7 Best Hunting Binoculars under $500

Are you looking for the best hunting binoculars under $500? If so, you are in the right place. In this post, we shed a light on the top-performing binoculars under $500 that make an invaluable sighting tool for hunters.

Hunting an exciting outdoor activity that is practiced by many either recreationally or professionally. When hunting, it is not always an easy thing to find the game with your naked eyes. You will need a sighting tool to improve your vision and aid in rapid target acquisition.

This is where hunting binoculars come into play. A quality pair of hunting binoculars is tool that every hunter should have before heading out to hunt. It is important in that it broadens your vision to ensure that you find your targets with ease and leave nothing undiscovered. Binoculars also bring the distant targets closer for a more successful hunting experience at long ranges.

Attributes of Great Hunting Binocular

A great hunting binocular is made of a variety of attributes and the main one is robust construction. Hunting takes place in different environments that predisposes the binoculars to bumps, scratches and even accidental drops. Robust construction is therefore important to withstand all that.

Secondly, the binocular should be safe to use in all weather conditions. It should be waterproofed and fog proofed to guarantee uninterrupted performance in all environments.

The other noteworthy attributes of the best hunting binoculars include:

  • Powerful magnification
  • Long eye relief
  • Wide field of view
  • Quality glass elements and proper lens coatings
  • Good light gathering ability in low light environments

Best Hunting Binoculars under $500

The task of finding the best binoculars for hunting is not always a walk in the park. This is more so the case when you are on a budget. To help, we have scoured the market and put together a list of the best hunting binoculars under $500 that are available on the market currently.

So, without any further delay, let’s jump right in.

      Best Hunting Binoculars under $500

1)Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10×42 Binocular

)Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10x42 Binocular

 

The MONARCH 5 10×42 is arguably the best hunting binoculars under $500 that is available out there. Carrying the reputable and highly-respected Nikon name, this set of binoculars is the go-to sighting tool for any avid hunter out there.

It delivers sharp and high contrast image views thanks to the state-of-the art optical system it boasts. Furthermore, it is built with premium ED glass and dielectric prisms coatings that enhance light transmission to produce brilliant sight pictures.

Another impressive feature of this binocular is lightweight construction. It is almost an ounce lighter than its predecessor for ease of portability. Besides that, it uses Nikon’s high-eye point design to provide an unobstructed field of view and long eye relief.

In addition to everything else, the binocular utilizes a smooth central focus knob that is responsible for making focusing seamless.

Features

  • Waterproof and nitrogen filled
  • Turn and slide rubber eyecups
  • High-reflective multilayer prisms coatings
  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • Central focus knob
  • Rubber armored body
  • Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses
  • 10x magnification

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Good optics
  • Easy to hold and use

Cons

  • Cheap build quality

2)Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars

Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars

 

Some good praise for Vortex optics is they have an excellent grasp of what their customers need and where the suitable price point for specific users is. The Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars are good evidence of how well Vortex is able to meet the demands of hunters at a reasonably inexpensive price point.

This binocular delivers rock solid performance in all hunting environments. It has a rugged construction to endure anything the hunting fields have in store for your hunt. Additionally, it fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof to ensure uninterrupted performance.

The optical performance of this tool is outstanding. This is thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses that boost light transmission. Furthermore, the binocular has a large 42mm objective lens and dielectric coated prisms which provide bright and color accurate images.

Other noteworthy features that make this binocular ideal for hunting are adjustable eyecups, right eyepiece diopter and an Armortek coating that protects the exterior lenses from scratches and dirt.

Features

  • Rubber armored body
  • Waterproof and argon purged
  • Adjustable eyecups
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • 10x magnification
  • Center focus wheel
  • Armortek coating

Pros

  • Tripod ready
  • Rugged construction
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Narrow field of view

3)Athlon Optics 10×42 Argos G2 UHD Binoculars

Athlon Optics 10x42 Argos G2 UHD Binoculars

 

Next up, we have the Athlon Optics 10×42 Argos G2 UHD Binoculars. Built with versatility in mind, this set of binoculars makes an excellent companion for hunting. It is lightweight, portable and very easy to use.

The selling point of this optic is the optical performance. It has phase coated prisms, extra-low dispersion glass and advanced fully multi-coated lenses that work together to maximize light transmission and enhance performance in low light environments.

Not only is the optical performance of the Argos G2 UHD 10×42 binoculars outstanding, but also it built quality. It has a magnesium chassis base that reduces weight as much as 30-40% without sacrificing on strength and durability. Besides, it is argon purged to drive out internal moisture and offer better fog proof capabilities.

This pair of binoculars also features adjustable eyecups that you can twist up and down to the ideal comfort for your eyes.

Features

  • Magnesium chassis base
  • Waterproof and argon purged
  • 10x magnification
  • Adjustable eyecups
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • High-quality BaK4 prisms
  • Tripod adapter socket

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Simple to use
  • Brilliant and clear optics
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Slight chromatic aberrations

4)Uplands Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars

Uplands Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars

 

Fourth on our list of the best hunting binoculars under $500 is the Uplands Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Binoculars. Adding this quality gear in your hunting tool kit will go a long way to make a difference in your hunts.

Created for hunters by hunters, this optic is built to be usable in any environment. It is fully waterproof and fog proof so you can use it in all kinds of weather conditions. It is also made with the most heavy-duty materials to handle anything you encounter.

Optically, this hunting binocular is stunning. It is built with extra-low dispersion glass that minimizes chromatic aberration so you are able to see bright and sharp images with no distortion. Over and above that, the binocular has a large field of view of 113m at 1000m to aid in smooth scanning and rapid target acquisition.

Features

  • 10x magnification
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Premium ED glass
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • 42mm objective lens
  • Rubber armored body

Pros

  • Wide field of view
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Lightweight, ergonomic design

Cons

  • The clarity could be better

4)Birds of Prey Optics Razor 12×50 Binoculars

)Birds of Prey Optics Razor 12x50 Binoculars

 

If you are looking for the best binoculars for long range hunting, you have found it in the Birds of Prey Optics Razor 12×50 Binoculars. It has a functional state-of-the art design to help you acquire targets with ease at any range.

The high 12x zoom power of this optic is complemented by a massive 50mm objective lens that enhance optical performance in low light environments. This combined with the fully multi-coated lenses make the binocular an ideal hunting companion in all light conditions from sunrise till sunset.

Durability in another facet that makes this binocular ideal for hunting. It is made with high-grade materials and rubber armored to handle whatever you encounter. In addition, it is 100% waterproof and fog proof so as to provide you the clearest uninterrupted performance in all hunting environments.

Features

  • Twist up eyecups
  • Metal focus wheel
  • Right eyepiece focus ring
  • Tripod interface
  • FMC multi-coated objective lens
  • Waterproof, dust proof and shockproof
  • Durable rubber armored body
  • High 12x magnification

Pros

  • Extremely clear vision
  • High build quality
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Heavy

6)Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars

Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars

 

The Steiner 10×42 Auto Focus hunting binoculars is all you need to take your hunting a notch higher. It has an advanced optical design that keeps everything in focus and a 10x zoom power ideal for hunting game at close to long ranges.

A defining feature of this hunting binocular is CAT, color adjusted transmission technology. This technology gives you a clear view of deer and any other game that is hiding in foliage and shade. On top of that, the binocular has bright 3D depth and detail to enhance your target views in all conditions.

In terms of construction, it boasts a Makrolon body that is rigid enough to endure any abuse. The entire housing is fully waterproof and fog proof to be ready for anything Mother Nature will have in store for your hunt.

Last but not least, the Steiner 10×42 Auto Focus hunting binocular is designed with a wheel-free open bridge design that makes it lightweight and easier to grip as you ate scouting for game.

Features

  • CAT game-sensing lens coating
  • Silicone eyecups
  • Laster textured surface
  • Rugged Makrolon housing
  • 10x magnification
  • Wheel-free open bridge design
  • Waterproof and fog proof

Pros

  • Ergonomic, lightweight design
  • Soft, non-slip grip
  • Easy to hold
  • Great value for the price

Cons

  • Difficult to focus

7)Maven C1 10×42 mm ED Binocular

Maven C1 10x42 mm ED Binocular

 

The Maven C1 10×42 mm is another premium quality binocular ideal for hunting. As one of the best mid-level binoculars under $500, this versatile set of binoculars is paired with the best available materials and top-notch optical technology to yield unmatched performance in all environments.

It is bright clear and color accurate thanks to the ED glass it employs. Over and above that, it has fully multi-coated lenses which boost light transmission by limit glare and preventing internal light reflection.

This award-wining binocular is made with durability in mind. As such, you can take it to any hunting environment and it will perform well. It is also waterproof, fog proof and made with scratch resistant lens coatings to guarantee uninterrupted field use.

Features

  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • Durable polymer chassis
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • 10x magnification
  • Scratch resistant lens coatings
  • Schmidt-Pechan prisms

Pros

  • Durable yet lightweight
  • Solid and dependable build quality
  • Excellent optics

Cons

  • Cheap case

How to Choose Hunting Binoculars under $500

Let us not take a look at the features you should look for when shopping for hunting binoculars under $500.

Optical Quality

Under this price range, you should have an easy time finding a binocular with high-end optical quality. The binocular should have premium quality glass elements like ED and quality coatings applied on the lenses to enhance light transmission.

Magnification Power

The best hunting binoculars under $500 has a magnification power between 8x and 12x. 8x binoculars are good for hunting at close ranges and in thick brush where the visibility is poor. On the other hand, 10x and 12x binoculars are good for long range hunting in large, open hunting fields.

Objective Lens

Objective lens is a very important part in binoculars. It is responsible for drawing in light inside the optical tube. Generally, the larger the objective lens, the more light the binoculars collect and the brighter the images it produces.

But oversized objective lens makes binoculars large, heavy and expensive. To strike the perfect balance between performance and weight balance, we recommend that you get a binocular that has an objective diameter of between 40mm and 50mm.

Weight

There are so many binoculars under $500 that are ideal for hunting. It is vital to find a unit that is lightweight irrespective of the kind of game you will be hunting or the hunting environment.

A lightweight binocular is not just simple to use, but also convenient to carry around during extended hunting sessions. Lightweight binoculars with high magnification make hunting more convenient as one is able to hold them in a steady manner. This eliminates the need for a tripod that could otherwise add bulk as you are preparing and packing your gear.

FAQs

  • What is the best binocular for hunting?

The best binocular for hunting is one that has all the features you require for your hunting needs. It should be built well to handle the rough handling and rough environments that hunting predisposes it to. Moreover, the binocular should be lightweight, easy to use and maneuver around with.

  • What binocular magnification is best for hunting?

The best binocular magnification for hunting is anywhere between 8x and 12x. if you plan on hunting at close to mid ranges, a model with 8x will suffice, while 10x and 12x models are best for hunting at longer distances.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best hunting binoculars under $500 is so much simple and pleasant if you know what features you require for your individual hunting needs. Each binocular we have mentioned above comes with the basic features you will need to better your performance in the hunting field. Hopefully, the information in this guide has helped you find a model that blends best with your budget and hunting needs.