus them to your desire, depending on the distance of your target. Interestingly, those that have better vision in one eye than the other can also adjust these binoculars to suit them.
This product is also marked by its excellent, user-friendly design. Basically, anyone can get a grasp of these binoculars without much concern. The design is brilliant, featuring a rubber exterior that helps maintain your grip. You won’t have problems using the Diamondback in any type of weather.
Overall, these binoculars offer the best value. While you can find a cheaper product with worse capabilities, or a better one that is far more expensive, the Diamondback hits that sweet spot. If you can afford the Viper, go for it, otherwise, this is the next best thing.
3. Swarovski EL 10×42
Best for seasoned veterans
Unmatched image quality
Highly durable
Great for all weather conditions
Really expensive
A bit too heavy
Those looking for budget binoculars should stay away from the Swarovski EL 10×42. This is a product with a high price, but the quality matches it. Most seasoned hunters will already know what they are getting into with this model, but we’d advise the rookies to start with a more affordable one.
Those that hunt frequently probably already know that Swarovski products belong at the top of the world of binoculars. The EL line of products is the one we picked as the best one, and while they do cost quite a bit, they are worth every penny.
This product is designed for those that want the absolute best gear and don’t care about the price at all. These binoculars have an HD optical system that will clearly display all contrasts. They use a technology called Swarobright that allows them to have exceptional light transmission at all times.
The lenses use Field Flatenner technology and offer an expanded field of view. You can expect incredible image definition and clarity from the Swarovski EL. The HD lenses used in this product contain fluoride and are made with special coatings. These coatings ensure top-notch color fidelity and minimize chromatic aberration.
Expect true natural colors and an extremely clear image that will allow you to see every detail on whatever your target is. This will be true even during moments with almost no light.
Basically, the images provided by these binoculars are brighter, clearer, and sharper than even looking at things with your own eyes. They will improve your vision dramatically.
The design of the Swarovski EL is ergonomic, and they are durable and shockproof. You can take these binoculars on hunting trips anywhere, no matter the conditions. Keep in mind that this is a heavy product, so avoid if you need light and small binoculars.
4. Nikon 16002 PROSTAFF 7S
Best value
Excellent price
Great functionality
Good for people with glasses
Low-quality lens covers
Not as good as some high-end models
Nikon is known for developing various optical instruments that perform amazingly well, and these binoculars are not different. However, despite performing well this product is quite cheap, so these very well could be the best binoculars for the money.
Nikon Prostaff 7S comes with multilayer-coated lenses and also features roof prisms coated with phase correction. What this means is that all the images you see will be incredibly clear and crisp.
This product comes in two magnification powers, 8x and 10x, which feature two lens diameters at 30mm and 42mm respectively. This makes it easier to choose since some hunters might have different needs than others. Just pick the binoculars that fit your needs, and Prostaff 7S allows for some flexibility.
If you are wondering how to choose binoculars, the 8x model is great for people with shaky hands, and those that don’t want bulky binoculars should go for the 30mm objective lens diameter.
Those that pick a larger objective will get a product capable of gathering more light from the environment. All of this will come to play when choosing the right binoculars, and luckily the Prostaff 7S offers these options.
These binoculars are equipped with a rubber body that serves to protect them from any possible damage. They have rubber eyecups and are also waterproof and fog-proof.
One thing this model does great is fit people with glasses perfectly. The reason for that is the rubber eyecups that can adjust the space between the eyepiece and the eye. This allows people with glasses to have a full field of view.
If there is one thing we didn’t like about these binoculars, it is the cheap lens covers. We feel as if they should be of higher quality to fit all of the other parts of this model.
5. Bushnell H2O
Best for those on a budget
Affordable price
Conveniently small size
High-quality rubber armor
Not the best image quality
Uncomfortable for those with glasses
If you are under a tight budget and are looking for a cheap option, the Bushnell H2O is a great pick. This model is extremely popular, not only because of the price, but also all of the functions it offers.
These binoculars are waterproof, nitrogen-purged, and O-ring sealed, which are the characteristics of a high-quality product, and place them on the list of models you should take into consideration. The H2O uses materials that have been tested in various conditions so that they can offer the best possible performance.
These binoculars will serve you well under various circumstances, including all types of weather conditions. One thing that they have going for them is that they are small, so if you need compact binoculars, this might just be the product for you.
You can find this model in various magnification powers, meaning that those with shaky hands can pick the 8x option, but there is also the 10x option for those that prefer it. The affordable price might make it seem as if this model doesn’t offer much in the way of functionality, but that is far from the truth.
The main reason for the low price is the fact that this model has multi-coated optics and not fully multi-coated ones, which is what most high-end models use. Still, we’re sure most won’t mind this or even notice it, and more experienced users will look at more expensive products anyway.
The most important thing is that the image provided by the binoculars is clear and bright, and the Bushnell H2O really excels there for its price range.
You can easily adjust this product using a large center-focus knob and twist-up eyecups. It has a rubber armor that can absorb shock and keep it safe from falls from heights.
6. Nikon 7577 Monarch 5
Best for veteran hunters
Fully-multi coated lenses
A plethora of user-friendly features
Great, sturdy but light design
The price is a bit too high
Moving on from the budget-friendly options we have the Nikon 7577 Monarch 5, a high-end product that will surely make a lot of hunters happy. It is a user-friendly model with a plethora of features, with an excellent design and top-notch optical performance.
You can choose between two varieties of this model – 8×42 and 10×42. Depending on how shaky your hands are and the type of targets you hunt, you should pick accordingly.
These binoculars are equipped with premium ED glass which gives them a cleaner and sharper image. Looking through the lenses of the Monarch 5 will give you a brilliant view, and this model also has a much lighter design, so it is easy to use.
Of course, seeing as how the price of this model is a bit higher, it is to be expected that the optical components are fully multi-coated, which provides the absolute best image quality. The light transmission provided by the Monarch 5 is second to none.
Those wondering what are the best binoculars for hunting might actually find their answer here since this is a model that can perform at the highest levels. However, our top picks also provide you with similar performance but come at a cheaper price.
The Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 has a flip-down lens cap and a smooth central focus knob, so it provides you with an amazing user experience. It also features the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups featured on all other Nikon products.
This model is quite lightweight so it should be easy to bring it with you everywhere. With everything going for it, including the highest quality optics, the only downside to this product is its price. It could be too high for most users, so it can’t be at the top of our list.
7. Bushnell Trophy XLT Green Roof
Best for beginners
Great quality rubber housing
Fully multi-coated optical components
Great for beginner hunters
Not for those with shaky hands
Another good pair of hunting binoculars on a budget, the Bushnell Trophy XLT is a great product that comes at an affordable price. This Bushnell product actually comes equipped with fully multi-coated optics. This gives you amazing image quality for the price.
Naturally, it won’t be on the level of the high-end products, but you can still expect something that will make beginners and intermediate hunters happy. The Trophy XLT is also quite light, weighing in at only 25 ounces. The compact design is another reason why young hunters might like this model.
The size itself is also quite comfortable and these binoculars can be easily used even by people with smaller hands.
The Bushnell Trophy XLT comes equipped with a 10x magnification and a 42mm objective size, meaning it is suitable for basically all types of hunting. It is seriously astounding how much functionality this product offers for a price this low.
Keep in mind that you should look for an 8x magnification model if your hands are not steady. The Bushnell H2O might be a good option.
The exterior is protected by dura-grip rubber and it gives this model enough sturdiness to withstand any type of damage or weather. It will also stand the test of time thanks to this. The rubber has soft-touch thumb grips that help keep you comfortable while using these binoculars.
This model is also equipped with twist-up eyecups so you will be able to customize it so it suits your vision. The glass on this model is also lead-free which means it is not toxic.
The Bushnell Trophy XLT is also waterproof and fog proof so you won’t have any problems during bad weather conditions. It also comes with accessories such as a lens cover and a neck strap.
8. Carson 3D Series High Definition
Best for those with a steady hand
Comfortable size and weight
Great for bird watching
Fully multi-coated lenses
Not the best for those with shaky hands
Limited accessories
For hunters with a steady hand that don’t have a problem using binoculars with 10x magnification, the Carson 3D Series High Definition products offer everything you might look for. The objective lens diameter on this model measures 42mm meaning it can gather tons of light which will allow you to find your target easily.
This is another model that comes equipped with rubber armor keeping it safe from multiple sources of danger. It has a textured coating that helps your grip and prevents you from dropping these binoculars, even during rainy weather.
These binoculars are equipped with BAK-4 prisms, a 16mm eye relief and are waterproof and fog proof. The Carson 3D is a popular pick for bird watching or duck hunting thanks to its large field of view.
This model can also be picked up in a camouflage design that is quite popular among hunters because they can blend in with the environment. Of course, it also has fully multi-coated lenses. Basically, it has everything you’d need from binoculars in this price range.
The performance is extremely high on all levels and we are dealing with good binoculars at a decent price.
This model is highly adjustable and you can customize it according to what you need. The eyecups allow you to do so, they have a twist-up design that is quite easy to use and allows you to easily switch the external diameter between 19 and 30mm. This makes it easy for eyeglasses wearers to use these binoculars.
This product comes equipped with several accessories, including a neck strap, a harness, and a carry case. If you need anything else, for example, lens covers, you will have to buy them separately. In general, it is an easy-to-use product capable of high performance.
How To Choose the Best Hunting Binoculars
When it comes to picking the best pair of hunting binoculars there are many things you need to watch out for. Thankfully the market is flooded with a multitude of models at all prices. Even those on a super small budget can afford a model such as the Bushnell H2O.
Still, there are several other things you will need to watch out for, and we collected the most important features in our guide to help you with your choice.
Magnification
While some might prefer to go as high as possible when it comes to magnification, sometimes that might not be the best choice. This is especially true when hunting, and in general, you will want something between 7x and 10x which should be more than enough for most. Anything higher than this might require a tripod.
Objective Size
The diameter of the objective is indicated in millimeters and it will be the second number you see when looking at the specifications of most binoculars. The first number is magnification, so expect to see something like 10×42, meaning you will be able to magnify the image 10 times and the lens has a diameter of 40mm.
The size of the objective determines the amount of detail you will be able to see, so you want to go as high as possible. However, that will also raise the price and the overall weight of your binoculars, so pick wisely.
Field of View
In binoculars, the field of view tells you the widest dimension you will be able to see. It is measured in feet over 1000 yards, and the higher the number is, the wider the area you will be able to see when using the binoculars. When you magnify the image the field of view reduces. A wide field of view is useful when hunting in open spaces.
Focus
When picking a pair of binoculars for hunting you need to consider three types of focus. Individual focus comes first, where each telescope gets focused independently. Next up we have the center focus, usually consisting of a large ring located in the center that allows you to adjust the focus.
Lastly, there are focus-free binoculars that never need to be adjusted. These work best at medium distances. The second focus type is the most common one, although individual focus allows for more flexibility.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is extremely important for people that wear glasses or sunglasses while using their binoculars. Eye relief is the distance that you can use the binoculars from your eye while still being able to see everything through them. Eye relief is necessary for hunters with glasses and it should be at least 14 or 15mm.
These are the most important factors, however, some others you might need to take into account include accessories, image quality, the size and weight of the binoculars, and their optical coatings. You will need to dedicate some time to find the perfect model for you.
FAQs
Conclusion
There you have it, our picks for the best hunting binoculars. You will notice that all of the products on the list are rated very well. That is because all of them offer great functionality in a lot of areas.
Our overall winner is the Vortex Optics Viper HD, a model that has all of the high-end functions of more expensive models but also comes at a relatively affordable price. Those looking for a cheaper option might like the Nikon 16002 PROSTAFF 7S, or the Bushnell H2O, and those the prefer expensive, high-end products will enjoy the Swarovski EL 10×42.