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Best Binoculars for Hunting Big Game Long Range

By Larry McCoy |

Man looking through binoculars while hunting

Big game hunting requires patience and persistence, no matter what. You’re almost guaranteed to spend long hours scoping out potential targets. But without the right set of binoculars, that wait might all be for nothing.

Good binoculars can help you identify targets and make strategic plans about how to cover ground in the backcountry. That’s why when I’m choosing binoculars, I’m always considering the magnification, field of view, diameter of the objective lens, exit pupil, and eye relief to make sure I’m picking up the best pair for me.

In this guide, we will walk you through the basic features of binoculars you need to understand before making a purchase, and then provide examples of some of the best big game long range hunting binoculars on the market. These include:

What to Consider When Choosing Long Range Big Game Hunting Binoculars

When I’m gearing up for my next trek through the backcountry, choosing the perfect binoculars for my goals is almost as important as choosing the right weapon. These are the main factors I consider when I’m choosing binoculars.

Magnification

The first question is always: how much magnification do I need for my target species? You’ll see sets of numbers on binoculars, like 10x50. The first number refers to the magnification – so in 10x50, that’s a 10x magnification. (We’ll get to the second number in the next section.)

Higher magnification means you can see farther – but it also means that your image is going to get shakier. Plus, there is such a thing as too much detail! You don’t want to miss an elk standing right in the middle of the field because you were admiring the detail on some nearby shrubbery.

Here are some general rules of thumb on which species do well with which magnifications.

Species & Recommended Magnification

Whitetail 8x - 10x
Elk 8x - 10x
Proghorn 10x - 12x
Mountain Goats 10x - 12x
Mule Deer 10x - 15x

There’s always flexibility in choosing your magnification – it also depends on whether you’ll be mounting on a tripod or carrying over long distances (and can thus handle the extra weight), and what kind of landscape you’ll be hunting in. I always consider a 10x to be a good all-around magnification.

Objective Lens Diameter

So, what about that second number in our 10x50 example? The “50” in this equation refers to the diameter of the objective lens, given in millimeters. A larger objective lens will mean larger binoculars, which will be a little more difficult to carry.

The advantage of a larger objective lens is that it lets in more light, which creates a sharper image. The extra light might not be a huge issue for you if you’ll only be hunting during the day, but if you’re entering low-light situations, the added size might be well worth it.

Binocular Type & Objective Lense Diameter

Compact Binoculars < 30mm
Mid-Size Binoculars 30mm - 40mm
Full-Size Binoculars > 40mm

Exit Pupil

The other element that impacts the light coming into your binoculars is the exit pupil. I’m not trying to bog you down in technical stuff here – but the exit pupil measures the shaft of light on its way to your eyes. It can be calculated by dividing the object lens diameter by the magnification – so in our 10x50 example, the exit pupil is 5mm.

The exit pupil basically corresponds to the objective lens diameter – meaning, a larger exit pupil is going to get you more light, and a smaller exist pupil will get you less light.

Amount of Light & Exit Pupil Size

Dalylight Viewing 2mm+
Low-Light(dusk/dawn/shade) 5mm - 7mm

Field of View

Field of view refers to how wide across you can see. The higher your magnification, the narrower your field of view is going to be. So if you want to spend a lot of time scanning across the plans, a higher magnification can actually get in the way of that.

The field of view spec on binoculars refers to the width you can view at 1,000 yards away. This isn’t just based on the magnification – it’s also impacted by overall design and other factors. Because of this, I always make sure to check field of view specifically – you don’t want to be surprised by a narrow field of view out in the backcountry!

Additional Features

We’ve now covered the big questions when it comes to choosing your binoculars – but there are still a few more crucial factors that will make you a happier hunter when you’re out in the backcountry.

  • Handling the elements. How are my binoculars going to stand up to the elements? How are they going to deal with rattling around in my pack? See if they offer waterproof construction, fog-proofing, O-rings to keep dust out, or rubberized construction so you can grip more easily when things do get wet.
  • Lens coatings. These coatings allow light to pass through to your eye instead of reflecting off the glass. There’s a lot of terms out there that are mostly used for marketing – but check that you have a good anti-scratch coating, and multiple coatings is better for light transmission than fewer coatings.
  • Eye relief. I wear glasses, so I need at least 15mm of eye relief. If you don’t wear glasses, you might not be as concerned about this, but it’s good to check how far you’ll be holding the binoculars from your face.
  • Roof & Porro Prisms. Inside your binoculars are little prisms that bounce the light towards your eye. They’re located either at the top (roof) or on the outside (Porro). Roof prisms tend to be more compact and streamlined, which makes them more portable.
  • Diopters. I like an adjustable diopter, which allows me to calibrate the binocular specifically for each eye.
  • Warranties. And finally, as with any product, check the manufacturer’s warranty. What happens if your glass takes a big fall? We’re not taking them out to pick daises, so there’s a decent chance this could happen, and I prefer having a safety net.

Best Binoculars for Hunting Big Game Long Range

By this point, you should have a pretty good idea of the type of binoculars you’re looking for. Once those big decisions are put in place, you get to survey the cream of the crop and make the choice that’s right for your target species, landscape, and budget. Here are a few of my favorite binoculars for hunting big game over long distances.

Model Style Weight Eye Relief
Vortex Razor UHD 10x50 36.5 oz 18mm
Zeiss Conquest HD 15x56 45.7 oz 18mm
Swarovski EL 10x42 32.6 oz 19mm
Vortex Viper HD 10x42 24.9 oz 17mm
Diamondback HD 10x42 21.3 oz 15mm
Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD 8x42 28.48 oz 13.7mm

Best Overall: Vortex Razor UHD 10x50

Vortex Razor UHD Full Size Binoculars - 10X50
Vortex Razor UHD Full Size Binoculars - 10X50
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The Vortex Razor UHD is an excellent model for all-around hunting binoculars. This set is particularly well-suited for open country Western hunting, thanks to their strong field of view and magnification.

Vortex uses excellent lens coatings to prevent reflections. Along with their index-matched lenses, this makes for very good light transmission with true colors. This is a roof prism design that brings sharp edges and clear images.

The Razor UHD has a rubber coating for easier grip, magnesium frame to cut down on bulk, and water- and fog-proof O-ring seals. While they may be a bit on the bulky side for some, the Razor UHD provides an excellent value in the field of high-end optics.

Key Features

  • 10x50mm (also available in other magnifications on the same line)
  • Roof prism design
  • 36.5 ounces
  • Rubber coating
  • Magnesium frame
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Tripod compatible
  • Adjustable eyecups
  • Center focus wheel

Best High Magnification: Zeiss Conquest HD

Zeiss Conquest HD
Zeiss Conquest HD Full Size Binoculars - 15x56
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Some hunters are searching for their targets over massive expanses of land. If this is you, you’ll need serious magnification to get your eye on your target.

The Zeiss Conquest HD is my go-to binocular for these situations. This 15x magnification works best on a tripod, and these binoculars come with a great tripod mount. They bring clear images and are comfortable to hold.

This glass gets 90% of the available light to your eye, giving it strong performance in low-light conditions.

Key Features

  • Tripod adaptor
  • Comfortable focus system with large focus wheel
  • Eyecups for added comfort
  • LotuTec coating for lenses keeps glass weatherproof
  • ZEISS T* Coating brings high-contrast images

Best High End: Swarovski EL

Swarovski EL Range Full Size Rangefinding Binoculars
Swarovski EL Range Full Size Rangefinding Binocular - 10x42
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Sometimes you just want the best of the best. If money is no object, and you’re ready to invest in the serious top-of-the-line glass, I would be a fool not to point you toward Swarovski. I don’t want to start any arguments in the comments, but many have named these as the best-quality binoculars available today.

Swarovski’s lightweight binoculars provide a crystal-clear image (no pun intended for those of you who know them better for their jewelry!). Their light transmission is superb, with color, contrast, and clarity exactly as you would want them.

The build of the binoculars is also excellent, with a wraparound grip and fully waterproof body.

Key Features

  • SWAROVISION optics technology is best in class
  • Wraparound grip is easy to hold
  • Waterproof and submersible to 13’
  • Focus wheel is non-slip and solid with precision engineering
  • Flexible strap connector
  • Integrated objective lens covers

Best Mid-Range: Vortex Viper HD 10x42

Vortex Viper HD Full Size Binoculars - 10x42
Vortex Viper HD Full Size Binoculars - 10x42
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If you’re ready to come down from the clouds a bit, our next option is a solid mid-range entry that is a bit more feasible for many of our budgets. Coming in closer to $500, the Vortex Viper HD is a great option for whitetail hunters.

These lightweight, compact binoculars won’t weigh you down in the backcountry, but they will get you the magnification and low-light capability needed for this kind of hunting. They have good resolution and color fidelity, as well as a GlassPak chest harness that makes them easy to carry.

There are some chromatic aberrations, but that’s to be expected as we leave the realm of high-end optics.

Key Features

  • HD Lens Elements – low dispersion glass for good resolution and color fidelity
  • XR fully multi-coated for increased light transmission
  • Dielectric coating promotes color fidelity
  • Phase correction coating on roof prism models gives higher resolution and contrast
  • Roof prism makes it more compact and durable
  • Waterproof O-ring seals
  • Fogproof thanks to argon gas purging
  • ArmorTek ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating
  • Rubber armor gives non-slip grip
  • Adjustable eyecups
  • Center focus wheel
  • Locking diopter
  • Tripod adaptable

Best Value: Diamondback HD 10x42

Vortex Diamondback HD Full Size Binoculars - 10x42
Vortex Diamondback HD Full Size Binoculars - 10x42
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If you’re conscious of your budget but not pinching every penny, the Diamondback HD is a great value option. This lightweight, compact binoculars will get the job done on a variety of hunts. They provide quality optics without breaking the bank.

The Diamondback comes with a harness for easy carry throughout the day. This reliable manufacturer gives a great warranty that will make this glass an investment for years to come. Deer and elk will be easily visible, and their wide field of view gives sharp images.

These binoculars have a non-slip rubberized body and waterproofing through O-ring seals. They’re a great option for beginning hunters or those who just need to save where they can!

Key Features

  • Fully multi-coated for better light transmission
  • Multi-layer prism coatings for color accuracy
  • Rubber Armor non-slip grip
  • Durable, shockproof construction
  • Waterproof O-ring seals
  • Fogproof from argon gas purging
  • Adjustable eyecups
  • Center focus wheel
  • Diopter
  • Comes with GlassPak binocular case, GlassPak case harness, neck strap, tethered objective lens covers, Rainguard eyepiece cover, and lens cloth

Best Under $200: Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD

Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD Full Size Binocular - 10x42
Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD Full Size Binocular - 10x42
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Now we’re really down to brass tax – binoculars for under $200! Yes, it’s possible. Of course we’re going to lose some quality here – prepare for chromatic aberrations, a narrower field of view, and more weight than you’d want for the size.

But prepare also to be able to head into the backcountry while still paying your rent this month! Leupold is a quality manufacturer of solid optics that won’t break the bank. And they’re certainly not devoid of features: we’re still looking at waterproof binoculars with rubber-encased framing.

Key Features

  • Twilight Light management systems provides longer low-light options
  • Compact
  • Twist-up eyecups
  • Right-eye diopter
  • Center-mount focus wheel
  • Waterproof and fogproof
  • Comes with Pro Gear accessories including GO Afield shoulder strap, binocular case, lens covers, lens cloth