10 best binoculars for hunting and fishing
At first glance, choosing binoculars for hunting is not difficult. I went into the store, bought the one that is better and more powerful and affordable, and that's it. However, later, the owners of even the most expensive and sophisticated optics, if they are not chosen according to their minds, have a hard time: either the device turns out to be too weighty for hunting on foot, then it focuses too slowly, then it gives a poor-quality image. So let's figure out what tricks you need to consider in order to get a reliable and high-quality device that matches its intended purpose.
Successful hunting requires the ability to quickly find a trophy object and successfully navigate the terrain at any visibility and at any time of the day. The more difficult the conditions in which a person plans to hunt, the more important the reliability and functionality of binoculars. Since the hunter has to walk long distances, carrying all the necessary ammunition on himself, and bad weather often catches him on the way, when choosing, you initially need to pay attention to several basic characteristics:
- reliability - this parameter can only be checked empirically, that is, having bought and tested in work, as an option, you can resort to studying reviews about the conscientiousness of a particular manufacturer and the build quality of the model you like;
- shock resistance - to understand what loads the binoculars can withstand, look at the case material: the most durable cases are made of carbon fiber and magnesium alloys, they are slightly inferior to rubber-coated aluminum, and ordinary plastic is the most vulnerable material to accidental impacts;
- compactness and weight - it is logical that extra pounds are not needed on a hike, so large and heavy binoculars can be acquired for car hunting, while a folding device weighing 0.5–0.7 kg is optimal for a running one.
As for the optical parameters, the ordinary hunter should look closely at two key indicators: magnification and lens size. They are indicated in the designation of each model with two numbers separated by a multiplication sign, for example, 8x25 or 12x40. Their size, as well as the need for additional functions such as a rangefinder or night vision, are recommended to be selected taking into account the specific conditions in the area where the hunt is planned. And to make it easier for a novice hunter to decide, we analyzed the features of several dozen devices, studied reviews about them and prepared a rating of the best binoculars for hunting and fishing, taking into account different requirements.
The best binoculars for hunting in the forest and in the field
To hunt in woodland, you need 6-8x binoculars. This is enough to conduct long-term observations, to make out small feathered game in the foliage and to notice a large animal without leaving the storage shed. Too much magnification will only interfere with fast focusing and orientation. The aperture index affects the sharpness and realism of the object, and since it directly depends on the lens diameter, it is better to choose optics with a lens size of at least 25–40 mm, while paying attention to its dimensions.
4 KOMZ BPC6 8x30
Remember the army binoculars inherited from your grandfathers? How many years have passed, how many kilometers traveled with them, and they still show a clear and clear picture. Is this not the best proof of the reliability of binoculars produced by the Kazan Optical and Mechanical Plant, which, by the way, has been operating without interruption since 1940? And if we consider that the optical technologies of that time were improved and supplemented with high-quality materials, there is no doubt that with careful treatment the device will serve for decades.
Its design fully meets modern requirements: a solid all-metal case with a rubberized surface fits snugly in the hand, so that the 700-gram weight is practically not felt. The lenses are protected by a multilayer coating and additionally by patch caps that are included in the kit. The Porro optical system with a 30 mm objective lens provides excellent image quality, neutral color rendition and the widest field of view - 150 m at a distance of 1 km. Judging by the reviews, from the whole set you can only find fault with the quality of the case, but the binoculars themselves are very good.
3 Olympus 8 × 40 DPS I
Another Japanese device that has won the trust of thousands of owners and has collected a lot of reviews, it must be admitted, ambiguous. On the one hand, everyone expects perfection from the leader in the production of photographic equipment. And it, as you know, does not exist, and even for that kind of money: someone does not like the quality of the complete strap, someone wants options in the form of a rangefinder or argon filling, someone instantly lost the eyepiece caps that do not have a retainer ...
On the other hand, binoculars are definitely worth their money and in any case justify the aspirations of both hunting lovers and fans or observer tourists. He has optimal magnification for handheld observation, and a wide field of view (143 m), and without glare at the corners. And the device also pleases with the optimal weight and dimensions (although it is also difficult to please everyone here), powerful aperture ratio and high-quality assembly of elements. Our conclusion is that if there is no need for night vision and other expensive "gadgets", binoculars will serve faithfully in the field.
2 Bresser Hunter 8 × 40
A characteristic feature of the Hunter line of binoculars from the German company Besser is a rubberized case made of impact-resistant plastic. The rubber cover protects the instrument from slipping out of the hands when observation is carried out in wet weather. For the manufacture of prisms of the Porro type, which provide excellent color rendering and a wide field of view, colorless VK-7 glass is used. High quality optics provides a clear and bright image, and allows observation not only during the day, but also at dawn or even at dusk.
Provided that an adapter and a tripod are used (they must be purchased separately), it is possible to use binoculars for continuous monitoring - thanks to the realistic picture, the absence of defects on it and the possibility of adjusting the diopters, the eyes do not get tired even in people with low vision. In general, these binoculars can be considered a quite successful model for fans of outdoor activities, whose reviews confirm our choice.
1 Canon 8 × 25 IS
Needless to say, no one has yet managed to catch up with the Japanese in terms of powerful optical devices. It is possible to copy, compare, but the primacy belongs unconditionally to them. Judge for yourself - for a relatively small amount, the buyer gets a compact (weighing only 490 g, and a width of 12 cm) and very solidly made device with an optical stabilizer function. Believe me, this is a completely different image quality! Thanks to Porro prisms, the picture is bright, without loss or distortion, and the field of view at a distance of 1 km reaches 115 m.
In addition, Canon's unique technologies ensure the closest possible focusing distance of just 3.5m. The lenses have a special coating that prevents flare and flare. The eightfold magnification is convenient to use not only for hunting or fishing, but also for going to the theater, to a concert or sporting events - why not, in appearance these binoculars are completely different from field glasses. And only a knowledgeable person in terms of parameters and design will understand what opportunities are hidden in this baby.
Best binoculars for fishing
Binoculars help fishermen find their way in an unfamiliar place, fully explore the water area and, by indirect signs, find an accumulation of food fish in a large reservoir. Such fishing is considered safer, more interesting and more effective.However, the level of requirements for fishing binoculars is increasing: it is important that it is protected from condensation and moisture ingress, has an ergonomic body and a sufficient viewing angle. The magnification level is still not in the first place in terms of importance - it is quite enough when the device allows you to enlarge the picture by 8-10 times.
3 Celestron Nature DX 8x32
If an angler wants to improve his equipment with a more powerful optical device, we advise him to pay attention to binoculars from the American brand Celestron. Buying it, you will not have to go beyond the budget, however, you will get a full set of necessary characteristics, including the Roof optical scheme made of VAK-4 glasses, full multilayer coating and a 32 mm lens diameter. This model, of course, does not apply to night vision devices, but in twilight semi-darkness, objects in the field of view will be clearly visible.
As befits a serious instrument, the binoculars have a high-strength polycarbonate body, the voids of which are filled with dry nitrogen. Its water resistance extends its use in adverse weather conditions. The reviews also note excellent color reproduction, the absence of obvious distortions and the minimum required focusing distance of just 2 m.
2 Nikon Sportstar EX 8 × 25 DCF
This pocket-sized device was designed for general viewing, for example, to cheer on the races or get the most out of a field trip. However, hunters and fishermen adapted it for their purposes - to spy on other fishermen's fishing spots, to notice cracks and hummocks on the ice from afar during winter fishing, to find gulls above fish accumulations. All this is more than possible thanks to the optimal magnification, large viewing angle (8.2 ° - none of the binoculars in this price segment have this), a durable carbon fiber body and high-quality optics.
The reviews indicated an interesting experience: the binoculars were immersed in a bath of water for an hour and after that its condition was assessed - no leaks or fogging were found. We do not recommend repeating such testing, since the degree of moisture protection is not indicated in official sources, but we think that the Waterproof labels from a manufacturer with a proven reputation are worth trusting. So if you need an ergonomic, compact optical device with good picture sharpness for fishing, you can assume that you have found it.
1 Veber Nature Russia 10 × 42
The Russian trade mark of optical goods "Weber" appeared relatively recently - in 1991, and its formation was not easy. The first batches of binoculars from China, where the production was located, turned out to be of insufficient quality, and the management made an unprecedentedly courageous decision - to organize in Russia its own technical control department with powerful equipment and check all devices, carry out adjustment, adjustment, and if necessary, local assembly.
What happened in the end can be estimated by the Nature Russia 10 × 42 model. Buying it, you get an inexpensive and reliable binocular with excellent characteristics for successful fishing: lightweight - weighing 600 g, moisture resistant - withstands short-term immersion in 1 m of water, with a strong metal case. The binoculars' tubes are filled with inert gas, due to which condensation does not form even with temperature drops. The optics are also good: what are only roof prisms with expensive VaK-4 glasses, which give a close to ideal image.
The best binoculars for hunting in difficult conditions (tundra, mountains, night)
When hunting in the steppe, it is necessary to view the vast distances. This is where powerful 10x and 12x binoculars come in handy. For good visibility in the mountains, the magnification can be higher than 12, but it must be borne in mind that their use will be impossible without a tripod - natural hand shake will not allow the optics to focus normally.For professional hunting, when the crucial moment of meeting with an animal or bird falls on the complete lack of lighting, night vision binoculars are badly needed, and to determine the distance to the object, a device with a goniometric reticle or rangefinder is required.
3 Nikon Aculon A211 10 × 50
This device is optically designed to provide excellent picture quality while maintaining maximum observer comfort. Despite the significant weight of 900 g, the rubberized case is tirelessly held by hands, and the rubber swivel-retractable eyecups and the adjustment of the interpupillary distance make the contemplation of the distance even more comfortable. However, for a long-term process, a tripod is indispensable - a powerful 10-fold increase affects.
Aspherical lenses with multilayer deposition are responsible for the absence of distortion, and the brightness of the image and a wide field of view are provided by a fast lens with a diameter of 50 mm. In reviews, binoculars are praised for their high-quality assembly without backlash, the presence of an adapter and the ability to mount on a tripod and the material of optical glasses - Eco-glass, which somewhat outperforms the VaK-4 optics in terms of quality. Sometimes on the hunt there are not enough rangefinder and night vision options, but they are difficult to demand from such a powerful apparatus for such money.
2 Night vision binoculars Yukon Edge GS 3,5 × 50 L (Pulsar)
If your favorite hunting time is night and twilight, binoculars with night vision function will allow you to detect and recognize an object at a distance of up to 220 m. It contains high-level optics and electronics, providing clear image transmission with excellent detail. The key feature of the model is the presence of an IR illuminator for observation in complete darkness and protection from illumination, due to which, when the degree of illumination is sharply increased, the image intensifier (image intensifier) is turned off.
The sealed metal housing effectively resists shock loads, dust and moisture penetration. Rubber eyecups ensure correct positioning of the eyepieces and at the same time mask the glow of the image intensifier. The binoculars are supplied complete with a case with a waist belt and a shoulder strap, and a wide neck harness allows you to wear it on alert.
1 Binoculars with rangefinder BUSHNELL 10X42 FUSION 1 MILE ARC
Professional hunters are familiar with the American brand Bushnell, which has been producing powerful optical equipment for more than half a century. The principle of the company "Manufacturability, reliability, availability" was embodied in these binoculars. It is equipped with a first-class laser rangefinder that displays the exact distance to the object within 1600 m at the push of a button (more - 1800 m - only in the Leica Geovid line, but there the price is 3 times higher). Moreover, the rangefinder operates in several modes, and each of them provides corrections that must be taken into account when hunting with different types of weapons.
Thanks to the high-quality housing seal and nitrogen filling, the device is 100% protected from dust, moisture and lens fogging, so it can withstand complete immersion in water. The waterproof design and new Matrix Display Technology, together with premium anti-fog lens coatings and premium optics, ensure true edge-to-edge images and hassle-free measurement data identification when other tools fail.
