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CartWhat Makes the Best Binocular for Hunting?
Choosing the best binocular for hunting largely depends on the environment and the animals that live in that environment.
When it comes to hunting success, your binoculars can be just as crucial as your rifle or bow. But with countless options on the market, choosing the best binocular for hunting isn’t always straightforward. “Best” depends largely on where and what you’re hunting, as different environments and the animals that exist in those environments present unique challenges that demand specific features.
The Mountain Hunter’s Challenge -Best Binocular for Hunting
Mountain hunting often involves glassing vast distances across open terrain, searching for animals that might be hundreds of yards away. In these scenarios, optical clarity becomes paramount.
High-quality glass and superior lens coatings help you distinguish between a bedded elk and a similarly colored boulder at 800 yards. Additionally, mountain hunters need lightweight gear, as every ounce matters during steep climbs. However, durability can’t be sacrificed, as your optics must withstand inevitable bumps against rocks and occasional drops.
Ron Spomer compares the TRACT TORIC Binocular to the Zeiss and Swarovski EL Binocular
FOV for Dense Woods- Best Binocular for Hunting
Hunting whitetail deer in thick woods presents a completely different set of demands. Here, a wide field of view becomes crucial, allowing you to quickly spot movement through gaps in the vegetation.
Light transmission is another critical factor, as you’ll often be glassing in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Look for binoculars with larger objective lenses (42mm or higher) and quality coatings that maximize light gathering capability.
Magnification: Finding the Sweet Spot – Best Binocular for Hunting
While it might be tempting to opt for the highest magnification possible, this isn’t always the best choice. For most hunting scenarios, 8x or 10x magnification proves ideal.
Higher magnifications can make it difficult to maintain a steady image, especially in cold conditions or after physical exertion. They also typically result in a narrower field of view, which can make it harder to locate and track moving game. So remember, bigger isn’t always better.
No matter which magnification you decide is best for your particular hunt, having it mounted to a tripod increases the resolution considerably. Eliminates virtually all your hand-shake!
Weather-Ready Features – Best Binocular for Hunting
Your binoculars need to perform in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Look for these essential features:
– Nitrogen or argon purging to prevent internal fogging (we use argon)
– Fully waterproof construction with quality O-ring seals
– Rubber armoring for grip in wet conditions and protection from impacts
– Hydrophobic lens coatings that shed water and resist smudging
Focus on Field of View
Let’s touch on FOV one more time. The wider it is, the faster you can find animals and the more ground you can cover. It’s also great for tracking moving animals. This is particularly important when hunting in areas with thick cover, as mentioned above.
Generally, 8x magnification binoculars offer a wider FOV than their 10x counterparts. For instance, a quality 8×42 binocular might offer a FOV of around 350+ feet at 1,000 yards, while a 10×42 might provide around 340 feet.
Durability Matters – Best Binocular for Hunting
The best binocular for hunting should probably be able to take a beating. Your binoculars will be exposed to extreme temperatures, dropped on rocks, bumped against tree branches, and potentially soaked in rain or snow. Quality construction makes a difference:
– Magnesium or aluminum chassis for durability without excess weight
– Shock-absorbing rubber armor
– Scratch-resistant lens coatings
– Quality lens caps that stay in place
The Importance of Eye Relief – Best Binocular for Hunting
For hunters who wear glasses, and even for those who wear facial protection in frigid conditions, adequate eye relief is crucial. Look for binoculars offering at least 15mm of eye relief to ensure you can see the full field of view while wearing glasses or maintaining some distance between your eyes and the eyecups.
The best binocular for hunting is one that matches your specific needs regarding the environment you’re hunting in, including terrain and weather, and the animals that live there.
Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best for your situation. Focus on finding binoculars that excel in the features most important for your hunting style and environment. Quality optics are an investment that will serve you for many seasons to come, so choose wisely based on your specific needs rather than marketing hype or brand names alone.
