Choosing The Best Binoculars For Your Hunting Season

Best Binoculars For Your Hunting Season

You have a great line of binoculars to choose from, it’s difficult to choose between high quality and high price or good quality and reasonable priced. If you have been having trouble deciding what the best hunting binoculars are, we’re here to give you a few options.

Choosing The Best Binoculars For Your Hunting Season

First pieces of advice we can give you is to read and as much info and watch as many review videos as possible. Read reviews by customers, pay attention to the product description, and research the manufacturing brand and its reputation.

One truth about optics: Quality is worth it!

Some may tell you to find the best binoculars that fit your needs but this is not the best advise. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the forests of Missouri or the plains of North Dakota, good optics will bring you more opportunities in the field. I have hunted with many a client and friend that went home and through out their good enough for my needs binoculars after I showed them the animals they missed or sometimes plainly couldn’t see due to poor quality glass.

Keep in mind higher priced products are going to be better quality but there are great brands at lower cost out there. This list will help you find the best and the best with or without a budget.

Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm

Leupold Binocular Bx-5 – Santiam Hd 15×56 GreyPowerful magnification, rugged construction and user-friendly features make these Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm Binoculars a must-have for hunters looking to spot the best opportunities to take down game.

These Binoculars developed by Leupold feature an Abie-Koenig Prism that amplifies light transmission and provides you with the clearest views possible. Every pair of Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm Center Focus Binoculars also contains fully multi-coated lenses to further enhance brightness, clarity and color fidelity.

Bring these Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm BAK4 Prism Binoculars on your next hunt to clearly view your surroundings and spot your next target with ease.

Features: Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm

  • Absolute waterproof and fog proof integrity – each is ready for a lifetime in the field, in all conditions.
  • The durable aluminum housing is shrouded in a rubber armor coating that provides a positive grasp.
  • Abbe-Koenig Prism maximizes light transmission, clarity, and resolution at extended ranges.
  • BAK 4 Prism delivers a perfectly round exit pupil with virtually no edge distortion and a crisp, clear image.
  • Large, tactile central focus dial is easy to find and use, even with gloved hands, which gives you the precision focus you need to pick antlers out of the trees or hide out of the brush.
  • The diopter focus paddle allows you to precisely focus your binoculars, compensating for differences between your eyes.
  • Ergonomic design ensures these binoculars are slim, lightweight, fit well in your hands, and are easy to grip in all weather conditions.
  • Fully multi-coated lens system ensures maximum brightness for clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.
  • High-definition, calcium-fluoride lenses ensure incredible clarity at all magnification levels.
  • Precision ground lenses feature lead/arsenic-free environmentally friendly glass compositions. It’s a small step, but one in the right direction.
  • Phase coated roof prisms significantly increase resolution for a sharp sight picture from edge-to-edge of the visual field.
  • Proprietary nitrogen sealing process has become the industry standard. Rugged and absolutely waterproof.
  • Tripod Ready. A built-in 1/4-20 tripod adapter port makes it easy to mount to a tripod.
  • Twist-up eyecups and long eye relief. Multi-staged variable height eyecups and smooth, responsive central focus dial make focus easy to achieve and maintain.
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System. Optimizes the transmission of low-light wavelengths, so you see the details of low-light scenes in greater, brighter detail than with any other binocular available.

Specifications for the Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm

Magnification: 15 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Prism System: Abbe-Koenig
Prism Material: BAK4
Eye Relief: 18 mm
Exit Pupil: 3.7 mm
Binoculars Focus System: Center Focus
Close Focus: 3 m
Weight: 45 oz
Condition: New
Magnification Type: Fixed
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Sig Zulu 5 Binocular – 10×42 Hd Bak2 Roof Prism

Sig Optics Binocular Zulu 5

Sig Sauer Zulu5 10x42mm HD Roof Prism Binoculars

Overall Length 5.7
Magnification: 10x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Prism System: Schmidt-Pechan
Prism Material: SpectraCoat
Eye Relief: 16 mm
Field Of View  6mm
Binoculars Focus System: Center Focus
Close Focus: 8.2 m
Weight: 25.2
Condition: New
Magnification Type: Fixed
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Athlon Cronus G2 10X42 UHD
Athlon Cronus Bino

Designed for serious glassing Cronus G2 10X42 UHD has exceptional edge to edge clarity, sharp detail enhancement, ultra-clear brightness and true color representation.  Whether you are on your annual hunt for whitetails on the family farm in Alabama, or filling your tag on an once in a lifetime Montana Big Horn, don’t leave anything to chance. 

Athlon designed these binoculars with our revolutionary E2ES lens system that gives you a flat field of view.  We included Extra-Low Dispersion Glass lenses that results in a clearer and sharper image.  Our state of the art ESP (Enhance Spectral Prism) dielectric coating reflects 99% of the light through the prism assembly.  We use a Magnesium chassis to reduce weight while keeping the chassis rugged to withstand the scrapes and bumps of constant use.

Features: Athlon Cronus G2 10×42 UHD

  • E2ES System- Edge 2 Edge Sharpness system
  • E2ES System is a field flattening system that produces sharper, clearer images all the way from one lens edge to the other
  • UHD Glass
  • Extra-Low Dispersion glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings an ultimate clearest and sharpest image to your eyes
  • ESP Dielectric Coating- Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric Coating
  • ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
  • Lightweight Magnesium Chassis
  • Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%
  • XPL Coating- Xtra Protective Layer coating
  • XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
  • Phase Corrected prisms
  • Phase corrected prisms produce images that have better contrast, a higher resolution and better color reproduction
  • BaK4 prisms
  • Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.
  • Advanced FMC
  • Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
  • Locking Diopter
  • Locking Diopter keeps the diopter adjustment knob from accidentally moving from the optimal setting
  • Long Eye Relief
  • Long eye relief can be particularly important for eyeglass wearers because longer eye relief allows them to still see the entire field of view.
  • Close Focus
  • Close focus is important for those who are nature observers and especially important if you are going to watch butterflies or insects
  • Twist Up Eyecups
  • Twist up eyecups with intermediate stops allow you to set the eyecups to the ideal eye relief for you eyes
  • Waterproof
  • Waterproof to protect the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater
  • Argon Purged
  • Argon purging gives you better waterproofing and thermal stability

Specifications for the Athlon Cronus G2 10X42 UHD

Power 10X
Objective Lens Diameter 42 mm
Eye Relief 19.3 mm
Field Of View Angular 6.5°
Field Of View FT @1000 YARDS 338 ft
Field Of View M @1000 METERS 113 m
Close Focus 2 m /6.5 ft
Interpupillary Distance 56 mm-73 mm
Weight 27.8 o
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Burris Binocular Droptine – 10×42

Burris Binoculars

Use these Burris Droptine 10x42mm Binoculars to scout out your prey. The prisms of these Binoculars by Burris are phase correct and dielectric coated to maximize light transmission and provide top-notch color fidelity throughout the glass. Also, these Burris Droptine 10×42 Outdoor Binoculars have fully multi-coated lenses that reduce glare to produce crystal clear sights. You can use these binoculars in any weather conditions with waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof protection, the rubber armor exterior has a non-slip texturing that ensures you have a tight grip. Adjustable eyecups make these perfect to use even with eyeglasses.

Features: Burris Droptine 10x42mm

  • BAK-4 glass prisms for optimum resolution.
  • Phase Correct coated prisms for optimum color fidelity.
  • Dielectric Coated prisms for maximum light transmission.
  • Hi-Lume Index-matched fully multi-coated lenses for optimum resolution, light transmission and glare omission.
  • Ultra-rugged body.
  • Robust metal eyecups for unusual ruggedness.
  • Nitrogen filled for waterproof and fog-proof performance even in harsh weather extremes.
  • Durable carrying case and neoprene neck strap for all-day comfort.
  • Rubber armored with unique non-slip texturing.
  • Fast focus, center wheel.
  • Closed bridge.

Specifications for the Burris Droptine 10x42mm

Color: Brown/Black
Magnification: 10 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Prism System: Roof
Prism Material: BAK4
Eye Relief: 0.65 in
Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
Field of View, Linear: 300 ft at 1000 yds
Optical Coating: Broadband AntiReflection
Binoculars Focus System: Fast Focus/Center Wheel
Twilight Factor: 20.5
Interpupillary Distance: 57 – 74 mm
Close Focus: 7 ft
Water Resistant Mark: 1 m
Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
Weight: 20.1 oz
Finish: Rubber
Package Type: Box
Additional Features: Closed Bridge
Included Accessories: Strap, Lens Covers, Case, Lens Cloth
Magnification Type: Fixed
Size: 5.6×4.8×2.0 in
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Athlon Midas Gen II 10x50mm UHD

Athlon Binocular

The rugged benchmark for all-weather brightness and clarity, Athlon Midas G2 UHD roof-prism binoculars are light and slim thanks to a magnesium chassis. With their Extra-Low Dispersion Glass lenses, Advanced Fully multi-coated optics, high-quality BaK-4 prisms with our ESP Dielectric coating plus phase coating, the Midas binoculars gather maximum light and produce brilliant color fidelity. The waterproof, shockproof design and rubber armor are ready for anything you are. No matter the conditions, with Midas, the outlook is clear. Other design enhancements include our XPL Lenses coating that protects the exterior lenses from scratches, dust and anything else mother nature throws at you. The also feature improved twist-up eyecups and argon purging.

Features of the Midas Gen II 10×50mm UHD

  • UHD Glass
  • Extra-Low Dispersion glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes
  • ESP Dielectric Coating- Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric Coating
  • ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
  • Lightweight Magnesium Chassis
  • Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%
  • XPL Coating- Xtra Protective Layer coating
  • XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
  • Phase Corrected prisms
  • Phase corrected prisms produce images that have better contrast, a higher resolution and better color reproduction
  • BaK4 prisms
  • Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.
  • Advanced FMC
  • Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
  • Long Eye Relief
  • Long eye relief can be particularly important for eyeglass wearers because longer eye relief allows them to still see the entire field of view.
  • Close Focus
  • Close focus is important for those who are nature observers and especially important if you are going to watch butterflies or insects
  • Twist Up Eyecups
  • Twist up eyecups with intermediate stops allow you to set the eyecups to the ideal eye relief for you eyes
  • Waterproof
  • Argon Purged
  • Waterproof to protect the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater

Specifications for Athlon Optics Midas Gen II 10x50mm UHD

Color: Black
Magnification: 10 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Prism System: Roof
Prism Material: BAK4
Eye Relief: 16.9 mm
Field of View, Linear: 341 ft at 1000 yds
Field of View, Angle: 6.5 degrees
Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
Binoculars Focus System: Center Focus
Interpupillary Distance: 59 – 74 mm
Close Focus: 3 m
Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
Weight: 32 oz
Fabric/Material: Magnesium
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Magnification and Objective Size

Magnifications from 8x to 12x will cover you in all  hunting situations using binoculars. Any situation in which you need higher you should be using a spotting scope.  The higher the magnification, the harder it is to stay steady and clearly see. Be sure to use a tripod or rest.  Your smaller magnifications will be great for forest or timber situation and larger for greater viewing distances but no matter to distance the clarity is the key.

Many animal has been unseen when the hunters glass didn’t present a clear enough image while they lay in thick brush/cover. The larger the objective, the more detail you will be able to see. Your Objective number is the second number you see when looking at Optics (10 x 42).  Now Bigger is not always better, there are always pros and cons. Pros being better visibility in lower light and more clarity overall. Cons being heavier binoculars and higher prices. Usually a 40mm to 42mm will work great in most hunting and scouting situations.

Exit pupil and relative brightness

Both the magnification and the objective size determine the size of the exit pupil, of which the role is to allow light through to the eye. The exit pupil is defined by a number that results from dividing the objective size by the magnification factor. So take your Binoculars 8x42mm, divide 42 by 8 =5.25 /your Exit pupil. Usually higher the exit pupil, the larger the amount of light that you’ll capture. Keep in mind the older you are the larger a number you may want since we tend to loose the ability to dilate our eyes with age.

Field of view

The field of view of a unit is oftentimes expressed as FOV at 1000 yards. What this means is the area you can see in feet at 1000 yards. A smaller the number the less or more narrow you see. The higher the number, the more or wider the area you can see. FOV is good to keep in mind but still your main concern should be image quality.

Prism type

The prism types are split into two main categories: roof prisms and porro prisms. The Roof Prism design is considered by most to be better, as it’s more lightweight and has a slimmer dimension since it is in direct line with the eyepiece. It reflects the light five times. Nevertheless, the main drawback of choosing a roof prism is that it is considerably more expensive than its counterpart.

Porro Prism needs a larger body to reflect the light four times. The main problem with this type of prism is that it is not in direct line with the eyepiece, and that is why the objective might look like it is above the eyepiece.

Optical coatings

Optical coatings are added to the glass surface of the objective in order to reduce or completely eliminate light reflection. Light loss and glare play a huge factor in quality of  image and low light visibility. Binocular with an optical coating are the only ones we would recommend and the good news is most have some level of coating. The better the coating, the higher the amount of light you will be getting. If you are going hunting, you might want to consider spending a bit more and getting a pair that is at least multi-coated.

Binocular Summary

Most brands now days have lifetime warranties, we would recommend you make the investment now and not waist another dime on binoculars that will let you down or need replaced after a few seasons. Do your research and don’t fall into the trap of “good enough for what I do”, you never know where you may go hunting or what the conditions are going to be. Now we are not saying buy the most expensive brand name but make sure its a good brand. Besides your weapon optics are the most important tool in your belt.