Eye to Eye

Finding the ideal optics.

Binoculars are an essential tool for a variety of outdoor activities, from birdwatching to scenic hiking. But when it comes to hunting, they can be the difference between life and death (of the quarry, that is). Needless to say, a decent pair is crucial. However, with a price range that varies from a couple hundred to a few thousand bucks, it can be hard to know what to look for and how much to spend. Here’s the rundown.

Let’s start with the basics: sizing. Binos are labeled with two numbers, such as 10x42 or 12x50. The first refers to magnification, meaning how many times closer an object will appear compared to the naked eye. The second number refers to the diameter of the objective lens—the lens farther from the eye, measured in millimeters. Larger lenses allow more light to enter, resulting in a clearer, brighter view, especially in low-light conditions. In contrast, higher magnification reduces the amount of light entering the binoculars through the objective lens. So, you’ll need to find the right balance to determine the right size. Typically, the larger the lenses, the higher the cost, and the heavier the binoculars are. 10x42 is the classic all-around hunting size, but 8x32 will suffice for most situations. 12x50 is great for spotting game at long distances, but can be a bit unwieldy, especially given all the other gear you’re likely carrying.

But when it comes to hunting, they can be the difference between life and death (of the quarry, that is). Needless to say, a decent pair is crucial.

Next is the glass itself—yes, most binoculars have actual glass lenses. The quality of glass plays a crucial role in the overall clarity and brightness of the image. Lower-quality lenses can lead to color distortion and reduced light transmission, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk—which is of course when you use your binos the most. Binoculars with high-quality glass and advanced prisms improve contrast and provide a sharper, clearer sight picture.

That said, there’s no need to jump the gun and go for top-of-the-line binos right from the start. There are some great options for under $250 that will do the job just fine, at least for your first few seasons. Maven, Nocs, Leupold, and Bushnell are all good brands, representing a range of quality and price. Eventually, when the time is right, you can learn why they say it’s impossible to look away from nice glass. Until then, don’t even bother looking through your buddy’s top-of-the-line Swarovskis.