You might have been using ordinary binoculars for a while now; long-range binoculars have their place in hunting gear and shooting. They are more expensive than the ordinary binoculars and are usually heavy.
Long-range binoculars are rugged enough to hold steady in hands and have higher magnification. If you are looking for the best long-range binoculars for hunting, this article is for you!
All the reviews and recommendations are independent and personal. You can read the pros, cons, and features to decide which model best suits you.
Whether you are looking for something within a low price range or have a high budget for a great-quality binocular, you will find one below!
How We Reviewed The Best Long-Range Binoculars For Hunting
It is commonly believed that the higher the magnification, the greater the quality of long-range binoculars, but this is not true.
Sometimes, 10x magnification works better than higher magnification, like 12x or 16x, and so on. It depends on the brand and the quality of the binoculars.
Other than looking for great-quality built-in binoculars, factors like what purpose you will be using binoculars for matter.
So, we cannot just say the high-priced binoculars are of more excellent quality and are better than the low-priced ones.
We will judge the quality and everything else based on our intent.
Let’s get through the review process in detail. We judged the binoculars for the following:
User Intent
You must know the purpose of buying long-range binoculars because I cannot say that buying a 15x binocular would be best for you.
So, you must be clear about your spotting animal range and where you will hunt them. The species you want to target is either small or big.
Answering these questions will help you decide the best one for you.
Budget
Another important factor is the budget. Hundreds of long-range binocular options are available on the market, and there will always be one of high quality. But what you should buy depends on your budget.
Build Quality
Though binoculars look the same, they differ mainly in their build quality.
As your budget is limited, you should get the best within your budget. I have considered this while listing the binoculars below.
What image quality should you expect, how far you will be able to see, and how sharp the image will be all come under build quality.
Best Long-Range Binoculars For Hunting
Best Overall: Athlon Optics 15×56 Cronus G2
Pros
- Higher magnification means you will get to see the far objects.
- It comes with a high objective lens size diameter, meaning the image formed will be sharper.
- It has a built-in ESP dielectric coating for accurate image color production.
- They are best for long-range targets and are travel-friendly.
- They gather enough light to produce a clear image of the object in focus.
Cons
- Some users say it is too heavy for long walks or hikes.
Athlon is a popular optics brand known for offering great quality optics at competitive prices. This long-range binocular model has 15x magnification power and a 56mm objective lens diameter. The 18.5mm eye relief does not irritate your eyes even when you use it for a long time.
I didn’t notice any fringe or aberration in the image it produced. It has a multi-coated lens, a high-quality prism type, and ESP dielectric coatings.
The magnesium chassis base makes it lightweight and easy to carry. However, high power makes it relatively heavy, as some users complain about its weight.
You can easily adjust the eyecups according to your eye comfort and position. Being in the mid-price range, it has greater fog and waterproof capability.
Best Value For Money: Bushnell 15×56 Match Pro
Pros
- It comes with a bridge lock that keeps the binoculars in the same position.
- It has an open barrel design.
- Shot-call reticle to keep level reticle irrespective of interpapillary adjustment distance.
- It keeps the correlation between the bridge angle and the shot-call article.
- It has an ED prime glass with dielectric coatings.
- Multi-coated lens for great light transmission
Cons
- Little heavy and bulky
Bushnell has become the popular best hunting binoculars-producing brand over the past few years. It offers a range of different long-range binoculars with varying specifications. Anyone who is new to hunting or is experienced can benefit from their products.
You won’t be disappointed with the quality as all of the products offer great value for money.
If you have been searching for the best value for money long-range binoculars, Bushnell has an amazing option, i.e., Bushnell Match Pro 15×56 binoculars.
It is perfect for target identification and viewing enhanced details of the focused object.
This binocular model offers a Shot-call reticle to keep a level reticle irrespective of interpapillary adjustment distance.
It has strong optical roots and is a high-performing binocular. If you are a professional looking to buy the best hunting binoculars for long-range shooting, Bushnell 15×56 is for you!
The only thing you should be worried about before buying it is weight. Due to high magnification and objective lenses, it is almost twice as heavy as normal binoculars. You should get used to this because almost all the long-range binoculars are heavy.
Relatively Lightweight: Athlon Optics 12×50
Pros
- Regardless of its high power, it is relatively lightweight.
- It comes with a multi-coated lens that prevents eye strain even after hours of use.
- This model uses the Bak 4 prism and ESP dielectric coating for accurate color production.
- XPL lens coating prevents it from getting scratches and dirt.
- It is versatile and can be used for hunting multiple species.
- It is a mid-range product and is affordable for most hunters.
Cons
- Few hunters find the center knob disturbing as it touches the nose when in use.
These long-range targeting binoculars come with high power, i.e., 12×50. They have been built compactly.
It is available in varying magnification powers and objective lens diameters.
It offers a high-definition view as they have a fully coated lens that helps form a clear image with enough brightness.
You can enjoy a top-tier view as it is comprised of ED glass that forms a sharper image.
It has a BaK4 prism for accurate color production. It is composed of a magnesium chassis that is as tough as a metal chassis but light in weight.
It is very durable, so you can take it with you on a hike or a long walk in the bushes.
The best part? Athlon offers products directly to consumers, so you can expect the best binoculars for hunting within your budget.
Versatile Option: Vortex DiamondBack HD 15×56 Long Range Binoculars
Pros
- Anti-reflective multiple coatings on the lens
- Adjustable eyecups make it comfortable to use for people with glasses
- Central wheel to adjust the focus of both barrels simultaneously
- Exceptional resolution image production
- Light transmission and excellent color fidelity
- Affordable for many hunters (mid-ranged binoculars)
Cons
- Some users report that it does not perform best under low-light performance.
Most of the hunters heard complaining about having a spotting scope along with little low-magnification binoculars. So, to compensate for that, it is recommended to use binoculars with higher magnification so that you do not have to carry extra weight with you.
Also, when you have to use two different products, it can sometimes cause delays in taking the shot.
15×56 HD long-range binoculars would work best for most types of hunting, as they offer a great grip and good resolution.
It has selected glass elements that avoid aberration and blurry image formation. Lenses are multi-coated, which makes them reflect more light, forming a sharper image.
The roof prism design is compact and durable. If you wear glasses, the eyecups are adjustable to help you view objects clearly.
The external coatings are rubber, making them easy to grip and shockproof. You can also mount them on a tripod or car window to spot animals for longer.
This hunting binocular model is considered as versatile because it is available in varying magnifications, including 10×42, 10×50, 12×50, and 8×42.
As the product offers quality image formation, you can also rely on the brand to purchase other power binoculars.
If you are worrying about the shock your binoculars will get when your rifle recoils, this comes with this problem solved. You can use it without any worry as it withstands the heavy recoils.
Full Sized: U2B 12×50 Long Range Binoculars
Pros
- It is a portable binocular with high power but is lightweight.
- It is water as well as fogproof.
- A large objective lens diameter of 50mm ensures more light gathering and brighter image formation.
- It offers 12x image enlargement, and you can clearly see far animals.
Cons
- It offers a two-year warranty that should be a lifetime.
It comes with high-quality glass that does not cause aberrations and is not disturbing to the eyes. It can focus fast, and the prism alignment is great.
The 12x magnification makes it a great option to see the objects. After seeing their power, one can see that these compact binoculars are not as heavy as one thinks.
The only things that it should improve are the warranty and support. Other brands that offer similar binoculars offer lifetime support and warranty.
Maybe Ursa will start offering a lifetime warranty soon.
It is portable, not heavy, and you can carry it with you for long hikes.
Most binoculars lack binocular straps and other accessories but come with an objective and ocular lens cap and neck strap.
Nice Upgrade: HBX1600B 10×42 Long Range Binoculars
Pros
- It comes with an ideal power, i.e., 10×42.
- It consists of a 1760-yard laser rangefinder.
- This thermal binocular comes with a bright HD LCD that displays images quickly.
- The brand offers after-purchase support to its customers.
Cons
- It does not come with a pouch or harness, so you must buy it separately.
This is one of the best long-range binoculars for hunting. It offers a fast range of 0.15 seconds, making it ideal for shooting and bow hunting.
It has an accurate long-ranging capacity that makes it versatile for various objects at short or long distances.
Its ranging capacity is up to 1760 yards reflective, trees up to 1000 yards, and deer up to 800 yards.
This thermal binocular model also offers a high-end display with three reticle options. Enhanced LCD offers bright image quality with 40% more light than the typical LCD.
It has a premium optical quality that provides better light transmission. It has 10x magnification power, so it enlarges the object ten times its original size.
It has a multi-coated optical system that features an optical system with reflective coatings. It uses silver-coated prisms that help form a brighter and clearer image of the object in focus.
The best part? The brand offers lifetime support to customers, meaning it offers free repair if something gets damaged.
It uses advanced technologies, including Scan mode, horizontal mode, ballistic mode, Angle mode, archery mode, and other modes for different types of hunting.
Best For Daylight: Vortex Crossfire 12×50 Long Range Binoculars
Pros
- Exceptional resolution image production
- Light transmission and excellent color fidelity
- Affordable for many hunters (mid-ranged binoculars)
- Anti-reflective multiple coatings on the lens
- Adjustable eyecups make it comfortable to use for people with glasses
- Central wheel to adjust the focus of both barrels simultaneously
Cons
- Does not perform excellently in low-light conditions
If you are looking for optics with versatile power that work best in daylight, this is one of the great options in the mid-range.
12×50 Crossfire HD binoculars would work best for day hunting as they offer a great grip and good resolution. They have selected glass elements that avoid aberration and blurry image formation. The lenses are multi-coated, which makes them reflect more light; hence, a sharper image is formed.
The roof prism design is compact and durable. If you wear glasses, the eyecups are adjustable to help you view objects clearly.
The external coatings are rubber, making them easy to grip and shockproof. You can also mount them on a tripod or car window to spot animals for longer periods of time.
These binoculars don’t get fogged, making them useful for all types of weather.
Long Distance Viewing: Celestron 20×80 Binoculars
Pros
- It comes with high-power magnification, i.e., 20x.
- The 80mm objective lens makes it perfect for viewing far objects.
- It is composed of a BaK4 prism that ensures maximum light gathering, producing a brighter image even at dawn and dusk.
- It has been rubber coated externally and is durable and water resistant.
- The brand offers lifetime warranty and tech support for US-based customers.
Cons
- Due to powerful magnification, it is heavier than the other options listed.
These long-range binoculars have 20x magnification, which ensures larger image formation. Their 80mm objective lens makes them ideal for viewing far objects clearly.
The magnification and lens diameter are very high, so it comes with a tripod adapter that makes it easier to carry. You can mount your 80mm lens on the stand and enjoy still images.
It also has a BaK-4 prism that gathers maximum light and produces a bright image of the object in focus.
As grip and carrying such binoculars is important, it has a rubber coating that ensures a firm grip. The exterior has been built considering the tough weather conditions.
You can use it in the rain because it is water resistant.
The best part? Celestron offers a lifetime warranty and technical support to its US-based users.
5 Additional Tips For Choosing Long-Range Binoculars For Hunting
Now that you know enough options for binoculars and the best long-range binoculars for hunting, let’s go through the additional tips that can help you better choose the binoculars for your next hunt.
Magnification Power
Magnification is an important factor when choosing a long-range binocular. Because you need to see far objects clearly, you should have enough power binoculars that can assist you with it.
The best magnification power for you depends on how far you want to see the objects clearly. If you want a mid-long range, go for 10x because they are versatile and can be used for all types of hunting.
Objective Lens Diameter
The higher the objective diameter of your binoculars, the sharper the image will be produced. For example, two binoculars with the same magnification, i.e10x but one with a 42mm objective lens, while the other one is 24 mm. In that case, the binocular with 42mm, will produce a sharper and clearer image than the latter.
But it does not mean that you should always prefer a high-diameter lens because high power comes with high weight too. So, consider balance and choose accordingly.
Prism Type
There are two types of prisms that are used in the binoculars. Porro prism helps the hunter view a wider image of the area. It is also easy to carry and hold while glassing for animals.
On the other hand, roof prism binoculars are a bit pricey as they are difficult to manufacture, but they are easy to cover and protect from water.
Both types have advantages and disadvantages, but the roof system is new and widely used in quality binoculars worldwide.
Image Stabilization
As you will be choosing long-range binoculars, you should not ignore the image stabilization quality. The higher the magnification power, the closer the image you see, but some binos make the image shaky and difficult to focus.
Make sure you choose the right magnification so that you have to worry less about shaky image formation.
Moreover, stabilization also depends on the external coatings. Ensure the binoculars are rubber coated so that you can carry and use them with bare hands as well.
Harness
Make sure that the harness has an adjustable strap so that you can adjust it according to your moving position (for hunting). Additionally, it should not interfere with your movement.
It should be secure enough to keep your binoculars in place and save them from getting damaged, especially while crawling in the forest or desert for a long time.
You can also buy a binocular harness that is compatible with your backpack.
If you carry little accessories other than binoculars that you need promptly, make sure the harness contains extra compartments or pockets for storing them.
Wrap Up!
In a nutshell, this article covers a list of the best long-range binoculars for hunting, their pros, cons, and major features that can influence your choice of compact hunting binoculars.
The list includes the best overall, Athlon Optics 15×56 Cronus G2, best value for money Bushnell 15×56 Match pro, Relatively Lightweight Athlon Optics 12×50, Versatile Option Vortex DiamondBack HD15x56, Full-size U2B 12×50, Nice Upgrade HBX 1600B 10×42, Best for Daylight Vortex Crossfire 12×50, Long Distance viewing Celestron 20×80 best binoculars for hunting long range.
It also covers 5 additional tips for choosing long-range binoculars for hunting.
Do you have more questions related to the best long-range binoculars for hunting? Refer to the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size of binoculars for long distances?
For long distances, it is recommended to use a 50mm+ objective lens diameter. However, the exact size also depends on how far you want to see with your binoculars.
How far can you see with 40×60 binoculars?
With such a powerful binocular, you can see up to 9500 meters away clearly.
What binocular magnification is best for hunting?
If you want a versatile binocular for one in all, you can either buy 8x or 10x binoculars. But if you are looking to buy the best long-range binoculars for hunting, go for higher power.
