Quick Sections
Many optics companies are focused on growing their product lines instead of making big changes to the way binoculars are made. Instead, they are making new models with higher magnification, like 15-power, or versions that are smaller and have an objective lens size of about 32mm. In the meantime, they spend most of their time and money making and selling riflescopes and electro-optics, which combine traditional glass with lasers and computer software.
At our testing facility, we put binoculars through tough field conditions to see how well they work in real life. This includes putting them in dusty places on truck rides and testing how well they work in low light, when it’s hardest to spot game. Our goal is to give you honest reviews of each of these binoculars so that you can choose the ones that are best for you based on your needs and budget.
Best Hunting Binoculars Comparison Table
| Product | Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 | Nikon Aculon A211 10×50 | Vortex Razor UHD 10×50 | Maven B1.2 10×42 Binoculars | Carson 3D 10×42 Mossy Oak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Diamondback HD | Aculon A211 | Razor UHD | B1.2 | 3D |
| Magnification | 10x | 10x | 10x | 10x | 10x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42mm | 50mm | 50mm | 42mm | 42mm |
| Lens Coating | Fully multi-coated | Multi-coated | Ultra High Definition | Multi-coated | Fully multi-coated |
| Field of View | 330 ft/1000 yds | 342 ft/1000 yds | 278 ft/1000 yds | 341 ft/1000 yds | 314 ft/1000 yds |
| Close Focus Distance | 5 ft | 23 ft | 10 ft | 8.2 ft | 9.8 ft |
| Weight | 21.8 oz | 33.8 oz | 32.2 oz | 26.5 oz | 1.4 lbs |
| Water/Fogproof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Adaptable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
1. Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42mm |
| Field of View | 330 feet/1000 yards |
| Eye Relief | 15mm |
| Close Focus Distance | 6 feet |
| Weight | 21.8 ounces |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Fogproof | Yes |
No matter how long you’ve been out in the field or how much you know about it, these Vortex binoculars will work for you. Some great features include a protective ArmorTec layer on the lenses, HD lenses, and a weight of 21.3 ounces, which isn’t too heavy. Plus, the non-slip grip and simple design make it simple, durable, and useful. Taking everything into account, it should really cost more than what it does.
The Good
- High-definition optics make for a great picture.
- Wide field of view for an immersive viewing experience
- Close focus distance lets you see details of things close up.
The Bad
- Eye relief may not be enough for people who wear glasses.
- Compared to some other models, this one is a bit heavier.
2. Nikon Aculon A211 10×50
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 50mm |
| Field of View | 341 feet/1000 yards |
| Eye Relief | 11.8mm |
| Close Focus Distance | 23 feet |
| Weight | 31.7 ounces |
| Waterproof | No |
| Fogproof | Yes |
You need to know three important things about this Aculon. First, it was the sharpest of all the binoculars here. It was amazing that it could see details just as well as my best $1,000 binoculars. Second, it doesn’t keep water out. Even though I sprayed water on it, its barrels filled up quickly with water when it was underwater. Third, it’s not very heavy, but it’s pretty big and thick.
All of this adds up to show that this is a truck scope. The build quality isn’t great, but the diopter adjustment is nice and stiff, which is what you want with a dial that doesn’t lock to keep it from changing on you by accident. The edges of the picture are distorted and blown out, but that won’t stop you from seeing fine details in the middle of the field.
The Good
- Large diameter of the objective lens for good ability to gather light
- Wide field of view for better sense of space
- Good eye relief for viewing comfort
The Bad
- Not waterproof, limiting its use in wet environments
- Compared to some other models, it’s pretty heavy.
3. VORTEX RAZOR UHD 10X50
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 50mm |
| Field of View | 362 feet/1000 yards |
| Eye Relief | 18mm |
| Close Focus Distance | 8 feet |
| Weight | 32.2 ounces |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Fogproof | Yes |
Even though Steve Rinella has a lot of glass, he doesn’t have a lot of different kinds of binoculars. Steve said, “The Vortex Razor UHD line has my favorite all-around binoculars.” “I do most of my shooting in the West and Alaska, where there is more open land, so I use 10×50 binoculars to get a little more magnification and field of view. I’d use their 8×42 binoculars to save some weight and space if I did most of my hunting east of the Mississippi. Either pick, though, will cover 99% of your needs for binoculars.”
The Good
- Ultra-high definition optics for clarity and sharpness that are unmatched
- With a wide field of view, you can see more.
- Long eye relief to make long viewing sessions more comfortable
The Bad
- Compared to some other models, this one is a bit heavier.
- Higher range of prices
4. Maven B1.2 10×42 Binoculars
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42mm |
| Field of View | 341 feet/1000 yards |
| Eye Relief | 16mm |
| Close Focus Distance | 6 feet |
| Weight | 29 ounces |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Fogproof | Yes |
Maven, a new company that makes hunting optics, just improved its top model, the B1. The new B1.2 is lighter and brighter and is one of the best all-around binoculars I’ve ever used. I used the B1.2s during Colorado’s archery elk season and found that their mix of clear optics and light weight made them perfect for the long distances and physical demands of hunting big game in the West.
When compared to middle-of-the-road choices, Japanese glass with high-end coatings gives you a bright, clear picture from edge to edge. Almost every external component in Maven can be changed to a different color or pattern through the customization tool. The result is a unique pair of binoculars that don’t look like they came from a factory. The magnesium body feels strong, but at just under 27 ounces, the B1.2 didn’t pull on my neck when I carried it in a chest strap, even when I hiked five miles or more every day.
The Good
- Excellent color accuracy and picture quality
- Wide field of view for an immersive viewing experience
- Eye relief that is comfortable for long-term use
The Bad
- Compared to some other models, it’s pretty heavy.
- The price may be higher than options for beginners.
5. Carson 3D 10×42 Mossy Oak
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| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42mm |
| Field of View | 314 feet/1000 yards |
| Eye Relief | 16mm |
| Close Focus Distance | 9.8 feet |
| Weight | 22.4 ounces |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Fogproof | Yes |
Make sure the rest of your gear is up to snuff if you’re going to wear camouflage to hide and hunt. Not everything about these Carson 3D glasses is about the mossy pattern, even though that’s a big plus. For good measure, they also have a waterproof and fog-proof design, a durable rubberized coating, and a neck strap and shoulder harness that are connected to make them easy to carry around.
The Good
- Mossy Oak camouflage pattern makes it easier to hide in the outdoors
- The design is small and light to make it easy to carry.
- The building is waterproof and doesn’t let fog in, so it works well in all kinds of weather.
The Bad
- Compared to some other models, the field of view is a little bit narrower.
- Close focus may not be the best way to see details of things close up.
FAQs
When choosing hunting binoculars, think about things like magnification power, the size of the objective lens, the field of view, the quality of the picture, how long they will last, and how comfortable they are. Choose binoculars with a higher magnification for long-range viewing and a larger objective lens size to gather more light in low-light situations. With a wide field of view, you can scan over a larger area. The quality of the image relies on how well the optics and lens coatings work. Also, choose binoculars that are tough and waterproof so they can handle the harsh conditions of the outdoors. Make sure they are easy to hold and use for long amounts of time.
What’s the best magnification for hunting binoculars? That relies on what you hunt. 8x or 10x magnification is often suggested for general hunting because it gives you a good mix between image stability and field of view. Higher magnifications, like 12x or 15x, are good for long-range observations, but they can be harder to hold straight without a tripod and have a narrower field of view.
