Hunting binoculars present a big part in the binoculars market. There are many different types of binoculars available for every type of hunting. In this test we focused only on those with 8×42 configuration (except the Minox APO HG which has 8×43 configuration).
10. Leica Trinovid 8×42 HD
One of the Leica’s binoculars that we should mention is a Trinovid HD series. This great all-round series, perfect for hunting are also affordable compared to what they offer. Great light gathering ability due to fully multi-coated HLS system and ED glass elements help with incredible resolution with minimal distortions. Trinovid HD binoculars are well protected with rubber armouring, watertight and fog-proof construction together with AquaDura coating on outer lenses. They offer wide field of view and stunning close focusing distance for macro observations – insect hunting.
9. Zeiss Conquest HD 8×42
Another most prominent Zeiss binoculars Conquest HD offer great high-end all-rounders for hunting that are also affordable. They are lightweight and compact with sleek and slender design so they are less fatiguing than their competition. Aluminum body is less heavy but that doesn’t mean it isn’t durable. With tight seals and nitrogen gas filling the durability will never be compromised even in the harshest weather. When it comes to optics the Conquest HD is equipped with HD dielectric lens system and together with Zeiss T* coatings and phase correction provides very bright images with great resolution. Another important feature is applied LotuTec coating on external lenses which repels water and dust.
8. Vortex Razor HD 8×42
The best all-round models that we should also include in this list is Razor HD series by American Manufacturer Vortex Optics. Designed for hunters and other nature enthusiast, these amazingly built binoculars with aluminum chassis offer extremely durable but still lightweight and compact ergonomics. Extremely sharp and bright images are the result of multi-coated system and HD (High Density) glass for great resolution and colors. Lenses are APOchromatic and together with XRPlus and TechTM coatings provide great light gathering ability and resolution. They are well protected with tight seals and filled with highly prized Argon gas against internal lens fogging.
7. Minox APO HG 8×43
We need to mention Minox binoculars built with 75 years of experience in hunting optics. Award-winning HG models for great aesthetic and ergonomics are a real pleasure to use. They are comfortable to handle due to lightweight body and compact design. They also perform incredibly well due to fully multi-coated system using M* coatings, MinoBright coatings on prisms and APOchromatically corrected lenses that help to minimize light loss and together with extra-low dispersion glass contribute to enhanced colors and contrast. They are waterproof and fog-proof due to nitrogen gas filling.
6. Swarovski SLC 8×42
Another great Swarovski binoculars – the SLC series where SLC is short for Slim, Light and Compact are able to satisfy even the most advanced users. Great ergonomics make them easier to carry around, but the construction is still a little heavier due to magnesium chassis. These series offer very durable, waterproof and fog-proof binoculars, perfect for harsh weather conditions. They are equipped with Swarotop, Swarodur, Swarobright and Swaroclean high-quality coatings that provide an outstanding performance even in the low light conditions.
5. Leica Ultravid 8×42 HD Plus
Another Leica binoculars that must be mentioned on this Top 10 list come from Ultravid HD series. This series offers all-round models, perfect for hunters. Extremely comfortable to handle due to stylishly design, non-slip rubber armouring and lightweight magnesium chassis that takes the weight out of your shoulders. They are well protected with tight seals and nitrogen gas filling and equipped with smooth lubrication-free focusing mechanism. Fully multi-coated HDC and HLS system and hydrophobic AquaDura help to enhance brightness and contrast and eliminate glaring and reflections for amazing clear-view.
4. Zeiss Victory HT 8×42
Another great Zeiss binoculars Victory HT are one of the brightest on the market with incredible light transmission rate. They are built using SCHOTT HT lenses and multi-layers of special T* coatings to help with brightness, contrast and colors. Outstanding field of view will help you with quick tracking of moving targets. These binoculars follow classical Dyalt design and Victory HT 10×42 model received the Golden Keiler award in 2013. Double-bridge design helps with comfortable handling and focusing. Well protected with rubber armoring, tight seals and nitrogen gas filling make them able to withstand even the harshest weather condition and terrain together with LotuTec hydrophobic coating.
When reviewing all of these binoculars we came to the conclusion that there’s so little difference between the first three binoculars that they share the first spot on our top 10 list. To decide which one is better for you we recommend you try and test all of them individually!
1. Zeiss Victory SF 8×42
Unparalleled Zeiss SF series of binoculars is incredibly versatile and perfect for every professional from birdwatchers, hunters, travelers etc. With 165 years of experiences in sports optics, Zeiss used their knowledge and poured all the best optical solutions and materials into Victory SF series. These binoculars are equipped with ErgoBalance setting with great weight distribution that helps to lean binoculars more towards the face. FOCUS concept due to triple-bridge design helps to improve your focusing speed. Victory SF series is extremely lightweight and well protected with rubber armoring, tight seals and filled with nitrogen gas to eliminate internal condensation. Fully multi-coated lenses, wide field of view and stunning close focus for macro observations definitely leave competition in the dust.
1. Swarovski EL Range 8×42
Incredible Swarovski EL is also outstandingly bright and sharp due to special field flattening lenses that eliminate distortion. Clear look-through that seems almost surreal leaves competition in the dust. EL is equipped with the best Swarovski optical coatings such as Swarobright, Swarotop, Swarodur and Swaroclean and together with extremely wide field of view and close focusing distance make them one of the best binoculars on the market. Open-bridge design gives these binoculars great ergonomics for comfortable handling. Fully sealed and nitrogen filled construction makes them watertight and fog-free.
1. Leica Noctivid 8×42
The newest Leica Noctivid that launched in 2016 offers all-round models for hunters and other nature enthusiast. One of the best binoculars on the market at the moment offer excellent, state of the art optical performance. Using the best materials and optical technology, these high-end binoculars open your eyes to incredible scenery with wider field of view, close focusing distance and outstanding brightness with almost no glaring or internal reflection. High-quality magnesium chassis and beautifully designed rubber armouring protects them together with tight seals and nitrogen gas filling for watertight and fog-free viewing.
Disclaimer
This review is not sponsored and it’s completely unbiased. It is made simply out of our own interest in the optics and provides an objective opinion of tested binoculars. Big thanks to Optics Trade who kindly offered us their products to review and test.
