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If you are an avid hunter, you have probably heard of hunting binoculars; but what’s the big deal?
If you are keen to learn more about the subject, you have come to the right place.
This guide will explain what hunting binoculars are and why they can make your hunt easier.
We will explain everything you need to know, including how they differ from other binoculars.
If you want to buy your own pair, it may be difficult choosing one since there are so many kinds of binoculars out there.
By the end of this article, you will know how to spot a pair of hunting binoculars and how to choose a model that suits you best.
We will cover what the proper magnification should be and explain if hunting binoculars need special maintenance.
If you are ready to become an expert in the subject, keep on reading.
What Are Hunting Binoculars
Hunting binoculars look like standard binoculars but offer a wide range of useful features.
For example, these optical instruments provide crystal clear views of up to 1000 yards away.
Furthermore, they do not fog easily, do not cause eye strain, and are glare-free.
Another common characteristic of hunting binoculars is that they are extremely durable.
Even if it is snowing, raining, or dark out, you will be able to see clearly through the lens. It will also be very hard to break a pair of hunting binoculars.
How Do They Differ From Other Binoculars
When you first look at a pair of hunting binoculars, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them and other binoculars, especially for beginners.
However, a few main factors make hunting binoculars different from the rest of the family.
This section will review all of the reasons why hunting binoculars are different from others and how they can make hunting easier.
Yardage
The first main difference between hunting binoculars and other models is yardage. It is very common for most hunting models to have a range of 1000 yards.
With a pair of these, you can spot an animal anywhere from 100 yards to 1000, making them a useful tool to have in the field.
Furthermore, even when spotting an animal over 500 yards away, the image will be crystal clear.
Hunting binoculars are known for their yardage and clarity, which are two factors you cannot pass up when hunting.
Prevents Eye Strain
Another main feature of hunting binoculars is that they prevent eye strain.
With a good pair, you will be able to look through them all day and not have a headache later that night.
With many other models, you are limited to how long you can use the binoculars since you can experience eye fatigue after a few hours.
However, you won’t have to worry about that when it comes to hunting binoculars.
Depth of Field
Hunting binoculars will typically have a large depth of field.
Depth of field refers to how large an area is in focus when looking through your lens.
For instance, if you have a low depth of field, only a few objects will be in focus. When you have a high depth of field, more objects will be in focus at one time.
Since hunting binoculars have a large depth of field, you won’t have to adjust the focus a lot for the animal to be in focus.
Even if the animal moves, it will most likely be in focus still (unless they move a substantial distance away).
Magnification and Objective Diameter
We will review magnification more in-depth later, but the most common magnification you will find on hunting binoculars is either 8x or 10x.
Magnification refers to how much the optical instrument enlarges the image.
For instance, if you have an 8x magnification, your image will be eight times larger than its original size.
When it comes to objective diameter, most hunting binoculars will come in diameters of 30, 40, and 50.
Objective diameter refers to the diameter of the objective lens. The larger the objective diameter is, the brighter and clearer the image will be.
Many prime hunting binoculars will have an objective diameter of 40, which will produce high-quality images.
Coatings
You will also typically find coatings on many hunting binocular lenses, especially when it comes to roof prism binoculars.
Many roof prism binoculars will have phase correction coatings on them. These coatings will enhance both the contrast and resolution of the image.
Durability
One of the main characteristics of hunting binoculars is that they are durable.
You can drop them on the ground, bang them against the car door, and they will still function well. (We do not recommend doing this, though!)
Furthermore, hunting binoculars can withstand many different weather forecasts, from humid summer heat to ice and snow.
Lastly, you will find on most hunting binoculars that they have a heavy-duty external coating.
This added grip will help prevent you from dropping the device and provide added protection if the binoculars hit the ground.
Proper Magnification for Hunting Binoculars
While personal preference may play a big role in this topic, there are generally two magnification powers most popular amongst hunters.
Most hunters will have binoculars with a magnification power of 8x or 10x.
If you are unsure which level to choose, there is an easy way to decide; it will depend on how you use the binoculars.
Without a Tripod
If you want to use your binoculars hands-free without a tripod, you may want to stick between 8x and 10x magnification.
When you are not using a tripod, you are more susceptible to shake, meaning that the image will not be crystal clear.
However, if you go with a lower magnification level, such as 8 or 10, you won’t notice the shake as much.
On the other hand, if you choose a higher magnification level, the image you see through the lens will not be as clear and may be a bit blurry.
With a Tripod
If you are using a tripod, you can choose just about any magnification level you want.
Using a tripod will increase the clarity of the image since your binoculars will not shake at all (unless it is a windy day, of course).
Feel free to choose a magnification level over 10x if you are using a tripod.
However, if you want the freedom to use your device with and without a tripod, go with 10x.
Do Hunting Binoculars Need Special Maintenance?
Hunting binoculars are not drastically different from standard binoculars, so they won’t need any special maintenance.
However, you will need to provide the normal maintenance and care that every pair of binoculars need.
Furthermore, there will be a few more things to keep in mind while caring for your pair of binoculars out on the field.
- Clean the lens regularly and with the proper equipment. Your pair of binoculars will get a lot of dust to the lens while out hunting. Make sure to clean the lens regularly with a lens brush, air blower, lens cleaning solution, and a microfiber cloth.
- Always use a harness while hunting. To prevent damaging your binoculars, always wear a binocular harness while on the field. This way, you can go hands-free in a moment when you need to.
- Clean the body regularly. Every time you come back from out on the field, make sure to wipe the body with warm water and a cloth. This will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating.
- Keep the lens cap on when you are not using the binoculars. The lenses are the most important components of your hunting binoculars. Keep them safe by putting the lens caps on every time you are not using the pair.
- Safely store the binoculars when not in use. Always keep your trusty device in a dry, cool area in a case when you are not using them.
Conclusion
We hope that this quick guide to hunting binoculars has helped you learn more about the topic.
Hunting binoculars provide clear images of animals and objects up to 1000 yards away.
They are typically lighter than other models, making them easier to carry on the go. They also prevent eye strain, do not fog easily, and are glare-free.
Compared to standard binoculars, hunting binoculars have a larger depth of field and are more durable.
In addition, many hunting binoculars come with 8x or 10x magnification.
If you are not using a tripod, make sure to stick between 8x or 10x magnification.
Otherwise, your image could be blurry. However, feel free to go above 10x if you will be using a tripod.
There are a few things to remember when it comes to caring for your binoculars.
Make sure to clean the lens regularly with an air blower, lens cleaning solution, and a microfiber cloth.
You should also clean the body after coming back from the field to prevent dust, dirt, and mud from building up.
Finally, always use a harness while hunting, store the pair in a cool, dry area and keep the lens cap on when you are not using the binoculars.
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