An avid hunter or a beginner, you might be considering a pair of binoculars. In this article, we decided to do the work and find only the best hunting binoculars under $100. Rest assured that these pairs are the best in the market currently. Read on to understand the pros and cons of each pair of hunting binoculars.
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What are the Best Hunting Binoculars Under 100?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Hunting Binoculars Under 100 and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available binoculars for hunting under 100 that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these hunting binoculars under 100.
We also wrote a brief hunting binoculars under 100 Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 8 binoculars for hunting under 100 based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. 12×42 High Definition Binoculars for Adults with Universal Phone Adapter
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.3 Pounds (0.6 kg) Size: 5.4 x 4.8 x 2.3 Inches (13.7 x 12.2 x 5.8 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm Magnification: 12x Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The 12×42 High Definition Binoculars for Adults with Universal Phone Adapter could suit those who like an outdoor adventure like hiking or hunting. This binocular is lightweight and will not be too cumbersome to carry around outdoors. If you have relatively smaller hands, you can consider getting this pair due to its relatively compact design. One perk of this binocular is the ease of focusing an image. However, do take note that the phone adapter may be a little difficult to use until you have gotten enough experience with it. Also, you may have to get your binocular strap as the package only provides a strap for the carrying case.
Pros
- Nice carrying case,
- People with smaller hands have a comfortable grip,
- Lightweight,
- Not difficult to focus an image
Cons
- There is only a strap for binocular carrying case,
- The phone adapter is difficult to use
2. Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars for Adults
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.5 Pounds (0.7 kg) Size: 5.8 x 5 x 2.1 Inches (14.6 x 12.6 x 5.3 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 42 Magnification: 10x |
See it in your local store:
The Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars for Adults can be used for many activities like climbing, birding, and sporting events. There is a phone attachment provided to help you record the pictures on your phone. We also like how the rubber lens caps are lightweight to remove any unnecessary weight from the binocular. The focus knob is also user-friendly so beginners can consider this model too. Apart from these product perks, we also like the customer service provided by Gosky to customers that have reached out to them. Do take note that this binocular is a little heavy, and not as compact. The binocular casing strap is also not the most secure.
Pros
- Phone attachment is provided,
- Rubber lens caps are lightweight,
- Focus knob is easy to use,
- Good customer service
Cons
- Binocular is a little heavy,
- Binocular case strap is not very secure
3. Aurosports 10×25 Folding Compact Binocular with Weak Light Night Vision
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.6 Pounds (0.2 kg) Size: 3.7 x 3.6 x 2.1 Inches (9.4 x 9.1 x 5.3 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 25mm Magnification: 10x Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The Aurosports 10×25 Folding Compact Binocular with Weak Light Night Vision is a good option for activities like sporting events and concerts. The binocular is light and easy to carry around, whilst also having a robust exterior. It is also relatively easy to adjust the focusing setting on this binocular. This binocular is also waterproof to some water splashes, so you don’t have to worry about slight rain damaging it. A perk of this binocular is the slight night vision capability it provides so you can see clearer images at night. One thing to take note of is that the binocular is not fog proof, so you may need to wipe it every now and then.
Pros
- Item is light and compact,
- Binocular is easy to focus,
- Binocular has slight night vision capability,
- Binocular has solid exterior
Cons
- Binocular strap is not easy to adjust,
- Binocular is not fog proof
4. 20×50 Military Binoculars for Adults with Smartphone Adapter
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.6 Pounds (0.7 kg) Size: 7.9 x 7.9 x 3.1 Inches (20 x 20 x 8 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm Magnification: 20x Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The 20×50 Military Binoculars for Adults are a good choice for those who want a durable and robust binocular. This binocular will be able to go with you on hunting and hiking trips. The neck strap on the binocular is not too tight, so you will feel comfortable using it. The lens caps are also attached to the binocular, so you do not need to be scared of losing them. Furthermore, there is a tripod attachment if you want to obtain a stabilized image. Do take note, however, that the binocular is not fog proof. Another point is that the smartphone adapter is not easy to use, and you may need to use it multiple times to be comfortable with it.
Pros
- Neck strap is not too tight,
- Lens caps are connected to binocular,
- Binocular has a robust exterior,
- There is a tripod attachment
Cons
- Binocular is not fog proof,
- Smartphone adapter is not user-friendly
5. 20×50 High Power Military Binoculars
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.8 Pounds (0.8 kg) Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm Magnification: 20x Eye Relief: 26mm Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The 20×50 High Power Military Binoculars are a good option for those who want a wide field of view in their binoculars. The binocular has a strong rubber coating that can endure the elements of the weather. This binocular also features easy adjustment of the center-focus knob. A plus point about this binocular is how the lens cap is attached to the binocular itself so you don’t have to worry about losing them. We also like how the binocular is relatively lightweight, so you can carry it around for longer periods of travel. Do take note that if you are buying this binocular, you will not be able to attach it to a tripod because there is no screw-hole.
Pros
- Not difficult to adjust the binocular’s settings,
- Comfortable size to grip,
- Lens cap are attached to binocular to prevent losing them,
- Binocular is lightweight
Cons
- Binocular strap is not too secure,
- No attachment to pair with a tripod
6. 10 x 50 Professional High Definition Large Field of View Binoculars
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.7 Pounds (0.8 kg) Size: 7.6 x 7 x 2.5 Inches (19.3 x 17.8 x 6.4 cm) Magnification: 10x Eye Relief: 10mm Waterproof: Water-resistant |
See it in your local store:
This 10×50 binocular is suitable for those who like observing rapid movement for the purpose of birding, sporting events, and more. The binocular also has a comfortable rubber coating so you will be able to hold it for long periods. When you are done using the binocular, you can also keep it in a robust binocular casing that will protect it well. Other than the product details, we also appreciate the responsive customer service in providing the appropriate replies or refunds to customers. Do note that the binocular is slightly heavy. Also, it may not be very easy to adjust the focus knob.
Pros
- Customer service is fairly responsive,
- There is a comfortable exterior rubber coating,
- The binocular casing protects the binocular well,
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Not easy to adjust the focus,
- Binocular is on the heavier side
7. Noptix 10×42 Binoculars with Tripod & Phone Adapter
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.4 Pounds (1.1 kg) Size: 8.5 x 7.7 x 3.1 Inches (21.5 x 19.5 x 7.9 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm Magnification: 10x Waterproof: Waterproof |
See it in your local store:
The Noptix 10×42 will be a good option for people who like bird watching and nature in general. The many accessories that they provide will help you in your birding endeavors! We appreciate how the binocular case is robust and built to last. Also, the lens caps are attached to the binocular so you need not fear losing them. If you are planning to hand-hold your binocular, you will not feel hand-fatigue that easily because the rubber exterior is made for ergonomic comfort. Downsides include how the binocular is a little bulky and the difficulty in using the phone adapter that they provide.
Pros
- They provide many complimentary accessories,
- Rubber exterior is made for ergonomic comfort,
- Lens caps are attached to binocular,
- Binocular case is built to last
Cons
- Binocular is not compact,
- The phone adapter is difficult to use
8. Binoteck 10×42 Binoculars for Adults
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1 Pounds (0.5 kg) Size: 7.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 Inches (17.9 x 15.8 x 7.9 cm) Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm Magnification: 10x Eye Relief: 10mm |
See it in your local store:
The Binoteck 10×42 is a good option for those who want a wide field of view for their hunting or birding hobbies. For those who like to travel, this lightweight binocular will not add much of a burden to what you are already carrying. We also like that it is simple to adjust the eyecups to suit your personal needs. Also, the lenses are multi-coated to gather more light so that your images are brighter. One of the downsides is the lack of protection of the binocular. You may have to handle it with extra care to avoid damaging the internal parts of the binocular.
Pros
- Lightweight,
- Wide field of view,
- Not difficult to adjust eyecups,
- Lenses are multi-coated
Cons
- Binocular is susceptible to external damage,
- Binocular strap is not secure
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best hunting binoculars under 100 is below:
Overall best hunting binoculars under 100 out there: 12×42 High Definition Binoculars for Adults with Universal Phone Adapter
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars for Adults
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Aurosports 10×25 Folding Compact Binocular with Weak Light Night Vision
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Hunting Binoculars Under 100
Magnification
Binoculars with a high magnification may sometimes not be beneficial. For instance when hunting/fishing, you do not want a binoculars with magnification that is too high because it reduces the quality of the images. The best magnification is between 7X and 8X. High magnification narrows the field of view, but if your aim is to zoom in on far away items, then higher magnification is your best bet.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens’ size determines the amount of light entering the binoculars. Therefore, the larger it is, the better the image in terms of quality, especially in dark places. When buying a pair of binoculars, check for the lens size, which is the numeric figure right after the X on its description. A ratio of 5 to magnification is best, so in a case where you have an 8 X 25 versus a 8 X 40, the 8 X 40 has better images because generally the lens diameter is wider.
Durability
A quality pair of binoculars can be a hefty investment, hence finding a pair that is long lasting and hardy is important. Get a pair with lens coating to protect them against damage from dust or debris. Waterproofed or fog-proofed binoculars are also good as they protect the lens and body surface, ensuring the longevity of the binoculars. However, always dry off your binoculars if they have water on them, even though they are waterproof. Lastly, its always doot to get a pair with lifetime warranty such as those from Nikon.
Lens Coatings
Light reflected from the objective lens can dim the image viewed through the binoculars. Anti-reflective coating reduces the light reflected, therefore producing better quality and visible images. A good lens coating also protects the lens against damages such as scratches and can also help reduce fogging since the surface becomes smooth enough that condensation slides right past them.
Weatherproofing
It is useful to get a pair that is weatherproof, especially if you are going to use your binoculars for multiple outdoor expeditions that make have constant change in weather. If a binoculars is described as weatherproof, it is almost certain that it is not fully waterproof, but potentially just water resistent. However, they may have protection against fog, dust damage and other differing weather conditions, such as moist weather condtions, without damaging them. Always store your binoculars well and dry after use and do not expose your binoculars too much to sun or moisture as it will be damaged with time.
Portability
Its important that you get a portable pair of binoculars, especially when bird spotting and hunting. You do not want bulky binoculars as they’ll be harder to carry around and will tire you eventually with the weight. Portablity may sometimes also mean having a neck strap so you can wear it around your neck and leave it to hang when you are walking. There are also mini binoculars and foldable ones that can fit into the pocket and easen your load. Choose one that is easy for you to carry around and still meets your hunting or spotting needs.
Questions and Answers About Hunting Binoculars Under 100
What is the maximum range of binoculars?
Binoculars have no limit on how far you can see with them; the magnification of your binoculars is what determines how near the object seems to be. As a result, high-powered binoculars will enable you to see crispier and clearer images over longer distances. However, the horizon and atmospheric conditions may limit how far you can view. When it’s rainy, cloudy, foggy, or highly polluted outside, you can’t see as far as you can in clear weather. The horizon limits how far you can see, and its distance may vary depending on where you are positioned.
Which is better 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars?
It really depends on what you are trying to view. If you are trying to view a bird within a mid-range distance, a 8×42 would be better because it provides a wider view. This can really help you follow the bird closely. In contrast, a 10×42 can be used more appropriately for viewing objects from mid-range to long-range distances.
What is the best magnification for hunting binoculars?
It’s a fair question to ask what is the best magnification binoculars for hunting, but sadly there is no universally acceptable answer to this. While most hunting binoculars are found anywhere between 6-12x magnification, you may need to consider your hunting location, the type of hunting you do, and your personal preferences in choosing the best magnification binoculars for yourself. Generally, it is advisable to pick a pair of binoculars with a wider magnification range if you do multiple types of hunting.
What is a good field of view for binoculars?
Binoculars with a good field of view (F.O.V) should allow you to see more of the terrain and detect your prey without having to adjust your binoculars. Additionally, when targeting a moving animal, binoculars with a good field of view should also support a long-distance view within the circular frame of lenses without shifting the binoculars. In general for a distance of 1,000 meters, most high-quality binoculars have a field of view of 300 to 375 feet.
Can you zoom in with binoculars?
Binoculars with adjustable magnification can zoom in or out unlike binoculars with fixed magnification. Depending on the model you get, binoculars can zoom in or out making the image seem 10-22 times larger than it actually is. To zoom in, simply adjust the lever on your zoom binoculars by increasing the magnification. Move the barrels or lever inwards to zoom in and outwards to zoom out.
What do the 3 numbers on binoculars mean?
The three binocular numbers refer to its magnification power and the size of the objective lens. The number may look like 10-30X25 or 10/30X25. The dash on the numbers means that the binoculars are zoom binoculars, while the slash means that the binocular has two sets of eyepieces. The numbers 10 and 30 indicate that the binoculars can magnify an image 10 to 30 times. 25, on the other hand, refers to the size of the objective lens, in this case, 25 mm.
