In any form of hunting, no matter the terrain, a good pair of binoculars is a must-have. It’s among the equipment you need to have with you to guarantee a successful hunt. Indeed, many hunting experts believe that having a good pair is as essential as having a weapon.
Why Use Binoculars for Hunting?
When it comes to big game sporting, one of the best tools a hunter can have with them is their optics. You’ll need them to look over large amounts of country in a short period. With them, you get to save your boot leather and ensure you remain non-intrusive to the animals.
So, why do you need to invest in quality binoculars?
Terrain Evaluation
For hunters who need to track animals over long distances, binoculars make it easy to look over the terrain. The observations they make, in turn, influence the decisions they make regarding the route to follow.
For example, you need to use your optics to determine at what point to cross a river. Knowing which valley pathway to take beforehand can save you a lot of time when tracking. It additionally reduces the need to keep backtracking because you took a wrong turn.
Big Game Spotting, Evaluation, and Identification
The primary use of binoculars is big game spotting. Hunters traditionally use them to scout the terrain in search of game. After spotting a potential target, they need these glasses to get a better view of the game.
Using these glasses, they are better placed to identify the target animal and determine its sex. In some cases, they can even use them to determine their ages before finally evaluating trophies.
Tips to Help You Choose the Right Set of Binoculars for Big Game Hunting
When it comes to selecting the optics for use in hunting, the requirements will differ from those used for other sets. For example, those used for sporting will have different features from the ones you would need for birding. The same holds true for general-use binoculars.
1. Magnification and Field View
There’s a common misconception among beginner hunters that the higher its magnification, the better the binoculars. This is not true. Having a large magnification will make it hard to keep the image you’re looking at still when using optics. What happens is that if the target makes any movement, it becomes even more magnified.
Another problem with large magnifications is that they significantly reduce your field of view. When you have a reduced field of view, it becomes challenging to spot the target game. This is particularly the case when attempting to scan large sections of terrain. Additionally, you may also experience some challenges keeping track of fast-moving targets.
Now that you know this, please note that your favored terrain can affect the magnification chosen. For example, individuals who favor forests and woods are better off with binoculars that have a low magnification. During selection, they should ensure that their glasses also have lots of light-gathering abilities.
High Powered Binoculars for Hunting
If you frequently hunt in the mountains, it means you need to spot game from long distances. This will call for an even larger magnification. For this, you may want to consider those that have 10x or 12x magnification. But as you shop, remember that having a low field of view will prove problematic when scanning expansive areas.
2. Stealth
When it comes to general use binos, stealth is not always a major point of consideration. The same holds for the everyday types of sporting. However, if you need to remain out of view during the hunt, you must invest in stealth hunting gear. And this will include buying quality optics.
- Camouflage: Many binoculars designed for hunters will have a model that has a camouflaged exterior. But a full camo may not be necessary, depending on your sporting preferences. If you can, make sure their exterior has a dull color.
- Noise Cushioning: It can become difficult to sport game if your gear is making noises. One way to minimize distinctive sound caused by hard metallic surfaces is to use an exterior rubber coating. If you’re to remain quiet during the hunt, noise cushioning is something you must consider.
3. Objective Lens Size
Many hunters prefer to go out in the early evening/late afternoon or early morning. This makes it crucial to consider the brightness and light-gathering ability of the binoculars. From a general point of view, the larger the lens, the better its performance in low-light areas. Additional factors that may impact the transfer of light to your eyes are prisms and lens coatings. The drawback to using large objective lenses is that they’ll make your binoculars heavier. It will also significantly impact their overall cost. Therefore, as with most things in life, you must find a way to compromise if you’re to get the best pair.
4. Eye Cups
Eye cups play a crucial role in providing eye relief. Their job is to provide distance between the eyes and the oculars. They also assist in keeping stray light away as you use the binoculars. Most of the eye cups you’ll encounter today are made from rubber. You have an option to roll them up or down during use to suit your needs.
Eye Shields
Serious game hunters should consider eye shields. In our opinion, the best design of eyecups is those that have shades/flaps on their sides. These shields play two roles: they prevent distraction from anything moving on the periphery and prevent light from entering the sides.
5. Binocular Durability and Design
Fog proof and waterproof are two features you may want to consider when shopping for a pair of binoculars. Spending time in the outdoors tracking and sporting game means you’ll encounter all types of weather conditions. So, consider buying waterproofed binoculars. Sealed glasses help prevent moisture, dust, and debris from making their way to the optics. Fog-proof glasses come filled with nitrogen or argon gas. These gases assist in inhibiting internal fogging, which may arise due to weather and temperature changes.
When shopping, be on the lookout for models that have a tough rubber exterior. You’ll need this to protect your binoculars from accidental knocks and drops.
6. Eye Relief
Eye relief is crucial for any hunter who wears eyeglasses. It refers to the distance behind your ocular lenses where the game is in focus. Therefore, hunters who wear glasses will be unable to get their eyes close to the lenses. This means they’ll need to have a longer eye relief capable of projecting the “game” beyond the ocular lens on their binoculars. The drawback to having this type of eye relief is that it will drastically lower your field of view. If you’re wondering whether you need to wear glasses when using binoculars, note that it all comes down to your issue. For example, if you’re far-sighted or near-sighted, you may not need to wear eyeglasses. However, if you have astigmatism, you’ll have no option but to wear them.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, your hunting terrain and budget will influence your choice of binoculars. While it may be challenging to find the right binoculars with the many choices out there, this buyer’s guide can help you narrow down your choices. Remember to consider the size of the objective lens, magnification, field of view, stealth capability, and eye relief when buying your next pair of binoculars.