Looking for the best binoculars for bow hunting? You have come to the right place. We have scoured the market, put together this binocular’s buying guide to help you find the right unit for your bow hunting.
Today’s binoculars for hunting are designed to provide brighter and clearer views of targets in the field. They come in different shapes and designs which make them ideal for hunting in different environments. Modern binoculars for hunting also employ more advanced technology to help hunters get the most from their hunting trips.
Making a wise selection is vital to getting the most value from your binoculars. And since hunting binoculars are often considered an investment, it is wise to invest in the best model possible.
Attributes of a Great Binocular for Bow Hunting
Bow hunting binoculars are made of several attributes and the first one is quality construction. You should get a binocular that is duty worthy so you will get many years of use from.
Not only should the binoculars be durable, but also weatherproof. The optical tube and main body should be protected from elements to ensure dependable performance in adverse hunting environments.
The other important facets that the best binoculars for bow hunting should have include:
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight design to be easy to carry in the field
- A grip that is secure and non-slip
- Good visibility in low light environments
- A smooth focusing system which is vital for rapid target acquisition
Best Binoculars for Bow Hunting
If you are having a hard time finding the best binoculars for bow hunting, we are here to help. Here is a list of the top-rated models suitable for bow hunting and hunting in general.
Let’s jump right in.
1)Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD Binoculars, 8x42mm
The Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 8×42 Binoculars are by far the best binoculars for bow hunting available on the market. This set of binoculars is built for epic adventures in the less forgiving environments.
The selling point of this binocular is optical performance. It is designed with 42mm objective lens, advanced prisms and Twilight Max HD Light Management System. The three optical features work together to ramp up light transfer and redefine performance in low light.
Another impressive facet of the binoculars is long eye relief of 18.5mm. This makes it comfortable to use with or without eyeglasses. Furthermore, it has a large 377ft at 1000 yards field of view to help you scan for targets without breaking a sweat.
For all weather reliability, the Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD Binoculars are waterproof, fog proof and dustproof. They are also made with a lightweight but durable aluminum chassis that is rubber armored to provide a positive grip in all conditions.
Features
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Open-bridge, dual-hinge design
- Durable aluminum housing
- Rubber armored body
- 8x magnification
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- 42mm objective lens
Pros
- Large field of view
- Sufficient eye relief
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Smooth focusing system
Cons
- Costly
2)Sig Sauer Zulu 7 Open Bridge HDX Glass
Sitting comfortably in second is Sig Sauer Zulu 7 8×42 binoculars. This premium, open-hinged binocular is made with versatility in mind. It is ideal for a ton of outdoor excursions including hunting.
The binocular utilizes industry leading HDX optical design that combines high transmittance glass with extra-low dispersion glass to provide maximum color resolution. It also employs solid lens coatings that boost image brightness and clarity when you are hunting in low level light conditions.
Not only is the optical performance of this binocular outstanding, but also its build quality. It is built with magnesium which is durable yet lightweight. Furthermore, the body is rubber armored to provide an ergonomic, non-slip grip.
The Sig Sauer Zulu 7 binoculars are also waterproofed and fog proofed to outlast elements and perform for life.
Features
- Phase-coated BaK4 prisms
- Multi-position twist-up eyecups
- Durable rubber armor
- Rugged and durable magnesium housing
- IPX7 waterproof and fog proof
- 8x magnification
- Extra-low dispersion glass
Pros
- Tripod compatible
- Rugged and durable design
- Stunning picture quality
Cons
- Heavy
3)Burris Signature HD 8×42 Binoculars
Burris Signature HD 8×42 Binoculars combine comfort and performance to help you make the most from your hunting expeditions. It is easy to use even for beginners, and great for bow hunting in all kinds of environments.
Optically, this binocular has phase-corrected BaK4 prisms that work in tandem with the fully multi-coated optics to maximize light transmission. The end result is brilliantly clear image views even in dismal environments.
On top of that, this pair of mid-sized binoculars is built to last. It has a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy chassis wrapped in a slip resistant rubber armoring. The optical tubes are filled with nitrogen to prevent internal fog build up and O-ring sealed against dust and moisture.
Add to this quality construction, a generous eye relief which makes the binoculars eyeglass friendly. Also included in this pair of binoculars are comfortable exit pupil and large focus wheel that guarantees speed target acquisition.
Features
- BaK4 compact roof prisms
- 8x magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Low dispersion HD glass
- Twist-up rubber eyecups
- Aluminum alloy chassis
- Non-slip rubber armor
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Great value for money
- Easy to use
- Comfortable exit pupil
- Smooth focusing system
Cons
Visible color fringing
4)Vortex Razor HD 8×42 Binoculars
As one of the best binoculars for bow hunting, Razor HD 8×42 Binoculars are built with versatility in mind. They are small, lightweight and very simple to use. The lightweight design together with high optical design makes them a desirable tool for all hunting applications.
This set of binoculars employs high-density extra-low dispersion glass which boosts resolution and color fidelity. It also has dielectric and phase-corrected prisms coatings for increase in image brightness, clarity and sharpness. Additional lens protection from scratches, oil and dust is provided by the scratch proof Armortek exterior lens coating.
Construction-wise, the binocular is compact but tough as nail. It has a sturdy and rigid magnesium alloy chassis that is rubber armored. Furthermore, the optical tubes are sealed and argon filled to provide reliable protection from moisture, fog and elements.
Other essential features included are a long 17.5mm eye relief, right eye dioptric correction and rubber eyecups with twist-up click stops.
Features
- Closed-bridge configuration
- Anti-slip rubber armor
- 8x magnification
- Waterproof and argon filled
- Strong magnesium alloy chassis
- Highly reflective dielectric prism coating
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- XR fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Lightweight and compact
- Tripod mountable with optional adapter
- Decent eye relief
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
5)Bushnell 8×42 Terrain Roof Prism Binoculars
Bushnell is an optic brand that is synonymous with quality. It manufactures high-grade yet cost-effective optical instrument and the Forge 8×42 Binoculars are some of their best binoculars for hunting.
The binoculars are built ready for outdoor use. They are nitrogen filled to prevent fogging and O-ring sealed to be fully waterproof and dustproof. Furthermore, the sturdy chassis has a protective armor that helps cushion it from impacts and minor shock. The armoring also provides a secure, slip-resistant grip in all environments.
When it comes to optical performance, the binocular is a force to reckon with. The moderate 8x magnification brings subjects closer without sacrificing the field of view. Over and above that, the binocular boasts BaK4 prism optical design that is phase-corrected to boost light transmission. All the lenses are also fully multi-coated to redefine performance in low light.
Features
- Open bridge/dual-hinge design
- Center focusing wheel
- Twist up eyecups
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Tethered objective lens cap
- Locking right-eye dioptric correction
- Extra-low dispersion glass
Pros
- High build quality
- Large field of view
- Generous eye relief
- Smooth focusing system
Cons
- Slightly heavy
6)Vortex Diamondback 8×42 HD Binoculars
Next on our list of the best binoculars for bow hunting is Diamondback 8×42 HD Binoculars. As one of the best budget binoculars, it smashes the scale of price vs performance, delivering a reliable sighting tool that is way above its class.
The binocular has adjustable eyecups that twist up and down to ensure comfortable viewing with or without eye wear. The center focus wheel adjusts the focus of both barrels at the same time while the diopter located on the right eyepiece adjusts for differences in the user’s eyes.
Vortex optics are built with durability in mind and this binocular is not an exception. It has a strong and rigid frame that is rubber armored. On top of that, the binocular is argon purged and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and fog proof, and to perform for life.
Furthermore, it employs fully multi-coated lenses that works together with the optimized glass elements to boost image brightness and resolution. The exterior surface of the lenses also has an Armortek lens coating that provides extra protection for scratches, dirt and oil stains.
Features
- Rugged rubber armor
- Waterproof and argon purged
- Adjustable eyecups
- 8x magnification
- HD select glass elements
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Rugged and durable construction
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Spacious field of view
- Phenomenal picture quality
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- Cheap lens caps
7)Vanguard Endeavor ED IV 8×42 Binocular
Our last binocular recommendation for bow hunting is Vanguard Endeavor ED IV 8×42 Binocular. This compact and user-friendly binocular harbor a wide array of features that you require to make every bow hunting excursion a success.
It has a strong and lightweight magnesium housing that is engineered for ultimate protection and performance. The optical tubes are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to complement the robust construction and provide reliable water and fog proof protection.
Furthermore, this optic features a relocated center locking diopter for easy adjustment. For added convenience, it is equipped with a new open-bridge design that ensure comfortable and secure grip during use. The binocular also features 3-stage twist up eye cups which ensure comfortable viewing even with glasses on.
In addition to everything else, Vanguard Endeavor ED IV 8×42 Binocular brings to the table advanced multi guard coatings that provide superior light transmission.
Features
- Strong and durable magnesium housing
- 8x magnification
- Premium HOYA ED glass
- Ergonomic open-bridge design
- 3-stage twist up eye cups
- Waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
- Advanced MultiGuard coatings
Pros
- Unmatched brightness and clarity
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Smooth focusing
- Excellent craftmanship
Also Read,
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-ar-15-hog-hunting-scopes/
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-camping-cots-for-bad-backs/
Factors to Consider when Choosing Binoculars for Bow Hunting
Field of View
Field of view is an importance facet in binoculars. It is a representation of the whole area you can see through the binoculars without moving them around. Binoculars with a large field of view least 350 yards at 1000 yards are the best for bow hunting. With such a view area, you will be able to scan, monitor and acquire the game without breaking a sweat.
Eye Relief
Pay attention to eye relief the binoculars provide especially if you wear eyeglasses. The more generous the eye relief a binocular has, the better. It will make glassing sessions more comfortable more so when you are in the field for many hours. more comfortable it will be to glass with. For the best binoculars for bow hunting, try and find a unit that has more than 15mm of eye relief.
Picture Quality
The quality of pictures a binocular provides can make or break your hunting expedition. Go for a model that utilizes high-grade glass elements and solid anti-reflective lens coatings. The two features are vital for boosting light transmission and enhancing image brightness and clarity.
Weight
The large and heavy a binocular is, the cumbersome it becomes to maneuver with in the hunting field. Whether you are a beginner or professional hunter, ensure that you invest in a lightweight pair of binoculars that doesn’t compromise on durability. With manageable weight, the binocular will be easy to carry around and comfortable on the hands during use.
Durability
Last but not least, look for a binocular that is built with durability in mind. The chassis should be made from sturdy and rigid materials such as magnesium or aerospace grade aluminum. Over and above that, the best binoculars for bow hunting should be built waterproof and fog proof for uninterrupted field use.
FAQs
- What size binoculars is best for bow hunting?
8x is the best size binoculars for bow hunting. This magnification power is powerful enough to get you closer to the game without sacrificing on the field of view.
- Do you need binoculars for bow hunting?
Yes. Binoculars are an indispensable tool for bow hunting. They not only help with quick scanning and tracking of the mobile targets, but also ensure rapid target acquisition in virtually all hunting environments.
Conclusion
Knowing the features that you require in binoculars for bow hunting helps make the selection process pleasant and less-taxing. With a quality binocular at hand, you will be able to make you bow hunting expeditions more rewarding. Whatever model you end up getting, we do hope that the information in this post has helped steer you to the right direction.