The practice of “survival hunting” is becoming increasingly prevalent in present-day times. Every year, thousands of adventurers walk out into the woods to practice their survival skills and have some fun. In addition to that, it evolved as a defensive strategy to keep animals from destroying farmers’ crops.
When going on a hunt, binoculars are a must-have tool. Binoculars allow you to see far beyond your naked eyes could, so you may scout for your target from a safer distance. A lot of opportunities could be lost if you go hunting without a pair of binoculars.
That’s why the use of high-quality binoculars has become a necessity for any activity requiring long-distance observation, such as survival hunting. To help you choose the best survival hunting binoculars, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important considerations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Survival Hunting Binoculars
Nowadays, you can find a wide variety of tactical binoculars on the market. Any two sets of binoculars almost look identical, but they serve different purposes. The following are some key factors to keep in mind when looking for quality tactical binoculars.
Magnification and Objective Lens Size
Binoculars work great when trying to see the tiniest of details, like a deer’s nose through thick undergrowth or an antler tine among the leaves and branches of a tree. How much an object appears larger via the binoculars is referred to as its magnification power. For instance, binoculars with a 10X magnification capability, bring the subject matter into clearer focus. Magnification levels between 7X and 10X are recommended for optimum use.
Although it may be hard to figure out where a gunshot or arrow struck an animal at close range, a short look through a pair of binoculars will usually reveal the exact point of impact. In addition, binoculars are important for searching for animals and following their movements.
Binoculars are essential for bush hunting, although not for long-distance spotting so much as for distinguishing detail in low light. So, a high magnification level is not always the priority. Higher magnifications, especially at 10X and above, may be more of a hindrance than an advantage in close quarters because they can result in a shallower depth of field, shorter field of view, and shakier image when held in the hands.
A larger objective lens size will provide better light-gathering ability and result in a brighter image. However, larger objective lenses also mean heavier binoculars, which can be a disadvantage in survival situations where weight matters. A 42mm objective lens size is considered to be a good compromise between image brightness and portability.
Any of these things can slow you down when you’re trying to check on a buck that’s running through the woods. It’s likely you already know that 6X, 7X, and 8X are more than powerful enough for close-range hunting and that these comparatively low powers have obvious advantages over higher powers, such as longer eye relief and a wider exit pupil for more brightness.
Our Recommendation: When glassing in low light or a dark area, brightness is far more useful than magnification. It’s not recommended to use magnification higher than 8X while hunting from a tree stand. The 42mm objective lens and 8x magnification of binoculars provide an excellent optical combination to users. Binocular stability can be improved by pressing them against the tree trunk, or by leaning against the tree to keep your balance and your hands stable.
Field of View
A wider field of view can be advantageous in hunting scenarios where quick target acquisition is necessary. It is generally desirable for activities like bird watching, wildlife observation, or sports viewing, as it allows you to see more of the action at once. A field of view of 350 feet or more at 1000 yards is considered very wide and is ideal for activities that require a broad view.
However, for activities like hunting or tactical applications, a wider field of view may not be as important as other factors such as magnification, image clarity, and low light performance. In these cases, a field of view of around 300 feet at 1000 yards may be sufficient.
Some people also get basic binoculars along with a full-scale drone system that allows them to have an enhanced field of view. In a nutshell, it basically comes down to what your needs are.
Durability and Toughness
When it comes to picking out binoculars for hunting, one of the most crucial considerations may be their level of durability. A binocular can be easily misaligned if it is hit hard enough on an object like a rock or a tree. Binoculars might perform admirably out of the box, but may quickly break down in the field, rendering them useless.
The majority of rugged binoculars are nitrogen purge coated and rubber armored to endure damage. Always make sure that your purchases have these long-lasting qualities if you want durability.
Additionally, make sure the lenses and glass are high-quality. The light that enters a binocular is refracted by the two or more glass surfaces inside. The human eye misses out on some of that light. Not only does higher-quality glass produce a more distinct image, but it also lets through a greater proportion of visible light.
HD binoculars that feature extra-low dispersion (ED) glasses of the highest quality work well in this regard. When shopping for binoculars, it’s also important to keep in mind that the lenses need to be sturdy to withstand the rare, but deadly knock.
Waterproof and Fogproof Features
If your binoculars are going to be utilized near as well as on water, having waterproof binoculars is an essential requirement because mistakes are unavoidable no matter how careful you are.
Binoculars that are sealed and filled with nitrogen or argon gas can prevent internal fogging and protect the internal components from moisture damage.
The view through your binoculars will be preserved in all weather conditions if they are waterproof (completely sealed), which also serves to keep out particles such as dust that might obscure your view. Additionally, it adds more to the durability factor as well.
Binoculars that are resistant to water and fog are an additional accessory that is strongly suggested for use in environments that have high relative humidity, such as rainforests, or even when one is located close to a large body of water, such as a wetland.
Many bird watchers choose binoculars with waterproof and fog-proof capabilities as some of the greatest birdwatching occurs when the weather is bad. Even if it’s not required, having waterproofed binoculars is a great idea whether going hunting or on a safari.
Size and Weight
Although larger binoculars may be cumbersome to transport, the extra space between their lenses results in a brighter, clearer view thanks to increased light transmission through the objective lens. Hunters, who have experienced trying to identify their prey in less-than-ideal settings, will appreciate the significance of this.
Most portable binoculars can’t be mounted on a tripod. Many hunters prefer having the option of using a tripod even though it is not required. We recommend using binoculars with a magnification of 10×42 or 12×50 set on a tripod. They’re not too bulky to be uncomfortable while you’re out hunting, but they’ve got enough range to hit anything far out in the distance. The hunter whose main concentration is calling should probably go for a more compact option.
Choose a sturdy chair and a tripod to keep your binoculars in place for an entire day of viewing. To maintain complete command, refrain from touching the tripod at any time other than while making fine changes to the viewing angle.
Coatings and Lens Quality
The best binoculars for hunting are those that can withstand the elements and keep on your side for the entire time when you’re out in the field:
- Should have sturdy lenses.
- Be polarized to restrict the sun’s rays (including blue light).
- Anti-glare.
- Perform well in any lighting situation.
- Provide adequate contrast in naturalistic environments to enhance your depth perception.
- Fit your face easily.
The contrast is improved further by lens coatings that prevent light from being reflected off of the glass. The transmission of light between the objective and ocular lenses may be as low as 70% without coatings, but with appropriate coatings, this number can be increased to 95% or more.
The binoculars should have “totally multi-coated” lenses, which means they have many layers of coatings on all of the lens surfaces to produce the clearest and brightest image possible.
Price
When packing for a hunting trip, a quality set of binoculars is an absolute must. Those with more hunting experience understand the significance of high-quality optics when they’re out in the bush. It’s wise to forego the search for the cheapest quality hunting optics and instead opt for the finest value for their investment.
To accommodate a wide range of budgets, the prices start at around $100 and go well over $2000. For instance, binoculars under $500 are a fantastic alternative for novice and intermediate survivalists. Also, hunters will benefit greatly from optics costing less than $1000, since they will be able to have a clear view of their surroundings without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, the under-$2000 binoculars have a new creative flat design, an excellent barrier to any flare, and high quality of transferring brightness and contrast. The optics provide a high level of clarity for viewing images. Selecting the best binoculars for you requires considering your needs, budget, and other factors that may influence your decision.
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, look for binoculars that fall in the middle to higher middle price range. We recommend getting an entire survival kit which will cost you cheaper compared to individually purchasing items.
How to Care for Your Survival Hunting Binoculars?
High-quality binoculars for hunting are built to withstand the rigors of repeated use, year after year. It’s inevitable that your binoculars will grow grimy. You’ll be subjecting them to the elements—the rain, the sun, and the dust—when you carry them outside. But quality binoculars can cost a lot of money. They will last longer and function better if you clean them often. To ensure the longevity of Your survival hunting binoculars, it is essential to follow some important guidelines.
Proper Storage
Carrying cases are included with the majority of high-quality binoculars, ensuring that they remain clean and dust-free when not in use. Keep the lenses protected and in a dry, clean area. Binoculars shouldn’t be kept in places with extreme humidity, heat, or dust. Moisture condensation or mold growth on lenses is a common problem in damp environments.
Plastic bags or airtight containers with desiccants are ideal for long-term storage. If you can’t keep them in their original packaging, at least keep them in a dry place away from moisture.
The airtight construction of waterproof models makes them resistant to moisture and mildew even when used in harsh environments (such as rain, high humidity, splashing water, and dusty locations). In case your binoculars get soaked in dirty water or salt water, you should quickly rinse and dry them off. Additionally, take great care not to allow wet optics to fully dry, as doing so can degrade the sharpness of the lens surfaces.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Binoculars that haven’t been cleaned in a long time affects the image quality. So, it’s important to keep your binoculars clean. Lenses should be brushed with a piece of lens wiping paper or a gentle camel-hair bristle to remove grit and sand before you begin wiping the metal parts.
The viewfinder and its surface can be easily damaged if not removed before cleaning. Make it easier for dirt to fall out of your binoculars’ lenses by holding them upside down.
Make sure there are 4 layers when folding your lens cleaning cloth. Doing so will keep the lens surface from becoming contaminated with the oil from your hands. If you want to clean all the glass surfaces of the lenses, do so gently using a circular motion. If there is an oil film on the lens, drop a spray of lens cleaner and continue cleaning in a circular motion.
You should dry your binoculars well and keep them in a cold, dry area if they get damp. Examine the objective lenses under a bright light to check for dust or debris that may have settled there. Avoid opening a pair of binoculars by yourself, as doing so might severely skew their alignment. Binocular maintenance for interior cleaning should be left to professionals, especially when you have paid top dollars for a product.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We often unintentionally damage our binoculars by doing things like walking through the woods with them slung by the strap. Here are some binocular maintenance suggestions to keep them in top-notch shape.
- Binoculars that have been submerged in fresh water should be cleaned by a professional as quickly as possible to avoid corrosion.
- If they fall into salt water, wash them in fresh water, put them in a plastic shopping bag, and get them to a repair shop as soon as possible (but no more than three days after the incident). Your best bet is to buy new binoculars, even if they were cheap to begin with because the cost of fixing them will likely outweigh the cost of replacement.
- If it begins to rain, make sure your binoculars are safe and dry inside. There is a risk of water seeping into the housing, bringing with it grime that will leave unsightly marks on the internal optics. Despite their name, rain guards are only effective against moderate precipitation.
- If the interior of your binoculars “steams up,” placing them in a dry, warm spot should help them dry out.
- You shouldn’t leave your optics on the seat of the automobile because if you have to brake suddenly, they might fly forward.
- Don’t risk damaging your binoculars by leaving them in the open in your car on a sunny day. The lenses could have their coatings softened by the sun, leading to cracks and eventual detachment.
Conclusion
Using a good pair of binoculars will allow you to visualize how awesome the outdoors is while you’re out for survival hunting. Furthermore, it allows you to see things from a vantage point you can’t get just by looking directly at them. When shopping for binoculars, keep in mind that the ones with the largest field of vision, 40mm objective lenses, and a magnification range of 7x to 10x are your best bet. When deciding on a pair of binoculars, it’s important to keep cost in mind to ensure you acquire the right pair at the right price.