Best Binoculars for Hunting Under 200
There are a few things that you need to pack when you go out hunting. Appropriate hunting clothes, first aid kit, food, water, and of course your rifle or maybe a bow. Sometimes, binoculars are often disregarded but a seasoned hunter knows that it should be on top of your list.
A good pair of binoculars can elevate your game and bring much-needed accuracy to catch that prey. So if you’re on a budget, don’t worry, we got you covered, here are the best binoculars for hunting under 200.
Binoculars Buyers Guide
What are the qualities of a good hunting Binoculars?
Great binoculars will elevate your game with accuracy and reliability. When out hunting, you need your binos to be with you at all times, and that it delivers precise images with a wider field of vision and at the same time much-needed range.
Here are some of the qualities you need to watch out for when trying to choose binoculars for your next hunting trip.
Quality Objective Lenses
A quick refresher, in 10×42, 10 stands for the magnification power of binoculars, and 42mm refers to its objective lens diameter. Now, when you’re going out hunting, chances are you’re going to have to deal with a lot of elements, and sometimes it can get tough.
You’ll hunt both during the day where there may be sufficient light but you’ll also hunt in low-light situations, darker times of the day, or even nighttime. A 42mm or 50mm should provide adequate brightness for your hunting needs.
Magnification fit for hunting
Magnification? I’ll just grab the most powerful one off the shelf! Nope, there are a few things to consider here. When hunting you need binos or scopes that you can hold properly and focus on your target by hand. That’s why 8x or 10x binos should be perfect for your needs with a wide field of view.
Which Prism Type?
As of late, roof prism has taken over the market over the older Porro prism type. Simply because roof prisms allow for more compact and lightweight binos compared to the bulky old Porro types. Take note though, Porro prism binos are often brighter, but roof prism types should be best for hunting.
Weatherproofing
Lastly, you’ll need a tough model that can take a beating and take on the challenge of harsh environments. Most modern binos nowadays are waterproof, weather-resistant, and also fog proof. Choose also the ones that are wrapped in a rubber coating that can’t only handle bumps and bruises of a trip but are also easy to grip and non-slip.
You also need to consider portability, buy a model that comes with convenient accessories to carry it with like a harness strap or bag and something that you can wear on your neck at all times. Lens covers should also be essential to protect them. Eco-glass are also desirable and find the type that’s easy to clean and maintain. It would also be cool for the binoculars to be tripod adaptable.
More applications for your Binoculars
Here are some other things to consider when buying a good pair of binoculars in general.
So aside from hunting binoculars are meant for a lot of other activities, so if you’re here looking for more versatile binos then here is a quick guide chart:
Activity Type
Things to Consider
Equine Sports and Stadium Sports
Look for models with a wide field of view and the ones with 7x to 10x magnification power. Zoom functionality may also come in handy, but take note that image quality maybe not as good.
Boating
Waterproofing is definitely the first feature you’d want for marine life watching, preferably a wide field of view plus vibration reduction if available.
Concerts/Theater
Compact models are best with magnification from 4x to 10x should be effective when watching stage performances. When visiting museums, lightweight models are best with low magnification plus the focusing distance of no greater than two meters should suffice.
Outdoor/Nature
Much like in hunting, consider rugged models with weather and waterproofing, durability, and portability. Ideal magnification would be between 8x and 10x. Models with large objective diameter lenses with quality coating would be best.
General Use/Vacation/Hiking
Compact and lightweight models so that you can carry it around wherever with about mid-range magnification plus field of view should be enough.
Bird Watching
You’ll need a wide field of view and also magnification for this, maybe between 7x and 12x for the best experience.
Low-light
If you’ll be using your binoculars on a lot of low-light conditions then consider one with bigger objective lenses for utmost brightness.
Remember that these are merely guidelines and there are still a lot of other factors to consider when buying an ideal pair of binoculars for an activity, but this should be a good starting point.
How to use your Binoculars when hunting?
Just some quick tips and tricks on how to utilize your binoculars properly when out in the field hunting.
- Take a good long look at your target, with your binos you’ll be far away from them that they won’t notice you at all.
- Don’t only look at your target but also to the rest of the field or the surroundings.
- Practice looking from left to right and top to bottom before moving to another spot. Move your eyes and not your head or your binos.
- Always keep your binoculars especially the lenses clean.
- Make sure to check your focus often.
- Know your prey. Know where to look.
- Protect your eyes from glare, use the sun’s shadows.
Like a camera, hunting optics only manipulate the images that you see. It all depends on the lighting conditions. Practice utilizing the sun as your spotlight to get the best images out of your binoculars.
Best Binoculars for Hunting Under 200 Product Reviews:
1. Celestron 71336 Nature DX 12x56 Binocular (Green)
We’ve come to the meat of our discussion and first up on our best binoculars for hunting under 200 is the Celestron 71336 Nature DX 12×56 Binocular. This is quite a powerful model from a well-known and trusted brand.
If you’re referring to the Nature DX model then you’re talking about range and versatility. We already know that with this 12x model you will have the capability to observe your target from a very long range and the crystal clear details are thanks to its fully multi-coated lenses and phase-coated Bak4 prism.
It’s got a 6.5-foot close focus and 16mm eye relief paired with comfortable eyecups. Not only that, but it’s also coated with durable rubber which makes it a complete bargain. It is waterproof, for proof, and you can grip it quite comfortably.
You can take it with you all day, anywhere your hunting trip may take you and in any weather condition with its eyepiece rain guard and hard case.
Pros
- Compact for its size and perfect for eyeglass wearers
- Durable
- Good quality lenses
- Powerful magnification
- Wide field of view compared to other 12x types
Cons
- A bit heavy
2. Bushnell Trophy Binocular Realtree Xtra 8x42mm
Next up is the Bushnell Trophy Binocular Realtree Xtra 8x42mm which is you’d ask us is the perfect pair of binos you should have in your hands when hunting/ Why do we say so? Let us explain.
Across the board, this Bushnell trophy binoculars has all the features that you’d need when you go out hunting. The clarity of the lenses and the right magnification of 8x are already a given and we’re not going to highlight that as much.
What these binoculars stand out in is its field of view of 395 feet at a thousand yards which makes it perfect for you to observe larger fields. That’s not all, this model is very comfortable and easy to use with its twist-up eyecups and rubber armor that’s non-slip and durable.
It can be mounted on a tripod for long periods of observation and its right-eye diopter allows for easy focus and adjustability. It’s, waterproof, fog-proof, and hunting is most of the time observation and this model is built for exactly that.
It’s also great for bird-watching and has an eye relief of a comfortable 17.5mm.
Pros
- Perfect with eyewear
- Lightweight and compact
- Wide field of view
- Easy to focus
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Images can get a bit shaky at times
3. Nikon 16003 Prostaff 7s Binocular 42mm
The Nikon 16003 Prostaff 7s Binocular 42mm Binoculars might just be the best dollar for dollar value amongst all the binos on our list. Where does it stand out? In the accuracy and clarity of the images it produces.
Nikon has long been in the lens industry and it’s no wonder why they lead the pack in terms of visual clarity. Not only that, but it also yields superb color like no other. This is thanks to its industry-leading fully multilayered coating for the lenses and phase-corrected coated roof prism.
It’s also quite comfortable for eyeglass wearers with its adjustable bridge with turn and slide eyecups. This will ensure the user a wider and fuller field of view. It’s also quite comfortable to hold and make sure it won’t slip on your hands even in wet conditions.
One other factor that this model stands out in is how easy it is to magnify and focus plus it is very stable to use. Not a lot of shaky moments with this one as you will surely be able to lock on to your prey fast and easy.
Pros
- Easy to focus
- Comfortable for the face and the eyes
- Has one of the best images for its price range
- Cool looking design
- Compact
Cons
- A bit heavy
- You can easily lose the lens caps
4. Nikon 16000 PROSTAFF 7S 8x30 Inches Compact Binocular (Black)
As you may have noticed, this Nikon 16000 PROSTAFF 7S 8×30 Inches Compact Binocular is the little brother of our previous model. You’d think there’d be a few similarities in terms of their performance given the only difference is the size of the objective lenses but that alone proved to be a determining factor of which one you should get.
First of all, given its smaller objective lenses, this one is way lighter and easier to carry around with you during hunting trips and just strap it around your neck. Plus, this model has got more field of view and a larger exit pupil. Pair that up with Nikon’s powerful optics then you got yourself a great pair of binoculars for not only clear and but comfortable viewing experience. This model has all the Nikon binos features plus a large precise focus know that’s not hard to configure even when wearing gloves.
It’s durable, it is environment-friendly, temperature resistant, and can take a beating. Exactly what you want with you in the harshest conditions when hunting.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Superb optics
- Easy to focus
- Durable
Cons
Poor chromatic aberration
5. Celestron TrailSeeker 10x32 Binoculars
Celestron comes back to our list with a smaller model, this is the Celestron TrailSeeker 10×32 Binoculars. Right off the bat this one is way cheaper and it’s won a few “Best value for money award” in the industry so let’s talk about its quality and see if it fits your needs.
It doesn’t sport the touted ED glass but its optical quality is not that inferior. Thanks to its dielectric coated prism that yield high reflectivity even at this price range. The focus wheel is made of plastic but that’s understandable, what is important is that it turns rather smoothly and is not as sensitive.
The diopter adjustment also allows for good adjustability that fits your eyesight and a good IPD or Interpupillary distance setting. What about comfort? This one is lightweight and would put less strain on you while you carry it around hunting. It’s made of magnesium alloy which makes it tough and light.
The eyecups are not only comfortable but also made robust which for us is quite important. It’s also tripod-adaptable for long periods of observation.
Pros
- Best value for money
- Quality optics
- Comfortable to use and carry around
- Good focus adjustment
Cons
- May not be as durable as advertised
6. Bushnell 334211 Trophy Binocular Realtree Xtra 10 x 42mm
This second Bushnell entry on our list is the 10 x 42mm variety of its Trophy Binocular Realtree Xtra model. In short, this is an upsize of the previous one we reviewed. When we talk about Bushnell binoculars we talk about great all-around versatility.
The fully multi-coated lenses and Bak4 prism allow for optimum light transmission and that means desirable brightness for your images. This model promises to be heavy-duty and take the bumps, bruises, and crashes that may happen when you go out hunting. Not mentioning that it is waterproof, fog-proof, and weather resistant.
It’s got the desired eye relief and twist-up eyecups, and its large focus knobs allow for quick and detailed focus. Pair that up with a good working diopter and you got yourself something that you can adjust quickly on the fly which crucial for hunting because sometimes time is of the essence.
Lastly, it’s built tough with a rubber coating that promises for it to last a long while and it is also non-slip and has eco-friendly glass.
Pros
- Can really take a beating
- Versatile binoculars
- Bright and clear
- Comfortable to use
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Long term durability though is questionable
7. Eschenbach Arena D+ 8x42 Binoculars
In a category dominated by the Nikons, the Bushnells, and the Celestrons, it’s nice to have a few other alternative brands to look at when you are purchasing binoculars on a budget. We present the Eschenbach Arena D+ 8×42 Binoculars.
If there’s one thing that these binoculars belong to then it’s the outdoors. We promise, this one is perfect for any outdoor activity because it is nitrogen purged, watertight, has Bak4 prism, and fully multi-coated lenses not only for crystal clear images but for sharp colors at the same time.
It is super cheap, one of the most affordable models on our list and it is built tough. It is comfortable to hold, compact, and will definitely be a great companion for you when you go out hunting.
Perhaps one other feature that stands out about this binos is its diopter adjustment. Which makes it easy on your eyesight, and your face. Overall, without a doubt, if you are looking for a quick buy, try this one out. It won’t let you down.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Great construction
- Images are up to par with the best on the category
- The great warranty offered by the brand
Cons
- It can be a bit heavy for its size
8. Bushnell Trophy Bone Collector Binocular 10 x 42mm
The third entry from the Bushnell brand is their Trophy Bone Collector Binocular 10 x 42mm. this one is good enough to be used by the military, so that speaks in volume in terms of not only its quality but its versatility.
If we’re going to describe this model in one word then that it is heavy-duty. It’s built tough with decent construction and you can be sure that come hunting time it will be reliable in any conditions, wet or dry, hot or cold.
Its optics yield bright images with sharp colors because of its color correction feature. It also boasts a wide field of view with performance under low-light conditions like no other on its product category.
Not only that, what makes it durable is that the optics are wrapped nicely and securely with rubberized armor which is non-slip. It is nitrogen purged and infused with an O-ring sealed which makes it waterproof and fog proof. The right eye diopter also allows for people’s adjustment needs.
Pros
- Great optical clarity
- Perfect not just for hunting, but also stable enough for marine observation
- Toughness guaranteed
- Environment friendly
- Easy to focus
Cons
- The adjustment knob is a bit brittle
9. Carson VP Series Full Sized or Compact Waterproof High Definition Binoculars for Hunting
Another brand challenging the category leaders is Carson with its VP Series Binoculars for Hunting. This model is also in the lower end of the range when it comes to price, meaning it’s another best value for money binos.
It’s got a whopping field of view of 393 feet and a minimum focus distance of 6.6 feet and a comfortable eye relief of 17mm. the lenses yield quality that’s up to par with the best on our list with its multi-phase coated glass. Of course, this product is also fog proof and waterproof.
It is extremely lightweight and easy to carry around and what’s more, is that it comes with an all-around kit that’s useful for you to take care of your investment. It also comes in an all-black sleek design that you’ll feel confident in your hands when you’re out in the field.
It’s got a pretty nice protective case too for utmost portability. It comes in a few different models of 8x and 12x magnification of up to 50mm lenses.
Pros
- Cool looking design
- Versatile
- Tough build
- Precise images
- Extremely lightweight and portable
Cons
- A bit of practice needed for focusing quickly
10. Bushnell Trophy Roof Binoculars 10x42mm
This is our fourth Bushnell product on the list and by now you probably know why there is a very good reason why it dominates this category. The brand aims for quality binoculars that are tough enough for the rigors of a hunting trip and that they are priced rather generously. This time they enter our list with the Trophy Roof 10x42mm Binoculars.
Needless to say, this model too yields the best and most accurate images you can find for the price. It’s quite bright too and the colors are sharp. Focusing on this model is also quite easy as it is stable enough and easy to adjust.
Eye relief of 15.2mm is also not bad for eyeglass wearers. Another good quality of this binocular is its durable rubber armor that’s easy to grip, soft to the touch, and can take on a lot of bumps.
It’s just the ideal lens and magnification for your hunting trip. It’s weather-resistant, for proof and waterproof.
Pros
- Crystal clear images
- Easy to focus
- Comfortable to use
- Great value for money
- Durable
Cons
- A bit bulky and heavy
- Lens cover can fall off easily
Alternative Products
So what extra or premium do you get if you pay more than $200? Let’s find out with these alternative binoculars we prepared for you.
1. Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10x42 Binocular
We would like to feature a few rather more expensive binoculars on this section, so if you are someone who has a few dollars to spare then you might be interested in these models.
So what do you get for paying a little extra? It depends, if you know what to look for then there would be premium benefits but if not, you’ll be ripped off. So what about this Nikon Monarch 5?
Well, what you get is tried and tested quality. Being the descendant of the popular Nikon ATB model this model is not only tough but offers one of the best (across all binoculars) quality of the image in the industry.
Its ED glass which stands for Extra-Low Dispersion produces crystal clear images and colors like no other. It’s also not that expensive!
2. Swarovski SLC 15x56 HD
Let’s talk about high-end stuff at this moment. This Swarovski SLC 15×56 HD will cost more but it comes with a lot of benefits and premiums. It’s got a single hinge body which makes it look cool but also super durable. It’s rather compact for supposed large binoculars.
The rubber armor is one of the toughest across the category. And it’s got a lockable diopter design which is convenient. If you think that’s not enough then this model offers to produce the most stable images plus powerful magnification.
3. Maven B5 18x56 Binoculars
Since we already went to high-end binos then let’s finish this off with another one. Will larger objective lenses be more beneficial for hunters? Of course! That depends if the magnification is paired with quality lenses and that’s exactly what this premium binos offer.
You’d think that a thicker glass would yield dimmer images but this one is probably an exception. You’ll be able to look really close to your target and you need to get the most accurate image of it in this exact time. And this model has got one of the best low-light performances we’ve seen for its size.
Final Thought
So when you constantly miss that target whenever you go out hunting then maybe a good accurate pair of binoculars is the missing element to your game. More success on your hunting trips means more meaningful experiences.
Great hunting binos does not only make sure that you hit your prey but gives you that much-needed flexibility when out in the field with a wider field of vision and clearer images. Lastly, the products we reviewed won’t hurt you much budget-wise.
So don’t thank us yet, go on and start choosing which one you like best, and enjoy your hunting trips.
