10 best binoculars for hunting and fishing

Do you remember the army binoculars inherited from your grandfathers? How many years have passed, how many kilometers have been covered with them, and they still show a clear and clean picture. Is this not the best evidence of the reliability of binoculars manufactured by the Kazan Optical and Mechanical Plant, which, by the way, has been operating non-stop since 1940? And if we take into account that the optical technologies of that time were improved and supplemented with high-quality materials, there is no doubt that, if cared for, the device will last for decades.

Its design fully complies with modern requirements: a solid all-metal case with a rubberized surface fits snugly in the hand, so that the 700-gram weight is practically not felt. The lenses are protected by a multi-layer coating and, additionally, by overlay covers, which are included in the kit. The Porro optical system with a 30 mm lens diameter provides excellent image quality, neutral color reproduction and the widest field of view - 150 m at a distance of 1 km.Judging by the reviews, of the whole set, you can only find fault with the quality of the case, but the binoculars themselves are very good.

Not everyone needs powerful optical equipment. For single outings into nature, the standard entry-level Hama Optec 10x50 binoculars are quite enough. At a very budget price, it does not disappoint its buyer, because it is very convenient to use due to the compact foldable design and rubberized housing, it zooms well up to 10x, it is equipped with a bag and accessories for care.

Reviews about Hama Optec are mixed. Some users are completely delighted with the quality of workmanship and believe that it is blasphemy to demand more from binoculars at such a price. Others call it a child's toy and list its shortcomings: lack of water resistance, no mounts for lens caps, inaccurate gluing of elements, defects in the form of a crack on the lens. And yet the model is worthy of attention. For beginners in fishing or hunting, it will serve as a starting point for understanding what features are needed when buying the next, more serious device.

A characteristic feature of the Hunter line of binoculars from the German company Besser is a rubberized housing made of impact-resistant plastic. The rubber coating serves as a protection against slipping of the device from the hands when the observation is carried out in wet weather. For the manufacture of Porro-type prisms, which provide excellent color reproduction and a wide field of view, colorless glass VK-7 is used.The high quality of the optics provides a clear and bright image, and allows you to observe not only during the day, but also at dawn or even at dusk.

If you use an adapter and a tripod (they need to be purchased separately), it is possible to use binoculars for long-term monitoring - due to the realism of the picture, the absence of defects on it and the possibility of adjusting the diopter, the eyes do not get tired even for people with poor eyesight. In general, this binocular can be considered a very successful model for outdoor enthusiasts, whose reviews confirm our choice.

The Yukon 12x50WA binoculars are equipped with wide-angle optics, due to which they provide an acceptable field of view (5.3°) at a relatively high magnification. That is why it is equally good for tourism, hunting and fishing in open areas, and for amateur astronomy. A distinctive feature of the model is high aperture and contrast even at the edge of the image, as well as the unique Eclipse lens cap system, which protects optical elements from damage. When opening the binoculars, they remain attached to the body, but are retracted in a given direction so as not to interfere with the user.

The reviews praise the quality of the product and consider their choice an ideal compromise between range and aperture ratio. Thanks to him, hunters can observe from afar objects quickly moving across the field without the risk of being noticed. If necessary, you can install the binoculars on a tripod, but you need to stock up on a ¼ inch adapter. The device is assembled to the conscience, the housing made of impact-resistant plastic protects it from dust, moisture and dirt.The 10-year warranty period adds another plus to the treasury of trust.

The Nelson 7x50 is a powerful optical instrument designed specifically for use on the water. Special safety is ensured by a sealed plastic housing filled with nitrogen. The gas protects the lenses from the appearance of condensation moisture during sudden temperature changes. The degree of protection of the housing is IPX7, i.е. binoculars will not be damaged during temporary (up to 30 minutes) immersion to a depth of up to 1 m. In addition, the hull is unsinkable, so in case of an accidental fall it does not go to the bottom.

The model has a classic design, Porro prisms are installed inside, giving high image quality at 8x magnification. A compass and an illuminated rangefinder are provided, due to which the binoculars become an excellent orientation tool while fishing in an unfamiliar location.The minimum focusing distance is 4 m - you can study the coastline without approaching it.

This handheld device was designed for general viewing, for example, to cheer on the races or get the most out of a tour. However, hunters and fishermen adapted it to suit their purposes - to peep at other fishermen's fishing spots, to notice cracks and hummocks on the ice from afar during winter fishing, to spot seagulls over fish clusters. All this is more than possible thanks to the optimal magnification, large viewing angle (8.2° - no other binoculars from this price segment have this), a durable carbon fiber body and high-quality optics.

The reviews indicated an interesting experience: the binoculars were immersed in a bath of water for an hour and then its condition was assessed - no leaks or fogging were found. We do not recommend repeating such testing, since the degree of moisture protection is not indicated in official sources, but we think that Waterproof inscriptions from a manufacturer with a proven reputation are worth trusting. So if you need an ergonomic, small-sized optical device with good image sharpness for fishing, you can consider that you have found it.

The Russian trade mark of optical products "Weber" appeared relatively recently - in 1991, and its formation was not easy.The first batches of binoculars from China, where the production was located, turned out to be of insufficient quality, and the management made an unprecedented decision in terms of courage - to organize in Russia its own technical control department with powerful equipment and check all devices, adjust, adjust, and, if necessary, local assembly.

What happened in the end can be estimated using the Nature Russia 10x42 model. Buying it, you get an inexpensive and reliable binoculars with excellent characteristics for successful fishing: lightweight - weighing 600 g, moisture resistant - withstands short-term immersion in water at 1 m, with a strong metal case. The tubes of the binoculars are filled with an inert gas, due to which condensate does not form even with temperature changes. The optics are also good: what are only roof prisms with expensive VaK-4 glasses, which give an image close to ideal.

This instrument is optically designed to provide excellent image quality while maintaining maximum observer comfort. Despite the significant weight of 900 g, the rubberized body is tirelessly held by the hands, and the rubber swivel-retractable eyecups and the adjustment of the interpupillary distance make the contemplation of distances even more comfortable. However, for a long-term process, a tripod is indispensable - a powerful 10-fold increase affects.

Aspherical lenses with multi-layer coating are responsible for the absence of distortions, and the brightness of the image and a wide field of view are provided by a fast lens with a diameter of 50 mm. In reviews, the binoculars are praised for their high-quality assembly without backlash, the presence of an adapter and the ability to install on a tripod and optical glass material - Eco-glass, which somewhat outperforms VaK-4 optics in terms of quality. Sometimes hunting lacks rangefinder and night vision options, but it is difficult to demand them from such a powerful device for such money.

The company's binoculars with a 120-year history of Kahles are deservedly considered premium products, and their high cost is due to quality, reliability and functionality. In 2017, the first device of the Helia series, specially designed for hunting, appeared. Thanks to the built-in rangefinder, it became possible to measure the distance to the target within 1500 m. Moreover, the Helia has an angle compensator, which guarantees the most accurate shot trajectory.The measured data is displayed on the OLED display, the brightness of which can be adjusted in 5 levels.

The binoculars have a durable and at the same time lightweight aluminum body in a practical brown color. The weight for serious optics with an 8x42 magnification is small - 880 g. The field of view at a distance of 1000 m covers 125 m - such a wide angle is very important for observing moving animals or birds. Autonomous power supply is provided by a 3-volt battery. The status of the device is unobtrusively emphasized by complete handmade accessories made of genuine leather and wool.

The image that the owner of this binoculars receives in conditions of poor visibility is stunning with crystal clearness. As befits world-class optics, this model has a sharp focus, a wide field of view (100m/1000) and is enclosed in an armored case that is completely protected from dust and moisture and can absorb mechanical shock if accidentally dropped. The 50mm objective lenses are fully multi-coated with FMC, greatly enhancing night vision performance. As a result, the hunter even at night tracks the prey from a distance as if it were at arm's length.

There are few Russian-language reviews about the model. But on the websites of America, where the company comes from, it is perhaps the most popular. So, on Amazon it is characterized mainly on the positive side, pointing to the clarity and brightness of the image, ease of grip, the ability to quickly fix hinged covers - in general, the perfect thoughtfulness and reliability of the design.