If you’re planning on stargazing, birdwatching, and, yes, hunting, you’re going to need a good pair of binoculars. Get those plastic binoculars from your childhood playground out of your head. Real binoculars can cost you several hundred dollars depending on factors like build quality, weight, magnification, and purpose.
Some of the best hunting binoculars come with stabilization features. Think of DSLR cameras that digitally adjust images to make up for any movement of the physical camera but instead for re-aligning your vision. These premium features are packaged with night vision adjustable focuses, and anti-fogging technology.
Outside of the main specs, you have comfort and portability related upgrades such as compactness and eye-comfort. Binoculars go on your eyes and when they’re not there, they hang around your neck. A bit of comfort and lightness goes a long way.
With all that in mind, we’ve picked out some of the best binoculars for hunting that you can find online right now so you can get back out there as soon as 2023 starts.
TOP CHOICES
Best Bang for the Buck
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses.
- Scratch and dust resistant multi-coated lenses.
- Adjustable eyecups for accommodating glasses.
- Non-slip rubber surface.
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Best Budget Option
Celestron Nature DX Binoculars
- Great all-around binoculars for hunting, stargazing, and bird watching.
- Waterproof polycarbonate build.
- Limited Lifetime US Warranty and support.
- 8x magnification lenses.
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Best High End Option
Astra Optix Rangefinder Binoculars
- Ultra-fast ranging speeds for hunting, target shooting, and golfing.
- Accurate for up to 1,760 yards.
- Crisp and bright LCD displa
- Multiple viewing modes.
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1Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars
Best Bang for the Buck
The Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars are as straightforward as it gets when it comes to hunting binoculars. While the best binoculars for hunting have a ton more features, this pair focuses on the essentials.
The binoculars have multi-coated lenses that keep glare out of your eyes and prey right in your field of vision. The eyecups of these binoculars can also be adjusted to accommodate your glasses so that’s a win for our four-eyed hunters out there.
PROS
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses.
- Scratch and dust resistant multi-coated lenses.
- Adjustable eyecups for accommodating glasses.
- Non-slip rubber surface.
CONS
- Few additional extra features.
2Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
On the lower end of the pricing scale is the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars which have similar lens quality features but none of the cool bells and whistles we find on the previous pair of binoculars. These binoculars offer up to 10x magnification with their 42mm objective lenses which is just enough for general, all-around use.
The lenses are coated with a dielectric coating that makes images come through clearer and more vividly. There’s a second armortek coating to keep scratches off the lens.
As expected from a hunting binocular, this pair is fog resistant so you won’t have to worry about not being able to see a thing while you’re out hunting.
PROS
- Multiple binocular sizes to choose from.
- Fully multi-coated lenses that prevent scratches and dirt.
- Adjusts to your glasses.
- Fog-free construction that purges argon and water from the viewing areas.
CONS
- Horizontal field of vision is limited.
- Not many assistive features for newbie hunters.
3Bushnell H2O Xtreme
Bushnell is a known brand when it comes to producing some of the best binoculars for hunting and it’s the same story with the Bushnell H2O Xtreme. This pair of binoculars are meant for hunting and boating so you just know it’s meant to held up to a serious beating.
The Bushnell H2O Xtreme offer up to 10x magnification with a fairly compact 42mm objective lens. While that’s no obvious upgrade from the other binoculars on the list, it’s the build design of these binoculars that make it lighter and slimmer.
PROS
- Slip-free sides for a stable grip.
- Water-proof construction with an O-ring sealed optical design.
- Comes with a binocular strap case.
- Multi-purpose for both hunting and boating activities.
CONS
- Not a lot of bells and whistles.
4Celestron Nature DX Binoculars
Best Budget Option
The Celestron Nature DX Binoculars are just begging to go on an adventure with you. The detail level on these binoculars are easily leagues above what you would get with most budget options, especially at this price point. With 8x magnification and a 6.5 feet close focus, there’s really not a lot left to ask for at this price.
The binoculars are housed in polycarbonate so your gear wont rust or easily crack like it would with cheaper binoculars made of ABS or similar grade plastics. It comes with its own carrying case, lens caps, and straps as well as a manual for those of you out there who are getting these as they’re first binoculalrs.
PROS
- Great all-around binoculars for hunting, stargazing, and bird watching.
- Waterproof polycarbonate build.
- Limited Lifetime US Warranty and support.
- 8x magnification lenses.
CONS
- Limited size options.
5Astra Optix Rangefinder Binoculars
Best High End Option
The Astra Optix Rangefinder Binoculars are pretty pricey. While they aren’t the most expensive pair of hunting binoculars money can buy, they are on the more expensive end for this list. That said, it’s got features that none of the more basic options have such as multiple viewing modes that help you track game.
These binoculars come with technologies such as ballistics modes and scan modes that help you hone in on your target. Pretty nifty for when you’re trying to sight elk and deer.
With its high transmission LCD display, it’s one of our best binoculars for hunting this year. The display is crisp and clear, significantly better than most we’ve found at this price point, making it well worth the money.
PROS
- Ultra-fast ranging speeds for hunting, target shooting, and golfing.
- Accurate for up to 1,760 yards.
- Crisp and bright LCD display.
- Multiple viewing modes.
CONS
- Priciest option on the list.
