Our lists of the 2017 Best Binoculars for Hunting broke down into price ranges from under $200 to over $3000 beginning with what many would consider the overall best hunting binoculars . Scroll down the page and find binoculars that fit your budget best. Please go through the links on this page before buying binoculars to ensure you get the best price possible and we get credit for sending you. Thanks!
Rated #1 Best Binoculars for Hunting:
Swarovski Swarovision 10×42 One look through these binoculars and you’ll see what you’ve been missing. You can’t get binoculars more ideal for hunting in clarity, size, shape, feel, luxury, and overall beauty. Unfortunately, they’re spendy, but many say worth saving for. If over budget, don’t worry, there are plenty that will serve you well for a tenth of the money, and we list them by price range below. Get more info on these Swarovskis in their price range column (way down there!).
More info, reviews or to buy, Click Here:
Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 @Amazon +/- $2,320
Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 @EagleOptics +/- $2,599
Check both sites – prices change often.
A Word About Hunting Binoculars
Question: What are the Best Binoculars for Hunting.
Answer: the best you can afford.
Criteria for Being the Best Binoculars for Hunting
- 10 power magnification: most adequate for most hunting situations with good field of view. 8X may be desirable if hunting where visibility is limited.
- 40mm – 50mm objective: the lens diameter opposite the eye piece. It determines the amount of light the binoculars capture.
- Price: the best you can afford. A $2000 binocular is not 10 times better than a $200 set, but a $200 binocular may be twice the quality of $100 set. The cost is disproportionate to the quality – law of diminishing return. So don’t think you can’t get a quality hunting binocular without spending a fortune; the selections below are good guidelines for getting you the best unit you can with the amount of money you’re willing to spend.
Best Binoculars for Hunting: Under $200
Vortex Diamondback 10X42: If you’re in the market for a pair of value priced binoculars that will do all that’s necessary for hunting, then these may be the best binoculars for you. The size is ideal and they are the same shape of the the high end models giving off a good feel at an inexpensive price. With a field of view of 330 feet at 1000 yards, you will not have a problem keeping objects in sight. For such inexpensive glass, these are incredibly clear, and when compared with high end glasses, they are far from 1/10th the binocular ($200X10=$2000).
Obviously, the fact is that these binoculars are not made with the quality of components as the models that cost much more. Still, they are guaranteed waterproof, fogproof, and of quality construction. With a light weight design, soft touch grips, and extended eye relief (for use with glasses), these binoculars are the best for hunting for a person on a budget, or for a gift for any outdoorsmen; even if they have a more expensive pair of hunting binoculars, these will make a great back up or an additional set for in the truck, boat, or RV.
The price below is the best we can find from a reputable retailer. Prices change regularly, so follow the link for the latest price.
For more information or to buy, Click the link below:
Vortex Diamondback 10X42 @ Amazon.com – Price: $167
Vortex Diamondback 10X42 @ EagleOptics.com – Price: $230
Best Binoculars for Hunting: Under $300

Nikon is long known for making high quality optics at a value price. The Monarchs make a great hunting binocular
Nikon Monarch 3 10×42 Binocular: Nikon has a history of producing value priced optics, and the Monarch Binoculars are no exception. The main difference is price, you will not be paying over $1000 dollars to get these specs, in fact you will be spending less than $300, far less. The shape and design are also a compliment to these binoculars. They are balanced and fit into ones hands comfortably.
The clarity of these hunting binoculars are great for a value priced model. They are just as clear, maybe even a little clearer, than my more expensive comparison binoculars. They also performed equally as well in low light conditions. To add value, these field glasses are water and fog proof. The 330 foot filed of view at 1000 yards puts them about average in that aspect.
The Nikon Monarch 3 Binoculars will be a great addition to any hunter’s, bird watcher’s, or fisherman’s arsenal even if they have several binoculars already. Don’t take our word for it; the reviews at the link below show these are some of the best binoculars for hunting with a price that is hard to beat. If you want a quality glass and a great feel without spending a small fortune, these are binoculars to consider this hunting season.
For more information or to buy, Click Here:
Nikon Monarch 3 10×42 @ Amazon.com – Price: $220
Nikon Monarch 3 10×42 @ Binoculars.com – Price: $250
Best Binoculars for Hunting: Under $400
Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 Binocular: This German optics manufacture has been at it making some of the highest quality binoculars on the market for over 165 years, and now they’ve developed a China made version to fit the more frugal sector of the market; we appreciate that. While Terre ED Binoculars are significantly less money than their higher end binoculars, don’t expect them to be far less valuable. These optics are as clear as some of the thousand dollar plus models. In fact, the Terra should be in the “under $500” category below, but Amazon.com has them for sale much less than the MSRP.
The lenses are made of Extra-low Dispersion glass (ED),fully multi-coated and have phase correction, all combining to enhance resolution, color, contrast and increased light transmission. A 330 ft Field of view at 1000 yd is great. All of this combined delivers bright, crisp images, even in low light, and does so in a light weight, rubber armor body that fits very nicely in the hands.
For more info, reviews or to buy, Click Here:
Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 @ Amazon.com – Price: $325
Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 @ Amazon.com – Price: $450
Best Binoculars For Hunting: Under $500
Vortex Talon HD 10×42 Binocular: Rated Overall Best Value Binoculars
For an inexpensive binoculars for hunting, you will not find a better deal. With high density (HD), extra low dispersion glass, it is doubtful that you will find a clear, more scratch resistance set of binoculars in this price range. In fact there are a lot of factors that help to make these the best in their class. The field of view of almost 350 feet at 1000 yards is almost unheard of for a 10 power, 42mm objective binocular in any price range.
Vortex entered the optics market by offering a mid priced product with the clarity and design, among st other features, of the high priced European models, but at a third of the price. The Vortex Talon, at the time of this writing, is their newest model, so I have not even been able to field test it yet, but looking through them at the store and feeling the design quality, it was not a hard decision to put these at the top pick in their price range. Go to the link below to read the specs, you will be amazed at all these binoculars have to offer for the price, making them the best binoculars for hunting under $500.
Update: I have finally done a full review of the Vortex Talon HD 10×42 Binoculars. I like them even better than before. To view our full review click here: Vortex Talon HD Review
For more info information, customer reviews or to buy, Click Here:
Vortex Talon HD 10×42 Binocular @ Amazon.com – Price: $480
Best Binoculars for Hunting Under $700
Vortex Viper 10 x 42 HD: One of the first binocular manufactures to bring the design of the high dollar binoculars to the mid price range was vortex. Offering mid priced glass with the quality of high grade optics is what brought popularity to the Vortex line of hunting optics. Now they have a huge foot hold, lots of loyal customers, and optics in all categories (binoculars, spotting scopes, monocular, and tripods) and all price ranges. Many of the reviews I read before I bought a pair for myself said they could not believe the Vortex Viper HD is at least a third of the cost of the high dollar brands with glass that is hard to find much difference in clarity. Still, if you talk to the hard core European glass (Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica, ect) supporters, they will tell you theirs are better, clear, stronger, but most will agree that they are the closest thing for the price.
The Vortex Viper 10 x 42 HD hunting binoculars are made tough and mimic the look and feel of competing high end European optics companies. the HD stands for high density, extra-low dispersion glass. This was added to the already clear and rugged set up to give it a step up and an extra scratch resistance lens.
Important Specifications:
- 319 foot field of view at 1000 yards
- 24.6 oz
- 16.5 mm eye relief
- Waterproof, fog proof
- 5.1 close focus
- roof prism binoculars
Like any best binoculars for hunting should be, the Vortex vipers are waterproof (O rings) and fog proof (argon gas). Also they are constructed strongly and has a grippy armor coating that helps protect from the unusual bumps of hunting. These are an all around great product that I have yet to hear a negative about. Not to mention they are currently on sale at Eagleoptics.com at $100 off the list price with free shipping. Get them at the link below before they run out or raise the price.
For more information or to buy, Click the link below:
Vortex 10×42 Viper HD Binoculars @ Eagle Optics Best Price: $599
Vortex 10×42 Viper HD Binoculars @ Amazon.com Best Price: $532
*** Check both sites as prices change often ***
Best Binoculars for Hunting Under $1000
Zeiss Conquest 10×42 HD Binoculars: This incredible piece of equipment is made in Germany, a country well known to produce some of the very best of top end optics. With the Conquest model, Zeiss brought high quality glass and workmanship to a new budget level of hunters. Most all hunting binoculars priced under $1000 are made in China; there’s nothing wrong with that, but its not known for it’s history of glass as is Germany.
The Conquest 10X42 Binoculars number 1 feature is the field of view (FOV) at 345 ft at 1000 yd, one of the greatest of all binoculars in all price ranges. The Extra-low Dispersion glass keeps the image clear to the outside of the view and the special coatings added to the lenses not only provide great light transmission and anti-reflectiveness, but also sport a coating that allows dirt, grease, water and other elements to be removed easily and without hard scrubbing. This lengthens the life of the coatings and prevents scratches.
- Magnification: 10x
- Objective Lens Diameter 42 mm
- Field of View 345ft
- Eye Relief 17 mm
- Close Focus 6.5 feet
- Weight 28 oz
- Dimensions (HxW) 6.5 x 4.7 inches
- Weatherproofing Water and fog proof
While the glass is something to be proud of, the Zeiss Conquest itself is a thing of beauty, yet durable enough to handle the demands of a hunter. The frame is made of aluminum making it strong and light, in a slim design that offers a comfortable feel, surrounded in an outer, rubber armor coating that offers great grip and protection. I fell in love with these binoculars several models ago and they have continued to be improved. If $1000 binoculars is in your budget, then these are likely going to be the best bang for your buck.
For more information or to buy, Click Here:
Zeiss Conquest 10×40 B T* Binocular @ Amazon.com Best Price: $990
Zeiss Conquest 10×40 B T* Binocular @ EagleOptics.com Best Price: $1000
Zeiss Conquest 10×40 B T* Binocular @ Binoculars.com Best Price: $1000
(Check all sites as prices change often)
Best Binoculars for Hunting Under $1,500
Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binoculars: Coming in at well under $1,500 while delivering the clarity and brightness of optics worth twice as much is the Vortex Razor HD. High Density (HD), extra-low dispersion glass is in part the reason for ultimate resolution and color fidelity, resulting in High Definition images. Combine this with hand picked roof prisms, Vortex anti-reflective coatings, and phase correction, and you have yourself a binocular that will compete with anything on the market. The 362 foot field of view at 1000 yd is very impressive.
The Razor is made of a Magnesium Chassis that decreases weight and increases strength, while the roof prisms allow Vortex to decrease the overall size making these hunting binoculars more versatile and lighter than many more expensive models. Durable rubber armoring protects the housing and ensures a nonslip grip. Twist-up eyecups with positive settings offer a range of eye relief options. Locking right-eye diopter. O-ring sealed, and purged with argon gas for 100 percent waterproof/fogproof performance
This is the top of the line for Vortex, so you know the image will be superb and craftsmanship will be second to none. They are known for making exceptional products at affordable prices.
For more info, reviews or to buy, Click Here:
Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binocular @ Bass Pro Shop Price $1199.99
Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binocular @ Amazon.com Price $1199.00
*** Check all sites as prices change often ***
Best Binoculars for Hunting Under $2000
Zeiss Victory FL 10×42 Binoculars: After over 150 years of manufacturing some of the highest grade optics in the world, Zeiss has ended up with their best binoculars for hunting. The victory is the top of the line for Zeiss, and there is no need to go any further, as any other changes are only going to raise the cost of these already expense binoculars. The price tag is the only complaint that I have or have heard of about the Victory line of Binoculars. They come in many different sizes, but as stated before, 10×42, or something close to it is the perfect size for hunting.
There are many features that are noteworthy about the Zeiss Victory 10×42 Hunting Binoculars. LotuTec Coating has been added to the already superb lenses which causes water, dirt, and oils to be cleaned off extremely easy, keeping your view clear and prolonging the surfaces because the less you have to clean them, the longer they will remain scratch free. For more on this one of a kind coating click on this link: LotuTec Coating. Also, the FL glass used in the Victory’s is a combination of both ED and Fluorite glass bringing the benefits of both without the drawbacks that one or the other does not offer.
The Zeiss Victory keeps up with the industry with a field of view of 360 feet/1000 yards and a eye relief of 18mm. I could go on here about the specifications and other reasons why the Zeiss Victory 10 x 42 is the best binoculars for hunting in its class, but instead I will leave you with this link: Zeiss Victory product details, so you can check them out in more detail if you feel the need.
Rest assured, these are the best hunting binoculars you will find in this price range. In fact, these Binoculars are typically in the price range above $2,000, but are now available at a price well below the list price of $2,800 plus. Be sure to get your pair soon as the price may go back at any time.
For more information, customer reviews, or to buy, Click Here:
Zeiss Victory 10×42 T* FL LT @ EagleOptics.com Best Price: $1,999
Zeiss Victory 10×42 T* FL LT @ Amazon.com Best Price: $1,995
Best Binoculars for Hunting Under $2500
Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 Binocular: There are many cutting edge processes and components that go into making Swarovski binoculars to ensure that they are the best you can get in their class, and with the Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 the best overall. That’s right, these binoculars get the best overall rating for this entire sight. The images through these hunting binoculars are crystal clear and use every available light ray to give you the best glassing possible when light is on the dim side. High definition is what you will be looking at when using the EL Swarovision that is attained by using Fluoride-containing HD lenses for impressive transmission of true-to-life and high-contrast images. The lenses are then optimized with three different types of coatings:SWAROBRIGHT, SWARODUR and SWAROTOP that give you the ultimate combination for bright, high-contrast images, and maximum color fidelity across the whole light spectrum. Then to top it off, the outside lenses are coated with Swaroclean which makes for incredibly easy cleaning of almost whatever will get on them out in the field.
I can’t say enough about these best binoculars for hunting, so I encourage you to read the reviews at these two websites: Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 Binocular Reviews & Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 Reviews. I will say though that I agree with the reviewer that simply wrote “These are like looking through the eyes of GOD!! I will never buy another brand of optics.” Luckily it will be a long time before he needs to buy another brand, as these are sure to last a long time.
The Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 Binoculars are made from a lightweight magnesium chassis providing maximum strength. They ten coat the body with a high grade armor for both protection and comfort. Add the incredible lenses and other top of the line components and processes and you have a pair of binoculars for hunting that cannot be beat.
Specifications: A Field of view of 336 feet @1000 yards put it better than most for finding and staying on objects. Eye relief of 20mm provide easy use with or without eye glasses with twist up eye cusps that lock into position. Not that important for hunting, but they have a very impressive close focus of less than 5 feet. They are not as lightweight as some of the less expensive binoculars for hunting at 28 oz, but weight goes up a little with high quality components.
For more information, customer reviews or to buy, Click Here:
Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 Binoculars @ Amazon.com Best Price: $2,318
Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 Binoculars @ Eagle Optics Best Price: $2,599
Best Binoculars for Hunting Under $3000
There are no better binoculars for hunting than the Swarovski EL Swarovision 10×42 Binocular listed above. The only other thing that you can get out of a pair of hunting binoculars is a rangefinder, but that is a discussion for another page. To check out Rangefinder Binoculars, click here: Rangefinder Binoculars