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Binoculars Review: Top 10 Best Hunting Binoculars

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Are you a hunter? You are then you know how difficult it becomes to hold your rifle for hours trying to scope an area for the game. As important as your riflescope is, using the best hunting binoculars in 2018 is just as important.

With a pair of binoculars in your hand, your rifle will not feel like a bolder against your shoulder and it will not become stiff.

The truth is with a pair of binos in your hand you can use it with both your eyes open.

Therefore, if you are in need of buying a pair of binoculars for hunting you have come to the right place. We have put together a binocular review for you to help you find the best one to help with your next hunting trip.

Whether it is a beast you need or one with a compact sized you can find your hunting optics here with us.

Name	Magnification & OL	Water Resistance Level	FOV	Price
Nikon Monarch Best Compact Binocular	8x42mm	Waterproof	330 ft @1000yds
Bushnell Legend Best Binocular for Birding and Hunting	10x42mm	Waterproof	34D/113 ( @1000yds/m@1000m )
Vortex Diamondback Binocular Review	10x42mm	Waterproof	345 ft @1000yds
Zeiss Victory Hunting Binocular	8x42mm	500 mbar	136m @1000m
Vortex Viper Hunting Binoculars	10x42mm	Waterproof	319 ft @1000 yds
Vanguard Endeavor Review	10x42mm	Waterproof	340 ft/1000 yards
Swarovski SLC Multipurpose Binoculars	10x42mm	Waterproof	(ft/1000 yds / m/1000 m) – 330/110
Zeiss Conquest HD Binocular	10x42mm	400 mbar	345ft @ 1000yds
Vortex Diamondback High Powered Binocular	10x42mm	Waterproof	345 ft @1000 yds
Vortex Razor HD Binoculars	8x42mm	Waterproof	388 ft / 1000 yd

Binoculars vs. Spotting Scopes

For many hunters there is one question on the mind – should you choose a binocular or a spotting scope? The truth is it all depends on your hunting needs.

If you are, a hunter that travels a long distance to find your trophy the spotting scope might be the best solution for you. With the spotting scope, you can use it with your riflescope and a laser rangefinder.

However, if it were up to us, we would recommend you get both. With both these hunting optics, you can maximize your optical strength and use them with ease. The important thing is to evaluate your hunting style and grounds. Here you can ask yourself the following questions:

• However, if it were up to us, we would recommend you get both. With both these hunting optics, you can maximize your optical strength and use them with ease. The important thing is to evaluate your hunting style and grounds. Here you can ask yourself the following questions:
• Do you plan climbing in mountain terrains? Here both compact binocular works just as well as a spotting scope. With both of them, you can reach long distances and helps you save time climbing trails that are fruitless. You can buy both these hunting devices in a lightweight form.
• Are you an open field hunter? If you already know where the game is you can buy yourself a high-powered binocular and place it on a tripod to spot game. You can spot a wider field of view to scan movement.

The truth is that you can buy a fantastic pair of binos with outstanding zoom power, long distance glassing, compactness, with the low light strength to take with you on your gaming expedition.

If you are still undecided about buying a hunting bino, make sure to check our top 10 best hunting binoculars here. You will be surprised at what these fine pieces of equipment can offer you.

Top 10 Best Binoculars 2018

Nikon Monarch Best Compact Binocular

Score: 4.8  Andrew Garfield

For a lightweight companion to use from dusk to dawn you will not be let down with the Monarch 7576 from Nikon. For hunting, it has a compact design and you can use it in all conditions for optimal performance.

For low light use, the Monarch is the best binocular for hunting. For battling through the darkness, the ED glass lens offers you a high-contrast view.

What the Extra-Low Dispersion glass lenses do is rectifies chromatic aberration of visible light to compensate the color fringing.

The bino offers you 8×42 magnifications with turn-and-and slide rubber eyecups.

The lenses are multicoated with multilayer prism coatings and you can buy it in larger magnification ranges as well. You can use it outdoors in the rain with the fog and waterproof design.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe glass has an Extra-Low Dispersion layer to give you a clearer, sharper, and fantastic field of view.
• lightbulb-oThe magnifications 8x and you have an objective diameter of 42mm. With the intensification, you can use it for birding, hunting, and viewing object near and far.
• lightbulb-oThe Eco Glass has a fully multicoated design to help with light transmittance. Therefore, it is suitable to use in any lighting condition.
• lightbulb-oSome standout features are the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups, a smooth central focus knob with flip down lens caps. For you, this means ease of use when out spotting a deer.
• lightbulb-oThe Monarch has a roof prism design and comprises an armored body that is water and fog proof. You can take the hunting binocular anywhere from the sun to rain.

The Monarch 5 is one of the best mid-priced binoculars you can buy today. Whether you want to watch birds, butterflies, or wildlife the bino is a winner. The rugged design makes it durable to use outdoors from dusk to dawn.

Bushnell Legend Best Binocular for Birding and Hunting

Score: 4.8  Andrew Garfield

You can take the Legend Ultra HD into the field with you. The Bushnell is one of the best hunting binoculars you can buy.

The bino has everything you need from superior lighting transmission with the best viewing experience. With the anti-reflective lens, coating you can use it in bright to low lighting conditions out in the bush.

The ED prime glass offers you true color detail and with the weather assurance of the RainGuard Technology, you have a top performer compared to other bino brands.

The binocular has a lightweight magnesium chassis that is fog and waterproof. You receive a microfiber carry bag and neck strap. The device weighs 22.5 oz and lightweight to take on long hunting trips without tiring you.

The exterior has soft touch grips and gives you 10×42 magnifications.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe binoculars designed with a RainGuard HD lens coating to protect the lenses from water damage. With the water and fog proof structure, you can use it outdoors in the sun and rain.
• lightbulb-oYou get 10-x magnification with a 42mm objective lens that is ideal for hunting, birding, and more. Do you need a versatile pair of binoculars then this model is sure to please you?
• lightbulb-oHas a locking diopter with ultra wide FOV and long eye-relief. Now you can spot any object from close and far.
• lightbulb-oYou get an anti-reflection coating on the lenses. With the coating, it allows you to view objects with optimum brightness and in their true colors in any lighting condition.
• lightbulb-oBushnell offers you a lifetime warranty and for you, this is exceptional if anything does happen to your bino.

Whether it is hunting, fishing or any other form of relaxation the Bushnell Legend is one of the best binoculars for birding, hunting and more.

With the lightweight of the bino, it will not tire you when walking long distances. The water and fog proof design keep it protected when it does start to rain.

Vortex Diamondback Binocular Review

Score: 5  Andrew Garfield

In the Vortex lineup, the Diamondback binocular is a workhorse with impressive optical quality. The lenses are fully multi-coated to transmit light to view animals clearer and brighter. The bino has a large field of view to identify targets.

The eyecups twist up and offer you excellent eye relief even when wearing glasses.

For focal differences in your eyes, you can use the right eye diopter to make adjustments. For wear and tear when using it outdoors, it is argon purged for fog and waterproofing.

The hunting binoculars offer you a smooth focus with 10×42 magnifications. The eyecups are soft against the eyes for prolonged use and it is lightweight only weighing 24.4 ounces.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe Diamondback has a durable fully multi-coated lens. So what does this mean for you? You can use it in any environment as the lenses transmit light to make the game more visible and clearer.
• lightbulb-oYou can carry the bino for hours as it is lightweight and has a rubber-armored housing with thumb indents for ease of use.
• lightbulb-oWith the multi-position eyecups, you can twist them up and down and even adjust the eye relief. Furthermore, there is an eye diopter on the right eyecup to make focal adjustments.
• lightbulb-oWith the multi-position eyecups, you can twist them up and down and even adjust the eye relief. Furthermore, there is an eye diopter on the right eyecup to make focal adjustments.

Do you need the best high-powered binoculars? Get your hands on the vortex Diamondback as it has a versatile design with outstanding features made for hunting and many other uses.

The compact design makes it comfortable to wear for hours and you can even use it with glasses.

Zeiss Victory Hunting Binocular

Score: 4.9  Andrew Garfield

No one makes hunting optics better than Zeiss. Here we have the 8×42 Victory bino suitable to use for pursuing game and even birds.

With the large exit pupil, it helps expand your freedom of movement and offers you a wide field of view. With the weight of 1.83 pounds, you can carry it around your neck with ease.

The good news is you can take your hunting to a new level with this bino in the hand. You get a transmission level of up to 96% with the Schott HT lens.

The optics coated with multiple layers to keep it protected. The focus wheel is large to give you a comfortable focus when needed the most.

Another benefit is that you can use the hunting optics for astronomy and marine use as well.

Features:

• lightbulb-oYou can hunt deep into the night with the Schott HT high-transmission glass. While the T coating offers you up to 95% light transmission.
• lightbulb-oFor color fidelity, it has an FL lens that helps you to see objects brighter, clearer with outstanding color.
• lightbulb-oThe exterior of the binoculars durable and has easy-grip barrels for comfort.
• lightbulb-oWith the fantastic field of view out to 136m, you will see everything close and far.
• lightbulb-oFor ease of use, the focus wheels placed conveniently and you have a pupil distance of up to 76mm.

With the Zeiss Victory, you get a fantastic pair of binos to use on your next hunting trip. With the incorporated bullet drop compensator, you can set the distance and remain on target.

For hours of use, it has a comfortable grip and durable design with the rubber exterior. You even get an illuminated dot with magnification changer.

Vortex Viper Hunting Binoculars

Score: 4.9  Andrew Garfield

Do you need a premium-quality pair of binoculars for your next hunting trip? The Vortex Viper is packed with fantastic features to make you pursue easier. The bino has a lightweight and compact structure to carry throughout the day.

The high-density glass provides you with an outstanding resolution to view objects close and far. Bought together with chest harness so you can securely carry it with you in the field and the best is you get one included.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or hunter the Viper is sure to please you.

For image quality, the anti-reflective lens provides clear contrasts and colors.

Features:

• lightbulb-oWith the coating on the roof prism models, the multi-layers offer you a bright and clear view. The image’s color is accurate and the eyecups adjust in multi-directions.
• lightbulb-oFor adjusting the focal differences between your eyes, you have a locking right eye diopter. For spectacle wearers, this is outstanding to help make viewing comfortable.
• lightbulb-oYou can take the bino anywhere on sunny and rainy days. The o-rings sealed and argon purged making it fog and waterproof.
• lightbulb-oThe optical systems enhanced with an anti-reflective coating for you to enjoy excellent image quality.

With the Viper Binocular in the hand, you have one fine piece of equipment to make hunting a breeze. You get a premium warranty with exceptional features. The versatility of the Viper is exceptional and the best binoculars you can buy in 2018.

Vanguard Endeavor Review

Score: 4.8  Andrew Garfield

Here we have another 10×42 high-powered binocular the Vanguard Endeavor model. For reducing color dispersion out in the field, it has an ED glass structure.

You get clarity and amazing color when viewing objects from far and near. The eyecups are comfortable against your eyes and have a locking diopter ring.

The device is water and fog proof making it durable to use in any environment. For light transmission even when hunting in low light conditions the lens coating helps, make animals visible.

The open bridge body is comfortable and lightweight for hours of use and has a huge focus wheel in reach.

Features:

• lightbulb-oYou get 10 times magnification with a 42mm objective lens diameter. For hunting and bird watching, the Endeavor will help you spot any animal out in the woods.
• lightbulb-oThe eyecups have a three-twist design and give you a long eye relief while the diopter ring locks.
• lightbulb-oThe advanced coating used on the lens helps you to see in low light conditions.
• lightbulb-oThe lens is fully multi-coated with Bak4 phase coating offering you visibility when needed the most.
• lightbulb-oThe device is water and fog proof to take on any hunting adventure.

When you look at the Vanguard Binoculars, you can see it is one fantastic piece of equipment. The biggest benefit is that you receive spectacular features such as the locking diopter.

Now you can adjust the focus to accommodate the differences between each of your eyes. Additionally, you get an outstanding lifetime warranty included.

Swarovski SLC Multipurpose Binoculars

Score: 5  Andrew Garfield

Do you need the best budget binocular to use for multiple things? You need the Swarovski SLC model with 10×42 viewing. Swarovski has optimized their system with a fluorite HD Glass. For bringing detail up close the ten times magnification is a winner.

You get a large field of view and durable bino with the magnesium chassis. The binos comfortable in hand and lightweight for observing objects for hours. You can use it in different weather conditions with the nitrogen-filled construction.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe Swarovski has a roof prism structure with phase-correction and nitrogen filled to use in any weather and lighting condition.
• lightbulb-oThe housing of the binoculars comprises magnesium alloy with rubber armor. You can take it anywhere and it will be in excellent shape even if it gets a knock.
• lightbulb-oFor ease of use and comfort, Swarovski included a field bag, lift carrying strap, eyepiece cover, and an objective lens cover.
• lightbulb-oFor viewing objects afar, you have a 16mm exit pupil distance with a field of view out to 330 yards.

Whatever your hunting needs are, you can achieve the best results using the Swarovski SLC. The package offers you a durable bino with outstanding accessories included. You even get an exceptional warranty included if anything happens to malfunction.

Zeiss Conquest HD Binocular

Score: 4.7  Andrew Garfield

For hunting, you need the best compact binoculars with a weightless design. This is what the Zeiss 10×42 bino offers you.

The binocular has a LotuTec Protective Coating that helps shed water off the device in the rain. The eyecups rotate and you can lock them in place for a comfortable use.

You can observe nature in its full glory with the high-definition lens system to see neutral colors. Images display razor-sharp with every detail. You even get a large field of view with the 10x magnifications and the 42mm objective lens.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe Zeiss has a lightweight and compact design. You can use it for hours in the field without it tiring you out. With the included strap, you can comfortably hang it around the neck.
• lightbulb-oTake the bino into the mountains in sun and rain with the LotuTec water shedding and nitrogen purged lenses.
• lightbulb-oThe eyecups rotate and lock in place for ease of use with eyeglasses and non-spectacle wearers.
• lightbulb-oEnjoy maximum color rendition with the HD lens system and see nature at its best in full color. 
• lightbulb-oWith the field of view at 1000 meters, you can see out to 115 meters to spot game from afar.

The Zeiss may be one of the best binoculars for birding but it serves its purpose in nature observation as well. You can take it with you hunting without tiring you out. Not only is the price attractive it is a perfect all-rounder to use anywhere.

Vortex Diamondback High Powered Binocular

Score: 4.9  Andrew Garfield

Do you need a workhorse to take with you on your hunting trip to view game near and far? Then you need the Vortex Diamondback with its fully multi-coated lenses.

You can use it from dusk to dawn to see animals clearer. With the wide field of view, you can scope the area to spot game. The sleek design with short hinge and rubber armor keeps the bino protected from harsh conditions.

For comfortable use, it has thumb indents with a non-slip grip. The eyecups you can use in multiple positions and with the eye diopter, you can adjust it for focal distances in the eye.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe Diamondback has a durable armor casing and argon purged. The advantage is that you can use it in the rain, as the lenses are water and fog proof.
• lightbulb-oThe bino has multi-position eyecups you can adjust for eye relief. Whether you wear eyeglasses or not the device has an eye diopter to get the right focal use.
• lightbulb-oThe lenses are multi-coated for viewing. You can see a deer in the distance clearer and brighter.
• lightbulb-oThe Diamondback has an 8×42 magnification and is perfect for any type of nature observation.

When it comes to quality, the Vortex Diamondback is a high-performance hunting optic. You will easily find your way around with this bino around your neck.

The price is affordable and it gives you a smooth focus on fine details. For detecting life in low lighting conditions, you will not be disappointed with these binoculars.

Vortex Razor HD Binoculars

Score: 4.9  Andrew Garfield

Here we have another Vortex hunting binocular the Razor to take with you on your hunting trip. When standing in the bush you will see animals in fantastic color with the high resolution.

The anti-reflective coating helps you to view objects in any level of brightness even in low lighting conditions. The binos lightweight and have a great design with indents for your hands. The exterior is durable and comfortable to grip.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe Razor has a high-density glass design. You can enjoy 8-x magnification through the 43mm objective lens to see objects in full color.
• lightbulb-oThe eyecups adjust in multiple positions. Whether you wear glasses or not the bino will serve you well. You can adjust a locking eye diopter for focal differences as well.
• lightbulb-oNothing comes more rugged built than the Razor with its argon purging. Now you can take it with you in the rain with the waterproof design.

Vortex has made sure that the Razor hunting binoculars offer you everything you need to pursue your game.

You receive a rainguard eyepiece cover, comfortable neck strap, a carry case, and an objective lens cover. What more can one asks for when looking for the best binoculars in 2018.

How Do You Adjust Your Binoculars Properly?

Are you having binocular focus problems? We are here to help you fine-tune your bino to achieve the best results by following these steps:

• 1Eyepiece Spacing: Hold your bino as you will do normal viewing and grasp the barrels firmly in hand. Now move them closer together or farther apart until you can see images from a single circular field of view. If you do have a hunting binocular with an IPD scale, make note of the setting.
• 2Eyecup Height: These days the adjustable eyecups a common feature on binoculars. If you are a non-glass wearer, the eyecups need to be in the up position while spectacle wearers need them to be in a down position. The good news is that you can set the eyecup height to accommodate your needs.
• 3Focusing the Lenses with Diopter Setting: Use a cover on the diopter side over the lens. Use the focus wheel without using the diopter setting and focus on a tree branch in the distance. Now uncover the diopter side lens, cover the opposite side, and view the same tree with your eye. Now use the diopter setting while focusing on the tree until the detail sharpens. You must be able to view it with both eyes. Make the proper adjustment and take note of the diopter scale setting for future references.

Its Challenging to choose a binoculars to get best results as we need. Read this guideline to know more about how to choose a binocular.

How Do You Align and Fix Double Vision in Your Binos?

Are your binoculars out of alignment and are you having double vision problems? There is a chance the prisms knocked out of collimation.

There is no need of stressing! However, the important thing is to make sure your bino is not under warranty. You can fix this by doing the following:

• Start by removing the rubber covering to expose the four adjustment screws and best to prevent them from stripping when using a screwdriver. By adjusting the screws, you can get the eyepieces parallel again.
• Look at the right side of the bino: If the number two screws turned clockwise the image of a star when viewing will move down and left – by rotating it counter clockwise it will move up and to the right. You can repeat this with the number one screw as well.
• By doing this you can move the image of the right star closer to the left one when viewing through the lenses to let them merge.
• checkTo complete the alignment to prevent eye fatigue you need to keep the bino locked on the star. Close your eyes for a couple of seconds and open them quickly. Look at the stars again and see if there is one or two pushing together. If they are pushing together, increase the adjustment and close your eyes again. When opening your eyes and the image of the stars merged, you know that the adjustments made.
• checkAlternatively, you can split the amount between the two halves of the bino. Here you need to adjust the right collimation so that it moves to the lower right image of the star moving it towards the left one. Now adjust the left one towards the right. This causes the de-collimation to divide between each half to minimize the image degradation.

Check out this article to learn more about fixing double vision of your binos. If you are still uncertain, you can view the YouTube video here:

How to Calibrate Binoculars

• 1View an object with your binoculars by standing 30 feet away.
• 2Now turn the center focusing wheel in a counterclockwise position as far as you can.
• 3Look on the right side of the eyepiece for the diopter adjustment ring marked with a -0+ – turn the ring counterclockwise as far as you can.
• 4Take the bino, point it at the object, and look through it with both eyes. Now cover the diopter ringside lens with your hand. Now turn the focusing wheel until you see the object with a sharp focus.
• 5Now you need to calibrate the diopter side by covering the other lens and turn it until the image becomes clear.

This completes the calibration of the binos and you can tape the diopter ring in place to prevent it from shifting again.

Final Thoughts

So which binoculars should you buy? All of the binos on our top 10 hunting binoculars review in 2018 offer you fantastic features. Whether you are hunting or just want to observe nature in all its glory, each one can help you.

You receive complete packages designed for the keen sportsman to use. From the Vortex right through to the Zeiss has a fully waterproof and fog proof design with fully coated lenses.

You will be able to view images in high-definition under any lighting condition. For any hunter, these are the most important features. We thank you for reading the best binoculars 2018 review here and hope you find a suitable one to take with you on your next hunting trip.