If you are a serious hunter, you know how important it is to have a reliable pair of binoculars. Hunting binoculars help you mark your target from a far distance which guarantees you impeccable trophies.

If you've decided to invest in a good pair, you might notice the vast number of choices in the market that could leave you confused about which binoculars to get. Big brands have the best binoculars, and there are newer models that may also come at a lower price.

However, seeing how binoculars are vital to your successful hunting, you need to be sure what you are buying is the real deal. To help you choose, we have compiled a list of 5, complete with a full review of features, their pros, and shortcomings. This article will also discuss a few things you should remember before buying your pair of binoculars.

But, first, the top hunting binoculars to buy in 2021.

Best Binoculars for Hunting

1. Best for Hunting: Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fog-proof Roof Prism Binocular

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Bushnell H2O 10x42mm Binoculars, Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binoculars for Boating amd Travel
  • Quality optics with stunning HD clarity; Exit Pupil: 4.2...
  • 100 percentage quality materials used and tested...
  • Beautiful design and durability built to last
  • 100 percent waterproof, O ring sealed and nitrogen purged...
  • BaK 4 prisms and multi coated optics offer crisp clear...

If you know a thing or two about binos, you definitely know about Bushnell. The brand has been around for years, manufacturing some of the best binoculars in the market, like this H2O Waterproof Roof Prism Binocular for hunting.

One of the features to look for, especially when hunting, is the ease of use. This Bushnell is designed with the best materials to ensure you have an easy time in the field for a very long time.

The pair features a non-slip rubber construction to keep it in place even in wet conditions. The rubber pads also give it an ergonomic design to keep fatigue away even when used for long periods.

These binos also feature the best quality optics for HD viewing clarity. It is a pair of 10 x 42 binoculars, meaning your target is magnified 10x by a 42mm objective lens to show you every detail of your soon-to-be trophy. The binos also feature a 4.2milimeter exit pupil, 17mm eye relief, and 12-foot close focus distance.

They also feature an easy-to-use adjustment knob to let you choose how far you want to see. The Field of View (FOV) you get from this pair is 305/102 feet@1000 yards. They come with Bak-4 prisms for the best image quality. You also don't need to worry if you wear glasses, as these binoculars feature twist-up eyecups to make you comfortable when in the woods.

These features, coupled with the rugged design and roof prism system, make this pair of great binoculars your ideal hunting companion. The package you will get includes the H2O binoculars, a neck strap plus belt loop, a carrying case, and rubber lens covers to protect the glasses when transporting.

  • Pros
  • Waterproof and fog-proof
  • Bak-4 prisms for the best viewing experience
  • Ergonomic design to discourage fatigue
  • Rubber construction to prevent slipping
  • Adjustable eyecups with eyeglasses
  • Excellent light transmission10x magnification to help you hunt without being made
  • Excellent field of view
  • Neck strap, belt loop, and carrying case included in the purchase
  • Great value for money
  • LightweightIdeal for hunting
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Cons
  • Only available in black

2. Runner-Up: Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars 10x42
  • 10x magnification & 42mm objective lenses, these Diamondback...
  • Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with...
  • Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for comfortable viewing...
  • Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip, and durable...
  • Argon purging and O-ring seals provide water and fog proof...

This pair of binoculars from Vortex Optics is another one of the best hunting binoculars available to buy in 2021. The 10 x 42 binos are designed for the best resolution, outstanding color fidelity, and least chromatic aberration.

They have fully multi-coated lenses that increase light transmission. Their dielectric coating is best for crystal clear, color images. They also feature an outside coating made of Armortek to prevent scratches and other damages that could occur when you hunt. While you want to take extra care of all your binoculars, you can use these with less stress as they come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

You can use these binoculars with your eyeglasses as they feature twist-up eyecups. They also feature an easy-to-use center focus wheel that adjusts both barrels simultaneously. They are designed to withstand recoil and impact and are also waterproof and fog-proof.

The exterior of these binoculars is made of non-slip rubber that ensures a firm grip in all weather conditions. They are also tripod-adaptable to guarantee you the steadiness you require in the wild.

  • Pros
  • 6.6-degree field of view
  • Multi-coated glass optics
  • 15 millimeters eye relief
  • Rugged construction for durability
  • 4.2mm exit pupil
  • Roof prism
  • Custom-molded carry case
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Waterproof
  • Fog-proof
  • 5ft close focus
  • Available in other magnifications
  • Cons
  • Limited field of view

3. Best Mid-Range Binoculars: Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Hunting Binoculars

Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42
  • 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, the Viper HD...
  • Dielectric, multi-layer prism coatings provide bright,...
  • A compact, rubber-armored chasis and armortek coating...
  • Adjust the multi-position eyecups to maximize custom fit for...
  • Argon purged and o-ring sealed, the Viper HD defies the...

Another pair from Vortex Optics, the Viper HD 10 x 42, is a great option when you want a high-quality resolution from a mid-range pair of binoculars.

It features a 10x magnification power that is ideal for open-area hunting, and the anti-reflective lens coating enables enough light transmission for high-quality viewing. The pair also features a rubber-armored body to make sure your grip is firm throughout any weather condition. Additionally, the exterior is also protected by Armortek coating to insure against damage in the field.

Like other Vortex Optics binos, this pair also comes with a lifetime warranty to let you worry less while you hunt. They also come with twist-up eyecups for all kinds of users, as well as a locking right eye diopter you use to adjust focal differences.

These hunting binoculars are safe to use when it is raining or foggy, or just about any other weather condition. They offer a field of view of 319ft at 1,000 yards, a 16.5mm eye relief, a 5.1ft close focus, and a 4.2 exit pupil.

  • Pros
  • Lifetime warranty319 feet at 1,00 yards field of view
  • Rubber-armored body for ergonomic features
  • Armortek coating for durability
  • Fantastic performance in low light conditions
  • 42mm lens diameter
  • Twist-up eyecups
  • Locking diopter
  • Waterproof and fog-proofRugged build quality
  • Cons
  • Tight eye cup cover

4. Best Bargain Binoculars: Nikon Prostaff 7s Binocular

Nikon 16003 PROSTAFF 7S 10x42 Inches All-Terrain Binocular (Black)
  • Whether you're looking at wildlife or scenery, 2 things are...
  • Even eyeglass wearers will enjoy looking through the...
  • The PROSTAFF 7S is comfortable to hold, even in wet...

Nikon is a leading brand in the camera and binocular industry, so it is no surprise they have a great pair at a very affordable price range. If you are a new hunter, this pair is a great place to start.

While they are excellent deer hunting binoculars, you are not limited when it comes to all your targets. They feature fully multilayer colored lenses plus a roof prism to guarantee you colorful, clear images.

You will also enjoy using the rubber twist-up eyecups if you wear eyeglasses. The pair also features a rubber-armored body that arrests impact if you drop them and guarantees a firm grip even in wet conditions.

The lightweight and comfortable to hold 10 x 42 binos give you a generous 15mm eye relief and are waterproof and fog-proof.

  • Pros
  • WaterproofFog-proof
  • Ergonomic design, easy to hold and use
  • Rubber-armored body for shock absorption and easy handling
  • Quite affordable
  • Multi-colored lenses and roof prism for excellent image quality
  • Rubber, adjustable eyecups
  • Ideal for deer hunters
  • Cons
  • Underperforms in low light conditionsLimited field of view

5. Best Camouflage Binoculars: Carson 3D Series High Definition Binoculars

Carson 3D Series 10x42mm High Definition Compact and Waterproof Binoculars with ED Glass, Mossy Oak...
  • ED Glass for Sharper and Brighter Images | Magnification:...
  • Included with Carry Case, Neck Strap, Shoulder Harness, Lens...
  • Includes Rubberized Armor Textured Coating| Color: Mossy Oak...
  • Field of View: 314 feet at 1,000 yards | Eye Relief: 16mm |...

If you want a 10 x 42 pair that lets you blend with the environment for easier hunting, this pair of camouflage hunting binoculars is a great option. With a high magnification of 10x and an objective lens that measures 42mm, you are in for a great hunt, spotting your target from so far they will never know you are watching.

They allow an eye relief of 16mm, feature Bak-4 prisms, and give you an excellent and wide field of view of 314 feet at 1,000 yards. They are fitted with rubber armor plus a textured coating to offer you an excellent grip even in unfavorable weather conditions.

You will enjoy very sharp images from the pair's extra-low dispersion glass (ED). They are also waterproof and fog-proof and have twist-up eyecups for all types of users. The package will also include a neck strap, a harness, and a carry case when you buy them.

  • Pros
  • Lightweight binoculars for easy carrying
  • The package includes a neck strap and a carry case, as well as a harness
  • ED glass for sharp images
  • Multi-coated lenses for adequate light transmission
  • Twist-up eyecups
  • Great FoV
  • You can use it with a tripod
  • Waterproof
  • Fog-proof
  • Rubber armor for grip and durability
  • Cons
  • Magnification can be too much for people with shaky hands

Feature to Help You Pick the Best Binoculars for Hunting

Hunting is a task that requires patience and skill. If you've hunted in the past, you know how alert animals are, which is why you need a good pair of binoculars to help you observe from far. If you want this advantage, you need to understand the features that make the best hunting binoculars.

a) The type of binoculars

When buying, you need to pick between compact binoculars or full-sized binoculars. Compact binoculars are smaller and very easy to carry. They also feature limited optics and will affect areas like your field of view and underperform in a darker area. On the other hand, they are easy to carry and can often fit in your pockets.

Like the ones in this list, full-size binoculars are the best hunting options because they give you a wider field of view and will perform well in dark areas, among other great hunting features. However, they are a bit heavier and require straps to carry them when hunting.

b) Magnification

You want a pair of binoculars to improve your vision and bring your targets closer for the perfect take-down. When choosing your best hunting binoculars, you can pick the following magnification powers;

  1. 8x
  2. 10x
  3. 12x

However, please note that the higher your magnification, the harder it will be to focus on a target without using a tripod. You might imagine how fast things happen in the wild, and thus, how inconveniencing a tripod can be. The best magnifications for hunters are 8x for general hunters and 10x for those with very steady hands.

c) Objective lens diameter

Sometimes, the best times to find your targets are early mornings or evenings. Therefore, you need binoculars whose objective lenses can perform well in low-light areas. The best size is 42mm because it also offers you a wider field of view.

d) Field of View

Depending on how strong your magnification and objective lenses are, the FoV is the area you can view through your binos. To attack your target, you need a wide FoV so you can see the surrounding area and anticipate any move they can make. Generally, the best binoculars for hunting will have a FoV of 300ft/1000 yards.

e) Lenses

Two lens features make your pair of binoculars the best for hunting;

  1. Lens coating
  2. Lens protection

If you want to see every detail of your target and its surrounding in color, you will be better off getting hunting binoculars with multi-coated lenses.

If you need to use your binoculars in any weather conditions, ensure the lenses are coated with a protective layer to repel water and fog. This protective layer includes an O-ring seal to ensure no water or fog gains entry.

f) Eye relief

It means the distance between your eyes and the binocular glass at which you can see the whole image. If you wear eyeglasses, make sure to get binoculars high eye relief, 15mm and above, to give enough area between your eyeglasses and the ocular lens for successful viewing.

g) Quality

Your best hunting binoculars for the money are built with durable materials and enhanced with protective coatings to ensure they stand the test of time. A good pair of hunting binoculars will feature a rubber coating and be Nitrogen purged to observe an ergonomic design and prevent water, fog, and dust damage.

Like any other product, the amount of money you are willing to spend dictates what quality you get. If you are a serious hunter, you will know how easy it is to damage your binoculars in the field, and thus, will know better to save money by spending on a good pair. Wile you do not need to buy a high-end pair of binoculars, it is important to budget a reasonable amount for at least a mid-range option that can last you long.

About the Author Anton Scharff

Anton is a hunting expert who respects nature. Ask him anything about large game. Lover of the great outdoors.

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