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Choosing the Right Optics for Hunting

Binoculars for hunting

Objective Lens Size

Light gathering in early morning and late evening is essential for the hunter. The larger the size of the objective lens, the better the binocular will perform in low light.

Magnification

  • 8x binoculars work well in a variety of situations. Wide fields of view make it easy to find animals in woodland environments, scan at a distance, and follow wildlife movement.
  • 10x binoculars give you greater detail when glassing in open terrain and at long distances

Binocular design and ruggedness

Roof prism binoculars are built for rugged use in the field. Use a waterproof and fogproof binocular for protection in any season. Waterproof binoculars are sealed to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the optics. Fogproof binoculars are filled with nitrogen or argon gas to inhibit internal fogging caused by temperature extremes.

Spotting scopes for hunting

Objective lens size

Light gathering in early morning and late evening is essential for the hunter. The last number (20–60 x 80) refers to the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. The larger the size of the objective lens, the more light is gathered and the brighter your image will be.

Spotting scopes are available in:

  • Compact (50mm) and lightweight sizes for western hunting.
  • Mid-size (60–66mm), versatile models that meet a variety of needs.
  • Full-size (80–88mm) designs for maximum light-gathering.

Magnification

If you're glassing at long distances, high magnifications may be necessary to capture details. The first numbers(20–60 x 80 or 30 x 80) refer to the magnification, or how many times larger an object will appear.

  • Zoom magnification eyepieces are popular because of their versatility.
  • Fixed magnification eyepieces are appreciated for their wide fields of view.

Spotting scope bodies are often packaged with an eyepiece. Some manufacturers sell eyepieces separately.

Spotting scope durability and design

Use a waterproof and fogproof spotting scope for protection in any season. Waterproof scopes are sealed to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the optics. Fogproof scopes are filled with nitrogen or argon gas to inhibit internal fogging caused by temperature extremes.

Spotting scope bodies come in either angled or straight designs. Angled scope bodies make it easy to share a scope with people of different heights and can be positioned lower on a tripod for added stability.Straight scope bodies are comfortable to use and especially beneficial when viewing wildlife in the valley below.

Understanding Optics: A Guide

Go to our definitive guide to understanding optics to clear up misconceptions like more is better when it comes to magnification or bigger objective lenses give a wider field of view. You'll also find glass quality and close focus covered in the guide.

READ THE GUIDE