Best Binoculars for Hunting of 2019 – Complete Reviews with Comparison
There are over ten different uses for binoculars, many of which you’ve probably never considered before, and you’re not alone!
No matter if you’re searching for gear to help you spot deer on a hunting trip or if you need them as a survival tool in the event of an emergency, they can be incredibly useful.
The problem is, trying to find the best hunting binoculars, especially if you’ve never had the benefit of using them before.
In this guide, you’ll not only learn about the top five binocular brands you can use.
Contents
Top 5 Best Binoculars for Hunting Comparison Chart
Best Binoculars for Hunting Reviews
1. Bushnell Trophy Binoculars
If there’s one thing that can be said about these binoculars, it’s that they could become your best friend and hunting partner after you take them out for the first time.
Bushnell, a renowned hunting brand, has created a reliable set of binoculars that you can pack in your bag and easily use for spotting potential targets and tracking animal activity. It has a variety of stock features that you would expect from a pair of binoculars, making them a sturdy option to have.
Product Highlights
If you’re one who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles on your gear, these may just be the perfect hunting binoculars for you. They boast very few features, which is essential for a piece of technology that you can pull out of your bag and begin using right away without worrying about adjustments or any extra buttons.
It offers both near and far focusing options, with up to 10 feet close focusing and up to 1000 yards of clear vision. The Bushnell Trophy Binoculars are also a phenomenal option as they have a roof prism system, which allows more light into the lenses, so you can have an easier time spotting animals that are further away.
What's to like about the Bushnell Trophy Binoculars
There are plenty of features that piqued our interest when it comes to the Bushnell Trophy Binoculars, such as their lightweight and slim design.
In comparison to other binoculars on the market that have a wider design and are tough to hold with smaller hands, these are designed with a streamlined body, making them the perfect companion for every hunting trip. You also don’t need to worry about them taking up too much space in your pack as they’re only 7 inches wide and 10 inches long.
With a field of view at 330 feet at 1,000 yards, you’ll also have the ability to take advantage of an incredible length of view, which is essential for keeping an eye on animal movement too far away for the naked eye to see.
What's not to like about the Bushnell Trophy Binoculars
One of the most important things about a decent pair of binoculars is how much light enters the lenses, as this determines the quality of imagery and the likelihood of seeing objects at further distances.
Although these binoculars do allow a lot of light in, the amount of light can lead to significant strain, especially when you’re using the extended viewing feature.
Another concern with the Bushnell Trophy Binoculars is their carrying case, which may prove to be important for people heading out on a trail without a pack.
Unfortunately, the case is poorly made when compared to other models on the market, and it does not offer any additional pouches for accessories such as lens caps.
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2. Aurosports Folding Binoculars
The Aurosports Folding Binoculars are a versatile option when it comes to achieving longer viewing distances when you’re hunting, for outdoor sports, or even bird watching.
If you’re the type of outdoorsman who enjoys having a small and portable device at your disposal, these are the binoculars to choose as they can conveniently fit into your hand and can be completely folded.
Product Highlights
With an assortment of user-friendly features, the Aurosports Folding Binoculars help to make viewing game at longer distances simple, even if you’ve never used binoculars in the past.
They offer an incredible field of view, allowing you to clearly see potential targets at up to 1,000 yards away. They also boast a waterproof design with an anti-slip grip, making them the perfect partner for hunting in all weather conditions.
In comparison to other binoculars on the market, this model’s 10x magnification allows you to see objects up to ten times closer than you normally would, which is essential for tracking targets at a distance.
What's to like about the Aurosports Folding Binoculars
One of the things that we found really stood out about these binoculars is their illumination, which is essential for being able to clearly see details about game at further distances.
When you take a look at other binoculars at the same price, you’re not going to have as strong of a definition of fine characteristics of your targets, which is what really sets the Aurosports Folding Binoculars apart from the competition.
Another phenomenal feature that many people would find to be important is the durability of the binoculars, as there will be plenty of times that they’ll be tossed around in your bag or even dropped on the ground.
For the inherently clumsier hunter, they’re a great option as the non-slip grip makes it relatively impossible to drop them.
What's not to like about the Aurosports Folding Binoculars
There are a couple of notable issues with the Aurosports Folding Binoculars, the first being that although they are water resistant, it does not mean that they are waterproof.
Unfortunately, if you’re in the market for a pair of binoculars that are safe to be submerged in water, you’re going to have to search for a more high-end model made out of special materials. These binoculars, however, can experience limited wetness.
Another concern that you may have with these binoculars is their size, depending on how far apart your eyes are set. Remember, the Aurosports Folding Binoculars are designed to be small (4x4 inches when folded down) and as such, they may be harder for people with larger heads to use.
One of the most important things about a decent pair of binoculars is how much light enters the lenses, as this determines the quality of imagery and the likelihood of seeing objects at further distances.
Although these binoculars do allow a lot of light in, the amount of light can lead to significant strain, especially when you’re using the extended viewing feature.
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3. Gosky Compact Binoculars
At first glance, the Gosky Compact Binoculars may be similar to any other pair of binoculars on the market, but what makes them unique is their assortment of traditional and high-tech features.
As a popular choice for hunters who are interested in taking their skills to the next level, these binoculars have plenty of useful features that can revolutionize your typical idea of vision enhancing equipment.
Product Highlights
The truly phenomenal aspect of the Gosky Compact Binoculars is the quality of their optics. With 42mm of clear vision, you’ll surely appreciate the multiple layers of green film coating on the objective lens.
Also, there is 18mm blue film affixed to the eyepiece, helping to bring you high-definition viewing power with ease and with access to plenty of light.
It’s also important to give credit to the prism style integrated into these binoculars as it is what gives you the spectacular range of view and quality of imagery for both indoor and outdoor use.
The 10x magnification at up to 1,000 yards with an ample amount of light is what will help you to keep track of your targets and notice specific characteristics of the game you’re after.
What's to like about the Gosky Compact Binoculars
There are plenty of things that we can appreciate about the Gosky Compact Binoculars, ranging from their optics to the carrying case that is included with the set. Their digital alignment feature is what we find to be the most impressive.
Compatible with the vast majority of smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, LG, etc.), you’ll have the ability to pair your phone with the binoculars to quickly align the binoculars for optimal viewing pleasure.
Also, the smartphone adapter provides you with the ability to see through the binoculars through the screen on your phone, which is perfect for people who wear glasses.
Another phenomenal feature of these binoculars is their durability, which is essential for every type of hunter. It’s relatively impossible to ensure that you don’t drop your binoculars, and instead of having to buy yourself a new pair after every accident you’ll love the rubber armor and added framework protection.
One of the most notable advantages of the rubber armor is that it is shock resistant, making it relatively impossible to shatter the lenses or the frame.
What's not to like about the Gosky Compact Binoculars
When you start searching for compact binoculars, it’s important to think about how wide set your eyes are in comparison to the design of the unit.
There are many people who find that when extended, their binoculars do not fit their face and as such, the Gosky Compact Binoculars may not be the right choice for individuals with wide -et eyes.
Another issue revolves around using your smartphone along with the binoculars and the design of your device.
For newer smartphone models, such as the iPhone 7, the camera adapter will have difficulty affixing your device to the binoculars as the camera lenses on newer phones may be designed differently than previous generations.
Also, with some phones, you might not be able to use your original case with the binoculars as it won’t properly fit onto the adapter.
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4. Carson HD Binoculars
As an avid hunter, it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re purchasing the right items to keep you entertained during your time outdoors. Little do some people know that binoculars can truly transform your hunting experience, as long as you can find the right pair.
With the Carson HD Binoculars, there isn’t much that you’re missing out on, as they are designed to emulate some of the most illustrious binocular brands on the market.
With plenty of features to make hunting not only simpler but more enjoyable, it’s no wonder these are seen as one of the best hunting binoculars.
Product Highlights
First, it’s easy to see just how simple it will be to use these binoculars without having to worry about dropping them or damaging them as a result of being dropped.
They come with a deluxe carrying case, but the binoculars themselves are covered in an advanced rubberized armor coating specifically designed to absorb shock.
Second, the glass used during construction is another phenomenal feature that makes the Carson HD Binoculars a pair that you need to have.
Constructed using ED glass, you’re not only having access to sharper and brighter images, but you’ll also be using a pair of binoculars that are both waterproof and fog proof.
What's to like about the Carson HD Binoculars
It’s difficult to find something not to like about the Carson HD Binoculars as they are obviously designed to impress even the most skilled hunters.
Their versatility is truly what sets them apart from the competition as they can not only be used while hunting but also to see a sporting event or even a concert when you don’t have close enough seats.
The waterproof design is essential for using them outdoors in any type of weather ranging from rain to snow.
With the help of the BinoArmor Deluxe Carrying Case, you’ll have several pockets for other essential components such as lens covers, a lens-cleaning cloth, and even a place to store the neck strap when it’s not being used.
The case also includes additional padding, so you can rest assured that the binoculars will be safe if you were to pack them away in your bag.
What's not to like about the Carson HD Binoculars
As with any product, even though it might seem flawless it certainly isn’t, and there are a couple of concerns to consider with the Carson HD Binoculars.
One of which is the focusing wheel which has the tendency to stick after a few months of regular use, making it quite difficult to change the focus of each of the lenses. We also noticed that the wheel would make a squeaking sound whenever it was turned.
Another concern that we have with these binoculars is the design of their carrying case. As someone who likes to pack their belongings away safely, you’ll surely notice how big and bulky the BinoArmor case is when strapped to your chest or your back. This certainly makes it more difficult to use the binoculars in any other setting than hunting.
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5. AUCEE Adult Binoculars
AUCEE is certainly a lesser known brand than other binocular manufacturers such as Bushnell, but that doesn’t mean their binoculars are any less than the others on the market. In fact, these particular binoculars offer similar features to some of the most expensive models on the market to date.
If you’re searching for a pair that will help you easily keep your eye on potential targets as well as give you a reliable pair of binoculars that will last through the years, the AUCEE Adult Binoculars may be the right model for you.
Product Highlights
When you start searching for the right pair of binoculars, it’s important to think about their build quality and the quality of their lenses. Otherwise, you’ll likely break them within a week and be unable to see any potential game in your surrounding area.
With the AUCEE Adult Binoculars, you’ll love their waterproof, fog proof, and durable design which offers a rubber armor. These binoculars will surely withstand any type of weather and temperature variation, no matter if you are indoors or outdoors and are designed to be protected against slips and falls.
Another phenomenal feature integrated into the AUCEE Adult Binoculars is their ED glass, which is designed to bring forth a new variation of HD colors.
With the combination of ED glass and fully multi-coated optics, you won’t have to worry about fringing colors, offering you the crispest and clearest images you could imagine.
What's to like about the AUCEE Adult Binoculars
One of the main things that we appreciate about these binoculars is their field of view, which is incredibly important when you’re looking to spend money on a decent pair.
These AUCEE’s offer 10x magnification with a field of view of 330 feet per 1000 yards, which is essential for being able to see more at a distance further away.
We also love the fact that the AUCEE Adult Binoculars offer adjustable eyecups, which is a feature that you normally wouldn’t be able to find in traditional pairs of binoculars.
With the help of adjustable eyecups, you can twist them for a quick adjustment depending on whether you’re wearing glasses or not. This helps to eliminate the need for extra adapters and other parts to make using the binoculars with glasses easier.
What's not to like about the AUCEE Adult Binoculars
These AUCEE Adult Binoculars are not the right choice for children or people with smaller heads. Although they are designed to be relatively smaller than your traditional idea of binoculars, they’re certainly not small enough to be handled by children.
The only other thing that is a little concerning is that although these binoculars hold up perfectly in warm and cold temperatures, they have the tendency to get a little foggy depending on your personal body heat.
For example, using the binoculars in the middle of a baseball game with the sun beaming directly onto your face will cause some fogging on the lenses. Though, it’s easy to clean with the help of a traditional lens cloth.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
Buying a new pair of binoculars may seem simple enough, but it is important that you put a little bit of effort into researching potential brands on the market.
Your first job is to make sure that you know what to look for and what sets a poor pair of binoculars apart from a great pair. With the help of this buyer’s guide, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect pair for your needs.
Binocular Body Types
One of the most important things to look for when you begin shopping around for binoculars is their body type. There are plenty to choose from ranging from compact to waterproof and durable, but the main question is, what body type is recommended for the best hunting binoculars?
Ideally, you’re going to want a pair that is compact but will still fit the width of your head. One issue that you might experience with a pair that is too small is the inability to see anything due to the width of your eyes, which is why it is quite important to review the specifications of a pair of binoculars prior to purchasing them online.
You’ll also want to take the time to consider finding a pair that is sleek but offers some type of protective coating or armor. It’s relatively impossible to guarantee that you’ll never drop your binoculars, and if you’re investing a substantial amount on a pair, they must be protected at all times.
Typically, body armor will include some type of ridging that is specifically designed to give you a better grip on the binoculars while using them.
Magnification Power
It’s also important for you to think about the magnification power of the binoculars, as too high of a magnification will make it impossible to focus and too low will make it impossible to see.
The magnification of your binoculars will be the number that is written with the “x” beside it, for example, 10x. This means that every single thing that you look at will be magnified ten times so if you notice an animal approximately 1,000 yards away, it will appear as if it were 100 yards away.
Ideally, you’re going to want to find a pair that has a magnification between seven and 12, otherwise, you’ll need to use a tripod in an effort to keep the lenses steady at a higher magnification.
Lens and Prism Coatings
If you’ve ever worn glasses before, you’re likely aware of the benefits of lens coatings and similar principals applied to binoculars.
The coating is responsible for protecting the integrity of your lenses, but it also determines how much light is let in. The more light you have access to, the clearer the images will be, and it also helps to ensure you’re achieving the right contrast levels.
Ideally, you’re going to want to search for lens and prism coatings that offer little to no aberration, otherwise, colors will appear to be distorted and washed out.
Field of View
Another common feature you’ll come across when analyzing binoculars is their field of view, which is imperative to determine how much you can see while looking through the eyepieces.
The larger the field of view, the more you’ll be able to take in and if you’re looking at several different animals at a distance, having a larger field of view is essential, or you’ll be operating with tunnel vision.
Size and Weight
Finally, the size and weight of your chosen binoculars are also important to think about as you’re certainly not going to want to experience wrist and arm fatigue if you intend on staring at a distance for a long period of time.
The size of your binoculars will help to determine how adjustable they are to your eye width, those with wide-set eyes will want to find a larger pair of binoculars compared to individuals with smaller heads.
In terms of weight, it’s ideal to find a pair that is as light as possible, or you’ll be responsible for carrying a bulky item which can make using them unenjoyable.
Best Binoculars for Hunting F.A.Q.
How are binoculars rated?
There are a few different ways that binoculars can be rated, but in most cases, it’s either by their field of view or their magnification. In most cases, the best binoculars offer a large field of view as this allows you to see more of an area with far less effort.
In terms of their magnification, this depends on your personal preference as those willing to use a tripod to see further will want magnifications over 12x, whereas individuals wanting to use them manually will want a magnification between 7 and 12.
What are the numbers on binoculars?
Similar to the above question, the numbers on binoculars are their magnification levels, for example, 7x35 or 8x40.
The first number of the set lets you know what their magnification is (seven times closer) and the second number tells you how much light will be brought into the lens for your viewing. The higher the second number is, the bigger the lens will be which enhances your viewing experience.
What power binoculars for hunting?
When it comes to hunting, you’re obviously going to want a pair of binoculars that you can hold in your hand instead of use on a tripod. The ideal magnification would fall between 8 and 10 with an objective lens measurement at around 42.
What size binoculars should I get?
Choosing binoculars will vary from person to person, depending on the distance between your eyes. Your best bet is to find an adjustable pair of binoculars that you can customize based on the size of your face for the most comfortable viewing experience.
How to choose binoculars for hunting?
As with any type of specialty hunting equipment, when it comes to choosing binoculars you’re going to need to take your hunting style into account.
Are you the type of person that likes to travel with minimal accessories? If so, you’ll want a small and compact set of binoculars that you can easily stuff in your pockets.
Are you searching for a pair with a wide field of view, so you can see relatively everything at a far distance? Search for binoculars that have a large field of view. With the help of this guide, you’ll surely get an idea of what to look for in a pair of hunting binoculars.
FINAL VERDICT
It’s never too late to take the time to find the perfect set of binoculars, even if you’ve never thought about purchasing them before. As a hunter, it’s important that you have a clear idea of animal activity at a distance and these unique tools can surely make every trip worthwhile.
When it comes to determining the best hunting binoculars you can put your money behind, it’s easy to see why the Gosky Compact Binoculars are your best bet. There are three main things that help them outperform the competition including technologically-advanced viewing, durability, and their high-end lens coatings.
Technologically Advanced Viewing
No matter if you’re someone who wears glasses or not, taking advantage of the integrated smartphone adapter will change the way you use binoculars forever.
This is also a phenomenal option for people who want to affix their binoculars to a tripod, as you can easily see through the lenses without having to put your face against the binoculars. Plus, you’ll have the ability to snap images of animals at a further distance, thanks to the camera feature on your smartphone.
Durability
The Gosky Compact Binoculars offer a resilient armor coating that is specifically designed not only to give you additional grip while handling the binoculars but to also prevent any damage to the unit and its lenses in the event of them dropping. This armor coating is imperative for anyone who intends on simply throwing their binoculars in their hunting sack while moving from location to location.
Lens Coatings
More than anything else, you’re going to experience perfectly clear images with the help of the green and blue film coatings on both the eyepieces and the objective lenses. This helps to cut out any diffusing light that would take away from the striking contrast and sharpness of your images.
For all of the benefits that these binoculars bring to the table, you’ll also love that they’re available at an affordable price when compared to most high-end models.
You’ll finally have the ability to harness the true power of a professional set of binoculars, but at a fraction of the cost, which is something that any hunter can get behind.