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Hunting is a hobby for some and a way of life for others. That being said both end goals are the same, to successfully fill your tag. When hunting having quality equipment especially binoculars is crucial to succeeding. Hunting can be very demanding and hard on your equipment. You are often exposed to numerous weather conditions and harsh terrain and that is when quality comes into play. In general you will find that a quality pair of binoculars in the $300.00 - $500.00 range will give most of the options you are looking for such as waterproof, fog proof, have the durability needed and have an acceptable warranty policy. It is wise to go with a brand that has a good warranty since quality binoculars are an investment and they are used in some very rugged conditions. When getting into your different magnification strengths this is when quality is key. Ideally binoculars with a larger objective lens are wanted because they let in more light ultimately resulting in a brighter image. When hunting on stormy, overcast days, wooded areas and low light conditions they will give you a huge advantage in having a successful hunt. Deciding on the size of Ocular lens or the opening that is closest to your eye is also very important. The bigger the Ocular opening generally more light reaches your eye again resulting in a brighter image.When you shake or move it also helps you keep a full image instead of having to constantly adjust to gain a clear picture. Anywhere in the range of 4mm to 5mm is a great option for most.
Eye relief or the distance behind the eye piece to your eye is also a huge factor to think about. Each person will have there likes and dislikes but knowing that a Longer eye relief allows you to hold the binoculars farther away from your eyes and still maintain a clear, full picture can be very helpful in making your decision. If you wear eye glasses I would suggest looking for a pair of binoculars with a relief of 10mm or larger.
In summary larger binoculars give you the most bang for your buck and also give you a wide variety of situations your binoculars can be used in. Keep in mind that larger binoculars can get very heavy when packing them all day. Neck and shoulder harnesses are a great option but still the weight can become uncomfortable when hiking all day with them. When weight is not an issue the larger sizes are the most useful and ideal for your general use binoculars. Compact binoculars also have there own list of pros and cons but when looking for Hunting binoculars I would avoid them. They are best used for sight seeing and recreational use. They are usually to dim and not reliable enough for extreme hunting conditions. Zoom binoculars can be handy in certain situations but in general are usually not sturdy enough to handle the rugged terrain and all the demands that come along with hunting. A high quality pair of binoculars can very much play a huge role in helping you have a successful and enjoyable hunt. Take your time, do your research and pick a pair of binoculars that fits your lifestyle and all of you specific needs and wants. Remember a quality pair of binoculars is a financial investment but will also last you a lifetime.
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