A quality pair of the best binoculars for western hunting is a valuable addition to your hunting gear. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or you are looking to start hunting elk and other big game, having a good quality optic by your side will help turn your hunting expeditions into a success.
The best binoculars for western hunting will help you pursue game in different ranges with ease, ensure that nothing is left undiscovered and also make your hunting trip more competitive. However, the are so many options available on the market that finding the best model, becomes taxing and time-consuming.
If you have been looking for the best binoculars for western hunting to no avail, look no further. We have a list of the top-rated binoculars for western hunting that make an invaluable companion for every modern hunter. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look.
Best Binoculars for Western Hunting
1) VANGUARD Endeavor ED 10×42 Binocular
The VANGUARD Endeavor ED 10×42 Binocular is the best option for you if you are looking for a high-quality yet cost-effective binocular for western hunting. It has every feature that you need to make your western hunting trip a success.
Featuring ED glass with advanced MultiGuard coatings, these binoculars provide excellent low light performance. The coatings increase light transmission for bright and clear images from dawn till dusk and the phase-coated BaK-4 roof prisms give you high-quality and ultra-clear images.
The Endeavor ED binoculars are built ready for every hunt. They are nitrogen purged and sealed with O-rings to provide reliable performance in challenging weather conditions. They also feature a durable and shockproof construction to take on challenging hunting conditions. This product is also lightweight so you will have an comfortable time carrying it around as you traverse the fields in search of game.
Features
- BaK4 roof prism
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Large focus adjustment knob
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Ergonomic, open-bridge design
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Premium ED glass
- MultiGuard coatings
- Twist out eyecups
- Locking diopter ring
2) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular
Bushnell has a longstanding reputation of making high-quality optics and the Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular is no different. It has a 10x magnification that brings distant game 10x closer and a wide field of view that’s much-needed by hunters for easy tracking of fast-moving game.
These binoculars are fully waterproof and fog proof so you can use to hunt in any weather conditions. When it comes to construction, they feature a durable magnesium chassis that keeps weight at a minimum. It weighs about 22.5Oz for easy carrying in the field and has a long eye relief that makes it eyeglass-friendly.
Featuring ED prime glass, this product provides bright and clear images with amazing color resolution. It also boasts PC-3 prism coating and an ultra-wide band lens coating that optimize light transmission in low light situation to give you brilliant and high-quality images. Moreover, it brings to the table a water-repellent coating that’s sheds dirt, snow and water to provide clear views in any weather condition.
Features
- Long eye relief
- Ultra-wide field of view
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Lightweight yet durable magnesium chassis
- 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens
- Rain guard water repellent coating
- ED prime glass
- Ultra-wide band coatings
- Cost-effective
3) Nikon MONARCH 5 8×42 Binocular
As one of the best binoculars for western hunting, the Nikon MONARCH 5 8×42 Binocular provides excellent optical performance and great durability. It features Nikon ED glass lenses and fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses that maximize light transmission for bright, vivid and color-accurate images.
This pair of binoculars is well-made to handle any environment. It has a durable rubber armor that shields the optic from shock and impacts and provides a positive grasp even in wet weather conditions. Also, it’s fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather performance.
Weighing just 1.3 pounds, these binoculars are extremely lightweight, portable and convenient for hunting. The slim and sleek easy-to-grip body makes them comfortable to hold and carry when moving around in search of game. Besides, this optic boasts a smooth central focus knob that brings distant objects into sharp focus for accurate shot placement. To top it all, the binocular has turn-and-slide rubber eyecups which provide comfortable and fatigue-free viewing during long periods of use.
Features
- Durable rubber armor
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Smooth central focus knob
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Lightweight design
- Premium ED glass
- Nikon’s high-eyepoint design
4) Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
If you are in the market for the best binoculars for western hunting for the money, the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars is your best option. It boats a powerful 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens that provides outstanding color fidelity and clear as crystal images.
These binoculars feature a wide field of view that comes in handy when tracking moving game. After taking the shot, the wide field of view also helps you monitor the shot game with ease. Besides that, this pair brings to the table fully multi-coated lenses that increase light transmission when hunting in dismal environments. An Armortek coating is also included to protect the external lenses from dirt, oil and scratches.
If you wear eyeglasses/sunglasses when hunting, this product provides a long eye relief for comfortable shooting even with your glasses on. The right eyepiece diopter accommodates for focal differences in every user’s eye for comfortable glassing. Plus, you can mount the binoculars on the tripod or car window mount and shoot more comfortably.
Since moisture is one of the biggest optics enemy, this model is argon purged for reliable fog proof performance and sealed with O-rings to prevent entry of moisture, dirt and debris. Lastly, these binoculars are well-constructed to withstand recoil, impact and shock, and provide many years of use.
Features
- Adjustable eyecups
- Rubber armored body
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Glass Pak harness included
- Center focus wheel
- Tripod adaptable
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Armortek lens coating
- 10x magnification
- Right eyepiece diopter
5) Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars
If you have a tight budget, you should invest in these roof prism binoculars from Bushnell. Though these binoculars are reasonably affordable, they don’t compromise on the quality. They offer high-quality features that you need to make your western hunting trip a success.
The premium quality optics produce stunning HD clarity from dawn to dusk. Even better, these binoculars boast BaK-4 prism and multi-coated lenses that provide brilliant, vivid and razor-sharp images even in poor lighting conditions. They also boast a large 42mm objective that gives you a wide field of view for easy target identification.
Like any other scope in this list, all Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars are toughly built to provide unbeatable durability. They have a shock-absorbing rubber armor that enhances durability and a soft textured grip that provides a non-slip grip. The unit is also 100% waterproof and fog free for all-weather performance.
Features
- Twist up eyecups
- Fully waterproof and fog free
- 10x magnification
- Non-slip grip
- Durable rubber armor
- Multi-coated optics
- Wide field of view
- Large center focus knob
- Long 17mm eye relief
- Budget-friendly
6) Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars
The Steiner Predator 10×42 is an all-round binocular that’s versatile and perfect for western hunting. It’s the best companion for skilled hunters who are always on the go. It’s lightweight for easy portability and offers the best precision and performance.
Featuring a Color Adjusted Transmission (CAT), this pair of binoculars will help you spot game in any environment even when they are hiding behind a bush or any object. The fast-close-focus maintains image clarity and sharpness from 6 yards to infinity, while the open-bridge design makes the binoculars easier to grip.
When it comes to construction, this pair features a rugged Makrolon housing that provides the ultimate durability. It’s laser-textured for comfortable, non-slip grip in all conditions and it is fully waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition. Overall, it a great western hunting binocular for any buyer who doesn’t want to spend a huge amount of money.
Features
- Rugged Makrolon housing
- Optimized light transmission
- Waterproof, shockproof and fog free
- Fast-close focus
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Lightweight design
- CAT game-sensing lens coatings
- Laser-textured all-conditions grip
- Wheel-free open bridge design
- 20 yards close focus
7) Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Lastly on our list it the Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars from Vortex. These binoculars are available in three different sizes which include 8×42, 10×42 and 10×50. The 10×42 size is the best for western hunting. It provides excellent optical performance and brings distant game 10x closer for accurate shot placement.
Featuring multi-layer prism coatings, these binoculars produce bright and color-accurate images. The lenses feature enhanced anti-reflective coatings that increase light transmission and reduce light loss through reflection. This gives you bright, clear and sharp images even in low light hunting conditions.
Moreover, the Viper HD is toughly made to handle anything in the field. It has a rubber-armored chassis that shields it from shock and impact, and an Armortek coating on the exterior lenses that makes it ready for any hunt. It’s also argon purged and sealed with O-rings to provide reliable fog proof and waterproof performance.
Features
- Eyeglass-friendly
- Wide field of view
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Adjustable eyecups
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Rubber armored chassis
- Armortek lens coating
- 5mm eye relief
- 1ft close focus
- High density ED glass
- Compact and lightweight design
See Also
How to Choose the Best Hunting Binoculars
Whether you are buying your first binoculars for western hunting or an upgrade, it’s important that you look for a pair that’s well-made so it will give you many years of field use. The following are some of the important factors you should consider when shopping for the best binoculars for western hunting.
Magnification
Magnification is the primary factor you should consider when choosing binoculars for western hunting. A model with 10x magnification will bring distant targets 10times closer for accurate shot placement. And while 10x works best for most western hunters you can go higher for extra long-range hunting. You can also choose a pair with 8x if your hunting involves looking for targets in thick woodlands.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens determines how much light is collected into the binoculars. Since most hunting takes place early in the morning or when the sun sets, look for a unit that offers excellent low light performance. Whether you are considering 8x, 10x or 12x magnification, go for a binocular that has a 42mm objective lens diameter or more.
A large objective will not only collect optimum light needed, but it will also provide you with a large viewing angle so you will be able to pick up the game easily as they move around.
Weight
Western hunting largely involves moving from place to place in search of targets. If you want to get the most out of your hunting trip, get yourself a lightweight unit that will be very easy to carry around. Binoculars made from magnesium alloy or aluminum are super lightweight yet durable.
Tripod Adaptable
When hunting out west, you should plan to spend some quality time behind the binoculars. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors as you look for game. Mounting the binoculars in the tripod will take the weight off your hands and allow you to glass for long sessions comfortably. Tripods also provide a stable platform for the binoculars and reduce the shake so you’ll be able to have better views of your targets.
Durable Construction
The other important factor you should consider is the quality of construction used. The western terrain is tough and unforgiving so you should look for binoculars that are tough as well. Look for a pair that has a rugged rubber armor to absorb shock, impacts and accidental falls.
Additionally, it will be a good thing if you choose binoculars that are weather resistant. In the mountains, the weather conditions change every minute. A product that’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen/argon purged will provide you with reliable waterproof and fog proof performance.
FAQs
- What magnification binoculars is best for western hunting?
10x. Binoculars with 10x magnification are the best for western hunting. They bring the distant game 10x closer so you can place the shot accurately. They also provide a wide field of view that allows you to pick up more game as they move from place to place.
- Are 8×42 binoculars good for hunting?
Yes. A pair of 8×42 binoculars is highly beneficial when hunting in thick forests. It provides a wide field of view of around 7° that comes in handy when tracking fast moving game. It also easier to keep stable so you don’t have to mount it on a tripod.
- What is a good binocular for western hunting?
A good binocular for western hunting is one that meets your specific hunting needs. It should have a rugged and weather resistant housing so it will survive the tough western terrain. To add on that, it should have the right magnification power and be lightweight for easy carrying. It should also have high-quality glass and premium lens coatings so it will offer clear and sharp views even in poor lighting conditions.
Conclusion
Adding a pair of quality binoculars to your hunting gear is a great way to improve your visuals and odd of successful hunting. Western hunting is quite an adventure and having the right binoculars makes the whole hunting trip worthwhile. You’ll also be able to use the binocular to see birds, trees and other animals not just hunting.