There are many people in different parts of the world that enjoy hunting either as a job or as a hobby. In the past, hunting could be done by anyone, as long as they had a firearm. But in today’s era, people would need to have a hunting license or hunting permit so that they will be allowed to hunt for game in specific areas.
If you have a license or permit to hunt, then you may already have a hunting rifle ready inside a gun safe or gun rack. In order to make it easier for you to look for potential game or animal to hunt, you may need to have hunting binoculars, which will allow you to find game from a distance without making noise or causing a disturbance in the area. There are dozens of hunting binoculars to choose from, and in this article, we will help you in finding the most suitable binoculars for your hunting trips or expeditions. Here is a guide in choosing the best binoculars for hunting.
Features of Hunting Binoculars
Magnification
Magnification, or power, is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting binoculars, but it should not be the only factor you consider. For instance, a pair of 10x binoculars produces an image as if the viewer were 10 times closer to the object. The image produced by an 8x magnification appears as if the viewer were 8 times closer. The required magnification depends on the intended use of the binoculars. Consequently, some hunters may find it more challenging to use binoculars with a very high magnification. For normal hunting conditions, 8x to 10x magnification should suffice.
Prism Design
The prism design of a binocular describes how an image is “righted” after passing through the objective lens. Roof prism binoculars typically have two straight barrels, whereas porro prism binoculars have barrels that protrude past the eyepiece. Since the optical axis of the eyepiece and objective lenses can be designed in a straight line, roof prism binoculars, which are the simplest type, allow binoculars to be constructed more compact and lightweight. Porro prism binoculars, named after the Italian inventor who developed the process, are more complex but provide a sharp, bright field of view at magnifications ranging from low to high. While porro prism binoculars typically produce a clearer image, roof prism binoculars are generally more compact.
Objective Diameter
Increasing the objective diameter of a pair of binoculars will result in images that are brighter and more distinct. Many binocular models are available with objective diameters of 30, 40, and 50 millimeters.
For general, all-purpose use, it is difficult to surpass an objective diameter of 40. If you do not rely heavily on binoculars and prefer lightweight equipment, opt for the 30 or 32. If you feel naked without a pair of binoculars against your face and you don’t mind the additional weight, choose 50.
Exit Pupil Diameter
The exit pupil of a pair of binoculars is visible as the bright circle in the center of each eyepiece when the objective lenses are pointed toward a bright light and the binoculars are held approximately 30 cm from the eyes. The Exit pupil is equal to the effective diameter of the objective lens multiplied by the magnification. The optimal diameter of the exit pupil depends on the application, with large exit pupils only being advantageous in low-light conditions. While the majority of compact binoculars with smaller exit pupils are able to adequately fill a typical daytime eye pupil, they are better suited for daytime use than nighttime use.
Lens Coatings and External Coatings
The coating on the binocular lens reduces light reflection at the glass surface and allows more light to pass through the lens. Transmission is effectively increased by the lens coatings. The difference between complex and simple lens coatings is observable in an increase in the image’s brightness, contrast, and color fidelity. Not only is the high-quality coating of optical glass surfaces responsible for a significant increase in optical performance, but it can also significantly increase the price of quality binoculars.
External Coatings is a high-quality rubberized armor coating that offers a secure, non-slip grip and exterior protection. Manufacturers who back their products with such vigor typically produce valuable goods. Others have an unconditional no-charge warranty that states they will repair or replace damaged or defective products free of charge, regardless of who caused the damage or how it occurred.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between the position at which your eyes can see the entire field of view through the binoculars and the surface of the eyepiece lens. If your eye is farther from the eyepiece than the eye relief distance, you will lose the image’s outer edge. In other words, your field of view is diminished, as discussed previously. The larger the distance between your eye and the eyepiece, the less of the image you will see. The greater the eye relief, the simpler it is to use binoculars for extended periods of time without experiencing eye fatigue. Similarly, the greater the eye relief distance, the more convenient it is to use the binoculars while wearing glasses or sunglasses. Choose binoculars with longer eye relief if you wear glasses or sunglasses on a regular basis while hunting.
Things to Consider When Buying Hunting Binoculars
Budget
If you can afford the best binoculars, you should do so. At 1,000 yards, the vast majority of hunters do not need to count tines. The quality of inexpensive binoculars has improved to the point where, from a purely practical standpoint — when it comes to simply spotting game on the ground — there’s not much a good cheap binocular can’t do that a high-end one can.
There are a few hunting-appropriate porro-prism binoculars whose optical quality is astonishingly good for the price, better than some roof-prism binoculars costing three times as much. The build quality is frequently subpar, but the price is rock-bottom. In some cases, the amount is less than $100.
Brand
As we spoke with seasoned hunters, it became clear that there was a level of brand loyalty comparable to that of automobiles. If you had a brand of hunting binoculars that you liked and that served you well for a number of years, you were likely to favor that brand.
Here is a list of brands that numerous hunters consistently preferred.
- Bushnell
- Nikon
- Vortex
- Burris
- Steiner
- Leupold
- Leica
- Zeis
- Swarovski
Features
Some binoculars have features that hunters may find to be of great utility. These include the incorporation of a laser rangefinder into the binoculars, allowing you to immediately determine the distance to your target. Others have an image stabilization function that aids in maintaining a steady image when using a high magnification. These features may be useful, but it is highly debatable whether they are worth the added cost and weight.
Accessories
As you shop for binoculars for hunting, you may want to consider the accessories that are compatible with the binoculars you are considering. Before purchasing binoculars, inquire whether accessories such as tripods, window clamps or mounts, neck or shoulder straps, binocular suspenders, and binocular bags and cases are included.
Usefulness/Versatility
The type of hunting you conduct is a major consideration when selecting the best binoculars for you. To illustrate this point, we can compare a bow hunter hunting whitetail deer in thick brush with a rifle hunter hunting Dall Sheep in the mountains. Hunters who may also be interested regarding facts about monkeys will select vastly different hunting binoculars. Additionally, a novice bow hunter is likely to choose a different pair of binoculars than a seasoned archer. Always consider the type of hunting you engage in and your level of experience.
In conclusion, whether you are purchasing binoculars for yourself or as a gift, your choice for the best hunting binoculars will largely depend on the type of hunting you engage in and your budget for hunting binoculars. Today, incredible high-end binoculars for hunting are readily available at very reasonable prices.