Hunting Gear

Binoculars today are much more efficient than those used in the past. Bulky binoculars with vision that does not last past sundown are nearly obsolete. The optics used nowadays have the ability to collect light in complete darkness, which is very convenient for the adept bowhunter. Regardless of the animal or the landscape, a good pair of binoculars is a key asset for catching prey.

Key Aspects to Look for When Purchasing Binoculars for Bowhunting

Before trying to identify the best binoculars for bowhunting, take the time to know exactly what qualities you are looking for. Here are some of the key aspects to consider before purchasing binoculars for bowhunting.

Amplification

Binoculars are sold in three primary powers of amplification: 8x, 10x, and 12x. The amplification indicates how magnified the target will appear to your eyes.

• Lower magnification (7x or 8x) provides a larger view and heat waves are less noticeable, which means the view will be clearer in warmer temperatures. Naturally, a more high-powered pair of binoculars will provide better detail.
• Medium (and sometimes lower) powered binoculars can be useful if you often experience headaches and weary eyes during long periods of glassing.
• High powered bowhunting binoculars offer superior zooming ability at longer ranges to determine tines or the animal’s sex. However, these binoculars often have a restricted field-of-view (FOV), making them less practical for glassing unidentified animals. However, if you have already identified the animal’s location, and there is no need for “spotting,” higher magnification binoculars are ideal to reflect finer details.

Objective Dimension

In addition to amplification, it is important to consider the binocular’s objective dimensions. Objective dimensions are represent the diameter of the back of the lens. For example, if you have a pair of binoculars that are 10×50, the first number indicates the amplification and the second number indicates the objective dimensions. A larger objective dimension number means the lens is wider, which allows more light to pass through, and enhances vision as dawn and dusk, or in any situation where light is limited. However, a larger objective dimension will likely be heavier than smaller sizes that don’t collect as much light.

Price

The prices of bowhunting binoculars can vary widely. Some cost as low as $29.00 while  others can cost beyond $3000. It all comes down to your specific binocular needs. As a rule-of-thumb, the more pricey the binoculars, the better the lens. Pricier binoculars will also likely have enhanced clarity and light gathering features. That being said, by prioritizing your needs and evaluating the trade-offs, there’s no need to raid your savings in order to purchase a good pair of binoculars. Consider also the warranty provided by the manufacturer. Some companies offer an unconditional lifetime warranty, which is most likely the best option available, and should be factored in to the total price you are willing to pay for the product.

Secondary Aspects to Consider When Purchasing Binoculars for Bowhunting

Field of View (FOV)

There is no set guidelines for selecting the “correct” field of view (FOV). If you plan to use your binoculars in broad open spaces, high FOV will be beneficial. However, if you are more focused on finding game that moves quickly, a high FOV is not required.

Prism Category

Hunting binoculars come in two key “prism” categories: porro prisms and roof prisms. The main difference between the two is that porro prisms are usually larger and heavier as they require a larger model to reflect the light several times, while roof prisms are usually lighter, with a sleeker design. As a result, roof prisms are typically deemed more practical, and porro prisms tend to be more affordable.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is a key consideration if you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses. Eye relief determines the distance you can hold your binoculars from your eyes while maintaining the full image in focus. If you are a bowhunter who wears eyeglasses, a minimum of 14 to 15 mm will likely be the best fit.

Focus Style

Binoculars come equipped either with a center focus, or a separate eyepiece focus. The separate eyepiece is helpful for medium to long distance use. Additionally, if your target is more than 30- 40 yards away, binoculars with a separate eyepiece require zero focusing on your part. There are also no exterior parts, which makes them more resistant to dampness and wear-and-tear. Center focus binoculars work best for targets that are not more than 30 yards away.

Dimensions

Even for the most experienced bowhunters, full-sized binoculars can feel quite heavy. The type and quantity of glass used to execute the binocular design adds significant weight to the product, which can be especially burdensome while hiking. If you plan to be wearing your binoculars around your neck for long treks, be sure to consider that a lighter, 30 mm objective design may be easier on your back and neck.

Water Resistance and Rubber Coating

Rubber coating is a key feature for bowhunting binoculars as it makes it easier to grip the binoculars during damp weather and provides greater durability. Water resistance or waterproofing are also important factors to consider, along with resistance to soil, dust, and other weather conditions. Additionally, a sealant can keep binoculars from fogging up or leaking.

Accessories

From time to time, manufacturers will include a decent set of accessories to come along with binoculars, usually a case, strap, and body harness.  Out of these three, the case is probably the most important as it protects against abrasions and damage during transport, and provides additional protection for binoculars that are not rubber coated or waterproofed.

Six of the Best Binoculars for Bowhunting

Below are six of the top binoculars for bowhunting, in no particular order. Keep in mind that the origin of manufacturing is crucial not only to ensure quality, but also to know that there is a local branch near you, should any problems arise. The quality of the manufacturer can hint towards the quality of warranty and after-sale service. If you are planning to make worthy investment on your binoculars, companies with a good product and reputation should be given preference.

Prices are categorized by lower-range (under $300), middle-range ($300-$599), and higher-end binoculars ($600 and up).

1. Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×42

This superior binocular is one of the best on the market and comes equipped with a myriad of features, including an O-ring that seals against moisture (fog), water, and dust. The Vortex Optics Viper HD has a multi-coated design that provides superior image quality due to its highly dense and extremely low-level dispersion glass. With a high user rating, this state-of-the-art binocular is for the serious bowhunter. The rubberized structure and custom grip is unparalleled in other models. The Vortex Optics comes with a variety of accessories as well. Some bowhunters may find this model a bit heavy, but not uncomfortably so. In addition, the FOV (field of view) is smaller compared to other higher-end models.

Features:

• Durability
• HD low dispersion glass
• Multi-coated lens offers sharp details with supreme hues and clarity

Price: Higher-end

2. Upland Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Binoculars

Upland Optics Perception HD is a more reasonably priced choice among the highly rated binoculars for bowhunters. With a 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, this multi-textured binocular is a moderately priced option for more casual bowhunters. Buyers of the Perception HD found the product a superior optic purchase with quality imagery and lucidity. On the whole, this model has great value for the money.

Features:

• Enhanced magnesium chassis
• Dielectric coating and multi-coating enhancing color, images, and light transference
• Moisture, fog, debris, and dust protection
• Small hinge for easier management

Price: Medium-range

3. 40049 Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B Ballistic Range Finder Binocular

Listed as one of the best-selling binocular models around the world, this 40049 Leica 10×42 is unmatched when it comes to superior quality. The Leica brand has a pristine reputation not only for producing amazing binoculars, but for producing some of the top-rated microscopes and cameras on the market today. This binocular model has all the features you are looking for as an experienced bowhunter. Probably the biggest disadvantage to this model is the high-end price. Nevertheless, it’s filled with up-to-the-minute ballistic properties, a barometer, thermometer, and inclinometer. This binocular design is worth saving up for.

Features:

• Water and fog proof
• Nitrogen filled
• Advanced technology for effortless hunting

Price: High-end

4. Leupold Rogue Binoculars

This top-quality binocular offers more than sufficient attributes on the lower-end cost spectrum. The Leupold Rogue Binoculars offers bountiful eye relief and a large knob for focusing on prey.

Features:

• Generous eye relief
• Waterproof
• Porro prisms and multi-coated lens
• Great price

Price: Lower-end

5. Swarovski Swarovision 10×42

The Swarovski EL Swarovision is one of, if not the most, elegant and sophisticated pair of binoculars on the market today. They are the Rolls-Royce of binoculars with a hefty price tag to match! A top-quality protective cover and amazing lens with additional top-of-the-line attributes place this pair of binoculars at the top of the market. You will see what you’ve been missing once you look through the lens of this superior product. It will be hard to find a better pair of binoculars for hunting to compete in form, texture, size, lavishness, and overall sleekness. The Swarovski Swarovision 10×42 is a bit heavier than less costly hunting models, but its to be expected when purchasing higher-end binocular designs.

Features:

• Field view of 336 ft at 1000 yds
• Crystal clear images
• Three different types of coatings: Swarobright, Swarodur, and Swarotop
• Outside lenses coated with Swaroclean guaranteeing incredibly easy cleaning

Price: High-end

6. Vortex Talon HD 10×42 Binocular

The medium-range Vortex Talon HD binocular is reasonably priced for the included attributes. With extra low dispersion-glass and HD, this set of binoculars is both lucid and damage resistant. What’s more, a view of nearly 350 ft at 1000 yds is exceptional and rare for a 10 power, 42mm objective binocular irrespective of the price. Vortex cleverly designed this mid-priced quality product with features comparable to higher-priced, European models.

Features:

• High Density ED Glass
• Waterproof and Fog proof
• Phase Corrected

Price: Middle-range

Conclusion

Finding the ideal binoculars for bowhunting will require time and effort. You will need to consider particular qualities like eye relief, FOV, focus type, and more. Nevertheless, if you know what you want, you will find your perfect pair of binoculars with a bit of patience. By doing your research, you will be a happy hunter with the perfect bowhunting binoculars to help capture your game!

A rangefinder could be a useful tool for your next hunting trip. As there are many options on the market, each with their own set of pros and cons, it can be tricky to identify what’s best for your needs. Keep in mind, not all rangefinders were created equal.

It is always beneficial to make an informed decision; in this post, we will review rangefinder basics, and what to consider when buying one of your own.

What is a Rangefinder?

Rangefinders operate as a type of monocular fit with a laser that can be pinpointed onto a target. Rangefinders measure the time it takes for the laser to reach the object and return, which allows the hunter to judge the distance between himself and the target.

As you can imagine, this means rangefinders aren’t very efficient in foggy conditions, or in situations where the target isn’t very reflective. Every laser rangefinder features a target reticule, which helps you pinpoint the target.

Some rangefinders use LCD displays that superimpose black lines over the target. Although helpful, it will be a bit harder to distinguish between objects in low light conditions.

Other rangefinders use LEDs to supplement vision. While most LEDs are adjustable, they tend to get washed out in very light conditions making them nearly useless. Using an LED rangefinder can also really hamper your night vision if your eyes have adjusted to low light conditions.

Basic Considerations

It’s important to keep the obstruction of view in mind, as it will carry over to anything else that appears on the screen. An LCD display with a backlight will allow you to hunt in all light conditions.

The size and weight of all your equipment will have a big impact on your hunting experience. It’s vital to bring enough to be adequately prepared, but too much weight can wear you out, and make you less agile. This means a lightweight and compact rangefinder is likely the best choice.

Priority Modes

Rangefinders are typically either set to be in first priority mode or second priority mode.

First priority mode is commonly used for golfers, as it finds the first object in sight and disregards farther objects. This is ideal for an open area (like a golf course) where the unobstructed view allows you to flag the target with pinpoint accuracy.

Second priority mode, on the other hand, is better for hunting, as it disregards closer objects to range more distant ones. This means that any foliage that lies between you and the quarry will be ignored, and the rangefinder will focus on the target instead.

There are rangefinders on the market that allow you to switch between the two modes, utilizing each of them at the appropriate time.

Rangefinders are usually marketed to highlight the maximum distance they reliably range a target. Keep in mind, though, that this distance is often only obtainable under perfectly optimal conditions. Take some advertisements with a grain of salt.

It’s also important to consider how waves from the sun, glare off of snow, and air pollution could all contribute to your rangefinder being impaired. Consequently, a game animal can typically only be successfully ranged at one third or one half of the distance that was advertised for the rangefinder.

Some models of laser rangefinders come equipped with magnification capability, which means they effectively function in the same way as a common set of binoculars. It’s important to note, however, that this doesn’t extend the potential range of the rangefinder. This feature only works to magnify small objects in order to make the ranging process feel a bit more streamlined.Since magnification won’t work if your lens is cloudy or foggy, companies often also offer updated lenses to enhance the ranging experience.

In addition to first priority or second priority mode, rangefinders also come in either horizontal mode or scan mode.

Horizontal mode is useful in mountainous regions. This feature uses trigonometry to factor in elevation changes when ranging so you can range uphill or downhill.

Scan mode allows the hunter to “scan” back and forth over a ranging area in order to look for multiple targets at the same time.

With these rangefinder basics in mind, we are going to take a look at a few rangefinder options and evaluate pros and cons to help you make a more informed purchase.

SIMMONS RANGEFINDER VOLT 600

The Simmons Volt 600 uses an LCD display that can range between 10 and 600 yards. In much the same way as their rifle scopes, Simmons uses state-of-the-art technology to get the job done.

This option is totally weather proof, making it durable and useful in any conditions. The simple design doesn’t have as much advanced technology in its components, but as a result, is reasonably priced.

NIKON ACULON LASER RANGEFINDER

Similarly to Simmons, Nikon is known for both its superb rifle scopes as well as rangefinders. Nikon produces many rangefinders, but the Aculon proves to be their most representative product at a reasonable price.

The Aculon is the smallest rangefinder on this list, meaning its easy to pack and saves space for other priority items. The owners manual for this rangefinder claims accuracy up to 550 yards, but some have claimed it remains accurate up to 650 yards. The optics are all multi-layer coated providing an optimal viewing experience.

The Aculon also has a clear and easy to read LCD display, as well as a one button operation. The simplicity of the product gives you more support to focus on catching the quarry and spend less time adjusting the rangefinder. The Aculon is waterproof and rainproof and is affordable even for those on a budget.

WILDGAME INNOVATIONS HALO XRT LASER RANGEFINDER

The Halo XRT rangefinder is a multipurpose tool that is great for the golfer and the hunter alike. This rangefinder has gained popularity for its ergonomic design and can range up to about 500 yards with a 6x magnification level. It has a built-in scan mode which makes it ideal for hunters who are constantly on the move. This rangefinder is also completely waterproof.

As mentioned above, hunters swear by the ergonomic design of this rangefinder. Not only does it have a gripped hold, but it includes finger indentations that make it even easier and pleasant to use. It’s priced surprisingly well, which is a nice bonus.

BUSHNELL MICHAEL WADDELL BONE COLLECTOR CAMO VERSION

This simple, lightweight rangefinder is ideal for hunting. It can target at up to 600 yards and has a 4x magnification. What sets this rangefinder apart is that it’s both rainproof and has a frame that is much sturdier than many other rangefinders on the market. The durability of this rangefinder can withstand the inevitable knocks and bumps of an extended hunting trip.

Another great feature of the Michael Waddell Bone Collector is that it performs well even in low light conditions. This will help you squeeze out every last bit of light in your hunting excursion. Although relatively new to the market, it’s become a quick favorite in the hunting world.

 

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it should give you an idea as to what to look for in a rangefinder. All rangefinders are not of identical quality, so it’s best to shop around and compare specs before you buy.