Searching for the perfect pair of hunting binoculars that work well with eyeglasses can be a challenge. As an eyeglass wearer, you need binoculars that have enough eye relief to allow you to see the full field of view, even when wearing your glasses. You also want binoculars that are high-quality, durable, and specifically designed for hunting activities.
We’ve researched and reviewed the top options and found the 11 best hunting binoculars for eyeglass wearers for 2024. We focused on key factors like eye relief, magnification, objective lens size, durability, and special features useful for hunting.
Quick Comparison Table: The Top Hunting Binoculars for Eyeglass Wearers
| Binocular | Eye Relief | Magnification | Obj. Lens Size | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Diamondback HD | 16mm-17mm | 8x or 10x | 42mm or 56mm | Phase corrected roof prisms |
| Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars | 15mm | 8x or 10x | 42mm or 56mm | ED glass reduces chromatic aberration |
| Nikon MONARCH M7 Binocular | 19.5mm | 8x or 10x | 42mm | Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating |
| Leica Ultravid HD-Plus Binoculars | 15mm | 8x or 10x | 42mm or 50mm | AquaDura lens coating protects from water, dirt, dust |
| Swarovski EL Swarovision Binocular | 15mm+ | 8.5x or 10x | 42mm | Swarobright lens coating for bright, high-contrast images |
Popular Hunting Binoculars for Eyeglass Wearers Comparison Chart
| Price Range | Weight | Waterproof & Fog proof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Diamondback HD | $180-$350 | 21-24 oz | Yes |
| Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars | $230-$400 | 22-27 oz | Yes |
| Nikon MONARCH M7 Binocular | $350-$500 | 21 oz | Yes |
| Leica Ultravid HD-Plus Binoculars | $2,000+ | 27-31 oz | Yes |
| Swarovski EL Swarovision Binocular | $2,500+ | 29 oz | Yes |
Choosing Hunting Binoculars for Use with Eyeglasses
When selecting binoculars to use while wearing eyeglasses, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Eye Relief – This measures how far back the ocular lenses are positioned from the eyes. For eyeglass wearers, you’ll want at least 15-17mm of eye relief, but the more the better.
- Adjustable Eyecups – Binoculars with adjustable eyecups allow you to roll them up or down to get the perfect custom fit based on whether or not you’re wearing glasses.
- Objective Lens Size – Larger lenses (50mm or 56mm) collect more light for brighter images in dusk or dawn conditions common during hunting.
- Coatings and Prisms – Fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality prism glass improve light transmission and clarity of images. Phase corrected roof prisms provide sharper images.
Once you find binoculars suitable for eyeglass use, also be sure they meet your hunting-specific needs with magnification, durability, and other useful features for tracking game.
The 11 Best Hunting Binoculars for Eyeglass Wearers
Based on the eye relief, lens quality, magnification, and durability required by an eyeglass wearing hunter, below are the top 11 hunting binocular picks for 2024:
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
Key Features:
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down through 5 positions to get the perfect eye relief
- 16-17mm eye relief with multi-position eyecups is excellent for eyeglass wearers
- Phase corrected roof prisms for sharp, clear images
- Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission
- O-ring seals make them waterproof and fog proof
- Durable magnesium chassis withstands abuse in the field
- Smooth center knob adjustment for easy focusing
Available with 8x or 10x magnification and mid-size 42mm or large 56mm objective lenses, the Diamondback HD offers great quality at a very affordable price point. The 8×42 or 10×42 models are ideal for eyeglass wearers who prefer small, compact binoculars.
Price Range: $180 – $350
2. Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars
Key Features:
- 15mm of eye relief provides a comfortable full field of view
- ED glass reduces color fringing and chromatic aberration
- Hydrophobic lens coatings cause water to bead up and roll off lenses
- Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission for bright images
- 8x and 10x magnification options with 42mm or 56mm lenses
- Lightweight polycarbonate frame is durable and ergonomic
- Designed and developed in Germany
- Limited lifetime warranty
With high-end optics including ED glass, Zeiss Terra ED binoculars offer excellent optics and comfortable eye relief distance for eyeglass wearers. The mid-size 10×42 option is a top choice.
Price Range: $230 – $400
3. Nikon MONARCH M7 Binocular
Key Features:
- 19.5mm long eye relief allows eyeglass wearers to see entire field of view
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups adjust easily with multiple stops
- Dielectric high-reflective silver alloy mirror coatings on roof prisms provide brighter images
- Fully multicoated eco-glass lenses are lead and arsenic free
- Waterproof and fog proof with durable polycarbonate housing
- Available in 8x and 10x magnifications, 42mm and 50mm objective lenses
- Weighs just over 1 pound
With almost 20mm of comfortable eye relief distance in a compact frame, Nikon MONARCH M7 binoculars are designed specifically with eyeglass wearers in mind.
Price Range: $350 – $500
4. Leica Ultravid HD-Plus Binoculars
Key Features:
- 15mm of eye relief leaves plenty of room for eyeglasses
- Open bridge design allows easy grip and handling
- AquaDura lens coating repels water, dirt, dust
- 8x and 10x magnification with 42mm or 50mm objective lens options
- High-end apochromatic lenses correct color across field of view
- Generous 10 year warranty
If budget allows, Leica Ultravid HD-Plus binoculars offer incredible optics and special coatings ideal for hunting in wet environments – just expect to pay over $2,000 even for the mid-size 8×42 option. For eyeglass wearers seeking top of the line optics with long eye relief, the Ultravid HD-Plus delivers.
Price Range: $2,000+
5. Swarovski EL Swarovision Binocular
Key Features:
- 15-22mm adjustable eye relief for easy adjustment with eyeglasses
- Open bridge design allows comfortable grip
- Swarobright lens coatings for optimum light transmission and clarity
- Swarovision precision optics made in Austria since 1949
- Magnesium housing filled with nitrogen gas, waterproof to 16 feet
- Limited lifetime warranty
The gold standard Swarovski EL binocular offers fluoride containing HD lenses for maximum color and contrast even in low light hunting conditions. Expect to pay over $2500 for the mid-size 42mm variants, but it’s worth it for eyeglass users seeking the absolute best optics and generous eye relief distance.
Price Range: $2,500+
6. Steiner Predator Pro Binoculars
Key Features:
- 18mm eye relief keeps full field of view visible with glasses
- Sports Auto Focus system for fast image adjustment from 20 yards to infinity
- 8x or 10x magnification with 56mm lenses work great in low light
- Makrolon housing is durable, nitrogen filled to prevent internal fogging
- External lens surfaces coated with silicone for fast, easy cleaning in the field
- Weigh under 2 pounds
With innovative features like Sports Auto Focus and generous eye relief distance, Steiner Predator Pro binoculars cater nicely to eyeglass wearing hunters. The 8×56 model offers wide fields of view and excellent low light capabilities.
Price Range: $900 – $1700
7. Athlon Optics Midas II ED Binocular
Key Features:
- 17mm eye relief gives eyeglass wearers complete field of view
- Extra low dispersion (ED) glass enhances resolution, color, and contrast
- Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission
- XPL lens coating repels oils, dirt, scratches
- Argon purged to prevent internal fogging
- Lightweight magnesium frame
- 8x magnification with 42mm or 56mm lens options
Athlon Optics Midas II ED binoculars offer quite impressive optics and eye relief for their reasonable price point. The open bridge design also allows for easy handling while wearing eyeglasses.
Price Range: $500 – $800
8. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular
Key Features:
- 15mm of eye relief accommodates eyeglass wearers
- ED Prime extra-low dispersion glass delivers HD clarity and color
- RainGuard HD water-repellant lens coating causes water to bead and scatter less light
- O-ring seals create waterproof and fog proof housing
- Lightweight magnesium alloy chassis
- 10x magnification with 42mm lenses
Though priced lower than similar models with ED glass, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD manages to deliver quality HD image quality with long eye relief suitable for glasses wearers. An excellent value option to consider.
Price Range: $250 – $500
9. Carson Venturer HD Binoculars
Key Features:
- 17mm of eye relief provides full field of view for glasses wearers
- Phase coated roof prisms and anti-reflective coatings deliver bright, clear images
- Textured rubber provides secure grip in wet weather hunting
- O-ring seals make binoculars waterproof and fog proof
- Close focus down to 6 feet for viewing nearby game
- 10x magnification with 42mm or 50mm lens options
Carson specializes in optics for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. With an affordable price below $200 in the mid-size range, Venturer HD binoculars offer quality HD optics paired with generous 17mm eye relief – ideal for eyeglass wearers on a budget.
Price Range: Under $200
10. Upland Optics Perception HD Hunting Binoculars
Key Features:
- Designed specifically for eyeglass wearers with extra long 20mm relief
- Open bridge for easy handling with large accessory knob for gloved use
- ED glass lens eliminates color distortion
- 10x magnification for detail at longer ranges common in open country hunting
- Shockproof internal floating prism design
- Nitrogen purged, waterproof and fog proof
This newcomer hunting optics company offers the Upland Optics Perception specifically tailored for eyeglass wearers needing extra long 20mm of eye relief and lighter frame for packing deep into hunting areas. Though pricey for a newer brand, the quality stands right up against premium European optics.
Price: $600 – $800
11. Wingspan Optics WideViews HD Binoculars
Key Features:
- Budget priced under $100 for the 8×42 model
- 14mm of eye relief accommodates glasses
- Wide field of view – 419 ft field of view at 1000 yards
- Phase corrected roof prisms for sharp images
- Lightweight design – just over 18 oz
- Fully multi-coated lenses for brightness and clarity
- Waterproof & fog proof
Need binoculars on a tight budget? Wingspan Optics WideViews manage to deliver impressive light transmission and image quality for less than $100. With a decent 14mm of eye relief, they work reasonably well for eyeglass wearers needing an affordable second pair of binoculars to keep handy.
Price Range: Under $100
How to Adjust Binoculars Properly to Work With Eyeglasses
Getting the right fit is key to maximizing the viewing experience when using binoculars with eyeglasses. Here are some tips:
- Start by setting IPD – first adjust binocular barrels further apart or closer together to line up with your interpupillary distance so images fuse properly into one circular view without blackouts.
- Next, play around with adjustable eyecup positions. Twist fully extended out for maximum eye relief without glasses. Twist fully in if not wearing glasses. Find right in-between setting for using glasses.
- When wearing eyeglasses, you’ll likely need to tilt binoculars slightly forward so eyepieces line up with angle of eyeglass lenses over your eyes.
- Use neck strap and brace elbows into ribs for added stability if needed. Practice adjusting focus wheel quickly for scanning across terrain and tracking moving animals.
- Over several uses, you’ll find your customized eyecup and IPD settings allowing you to raise binoculars to eyes with glasses and instantly achieve perfect viewing conditions.
Top Tips for Hunting with Binoculars and Eyeglasses
Hunting while wearing prescription glasses comes with some unique challenges that impact using and caring for binoculars. Keep these tips in mind:
- Headstrap Mount: Using a headstrap mount allows you to keep binoculars stable for viewing longer term to scan terrain or track prey over distances without arms tiring. Great option for eyeglass wearers.
- Neck strap or harness: Don’t forget your neck strap. Dropping binoculars could lead to a disastrous hard fall or damage to optics. Harnesses provide even more security during active pursuits.
- Rain guard/Lens caps: Ensure your binoculars include protective lens covers and caps to protect the ocular and objective lenses when not viewing. Clip on rain guards keep precipitation from contacting lenses directly (a must during wet early morning hunts).
- Fog prevention: Look for hunting binoculars designed specifically to prevent internal fogging even with major temperature gradients. Things like O-ring seals, nitrogen or argon purging, and waterproofing ensure no issues with fog steaming up your glasses or binos.
- Cleaning: Don’t use your shirttail to clean lenses! Microfiber cloths, lens tissue, caps, etc allow safe cleaning of binos and glasses without adding scratches, smudges, or oils. Some lens coatings also make cleaning easier in wet dirty conditions.
With high quality hunting binoculars made for eyeglass wearers, you can enjoy hours of comfortable viewing on the hunt tracking prey and observing wildlife up close and personal. Follow our top recommendations and usage tips to make your next binocular purchase the perfect fit.
