Binoculars are a valuable addition in every hunter’s toolkit. With the best hunting binoculars under $500, you will be able locate your game with ease and observe them in detail depending on how far they are. This will help make your hunting expedition more competitive and rewarding.
Over the past few years, hunting binoculars are now more affordable than ever. And with so many models out there, it is best to get a unit that suits both your needs and budget to avoid impulse buying. We have compiled a list of the best binoculars under $500 that make a handy companion in the hunting fields. These binoculars are easy to use, waterproof and well built to meet the needs of every modern hunter out there. Let’s take a look.
Our Best Hunting Binoculars Under $500 At A Glance
- Zeiss Terra ED Compact Binoculars, 10×42
- Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
- Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars
- Nikon 7549 MONARCH 7 10×42 Binocular
- Carson 3D Series High Definition Waterproof Binoculars with ED glass
- Uplands Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars
- Bushnell Trophy Roof Binoculars
Best Hunting Binoculars Under $500
1) Zeiss Terra ED Compact Binoculars, 10×42
The Zeiss Terra ED Compact Binoculars are one of the best hunting binoculars under $500 out there. This pair of binoculars has 10x magnification suitable for hunting in wide, open fields and a large 42mm objective lens which provides a large field of view which is essential for easy game identification.
Weighing just 1.5 pounds, these binoculars are light and easy to carry as you look for game. The compact design maximizes their portability and with the waterproof casing included, you will be able to carry them safely to and from the hunting field.
These top-performing binoculars are built-ready for hunting. They feature a robust aluminum construction which stands anything you throw at them. They also have Zeiss LotuTec coating which provides clear and unhindered views in any weather condition.
Furthermore, the binoculars feature premium-quality SCHOTT ED glass which provides high-quality and color accurate sight pictures in any lighting condition and high-quality lens coating that maximizes light transmission for easy target location even in low light settings. To top it all, the binocular has a large, smooth and easy-to-grip focus wheel for snug and precision focusing.
Features
- 10x magnification
- Compact in size and ultralight
- Robust aluminum construction
- Premium-quality SCHOTT ED glass
- Hydrophobic lens coating
- Large and easy-to-grip focus wheel
- Comfortable eyecups
- Wide-angle field of view
2) Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
Vortex makes quality optics and this quality is maintained in the Viper HD 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars, This pair of binoculars is packed with everything you need to get the most out of your hunting trip. It is compact in size and light as feather so it won’t weigh you down as move around looking for game.
Featuring 10x magnification, the binocular is ideal for long-range hunting in wide, open fields. It has an Armortek coating which shields the external lens from scratches and a rubber-armored chassis which provides a secure, non-slip grip in wet weather conditions. It is also purged with argon to prevent fog build up in the internal lenses and O-ring sealed to deliver reliable waterproof performance.
Furthermore, the binocular has dielectric multi-layer prism coatings which provide bright, clear and color accurate images from sunrise to sunset. It also comes with an advanced high-density optical system which provides top tier light transmission for high-quality and color accurate images. Above all, this device boasts multi-position eyecups for comfortable observation with and without eyeglasses and a locking eye diopter which adjusts for focal differences between your eyes.
Features
- Versatile 10x magnification
- Wide field of view
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Multi-position eyecups
- Compact, lightweight design
- Rubber armored chassis
- Armortek lens coating
- Advanced high-density optical system
- Dielectric, multi-layer prism coatings
3) Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars
If you are looking for the best lightweight full-size binoculars for hunting under $500, look no further than the Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars. They feature 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens and a massive field of view for easy target location.
This pair of binoculars has advanced CAT lenses which reveal game hidden in thick cover or shadows. It also features an open bridge design that makes it easier to grip securely and comfortable to hold when scouting for game. Furthermore, it has a fast-close-focus central focusing wheel for smooth precision focusing.
Another strength about these binoculars is the durable housing. They have a military-grade Porro prism and a rugged Makrolon housing which endures rough outdoor handling and anything you throw at it. Moreover, this product is waterproof and fog proof for reliable performance in any weather condition.
Features
- Fast-close focus central focusing wheel
- Lightweight design
- Open-bridge design
- Ergonomic silicone eyecups
- Laser-textured grip
- CAT game-sensing lens coatings
- Waterproof and fog proof
4) Nikon 7549 MONARCH 7 10×42 Binocular
Another best hunting binoculars on our list is the MONARCH 7 10×42 Binocular from Nikon. It brings to the table a wide array of high-end features that every avid hunter out there will like. It also provides exceptional optical performance in any hunting environment.
A wide field of view awaits you when you buy this binocular. This way, you will have an easy time locating your game and monitoring fast-moving targets. Furthermore, the binocular uses ED glass which provides high-quality images with exquisite color fidelity. It also features fully multi-coated lenses and dielectric multilayer prism coatings which provide higher light transmission for bright and clear field of view even in low light settings.
Another good thing about the binocular is that it is built to handle any punishment you subject it to. It has a durable rubber-armored coating which protects the optics from weather elements while offering you a secure, non-slip grip. Additionally, it is waterproof and fog resistant for use even in harsh weather conditions. Other noteworthy features included are a long eye relief, smooth central focus knob and multi-setting click stop eyecups.
Features
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Long eye relief
- Smooth central focus knob
- Premium ED glass
- Dielectric multilayer prism coatings
- Wide field of view
- Multi-setting click stop eyecups
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Flip down objective lens covers
- Lightweight design
5) Carson 3D Series High Definition Waterproof Binoculars with ED glass
As one of the best hunting binoculars under $500, Carson 3D Series Binoculars offer the best value for money. These binoculars offer high-quality features at a price that is easy on the wallet. They are also highly versatile and ideal for multiple applications among them hunting.
These binoculars are perfect for long-range hunting expeditions. They feature 10x magnification which is ideal for glassing distant objects and a large 42mm objective lens which provides the much-required wide-angle field of view for smooth target spotting. They also feature HD optical coating technology with premium ED glass to offer you the brightest and clearest images possible even at long ranges.
For added convenience, these binoculars have a lightweight, ergonomic design which makes them perfect for long hunts. The extra-long eye relief is perfect for eyeglass wearers while the rubberized armor coating makes the binoculars rugged and shockproof. To top it all, these binoculars are waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition.
Features
- ED glass
- Rubberized armor textured coating
- Waterproof and fog proof
- HD optical coating technology
- Extra-long eye relief
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- 10x magnification
- Wide field of view
6) Uplands Optics Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars
Next on our list is the Perception HD 10x42mm Hunting Binoculars from Uplands Optics. These binoculars are specifically designed for hunting. They are simple to use and light enough to be easy to carry around as you look for game.
Made with high-quality ED glass, these binoculars provide exceptional image quality from dawn to dusk. The large 42mm objective lens collects optimum light when hunting in low light settings for bright image production. It also provides a wide field of view which is what every hunter needs to spot their game with ease and keep track of them as they move.
Furthermore, this optics are made to endure anything that comes their way. They are designed with the highest quality materials for the ultimate durability. They are also waterproof and fog proof so you will be able to use them in any weather condition. To top it all, they have a lifetime warranty so you can rest assured that you are getting a quality product.
Features
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Lightweight design
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable rubber body
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Long eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Lifetime warranty
7) Bushnell Trophy Roof Binoculars
Bushnell makes good quality and reliable optics and the Trophy XLT Roof Binoculars are not any different. With these binoculars, you will be able to enhance your hunting skills and become a better hunter. They are compact for easy pack-ability and lightweight for convenient carrying in the field.
Featuring a Dura-Grip rubber armored housing, these binoculars provide great protection from shock, impact and weather elements when outdoors. The soft-touch thumb grips allow for snug, secure and easy handling in the field, while the lens covers protect the objective lens from scratches when hunting and dust and debris during storage. Moreover, they are fully waterproof and fog proof so you can use them even in harsh weather conditions.
When it comes to the optical features, these binoculars bring to the table fully multi-coated optics and premium BaK-4 prisms which deliver ultra-bright and tack-sharp images from dawn to dusk. They also boast a long eye relief for comfortable glassing and a center focus wheel for precision focusing.
Features
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Long eye relief
- Deluxe binoculars harness
- Fast-focus center focus wheel
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Lightweight design
See Also
How to Choose the Best Hunting Binoculars under $500
Choosing the best hunting binoculars under $500 is not something to do on a whip. The following are some of the key factors you should consider that should help you make the right buying decision.
Magnification
Magnification is a measure of how close an image with appear when you look at it through the binoculars. When it comes to hunting, it is extremely important to have proper magnification for easy target location and quick target acquisition. Binoculars with 8x and 10x magnification are ideal for most hunting expeditions. They offer a decent field of view and are easy to hold steady even during long hunts.
Objective Lens
After magnification, you should look at the size of the objective lens. The larger the lens, the more light the binoculars gather and the more detail you will be able to see. However, binoculars with extra-large objective lenses have a downside of being more expensive and bulkier. For hunting, a safe bet is to get a binocular with 40 to 50mm objective lens.
Field of View
Field of view refers to the widest dimension you can see without moving the binoculars around. It is measured in feet over 1000 yards. When it comes to hunting, it is important to have a pair of binoculars that offers a wide field of view. It makes it easier for you to locate the game and keep track of them as they move and after you have taken the shot.
Eye Relief
Eye relief plays a big part when using binoculars especially for users who wear eyeglasses. With a long eye relief, you will be able to glass comfortably and experience less eye fatigue. You will also get a wide viewing angle which every hunters needs for quick and easy target acquisition.
Size and Weight
Hunting requires you to move around in search of game. This calls for a set of binoculars that is light and portable. Avoid any binoculars that weigh more than 2 pounds especially if you will be carrying other hunting gear. If you hunt a lot, make sure that you also get a binocular that is compact for easy pack-ability and portability.
Durability
The quality of construction used will determine how reliable the binoculars will be. For hunting, a tip is to look for binoculars that are made with aluminum or magnesium alloy. Such binoculars are durable yet lightweight. Also make sure that you select a pair of binoculars that is wrapped with a rugged rubber armor. They will be comfortable to hold securely even in wet conditions or when you are wearing gloves. It is also best to get hunting binoculars that are waterproof and fog proof for reliable use even when it’s raining.
Advantages of Binoculars for Hunting
- Binoculars are relative lightweight and compact for convenient portability and packability.
- Versatility. Binoculars for hunting are also ideal for use for other applications not just hunting.
- Binoculars for hunting are durably built to stand rough handling and give you with many years of field use.
- Less Expensive. Binoculars for hunting are available at competitively affordable price tags.
- Ease of Use. With binoculars, you use both eyes to locate an object. This reduces eye strain and fatigue particularly during long hunting expeditions.
FAQS
- Are compact binoculars good for hunting?
Yes. Compact binoculars are good for hunting as they are easy to pack and carry around. If the binocular has a decent objective lens size, it will be ideal for hunting during the day as well as in low light settings.
- What size binocular do I need for hunting?
For all-purpose hunting, it is best to get a binocular with 8x or 10x magnification and an objective diameter between 40mm to 42mm. Such binoculars offer exceptional optical performance while being light and portable.
- How much should I spend on hunting binoculars?
With binoculars, you get what you pay for. For a beginner, you can start with a budget binocular that does not cost more than $200. However, if you are serious about hunting, it is best to invest in a more expensive model that has all the high-end features that you will need. This will help take your hunting skills to the next big level.
Conclusion
We do hope that you have found all the information that you need about the best hunting binoculars under $500. As you can see, you have an abundance of hunting binoculars to choose from. Consider your hunting style and individual needs then focus on getting a binocular that best suits your needs.