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For hunting, you need to take a shot. A shot with no aim or target is of no use. To make a shot, you should first have a clear look at the target. Nothing can be better than having a good pair of binoculars to spot and see the target. Is that brown or black blurry distant thing a deer, elk, or a bear? Binoculars give the ability to identify that. An excellent pair of binoculars can help you spot your prey quickly and without frustration.
BEST OVERALL
The best overall option which serves best in all types of hunting is Swarovski SLC 10×42. With its fast focus system, Swarovski SLC 10×42 are specially designed for hunting. A very broad field of view and high magnification ensure high definition images. HD optical systems are provided in these binoculars for excellent light transmission. With all these qualities, these binoculars also come with a 10-year warranty. These features make them best among all these binoculars mentioned above.
BEST CHEAP
All these binoculars have their unique characteristics and purposes. But our recommendation for one cheap option which does all the necessary work is Vortex Optics Crossfire HD. The reason to choose Vortex Optics Crossfire 8×42 binoculars is its low cost with its amazing features. Its features include high image quality, waterproof ability, fog-proof ability, rubber armoring and larger field of view. These features enable them to be used in all types of hunting and weather conditions.
7 Hunting Binoculars Reviewed
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42
- Bushnell Falcon 133410
- Nikon Trailblazer 10×25
- Vortex Optics Crossfire HD
- Swarovski SLC 10×42
- Zeiss Terra ED 8×42
- Bushnell Green Roof Trophy 10×42
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42
Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 has a full-size roof prism. 10×42 tells us that it possesses a magnification of 10x and width of the objective lens is 42mm. For clear, bright and colour accurate images, multi-coated optics and phase-corrected prisms are provided. Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 comes with waterproof and fog proof capability.
The special thing that distinguishes it from other binoculars is its unconditional lifetime warranty. Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 has a good list of accessories which come with it. The box of the binoculars contains an objective lens cover, rain guard, comfort neck strap and deluxe custom-moulded carry case. With 345 feet/1000 yards|6.6 degrees field of view and close focus of 5 feet distant and nearer objects both can be seen with clarity.
If you are a Vortex fan looking for more hunting Binoculars manufactured by Vortex then we have already reviewed the Best Hunting Vortex Binoculars on our blog.
Highlighted Features
- HD Optical System Optimized: to achieve high resolution, reduce chromatic error, and perfect coloured images, these binoculars are provided with select glass elements. These glass elements also improve sharpness and light transmission.
- Fully Multi-Coated: To increase light transmission these binoculars have multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- Dielectric Coating: Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 has dielectric multi-layer coating which gives clear, bright and colourful images.
- Rubber Armor: It keeps your binoculars secure with a non-slip grip and tough external protection.
- Waterproof: O-ring seals enrich binoculars with waterproof capability.
- Adjustable Eyecups: With adjustable eyecups, images can be viewed with or without glasses.
2. Bushnell Falcon 133410
Bushnell Falcon 133410 has a magnificent light transmission mechanism with fully coated optics. It is designed especially for hunting with an instafocus system for fast focus on moving targets. Rubber grip pads provide a non-slip secure grip in all external environmental conditions.
The Bushnell Falcon 133410 comes with 7x magnification and 35 lens diameter. Autofocusing Porro prisms provide the best performance during hunting. Its 21-ounce weight makes it comfortable to use. Objects as close as 20 feet can be seen clearly. 12mm eye relief adds to the comforts of the user. 420 Feet field of view at 1000 yards provides a broader look at the objects.
Highlighted Features
- Good Lighting: BK-7 Porro prisms of high quality are provided with just one coating. It gives sufficient light for transmission. Bright and colourful images can be seen in the daylight.
- Easily usable: The simplicity of these binoculars makes them easily usable for all types of users.
- Viewing Advantage: The Bushnell Falcon binoculars provides you with a broad field of view to 420-ft range. Distant objects of even a thousand yards can be seen with high quality.
- Adjustable Eyecups: With adjustable eyecups, images can be viewed with or without glasses.
- Good magnification and high focus: Bushnell Falcon 133410 provides up to 7 times magnification of far objects with clarity. These binoculars give a high focus with a 35mm objective lens.
3. Nikon Trailblazer 10×25
Nikon Trailblazer 10×25 contains lead- and arsenic-free eco-glass which prevents any blurriness in the images. To get extra-high resolution images High-Index BAK4 Roof Prisms are provided.
Images of high brightness and colour perfect are obtained by using multi-coated optics which improve light transmission. Nikon Trailblazer 10×25 are made waterproof with O-ring seals on the outer glass. Fogproof ability is obtained by using nitrogen purging. Rubber armored body gives non-slip grip making it perfect for hunting.
Highlighted Features- Bright Optics: TRAILBLAZER’s optical system gives high quality, clear and colour perfect images.
- Multi-layer coating: Multi-layer dielectric coating provides magnificent images due to improved light transmission.
- Roof Prism: Roof prism adds to the quality of images of the objects.
- Slim design: These binoculars can be fit in a pocket easily with their small size.
- Waterproof and Fogproof: O-ring seals and nitrogen purging make the binoculars waterproof and fog proof.
- Rubber armor: Rubber armored paddles give a nonslip grip to the user.
- Smooth Central Focus Knob: Smooth central focus knob is used for a fast range of focus and quick viewing.
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire HD
Vortex Optics Crossfire Roof Prism Binoculars have a 10x magnification and 42 mm objective lenses. The multi-layer coating on the lenses promotes excellent light transmission.
Vortex Optics Crossfire Roof Prism Binoculars provide a broader view with a field of View of 325 feet/1000 yards|6.2 degrees. Clean, sleek rubber armoring gives a non-slip grip to the user. These binoculars have an astonishing close focus of 8 feet. Vortex Optics Crossfire Roof Prism Binoculars are made waterproof by using O-ring seals and fog proof by using nitrogen purging.
Highlighted Features- Fully Multi-Coated: For increased light transmission fully multi-coated lenses are used.
- Roof Prism: Roof prism adds to the durability of binoculars and makes it compact.
- Waterproof: O-ring seals keep dust, moisture and debris away from penetrating the binocular for good performance in all environments.
- Fogproof: Nitrogen gas purging is added to prevent fog from entering the sensitive parts of binoculars.
- Rubber Armor: Rubber armor provides external protection along with a non-slip grip
- Adjustable Eyecups: For comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses adjustable eyecups are used in these binoculars.
- Center Focus Wheel: Center Focus Wheel is used to adjust the focus of both binocular barrels at once.
- Diopter: For differences in the user’s eyes diopter is used.
- Tripod Adaptable: These binoculars are tripod adaptable to use them for various purposes.
5. Swarovski SLC 10×42
Swarovski Optik SLC 10×42 Binoculars are usually known for enhanced magnification. With 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens, Swarovski Optik SLC 10×42 Binoculars are perfect to see distant objects with extra clarity. Swarovski Optik SLC 10×42 Binoculars have a 61-degree apparent field of view which adds to the broadness of the image in view.
The HD optical system used in these binoculars gives excellent light transmission and colour perfectness. These binoculars feature Swarobright and Swaroclean technologies for improved quality. These pairs of binoculars come with Eyepiece Cover, Field Bag, Objective Lens Cover, Lift carrying Strap and Warranty by Swarovski Optik Limited. Warranty is usually 10-year.
Highlighted Features- Mechanical focus system: Mechanical focus system enables quick and precise focusing of the binoculars.
- Multi-layer coating: Dielectric multi-layer coating is provided to give extra glare and durability to the binoculars.
- Center wheel diopter: Central wheel diopter makes the binoculars quick to focus and adjust.
- Waterproof: O-ring seals are provided to give waterproof ability.
- Fog proof: Nitrogen purging gives the fog-proof ability to binoculars.
- Rubber armoring: For non-slip grip rubber armoring is provided.
- Adjustable eyecups: to use the binoculars with or without glasses adjustable eyecups are provided.
- Tripod Adaptable: These binoculars are tripod adaptable to use them for various purposes.
6. Zeiss Terra ED 8×42
The magnification of the Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars is set at 8x and the objective lenses are kept 42mm in dia. These binoculars are equipped with multi-layer coating which provides optical clarity and precision in all kinds of situations.
These binoculars are quite easy to use with their large, smooth and easy to grip focusing wheel. This wheel also enables the user to focus abruptly. All kind of moisture is avoided by its waterproof casing. Its compact and light nature lures many customers. A clear, unhindered view is ensured by using a LotuTec lens.
Highlighted Features- Easy to use: Light and simple nature of these binoculars make them quite easy to use for any user.
- Perfect ergonomics: Hard and nearly indestructible casing is provided with perfect ergonomics to give long durability.
- Multi Coating: Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 has hydrophobic multi coating to ensure clear and high definition images.
- Fast-focusing: The large and easy to grip wheel gives necessary comfort to the user and makes focusing relatively easy.
- Waterproof: Waterproof casing is enhanced by fibreglass to avoid any moisture.
- Light-weight: Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 binoculars are lightweight and very easy to fit into any bag.
7. Bushnell Green Roof Trophy 10×42
With its lightweight of 25 ounces, Bushnell Green Roof Trophy 10×42 are specially designed for hunting. It offers you a whopping 10x magnification with a 42mm objective lens. It is equipped by fully multi-coated optics to deliver high brightness and sharpness to images.
Soft-touch thumb grips with rubber armoring are used to provide soft, non-slip grip to the user. O ring seals are added to give waterproof ability. Nitrogen gas purging contributes to the long term fog-proof ability. Fast focus system is also added especially for hunting purposes. There are separate flip covers for objective lens.
Highlighted Features- Optical Performance: High optical performance is ensured by using an HD optical system.
- Multi-Layer coating: The Bushnell Green Roof Trophy Binoculars 10×42 have dielectric multilayer coating which helps to provide sharp and highly bright images.
- Ergonomics and Design: These binoculars are especially known for their perfect ergonomics and design.
- Rubber armoring: Soft-touch rubber-armoured grip is used to provide excellent handling.
- Impressive field of view: Its broad field of view covers very distant objects accurately.
- Waterproof: These binoculars are made waterproof by adding O-ring seals to the optics.
- Fog proof: Nitrogen gas purging is used in The Bushnell Green Roof Trophy Binoculars 10×42 for fog proof capability.
Choosing Right Binocular for Specific Game
It is customary to choose any kind of binoculars and use them for all types of hunting. Any of the binoculars mentioned above will do the job very well. However, some binoculars are preferred over others for hunting specific game. As for weapons, different weapons are used for hunting different animals or birds. The same can be said for using binoculars. Here are the recommendations for different binoculars which serve best for specific hunting purposes.
- Deer Hunting
- Black Bear Hunting
- Moose & Brown Bear Hunting
- Mountain Goat & Elk Hunting
Deer Hunting
Deer can be basically found in two types of areas. Forests and fields. So, you must use a different pair of binoculars to stalk deer through dense forest. For forest hunting, an 8x set of binoculars should be used. Hence, Vortex Optics Crossfire 8×42 is strongly recommended. For field hunting, binoculars with better long-range capability must be used.
Deer hunters often find these two places for their game: forests and fields. Thus, Bushnell Trophy 10×42 proves to be an excellent choice for any type of fieldwork.
Black Bear Hunting
Black bears are found usually in dense woods or bushes. So lightweight binoculars with good visibility and color-perfectness must be preferred. Magnification of 8x should be enough for that type of hunting. So, Vortex Optics Crossfire 8×42 is known for its lightweight, high brightness, clarity and colour perfection. So, these binoculars are again recommended for black bear hunting.
Moose & Brown Bear Hunting
Brown bears are easy to hunt at longer distances than black bears, as they live in more distant locations. As moose and brown bears can bear severe weather, they are usually found in difficult mountainous regions. So, high magnification binoculars are needed for this type of hunting. For hunting these large and dangerous animals, Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 is the best choice. These binoculars come with a hydrophobic coating which makes them perfect to use in this type of hunting.
Mountain Goat & Elk Hunting
Elk hunting is usually done in mountainous regions (due to its availability in those areas). Light-weight long-range binoculars are needed for these kinds of hunting purposes. The Vortex Optics Diamondback possesses these two features along with its bright and clear images. These binoculars are much lighter as compared to other 10×42 binoculars. Thus these binoculars are strongly recommended for black bear hunting. Goats are also found in the mountains so these binoculars can also be recommended for goat hunting.
Yes! Like rifles are necessary for shooting. Although some may argue that rifle scope may do the purpose but it is not always true.
Generally, binoculars of 10x magnification are considered good powered.
Binoculars are measured in magnification power and Objective Lens Diameter. So these two figures are usually written on the binoculars.
Cost is the first thing to look when buying binoculars. If cost is not an issue, then magnification, objective lens diameter must be considered.
A Binoculars enthusiast, who love exploring skies and watching birds. It is my hobby to collect Binoculars of different kinds and try to explore the world through various lenses. This is all I do to explore happiness by magnifying my beautiful world.