Best Binocular for Hunting Elk and Mule Deer are one of the most useful tools that a hunter carries with him when going out to hunt. Even though elk and mule deer are big, they can disappear quickly in the woods. But with good hunting binoculars you can see them better and have a better chance of catching one. I have been with binoculars for so long that I feel incomplete on outings when I do not have my binoculars. They just make every view amazingly clear and closer.
Hunting binoculars are not the same as regular ones so it is important to choose the best binoculars for hunting. Here is a guide to help you get started.
What makes a good pair of binoculars for Elk and Mule Deer Hunting
When choosing the best pair of binoculars for elk and mule deer hunting always make sure you keep in mind the following factors.
What magnification binoculars do I need for elk & mule deer hunting?
first number in a binocular’s description is important. If it is 10×42 it means the image is magnified 10 times. In elk and mule deer hunting binoculars this number can be 7 to 10 but most hunters like 8x or 10x. This number tells you that an object will look either 8 times or 10 times closer than it really is.
Objective lens diameter
The second number in a binocular’s description is about the size of the front lens called objective lens. For example, in 10×42 binoculars, objective lens diameter is 42 mm. A bigger objective lens lets in more light but it also makes binoculars heavier and pricier. A 42 mm lens allows enough light, keeps things lightweight and is not too expensive.
Exit pupil
Exit pupil is a number that tells us how well we can see through binoculars when it is not very bright. You find it by dividing the size of the front lens by the magnification. In a 10×42 binocular, you will divide 42 by 10, giving you an exit pupil of 4.2. If the exit pupil is between 4 and 5.5 the binoculars will work really well in low light.
Field of view
The Field of View in binoculars tells you how wide the view is at a specific distance.. If you have higher magnification, your view gets narrower, so you need to find the right balance. If you are hunting in open spaces and chasing fast animals I always prefer a higher field of view. For example, in 10×42 binoculars, field of view is typically between 280-360 feet.
Weight
If you’re going to carry it around a lot, weight and size matter. Binoculars that are light and small are easier to carry, but they’re usually not as strong.
Waterproof and fogproof
For hunting weather is very important. I use my binoculars in all sorts of weather and situations. It is important that your equipment can handle different conditions and stay safe from the weather. So when considering other factors pay attention to your binoculars being fogproof and waterproof.
Durability and ruggedness
Good binoculars that are really good often have a rubber covering around them. This helps protect the binoculars if you accidentally drop them or hit them against something hard. rubber covering also gives you a better grip especially if you are hunting in wet conditions.
A lot of times I hit my binoculars into things. So I use durable and rugged binoculars which can withstand bumps and jerks while chasing the animal.
5 Best Binocular for Hunting Elk & Mule Deer
Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42
Vortex is one of my favourite brands in binoculars for hunting elk and mule deer. This particular binocular is very suitable for hunting elk and mule deer. It has the best magnification and a wide field of view. They make it easy to track game animals. They are full size but still compact binoculars for hunting. The binoculars are easy to hold with a rubber cover.
These binoculars have a high density optical system for really clear views. The lens coatings give bright, full views even when it’s not very bright outside. The image quality is excellent. The eyecups can be twisted up for a comfortable fit.
Specification for Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42
Pros
- Clear image
- well retained colors
- Solidly built
- Easy to focus
Cons
- A bit pricey
Maven C1 10X42 mm ED Binocular
This amazing binocular has a lightweight frame, special ED glass and lenses that make the image very clear and colorful. I used one my friend owned and I was so surprised by quality of image I got.
The C1 binocular has really clear ED glass, coated lenses and a strong but light frame. It is waterproof, fog proof and the lens coatings resist scratches. It was so comfortable to use outdoors. These are the best size binoculars for elk and mule deer hunting
Specification for Maven C1 10X42 mm ED Binocular
Pros
- Easy to focus
- Edge to edge clarity
- Compact design
- Clear image with ED glass
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Smaller field of view
Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars
The binoculars have special coatings on the lenses to let in a lot of light, making things look clear. There’s also a quick focus system for easily focusing on things that are moving. These best binoculars for elk hunting won’t slip from your hands because they have rubber grips, which work well in any weather. These are the best budget binoculars for elk and mule deer hunting.
Specification for Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars
Pros
- Great price
- Excellent auto-focus
- Good image clarity and sharpness
Cons
- Not waterproof or fogproof
- BK7 prism
Binoteck 10×42 Binoculars for Adults
I bought these binoculars when I first got interested in learning how to hunt. These are professional binoculars that make things look bigger and clearer. They have a wide view, good for hunting. They use BAK4 prisms to make the image really bright and sharp. This combo gives you pictures that are bright, clear and detailed. These are the best budget binoculars for elk and mule deer hunting.
These binoculars are tough and can handle being in rough and harsh conditions. They are lightweight and the best size binoculars for elk and mule deer hunting. But a downside to these binoculars that i had to face was that they are not water or fog proof.
Specification for Binoteck 10×42 Binoculars for Adults
Pros
- HD image clarity
- Solidly built
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not waterproof or fog proof
Nikon Monarch 5 10×42
Best Nikon’s Monarch 5 binoculars for hunting mule deer are my most favourite binoculars among all those that I have ever used. These binoculars have ED glass to make the view super clear and bright. The lenses let in a lot of light, so everything you see looks sharp and vivid. These binoculars can show you a wide area.
They are easy to use with features like adjustable eyecups, a focus knob and flip down lens caps. Monarch 5 is strong and can handle rough treatment. They are waterproof and fog proof and have a tough rubber cover for durability.
Specification for Nikon Monarch 5 10×42
Pros
- ED (extra low dispersion) glass
- Strongly built and non-slip grip
- Excellent image Clarity with ED
- glass Dielectric coating
- Lightweight
- Long eye relief for eyeglass wearers
Cons
- Narrower field of view
Conclusion
In conclusion, when you’re out hunting elk and mule deer, having a good pair of binoculars can be a game-changer. Although our eyes can see up to 3 miles on flat ground, binoculars offer advantages like clear magnification and improved visibility. When picking the right binoculars for hunting, factors like magnification, lens size, field of view, weight, and durability matter.
The right balance ensures optimal performance in different hunting conditions. So, whether you’re in the woods or open spaces, choosing the perfect binoculars tailored to your preferences and the environment can enhance your hunting experience.