Frequently Asked Questions on Hunting Binoculars
We compiled some of the most common questions we hear about hunting binoculars in this FAQ:
Contents
Q: How do you adjust binoculars?
A: Rather than reinvent the wheel, check out this video that goes into detail and shows you how to adjust your binoculars.
There are many different ways to adjust them and get the best fit for your needs, and this article does a great job of laying that out.
Q: What do the numbers mean when buying binoculars?
A: While we cover this in our buying guide, here’s a good summary. Binoculars are measured in magnification power (the multiple you will see in closeness) and Objective Lens Diameter (how much light the lens can gather). Exit pupil is also essential as a higher exit pupil will mean brighter images. Higher exit pupils also mean that it’s easier to track moving objects as well.
Q: What should I look for when buying binoculars?
A: Cost is essential and may dictate what type of binocular pair you can purchase. If budget isn’t an issue for you, then you should look for the proper magnification power, proper objective lens diameter, the track record of each manufacturer and other user reviews before making a purchase. Check out our helpful buying guide to hunting binoculars that goes into more detail about how to choose the right binoculars.
Q: What are the best binoculars for deer hunting?
A: Apart from varmints deer are the most popular quarry for American hunters, so that’s probably the biggest market for hunting binoculars. All the same, factors apply here, but there are a few things about deer hunting to take into consideration.
Deer are woodland animals, so you’re usually going to be bow hunting or rifle hunting in and around cover. That makes magnification less critical because the ranges you’ll be working at aren’t that great, so a steadier image is likely to be at a slightly more magnified one.
Deer hunters spend a lot of time scanning the undergrowth for the slightest hint of a moving antler or twitching ear, and an unstable image makes those details easier to miss. Brightness and excellent color reproduction are essential too.
A lot of deer hunting goes on around sunrise and sunset, and that also has a significant influence. When you’re looking for signs of an elusive animal in dim light every advantage is vital. A brighter image will let you see a little deeper into shadows, and break out slightly smaller details from their surroundings.
In these conditions, it’s well worth trading off a bit of magnification for some more exit pupil. Compacts are pretty much out of the running here; they’re handy to carry in the woods, but don’t have the low-light performance most deer hunters need.
Q: Choosing the best binoculars
Looking at all those points, the best choice for deer hunters is a good pair of 8×42 binoculars unless you are planning on hunting in larger open/expansive regions. The magnification is plenty for what you need, and their superior light gathering power tips the balance in their favor, especially if you hunt from dawn to dusk.
Hopefully this short FAQ on hunting binoculars was helpful to answer some of the questions you may have had.
Let us know if you have any other questions on hunting binoculars that we can add to this list and answer for you.
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