When you go out to buy a set of binoculars, it is always best to know what you are going to use them for. Hunting binoculars will have different features than a pair of birding binoculars or marine binoculars. The best binoculars for hunting are not the same as the best binoculars for watching a ball game. You must choose wisely, know the features that will best suit your interests and know what your price range is. You can buy binoculars for $19.95 or you can buy them for $1995.00, it’s all up to you. But the binoculars that are $19.95 aren’t going to be better than the binoculars which cost more. You usually get what you pay for!
Here are a few tips to remember when buying hunting binoculars.
The overall aim is to prepare you for the task of finding the right pair of binoculars, at the right price, without compromising on features that you may require.
Eight Hunting Binocular Tips
- Hunting binoculars should be rugged. You don’t want a binocular that will break or be destroyed by water. Try to get a pair that is armour coated with rubber, is waterproof and fog proof.
- A good hunting binocular needs to have good light gathering ability. Many hunters hunt at the break of dawn or at sunset, when the light isn’t as good as it is during the day. A good pair of binoculars can help with this problem. The most popular binoculars for hunters are sizes 8 X 40 – 42 or 10X40 – 42, because of their good magnification power and light gathering ability.
- The weight of the binocular should concern you. When hunting, you will carry around your binoculars with you, sometimes for hours. You don’t want to carry around a set of binoculars that weigh a ton.
- Cost is always a concern—unless you’re fabulously rich. You should always spend as much money on hunting binoculars as you can afford. The cheaper the binocular, the cheaper the manufacturing costs, the cheaper the overall product. You want your binoculars to last for years, not days.
- Do you want a laser rangefinder? Some binoculars come with a laser range finder. This gadget makes it possible to shoot a laser at your target, and calculate the distance. Just remember, that a binocular equipped with a range finder, will probably cost much more than a binocular without it.
- Ask questions and be informed. Make sure you check out some binocular reviews and that you ask the salespeople pertinent questions. Know your stuff, before you walk into the store.
- Binocular accessories are always a plus. Make sure you know what binocular accessories you want, or need, before going to the store to buy. For example, if you know you’ll need a binocular strap, make sure the binocular you buy comes equipped with one.
- Warranties are important. Make sure that you can bring the binoculars back, if they don’t suit your needs. Testing your hunting binoculars in the store is a hell of a lot different than testing them in the field. Also, try to buy binoculars that have a manufacturer’s warranty.
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Remember, that the best binoculars for hunting depend on what animal you will be hunting. Binoculars for deer hunting might not be the best for hunting rabbits.
Take the time to do the research; it could save you hundreds of dollars. Know what you want before you enter the binocular store, and that way you will be able to ask very direct questions and the salespeople will be able to help you better. Not only that, but it limits the chances of getting ripped off.
Ask hunters what binoculars they use. Their insight can be invaluable. After all, they hunt all of the time!
About the Author
Scott Gray is a freelance author and web site publisher who provides useful information and money saving tips about binoculars, hunting binoculars and binoculars accessories.
