Best Binocular For Hunting In 2022

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We all know the naked eye is limited and to be proficient and effective scouts, we need something to improve our vision. You would never go out in the dim light to look for signs without a flashlight, so why head into the open country without some form of optical advantage?

There are a lot of optics used by hunters from rifle scopes to rangefinders but none are as effective as a small set of binoculars that are easily available when you need them. 

They have a greater field of view than any other optic and usually have more magnification. This makes them an indispensable tool for spotting and identifying game as well as spots in which we may want to take a closer look.

Short on time? Our Top Picks for Hunting Binoculars

  1. Vortex Optics Vanquish
  2. Bushnell Legend Ultra
  3. Bushnell H2O
  4. Wingspan Optics Spectator
  5. Nikon Prostaff 7S Bundle

While I would never assert that they are a mandatory piece of gear, nothing will do the job they do as effectively. As you get used to having and using a good set of binoculars, you will find yourself reaching for them more and more often.

This is one tool that most of the older hunters of my childhood carried but I notice many modern hunters ignore. Maybe it’s time to take a cue from those old-timers and what they knew.

Best Hunting Binocular Review and Buying Guide

Types of Binoculars and their Use

Binoculars can be broken down into three major classifications, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The binoculars in each classification share some traits but are often more effective for different tasks in different environments.

Spotting Binoculars

These are the most powerful binoculars, often with a magnification of 20 times or more. They are also the largest binoculars and weigh several pounds. Most will have a fitting for a tripod mount so the user doesn’t have to support the weight of the binoculars or deal with shaky hands causing image issues.

Any use of these binoculars for a hunter is very limited. Their size and weight make them difficult to use at best and the very high magnification limits them to only very open terrain where there are probably fewer hunting opportunities.

Field Binoculars

The next step down is field binoculars much like those used in military applications. They have moderately high magnification usually ranging between 10x and 20x. While still somewhat large and weighing up to a couple of pounds, they are not unreasonable for handheld use. Before the advent of smaller binoculars, these were the tool of choice.

For the hunter, these are a solid option, especially in open terrain. Their size allows them to be easily carried and their power makes them extremely useful for spotting targets or areas you would like to scout up close.

Pocket Binoculars

The smallest binoculars on the market are perhaps the most useful for the hunter. With improvements to optical technology, even the smallest binoculars have sufficient power to make their use reasonable. They fit in the pocket and weigh very little making them very easy to carry and use.

Power on these smaller binoculars can still exceed 10x and with good quality. Of all the binoculars available, these are perhaps the best choice for most woodlands.

Binocular Shopping Guide

There are a number of factors to consider when looking at binoculars to ensure they meet your intended use. Understanding all of these factors will make you a more informed buyer and help you choose the binoculars that are best for you and your situation.

What does 20×50 or 10×50 mean for binoculars?

Before we go any further, let’s discuss some very basic binocular terminology. There are two numbers assigned to all optics based on the size of the lens and the amount of magnification.

A normal designation would be written as 10×30 or 10x30mm depending on the brand. They mean the same.

The first number is the magnification or the number of times closer a target will appear than it actually is. In our 10×30 example, a target would appear 10 times closer. The more magnification a binocular has, the more light it will need to keep the image bright and clear.

The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. A larger objective lens will, of course, mean a large set of binoculars but it will also mean more light to give a brighter image. A larger objective will also increase the field of view of a set of binoculars but the overall larger size needed may make them more difficult to use.

Are Zoom Binoculars Good?

Occasionally you will see binoculars that have their designation written as 5-10x30mm. These binoculars have an optical zoom that allows them to see any magnification between 5 and 10 times. For the most part, this is a sales gimmick but occasionally you may find the ability to see a wider range at less zoom with the ability to zoom in on an object of interest to see detail beneficial.

What Kind of Lenses are Best?

There are a variety of different lens makers and even glass types.  Some are low-dispersion and will keep light focused for a brighter image. Clarity is a big issue with glass, especially at larger amounts of magnification. Anything that can make the glass perform better is a blessing and many technologies exist to serve that purpose.

The most common method is to use a lens coating. Some use a single chemical that improves light transmission while others use a variety of chemicals that improve brightness while also limiting factors like glare. These are referred to as coated or multi-coated respectively.

The highest level of lens technology is the multi-coat and while it may cost more, you will be much better served by high-quality multi-coated lenses.

What about Weather and Shock Protection?

There are a variety of measures used to keep your binoculars safe and free of weather-related issues. This is a very important factor in choosing a set of hunting binoculars that are likely to see the worst weather imaginable every time you take them out.

The first line of defense is a rubberized armor coating. This not only protects from water intrusion but offers some resistance to the dings and dents that can happen all too often with hunting gear.

The second defensive measure is to purge and seal the inside of the binoculars. This helps with water intrusion including fog and condensation.

While it is possible to get by without any protection, if you are demanding on your gear you should strongly consider this point before making a purchase.

What Binoculars are Best for Hunting?

This is a somewhat loaded question because no two hunters, environments, or days are the same.  Some days more magnification makes sense than other days. Some environments are too dense to make use of high-powered optics. Each hunter has his own way of scouting and hunting and will use his binoculars differently.

In an attempt to generalize these needs and provide the best possible combination:

Best size for Hunting?

Size is the big factor when you travel light. Unless you hunt the wide-open ranges of the western plains, go with smaller binoculars like the pocket binoculars. Their size makes them convenient and an item that is convenient is more likely to be used.

What Magnification Binoculars are Best for Hunting?

Magnification would be the second factor and I would recommend something between 10 and 15 power for most hunters. If you need more magnification than that, it’s time to consider a spotting scope or a more powerful rifle optic. The role of a set of binoculars is not to range a target or get so close you can count its hairs.

To be clear on what strength binoculars you need, you can get by with 8x with no problem and rarely need anything more than 20x.

Best Hunting Binoculars

  1   Vortex Optics Vanquish

Vortex Optics Vanquish Binoculars

There is only so much you can say about Vortex Optics without getting redundant so let’s sum it up as this is the VERY best optical quality that you can get for the price. For the last few years, Vortex has been slaying its competition with amazing quality and a budget-friendly price.

The Vanquish Binoculars uphold this tradition with low dispersion, multi-coated glass that is some of the best on the planet. Couple that with 10x magnification and a form factor small enough to fit in a pocket and you have a winning combination for most any need. Sure the objective is only 32mm but when combined with all of the other optical technology, you won’t have an issue with brightness.

Weighing under a pound, these are some of the lightest binoculars you can get without sacrificing ruggedness. Nitrogen purged with a rubber armor coating, these are meant to last and will endure even the harshest weather.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out a Vortex Optic, I highly recommend you do so. You won’t find glass so clear and bright anywhere else, especially in such a small set of binoculars. These are the product to beat right now.


  2   Bushnell Legend Ultra

Bushnell Legend Ultra

Starting with Bushnell’s own low dispersion glass and building from there has allowed the Legend series of optics to overcome most of their competition. When it comes to optical quality, there is no doubt that Bushnell is a contender and a company to check out if you are in the market.

Not content to stick with just quality glass, Bushnell has added a multi-coat to improve brightness and clarity while also improving the water-resistance of these binoculars. For a 10x binocular these are amazingly clear and bright, especially with a sizable 42mm objective. They may not be the smallest binoculars but don’t let that deter you.

Bushnell has always made quality products that were known to last with just the minimum level of care. With its own brand of rain guard and coupled with internal fog-resistant coatings, no matter the weather, these will excel. They aren’t shockproof but the magnesium tubes provide a great balance between toughness and low weight.

If you can handle a larger binocular these provide an unparallel field of view with sufficient brightness and magnification to suit any hunter’s needs. And with Bushnell’s guarantee, if you don’t like them they will buy them back no questions asked.


  3   Bushnell H2O

Bushnell H20 Binoculars

Not to be outdone, even by themselves, Bushnell defined the market of hard-wearing, rugged and weatherproof binoculars with the aptly named H2O series. If you are looking for something for the wet spring turkey season or those days on the boat, having a set of binoculars that are fully water and fogproof just makes sense.

Being waterproof isn’t the only thing the H2O does. These are fine optics in their own right with all of the bells and whistles that Bushnell is known for. You get a solid 10x magnification with a sizeable 42mm objective lens for solid brightness that is only added to by the amazing multi-coated, low-dispersion glass. Waterproof may be their selling point but optical quality sure isn’t lacking.

In addition to the water-resistance of the rubberized coating, it also provides a good deal of resistance against bumps and bangs. These are a solid binocular for almost any hunting even if you aren’t in wet or humid environments.

Nitrogen purged and completely sealed with an outstanding field of view and bright, crisp image, most hunters will be happy with these binoculars. Even if they are a little larger, they stick to the low weight of a pound and a half which is not bad for something this rugged and durable.


  4   Wingspan Optics Spectator

Wingspan Optics Spectator

For those concerned with size, it’s going to be hard to beat the Wingspan Spectators. Weigh less than a pound and being a mere 4 and a half inches long, these are go-anywhere binoculars that have managed to preserve their optical quality despite their small size. Stick them in a pocket and you are ready to hunt.

Being a lower-powered option than most on this list at only 8x may make some people skittish but when considering all of the bonuses these binoculars have for them, you may change your mind.  Firstly, a 32mm objective is plenty enough to provide adequate light out of an 8 power optic.  Secondly, the optical quality is very high, even if they aren’t multi-coated.

With a non-slip rubberized grip and full water and fog proofing, these are lifetime binoculars and rugged enough for most any weather you are likely to want to hunt in. The wide field of view allows you to cover a lot of area fast but the reasonably powered optics give you the detail you need.

Bird watching or sports may be their angle but never fear that they can handle the worst you are likely to encounter. And should something happen, they have a lifetime guarantee so you are covered no matter what. I would hardly say these are the best binoculars on the planet but for the size and price they are an amazing choice.


  5   Nikon Prostaff 7S Bundle

Nikon Prostaff 7S Bundle

When it comes to optics, Nikon is hard to beat. They make some of the greatest imaging products in the world. The Prostaff 7S binoculars are great for hunting, hiking, and virtually any outdoor use.

Since we’re discussing hunting specifically, we’ll go over the features that make these binoculars the best for hunting.

The Nikon binoculars are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming defective during hunts in the rain or if you drop the binoculars in water. They have a comfortable and effective rubber grip that will ensure you don’t accidentally them which is nice. They are lightweight, weighing less than one pound at 14.8 ounces, which is ideal for hunting.

If you wear glasses, there is a ½-inch eye relief that makes it easy to see through the viewing lenses without having to remove your glasses or press your glasses directly onto the lenses of the binoculars.

Optically, the Nikon Prostaff 7S offers a crystal clear, high-resolution image. Multiple layers of coating on the lenses provide light transmission through the Phase-Correction Coated Roof Prisms technology within the binoculars.

When hunting, this is a great feature to have because it creates a bright and clear image when hunting in various light conditions.

The Nikon Prostaff 7S is one of the pricier options for hunting binoculars, but they are arguably one of the best.


Final Thoughts

My grandfather never left for the woods without his binoculars and used them constantly while hunting. So did all of his siblings and friends. I never understood the point until I started carrying a quality set myself. The number of times they come in handy will surprise you.

This is a hunting tradition that should be brought back for the good of the hunters. Join me in creating this resurgence.

Pick up a quality set of binoculars and see if you agree that they improve your hunting and scouting trips. Start with something more affordable if need be but consider investing in a quality product that will last a lifetime.

I have been an avid outdoorsman all my life and have hunted and fished most of the Eastern United States for over three decades. During that time I’ve taken almost every North American game animal with either a rifle or bow. For the past 15 years, I have engaged heavily in shooting competitions in various disciplines including traditional archery, handgun, and long-range rifle.