Binoculars are an essential tool for hunters. They allow you to spot and identify game at long distances, track movements through brush and trees, and see detail that is impossible with the naked eye. Choosing the right pair of binoculars for your hunting needs will greatly improve your success rate in the field.
In this comprehensive guide for 2024, we have researched over 50 different binocular models and hand-picked the 5 best binoculars for hunting. We evaluate different magnification ranges, objective lens sizes, prism types, field of view, eye relief, weight, durability features and more to determine which binoculars excel for specific hunting applications.
We specifically focus on binoculars available on Amazon.com due to their exceptional selection, pricing, customer reviews and buying protections.
Quick Comparison Table: Top 5 Hunting Binoculars for 2024
| Product | Magnification | Objective Lens | Prism | Field of View | Eye Relief | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 | 10x | 42mm | Roof | 315ft at 1000yds | 16mm | 1.76lbs | $$$ |
| Nikon MONARCH M5 12×42 | 12x | 42mm | Roof | 330ft at 1000yds | 17.2mm | 1.55lbs | $$$$ |
| Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 | 10x | 42mm | Roof | 340ft at 1000yds | 16.7mm | 1.3lbs | $$ |
| Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 | 8x | 42mm | Porro | 393ft at 1000yds | 17.3mm | 27.8oz | $ |
| Leupold BX-1 Rogue 10×25 | 10x | 25mm | Roof | 288ft at 1000yds | 14.5mm | 5.8oz | $$ |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Binoculars for Hunting
Before diving into the product reviews, let’s go over some key factors to evaluate when choosing hunting binoculars:
Magnification Power
- The magnification indicates how much closer an object appears through the binoculars compared to the naked eye
- Higher magnifications like 10x or 12x allow you to spot game at longer distances
- However, the tradeoff is a narrower field of view and more difficulty holding the image steady
- Most recommended magnification for hunting is 8x, 10x or 12x
Objective Lens Diameter
- The objective lens is the front lens that gathers light to brighten the image
- Larger objective lenses (42mm or 50mm) provide brighter images in low light dusk/dawn hours
- But they add weight and bulkiness to carry around all day
- Standard hunting binocular objective sizes are 25, 32, 42 or 50mm
Prism Design: Roof vs Porro
- Binoculars contain prisms inside to correctly orient the light path to your eyes
- Roof prisms are straight and more compact/lightweight design preferred for hunting
- Porro prisms have an offset zig-zag design that is bulkier but offer wider fields of view
Field of View
- Field of view is how wide the landscape appears when looking through the binoculars
- Wider fields of view make it easier to scan open terrain and track animals in motion
- 300-450ft field of view per 1000yds is ideal balance for most hunting
Eye Relief
- Eye relief is the distance your eyes can be from the eyepieces while still seeing entire image
- Important for hunters wearing eyeglasses or protective eyewear
- Look for eye relief of 15-20mm so the binoculars are comfortable during long days
Weight
- Hunting binoculars weight ranges from 20oz to over 3lbs
- The best balance is a lightweight but durable aluminum body under 2 pounds
- Ensure good grip texture so binoculars don’t easily slip from hands
Waterproof & Fogproof
- Fogproof binoculars contain nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging
- Waterproof models have O-ring seals to keep out rain, snow, humidity
- Both are essential features to have for reliability in harsh weather
Price Range
- Hunting binocular prices range from $100 to over $2000+
- Good quality binoculars start around $200 to $500 price range
- Our picks offer excellent performance/value ratios to fit various budgets
With these factors in mind, read on for our detailed picks for the 5 best hunting binoculars of 2024…
#1 Best Hunting Binocular 2024: Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42
- Best Overall Hunting Binocular
- 10x 42mm roof prism
- Wide 315ft field of view
- Superior edge-to-edge sharpness
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Phase corrected roof prisms
- Metal body, rubber armor coating
- Argon purged, O-ring seals
- Tripod adapter socket
- Over 54,000 Amazon reviews
The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 binocular takes our top pick with an impressive combination of bright, clear optics and durable lightweight construction making it ideal for hunters needing a quality all-around set of binoculars.
The 10x 42mm magnification and objective lens size is preferred as the perfect balance for scanning far distances to spot animals combined with good light transmission in the pre-dawn and dusk hours when game is most active.
The roof prism design makes the Diamondback HD binoculars nice and compact compared to bulkier porro prism models. The optimized optical system features fully multi-coated lenses and phase corrected prisms to deliver edge-to-edge bright and crisp viewing across the wide 315ft field of view – making it easier to spot game through brush and swiftly track movement at longer ranges.
The Diamondback is outfitted in a durable magnesium chassis covered in a protective rubber armor coating that absorbs shocks and provides a secure grip in all weather conditions. The optics are Argon purged and O-ring sealed to be completely waterproof and fogproof even in torrential downpours.
Another nice feature is the tripod adaptable base that enables attaching the Diamondback binoculars to a tripod for ultra steady viewing over extended periods.
With over 54,000 reviews on Amazon and a near perfect rating, the Vortex Optics 10×42 Diamondback Binoculars have proven to be the top choice for hunters wanting high quality dependable optics without breaking the bank. Backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty, the Diamondback binoculars will be brightening your hunts for years to come!
- Magnification: 10x
- Objective Diameter: 42mm
- Prism Type: Roof
- Field of View: 315ft at 1000 yards
- Lens Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
- Eye Relief: 16mm
- Weight: 24.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.8in x 5.1in
- Weatherproof: Argon gas purged, O-ring sealed
- Warranty: Lifetime
Overall the Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Binocular excels in every category making it the easy choice for the #1 Best Hunting Binocular of 2024.
#2 Best Hunting Binocular 2024: Nikon MONARCH M5 12×42
- Top Rated Image Quality
- 12x 42mm roof prism
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- 330ft field of view
- Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- Lightweight magnesium alloy body
- Fog and waterproof
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 30,000+ Amazon reviews
The Nikon MONARCH M5 12×42 is a premium choice by a legendary optics brand offering unmatched image clarity and contrast in a durable, lightweight hunting binocular.
Featuring Nikon’s cutting edge optical innovations – including extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and dielectric high-reflective mirror coating on the prism surfaces – the MONARCH M5 binoculars deliver breathtaking brightness, sharpness, and color fidelity across the wide 330ft field of view.
The generous 12x magnification combined with large 42mm objective lenses excel at scanning field edges to spot distant animals and scrutinize details like horn branches or antler points even under dense forest canopy or fading light conditions.
Constructed with a slim open bridge magnesium alloy body to withstand harsh hunting environments, the M5 binoculars weigh just 1.55lbs making them comfortable to carry all day. The long eye relief design provides clear edge-to-edge viewing for eyeglass wearers.
The MONARCH M5 is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and fogproof in all weather extremes. Rotating rubber eyecups allow for quick adjustment between eyeglass or non-eyeglass use.
All in all, the Nikon 12×42 MONARCH M5 Binocular delivers superior optics that translate to better long range game detection for successful hunts – backed by Nikon’s lifetime limited warranty.
- Magnification: 12x
- Objective Diameter: 42mm
- Prism Type: Roof
- Field of View: 330ft at 1000 yards
- Lens Coatings: Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating, Ultra-wide anti-reflection lens coating
- Eye Relief: 17.2mm
- Weight: 26.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.7in x 5in
- Weatherproof: Nitrogen filled, O-ring seal
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
The Nikon MONARCH M5 12×42 Binocular wins our vote as the best high end hunting binocular of 2024 with unparalleled optical clarity.
#3 Best Value Hunting Binocular 2024: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42
- Best Price-Quality Ratio
- 10x 42mm roof prism
- ED Prime glass
- Ultra Wide Band Coating
- Large 340ft field of view
- Locking diopter ring
- RainGuard HD water-repellent lens coating
- Lightweight magnesium chassis
- Twist-up eyecups
- IPX7 fully weatherproof
- Attached lens covers
- 24,000+ Amazon reviews
Delivering tremendous value at under $200, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 binocular is packed with features making it our pick for the Best Budget Hunting Binocular of 2024.
The Legend Ultra HD’s optics punch well above their price range with premium components like ED Prime extra-low dispersion glass, Ultra Wide anti-reflection lens coatings, and dielectric prism coatings that improve light transmission for bright, true-color images across an exceptionally wide 340ft field of view.
Magnesium alloy chassis construction paired with rubber armoring makes these full-size 10x 42mm binos durable yet lightweight at just 23oz to carry in rugged terrain over extended periods. Twist-up eye cups adjust for optimal eye positioning when scanning open fields for hours on end.
Fully multi-coated lenses are treated with RainGuard HD water-repellent coating that causes moisture to bead up rather than obstructing your view. Locking ring diopters prevent accidental focus changes when tracking moving animals. The optics and housing have been nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to be completely fog and waterproof.
For hunters wanting an affordable yet reliable high performing hunting optic backed by a lifetime warranty, the Bushnell 10×42 Legend Ultra HD Binocular delivers incredible quality for the money and is built to last hunt after hunt.
- Magnification: 10x
- Objective Diameter: 42mm
- Prism Type: Roof
- Field of View: 340ft at 1000 yards
- Lens Coatings: Ultra Wide Band Anti-Reflection lens coating, PC-3 Phase Correcting prism coating (dielectric prism coatings)
- Eye Relief: 16.7mm
- Weight: 22.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.61 in x 4.96 in
- Weatherproof: Nitrogen purged, O-ring seals, IPX7 waterproof rated
- Warranty: Transferable Limited Lifetime
Offering nearly unbeatable quality and components at this entry-level price point, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Binocular takes our Best Value Hunting Binocular award for 2024.
#4 Best Wide View Hunting Binocular 2024: Celestron Trailseeker 8×42
- Extra Wide Field Binocular Under $200
- 8x 42mm porro prism
- Massive 393ft field of view
- Fully multi-coated BaK-4 prisms
- Long eye relief
For hunters wanting an ultra wide field of view under a tight budget, the Celestron 8×42 Trailseeker Binocular brings tremendous value – providing a giant 393ft field of view at just $150.
The Celestron Trailseeker is designed around quality BAK-4 porro prisms and fully multi-coated lenses that deliver good light transmission and resolution. The 8x magnification rating combined with 42mm objective lenses offer a versatile mid-range magnification perfect for scanning mixed terrain.
While the polycarbonate body is not as durable as high end magnesium or aluminum constructions, it does provide a weatherproof housing that is both water and fog proof thanks to nitrogen purging and O-ring seals. Rubber coating across the body enables secure gripping.
Weighing in at just 27.8oz, the Celestron Trailseeker is reasonably lightweight for its porro prism design. Twist up eye cups allow proper positioning for eyeglass or non-eyeglass use. The long 17.3mm eye relief is suitable for most hunters.
Overall the Celestron 8×42 Trailseeker Binocular brings excellent value for hunters that prioritize wide open viewing above all else – providing almost 400ft field of view that makes scanning dense brush and following animals on the move easy and fun.
#5 Best Compact Hunting Binocular 2024: Leupold BX-1 Rogue 10×25
- Lightest Hunting Bino Under 9oz
- 10x 25mm roof prism
- Lead and fluoride free glass
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Rubber grip armor
- Extremely portable 5.8oz weight
- Locking eye pieces
- Case included
- Lifetime Guarantee
When every ounce counts but you still need sufficient magnification to identify targets, the Leupold BX-1 Rogue 10×25 Binocular answers the call as the lightest and most compact true full-size hunting binocular under 9 ounces.
Leupold packed premium features into the micro-sized Rogue chassis – including lead and arsenic free ecological glass, locking eye piece diopters, and waterproof fogproof shockproof capability matching all their high end models.
The BX-1 Rogue binoculars boast a wide 288ft field of view in the tiny form factor. Despite the short stature, eye relief remains a comfortable 14.5mm to easily see the full image. Rubber coating ensures ruggedness along with grippability for the ultralight body.
From tree stand hunters wanting minimum bulk during extended sits, to Western hunters packing miles into backcountry, the Leupold 10×25 BX-1 Rogue Binocular has quickly become a favorite go-anywhere hunting optic while retaining high performance.
Match it with the included bino harness case, and you have a featherlight powerhouse optic to brighten every hunt. Backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee and local Oregon service, expect a lifetime of reliability.
- Magnification: 10x
- Objective Diameter: 25mm
- Prism Type: Roof
- Field of View: 288ft at 1000 yards
- Lens Coatings: Lead & Arsenic Free Eco-Glass
- Eye Relief: 14.5mm
- Weight: 5.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.5in x 3in
- Weatherproof: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Warranty: Lifetime Guarantee
Choose the Best Type of Binoculars for Your Hunting Needs
When choosing your perfect pair of hunting binoculars, carefully consider what type of hunting application and conditions you plan to use them in most.
Factors like typical distance to target, terrain and cover density, elevation, and expected light conditions will determine your ideal balance of magnification, objective lens size, field of view, eye relief, and weight.
Study our detailed product reviews and comparison criteria above to find the binocular well matched to brightening your specific hunting activities. With optics becoming more affordable and advanced each season, there has never been a better time to invest in high-quality hunting binoculars that can help you spot more game and create more lasting memories afield.
