Looking for the best hunting binoculars under $300? You have come to the right place. This is your ultimate guide to finding the best low cost binoculars for hunting.
A quality pair of binoculars is a must-have item for every avid hunter out there. Whether you are hunting elk, deer, varmints or any other game, it’s always important to have binoculars in your hunting gear. They help you spot your targets easily which is important for an accurate shot placement. When hunting long-range targets, binoculars bring the targets closer and help you place an ethical shot, even in the toughest situations.
The best binoculars for hunting don’t have to cost a fortune. Given the wide selection of hunting binoculars available on the market, you can get a reasonably affordable pair with a handful of high-quality and reliable features. Here are some of the best hunting binoculars under $300, worth your consideration. Let’s take a look.
Best Hunting Binoculars Under $300
1) Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42
Vortex is widely known for its high-quality optics and the Diamondback Roof Prism Binoculars are no exception. This well-made set of binoculars is equipped with a handful of high-quality features which make it the best hunting binoculars under $300.
These binoculars feature a wide field of view which is important when hunting. It helps in rapid target acquisition particularly when hunting fast-moving game. The wide field of view also lets you scan a wide area, while still maintain clear and bright image detail. Better yet, the lenses are fully multi-coated to transmit more light needed for bright and clear images.
These well-balanced binoculars feature a sturdy construction for long-lasting durability. They have a sleek, short hinge design which is covered with a rubber armor which absorbs shock for additional durability. They are also argon purged to provide reliable waterproof and fog proof performance.
The lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field, while the GlassPak binocular harness which comes with adjustable straps gives you a snug fit and helps keep the binoculars close for convenient availability. Above all, this model has multi-position eyecups which provide adjustable eye relief for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Multi-position eyecups
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Sleek, short hinge design
- Right eye diopter which accommodates for focal differences in the user’s eyes
- Extra-wide field of view
- Dielectric, fully multi-coated lenses
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- 15mm eye relief
- Tripod adaptable
- GlassPak binocular harness
- Lightweight and portable
2) Nikon 7576 Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars
Durability and versatility best describe the Nikon 7576 Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars. Though lightweight, these binoculars are built to handle any outdoor environment. They are crafted with the highest quality materials and have a rubber-armored coating to stand rugged use and provide a secure, slip-resistant grip, even in wet conditions.
They are equipped with premium extra-low, ED glass which minimizes the amount of chromatic aberration. This gives you bright, clear and more-natural images. The eco glass lenses are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission from bright and vivid images across the whole visible light spectrum.
The binocular uses Nikon’s high-eye point design to deliver a wide and clear field of view which is imperative when hunting fast-moving game. The turn-and slide rubber eyecups provide a customized eye relief for snug viewing even with your eyeglasses on. The binoculars also feature a smooth central focus knob that helps you bring targets into sharp focus for fast viewing.
Overall, these are high-quality binoculars for the price. You can use them for multiple outdoor activities, not just hunting.
Features
- Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Rubber armored body for added durability
- Lightweight and user-friendly design
- Smooth central focus knob
- Nikon’s premium ED glass
- Flip down lens cap
- Generous eye relief
- Clear and wide field of view
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coatings
3) Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 10×42 TRUETIMBER KANATI CAMO
If you are looking for a best hunting binoculars under $300 for use in all terrains, Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 10×42 TRUETIMBER KANATI CAMO suits you. These binoculars are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed for total waterproof and fog proof performance. They are light, easy to hold and comfortable to carry as you track down your targets.
Featuring the Nikon’s advanced optical system, these binoculars provide unmatched optical performance. The multilayer lens coatings provide better light transmission for brighter and clear images even in dismal environments. The phase-correction coated roof prisms reduce light reflection so you get to enjoy more natural and clearer views.
Another good thing about the binoculars is that they are built to handle any environment. The ultra-hard rubber armor withstands impacts, falls and shocks for strengthened durability. It also gives you a non-slip grip in both dry and wet conditions.
For added convenience, this well-made optic features an intuitive and user-friendly central focus knob which helps you bring the target into focus quickly. It also features turn and slide rubber eyecups to accommodate users who wear eyeglasses.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses and prisms
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Ergonomic, non-slip grip
- Phase correction coated roof prisms
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups
- Lightweight design
- Rugged housing for all-terrain use
- Intuitive and user-friendly central focus knob
4) Nikon 8252 Aculon A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binocular
Here is another top-tier binocular for hunting from Nikon. The Aculon A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binocular features an array of impressive features at a price that’s easy on the wallet. It features a variable 10-22x optical power which gives it multi-purpose functionality. You can use the 10x magnification for close or mid-range targets, then ramp up to 22x when hunting long-range targets.
These binoculars are made to last. The durable rubber-armored coating makes them suitable for virtually any environment. This coating also gives you a secure, non-slip grip regardless of the weather conditions. Moreover, the binoculars are fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather performance.
If you like to hunt at dusk or dawn, these binoculars got you covered. The multi-coated eco glass lenses increase light transmission for bright and vivid images in most lighting conditions. The large 50mm objective lens also collects optimum light for better image views.
The eyecups on this product are adjustable to accommodate users who wear glasses/sunglasses when hunting. More importantly the binoculars are user-friendly, compact and light enough to be easy to carry and hold during hunting sessions. You can as well mount them of a tripod and enjoy comfortable, hand-free viewing.
Features
- Turn-and-slide multi-click rubber eyecups
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Variable 10-22x zoom
- Smooth central focus knob
- Multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Durable, rubber-armored coating
- Compact and lightweight
- 50mm objective lens
- Quality and cost-effective
5) Orion 09351 UltraView 10×50 Wide-Angle Binoculars
The Orion UltraView 10×50 Wide-Angle Binoculars are the best hunting binoculars for people who put on eyeglasses/sunglasses. They feature an extra-long 22 eye relief which is not only eyeglass-friendly, but also very comfortable for users who don’t wear eyeglasses.
Ultra-view wide-angle binoculars also feature premium BAK-4 glass prisms and fully multi-coated lenses which ensure maximum light transmission for bright and vivid images from dusk to dawn. The high-quality glass also provides color accurate images with superior edge-to-edge clarity.
When it comes to construction, these binoculars are built to last. The rugged cast-metal alloy withstands harsh field use, while the rubber armor absorbs shock and provides a secure, non-slip grip. Other than that, the binoculars come with a threaded socket to accept a tripod adapter. You can easily mount then on a tripod and enjoy snug, hands-free viewing.
Features
- Wide field of view
- Extra-long 22mm eye relief
- 16-feet close focus
- 10x magnification and 50mm objective lens
- Threaded socket to accept a tripod adapter
- Twist-lock eyecups
- Rugged cast-metal housing
- Durable, rubber armor
- Deluxe wide neck strap
- 5mm exit pupil
- Finest BAK-4 glass prisms
- Fully multi-coated lenses
6) Bushnell Trophy Roof Binoculars
Bushnell hardly disappoints when it comes to high-quality optics. The Trophy XLT roof prism binoculars is one of the best budget Bushnell binoculars. These binoculars feature 10x magnification suitable for long-range hunting in open spaces. They are also built with the latest waterproof and fog-proof technology to provide reliable all-weather performance.
The fully multi-coated optics and premium BaK-4 prisms enhance light transmission needed for bright, high-contrast images. These low-cost binoculars also feature a fast focus center focus wheel and a tripod adapter so you can enjoy hands-free viewing. The deluxe binocular harness reduces the weight on your neck and muscles and keeps the optics close by.
Another good thing about these binoculars is the rubber armored housing. It not only enhances durability by absorbing shock and impacts, but it also helps the binoculars withstand weather elements. Moreover, the soft-touch grip provides comfortable and ergonomic handling, while the hinged quick flip covers shield the objective lens from mud, dirt and debris.
Features
- 2mm exit pupil
- Twist up eyecups
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Fast focus center focus wheel
- BaK-4 Porro prisms
- Lightweight design
- Long 15.2mm eye relief
- Deluxe binocular harness
- Ergonomic soft-touch thumb grips
- Rubber armored housing
- Tripod adaptable
7) Carson 3D Series High-Definition Waterproof Binoculars with ED glass
Last but certainly not least is the Carson 3D Series High-Definition Binoculars. This pair of binoculars is equipped with high-end features to make your hunting expedition better and more successful. Plus, it’s easy on your eyes as it’s easy on the wallet.
Weighing about 1.45 pounds, these binoculars are relatively light, portable and convenient for hunting. They don’t cause hand-fatigue when you hunting for long hours. Better yet, they are tripod mountable so you can enjoy fatigue-free viewing. For added convenience, these binoculars offer a wide field of view which is important for rapid target acquisition. They also offer extra-long eye relief so you can enjoy snug views even with your eyeglasses on.
The binoculars optical performance is impressive. The have ED glass which lessens color fringing and corrects chromatic aberration. The phase-corrected prisms minimize light reflection to enhance contrast and color fidelity, while the fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, clear and sharp images even in low light conditions.
You can use these binoculars in all weather conditions. They are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed so they are fully waterproof and fog-resistant. On top of being lightweight, this product has ergonomic thumb grooves which provide a non-slip texture even in wet conditions.
Overall, it is a well-balanced product suitable for hunting and other outdoor applications.
Features
- Tripod mountable
- Extra-long eye relief
- Dielectric coated prisms
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Ergonomic thumb grooves
- Phase-corrected prisms
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight design
- ED glass for bright and sharp images
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Multiple accessories included
See Also
How to Choose the Best Hunting Binoculars Under $300
Whether you are shopping for your first binoculars for hunting or looking for an upgrade, you’ll want a model that’s well-made and reliable. These are some of the key factors you should consider when choosing the best hunting binoculars under $300.
Durability
With about $300 to spend on a brand-new pair of binoculars for hunting, you’ll want the binoculars to be durable and sturdy to provide many years of field use. Go for a unit that’s fully armored for the best protection. The binoculars should also offer reliable waterproof and fog proof performance so you can use them even in extreme weather conditions.
Eye Relief
Ensure that you get a unit that offers generous eye relief. This is particularly important if you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses. If you are new in the market, eye relief represents the maximum distance between your eyes and the binocular’s eyepiece. It is important as it determines how comfortable your glassing will be. Try to look for a unit with 15mm eye relief or more.
Glass Quality
The quality of glass used in making the binoculars is very important. It determines the image quality that you’ll get. The higher the quality, the better the image quality. You should find binoculars with excellent glass quality in this price range. This includes ED, HD and Eco-glass as well.
Lens Coating
Lens coatings refers to the number of non-reflective layers on the lens. Typically, the more layers the binoculars have, the less light will be lost via reflection. This means that you’ll get more light passing through to your eyes so you get bright and vivid image views. Binoculars with fully multi-coated lenses offer the best optical performance especially when hunting in low light conditions.
Prism Type
There are two distinct prism types available; Porro and roof prism.
Binoculars with Porro prism design have their eyepiece offset from the objective lens at an angle. Mainly, these binoculars have exceptional optical performance. However, they are heavier and difficult to carry for long hours.
On the other hand, roof prim binoculars have the prisms arranged in a relatively streamlined position. This makes them compact and lightweight. They make a great companion for hiking, hunting and outdoor adventure activities, but they don’t offer the best optical performance.
Size and Weight
Go for compact or mid-sized binoculars if you have to carry your rifle and optics for long hours. These binoculars are easy on the hands and steady as well. Additionally, compact binoculars are easy to pack which makes them great for travel.
When it comes to weight, hunting requires you to move around as you search for targets. Go for the lightest pair possible, so you don’t get exhausted easily. If the binoculars are bulky, you may want to use a tripod so you can enjoy hands-free viewing. However, adding a tripod into your hunting gear makes things more strenuous.
FAQs
- How much should you spend on hunting binoculars?
It depends. You can spend as much as $1000 and above if you are serious about hunting and you are looking for a high-end unit with high-end features. On the other hand, if you are on a budget, you don’t have to break the bank to get a decent pair. You can spend a minimum of $100 to $200 and get a quality pair.
- What is the best magnification for hunting binoculars?
For most hunting excursions, binoculars with 8x to 10x optical power will do. If you plan to hunt targets in close quarters or dense woodlands, the 8x should suffice. On the other hand, 10x magnification power is ideal for glassing game at distant ranges particularly in open fields.
Conclusion
It’s my hope that this post has given you the insight into the best hunting binoculars under $300. Remember that your ideal hunting binoculars will largely depend on the type of hunting that you engage in and the hunting environment. Choose any of the binoculars listed above and you will enjoy many years of field performance.
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