Regardless of which type of hunting you enjoy, one thing is for sure – you need high-quality hunting equipment. When it comes to it, good binoculars are a must. Some hunters even say that they are just as important as the gun. Binoculars are pieces of gear that will help you observe your surroundings up close and spot your potential target. If you are looking to buy your first pair of binoculars, here are some things to keep in mind.
Magnification and Field of View (FOV)
Most binocular users and experienced hunters know that higher magnification does not necessarily mean a great buy. Higher magnification means that you may find it difficult to stabilize the image, especially when you are a beginner. When holding binoculars with large magnification even the slightest movement can lead to a shaky image. If the binocular has large magnification it means that your FOV will be much narrower and you will find it harder to scout wildlife, especially the faster species. On the other hand, binocular with a wide FOV can allow you to scout our larger amount of ground.
To choose the best magnification, you need to consider the terrain you are hunting on the most. For example, for hunting in the woods, opt for binoculars with lower magnification as this will allow you to have a wider field of view. Regardless of which model or brand you choose, 8x magnification would be ideal. If you often observe from a large distance or hunt in a wide-open space, then binoculars with higher magnification would be ideal. In this case, 10x magnification is a quite popular choice.
Lens Size
According to experienced hunters, the best time for hunting is late in the evening and early in the morning. Therefore, you need to choose binoculars that will be able to gather enough light and provide you with the brightest image possible. Usually, larger lenses provide more lighting in darker settings. However, it’s not just about size – elements such as how well the lenses are crafted, the prisms and the lenses coatings are also important for producing a lighter picture. The downside of large lenses is that they are a bit heavier and expensive as well. So if you do not really need larger lenses, then medium or small size lenses should be good enough for you. Most binoculars come with standard size lenses with a diameter of 42mm and they are usually the most favorite choice of most hunters.
Waterproof- and Fog-Proof
If you’re a hunter, you should be prepared that you will come across all types of weather conditions. Because of this, it is more than a good idea to opt for binoculars that are fog-proof and waterproof. Sealed binoculars will out dust, moisture, and other elements while the fog-proof type contains nitrogen or argon gas to prevent inside fogging. A binocular with rubber armour provides better grip and better protection in case of a fall.
