Selecting the right optic for hunting isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends heavily on what you’re hunting, where your pursuit takes place, and how you prefer to hunt. From thick timber to expansive open country, terrain type, game species, and hunting style all influence your gear choices. Some hunts call for a compact, lightweight binocular, while others demand the power of a high-magnification spotting scope.
This guide will walk you through key considerations such as magnification, lens size, durability, and optical performance. To help you choose optics that align perfectly with your hunt.
Light is everything in the field, especially during those crucial early morning and late evening hours. Binoculars with larger objective lenses allow more light to reach your eyes, producing brighter, clearer images in low-light situations. For optimal hunting performance, we recommend lenses in the 42mm to 56mm range. This strikes a solid balance between light-gathering ability and overall weight.
Magnification should be chosen based on your environment. For most woodland or general-purpose hunting, 8x binoculars offer excellent versatility. They’re ideal for scanning tree lines, meadows, and moving game. In more open terrain where you may need to identify game at greater distances, 10x binoculars provide more detail and reach.
Hunting optics need to be durable and long lasting. Look for roof prism binoculars, they offer a compact, streamlined design that’s also highly durable. Waterproof and fogproof models are essential for year-round reliability, and binoculars filled with nitrogen or argon gas will prevent internal fogging even in fluctuating temperatures.
Spotting scopes are designed to reach farther and deliver more detail. The objective lens size, the last number in a scope spec like 20–60×80, plays a significant role in brightness and clarity. Larger lenses offer improved light capture, especially at high magnifications, though they also add weight.
Here’s a general guideline:
50–65mm: Best for backcountry or lightweight hunting setups
66–80mm: A versatile middle-ground for most hunting conditions
80–115mm: Ideal for long-distance, stationary glassing with maximum detail
Most spotting scopes offer a variable zoom range, such as 20–60x, letting you adapt to distance and field conditions. Fixed eyepieces, on the other hand, provide a wider field of view and are especially useful for close-range or fast-moving targets.
Just like with binoculars, waterproofing and fogproof construction are non-negotiable. You’ll also need to choose between an angled or straight body. Angled scopes are great for shared use or glassing uphill without strain, while straight scopes are preferred by experienced hunters for quick transitions from binoculars to scope without changing tripod height.
Your environment and quarry will ultimately determine what optics will serve you best. Here’s a quick overview:
General hunting in wooded areas or on short hikes:
8x to 10x magnification, typically handheld and easy to maneuver.
Western or long-range hunting in open terrain:
12x to 15x magnification, best used with a tripod for stability and precision.
Backcountry or highly mobile hunts:
Choose 50–65mm scopes that offer compactness and lighter pack weight.
Stationary glassing from vehicles or base camps:
Opt for larger 80–115mm scopes that provide superior magnification and brightness.
While both angled and straight-body scopes are excellent choices, seasoned hunters often favor straight scopes for their speed and efficiency in the field.
We’re here to help. Call us anytime at (928) 443-5900 to chat with our team to get personal guidance on choosing the right optic for your next hunt. Whether you're after elk in the high country or scouting turkeys in the woods, the right gear makes all the difference.
Visit our Understanding Optics Guide for even more insights. You’ll learn:
How magnification affects your field of view
The real impact of objective lens size
What makes great glass truly stand out
Why eye relief and close focus matter more than you might think
Equip yourself with knowledge, then invest in optics you can count on when it matters most.
Learn how magnification, glass quality, and field of view work together.
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