How to Choose Binoculars for Hunting? – Step-by-Step Guide with FAQs, Tips, & More

A lot of people ask us how to choose binoculars for hunting? What is the best method?

We are here to guide you!

How to Choose Binoculars – Things To Know

Binoculars are great tools for those who enjoy nature. They help you see things up close or far away. You can use them for many different activities such as hunting, hiking, and watching birds. There are many types of binoculars available, but there are some basic guidelines to follow when choosing your first pair.

Magnification

Binoculars with higher magnifications are better for viewing objects at long distances. However, they may be hard to hold steady when using them to view games up close.

Objective Lens

Binoculars with an objective lens of 25-28mm are compact, mid-size, or full-size binoculars. Binoculars with an objective lens of 30mm are mid-size binoculars, while binoculars with an objective of 40mm are full-size binoculars. Binoculars with a 50mm objective lens are very long-range binoculars.

Glass Coating

Binocular lenses are coated or not? What does this mean? How do I know? Is there any difference between coated and non-coated lenses?

Finding the Right Size

Binoculars with larger objectives are heavier but offer better image quality. Smaller binoculars are easier to carry but may lack image quality. A good choice for compact binoculars is the Bushnell Powerview.

Field Of View

Binoculars are used to see things far away. Field of view determines what you can see while looking through the binoculars. Magnification affects the size of objects you can see. Higher-power binoculars do not always make them smaller.

Note: If you want to know more information about How to Hold Binoculars Steady click HERE.

Eye Relief

Eye relief refers to the distance from the eyepiece lens to the eye. When you’re using binoculars, you want to be close enough to the object that you’re viewing that you can see everything in the field of view. If you move too far away from the object, you’ll miss out on some of what’s going on. You also want to make sure that you’re not so close that you get tired of holding them up to your face.

For this reason, you should always try to pick binoculars with an eye relief distance that works well for your needs. The Carson 8x 42mm VP Series is great for people who need to relax and enjoy themselves while watching birds.

Finding The Right Fit

Binoculars should have a large exit pupil. A larger exit pupil makes objects appear brighter. Binoculars with a smaller exit pupil make objects appear dimmer.

Focus Type

Binoculars come in three basic focus types. Most binoculars feature a center focusing wheel alongside a separate diopter adjustment. These binoculars allow hunters to pre-adjust the diopters before shooting. The diopters can be adjusted individually or together. Some binoculars also have a fixed focus. These binoculars are permanently set to a specific viewing distance.

Prism Type

Roof prism binoculars are simpler than Porro prism binoculars. They are easier to make and less expensive. However, they do not offer as much magnification power as Porro prism binocular does.

Note: If you want to know What Are Night Vision Binoculars we have a complete guide click HERE.

Video Ability

Binoculars are great tools for taking pictures and videos. Digital cameras are also great tools for taking pictures. These two things combined make binoculars even better. However, if you’re looking for high quality, you’ll need to spend more money.

how to choose binoculars for hunting

How to Choose Binoculars for Hunting?

Criteria for Picking the Right Sized Binoculars

Binoculars are great tools for observing wildlife. Large magnifications are necessary for viewing details of an object. Binoculars are heavy and cumbersome to carry around.

Terrain Species and Type of Hunt

Hunting elk in September in the timber requires different equipment than a late October open-country hunt. A late October hunt requires different equipment than a deer in January. Pronghorns require different equipment than deer. Binoculars are used for different situations.

Note: If you want to gain information about Why Are Swarovski Binoculars So Expensive click HERE.

Open Country hunting

Bigger binos are better than smaller ones. Binos should be heavier than normal binos because they need to hold steady on a tripod. A larger magnification will help you see things further away.

Thick Brush and Timber Hunting

A hunter needs to use a high-powered magnifying scope to see the game in dense vegetation. He should carry less than eight pounds of gear.

Calling Vs Spot and Stalk

Binocular hunters should use high magnification when stalking. Spotting animals from afar and then stalking them closer is the most effective hunting tactic.

Hunting with a higher magnification allows the hunter to see farther, while a lower magnification makes it easier to get close without being detected. Binoculars with a wide field of view are useful for both spotting and stalking. Binoculars with long eye relief (the distance between your eyes and the eyepiece) make it easier to focus on distant objects.

Moreover, binoculars with large objective lenses allow more light to enter the lens, improving image quality. Binoculars with short eye relief make it easier to focus near objects. Binoculars made specifically for hunting include features such as rubberized grips, anti-fog coatings, and waterproofing.

Conclusion

Binoculars are great tools for spotting wildlife. However, if you’re looking to get closer to an animal, you might want to consider smaller binoculars.

Bigger binocular lenses magnify things further away, but not as close. Smaller binoculars allow you to see things up close without having to carry around a heavy tripod.

If you want to know more information about Binoculars click HERE.

Author

  • John Moses

    John is the Editor in Chief here at The Outdoor Stores. His area of expertise ensures that there is no one better to suggest which rifles are most suitable for your hunting experience. He is also available for you to contact him personally to discuss the types of animals you want to hunt and the terrain you will be hunting on. Feel free to read his posts for expert opinion on Rifles, Scopes, Rangefinders, Bonoculars and Monoculars.

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