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Binoculars are an essential piece of equipment that you will almost certainly need if you intend to get involved, or are already involved in stalking deer in the British countryside. Whether it's Vortex binoculars you choose or any other brand, it's important to choose a set of binoculars that will suit your personal requirements depending on numerous factors such as, are you lowland stalking in open countryside, woodland stalking or even open hill, upland stalking?. Your personal circumstances should determine what type of binoculars you intend to use for your deer stalking and other country pursuits. Your budget will also have a bearing on what binoculars are available to you, so below we are going to be looking at five different sets of binoculars ranging in size and price, all of which are perfectly adequate for deer stalking and other related activities.
8 x 42 or 10 x 42?
Binoculars come in various shapes and sizes, however, generally on your search for a set of binoculars you will find options for 8 x 42 or 10 x 42. So what is the difference between the two and how do you decide the best option for you? This will depend on personal preference and also where and how you intend to use them in a stalking environment.
Typically, 8 x 42 binoculars are lighter in weight, aiding in their usability whilst trying to remain steady if scanning for deer. They also have a wider field of view making them the ideal tool for observing nature. In comparison, 10 x 42 binoculars are generally, slightly heavier in weight and have a closer view due to the magnification, ideal for viewing objects at further distance.
The biggest difference between the two is the magnification. The number 8 signifies the magnification power and the 42 represents the diameter of the objective lens in millimetres. In simple terms, 8 has a magnification of 8x and 10 has a magnification of 10x. The higher magnification of the 10x means that you can view objects at a greater distance and in greater detail, ideal for open hill stalking on the uplands, where generally you would be scanning for deer in wide, open spaces and at longer distances. However, if you find yourself stalking in a woodland environment, the wider field of view and lower magnification of the 8x would more than likely be better suited where you are likely to encounter deer at shorter distances and have more visibility in a confined woodland space.
In this instance both binoculars have the same objective lens, meaning that they will allow in similar levels of light depending on the quality of the glass. Larger objective lenses will not only provide a wider field of view but also perform better in low light conditions which could make a huge difference when stalking in the very early mornings or at last light in the evenings. This does however, depend on the quality of the optics.
5 of our best picks
We have put together a list of five sets of binoculars suitable for your price range, all of which we think would be absolutely adequate for deerstalking. Ultimately, it all depends on personal preference and what your budget is. Generally, the better quality optics, in our opinion, will only make a difference in low light scenarios, so be prepared to ask yourself, how important is it to bag a deer in the early morning light or at last light in the evenings?
We have selected a range of binoculars from Vortex, Hawke and Zeiss to suit a wide range of budgets.
If you are looking for a pair of binoculars on the lower end of the price range, brands such as Hawke and Vortex are our recommendation. Having used both brands successfully, there isn't a lot that separates the two other than the price difference.
Hawke Vantage 8 x 42
These Hawke Vantage binoculars offer excellent value for money at the lower end of the price scale. Lightweight, durable and most importantly, waterproof!
Supplied with protective carry case and strap, a neck strap and objective and ocular lens covers. To view an extensive description of these binoculars or if you wish to purchase these Hawke Vantage binoculars you can view them here https://amzn.to/4cZ0W1g (Amazon).
Hawke also offers peace of mind on their products with a lifetime guarantee. In the event of any damage, regardless of how they got damaged or whose fault it was, Hawke will repair them at no extra charge to you.
Hawke Endurance 8 x 42
A mid range binocular from Hawke Endurance with a slightly higher price tag than the Vantage. The Endurance range boasts having extra low dispersion glass for optimum clarity and light transmission.
Waterproof, fog proof, durable and shock proof. Supplied with protective carry case and strap, a neck strap and objective and ocular lens covers. To view an extensive description of these binoculars or if you wish to purchase these Hawke Endurance binoculars you can view them here https://amzn.to/3Ut34He (Amazon).
Hawke also offers peace of mind on their products with a lifetime guarantee. In the event of any damage, regardless of how they got damaged or whose fault it was, Hawke will repair them at no extra charge to you.
Vortex binoculars - Crossfire 8 x 42
The Vortex Crossfire binoculars are also at the lower end of the price scale for the Vortex range, however, offer fantastic value and quality for the money. A rubber armour design helps with durability which also withstands recoil and impact. Waterproof and fog proof.
To view an extensive description of these binoculars or if you wish to purchase these Vortex Crossfire binoculars you can view them here https://amzn.to/3Ua18SF (Amazon).
Vortex Optics Diamondback 10 x 42
A mid range binocular from Vortex Diamondback with a slightly higher price tag than the Crossfire. The 10 x 42 model gives you the option of 10x magnification.
Armotek coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt and the Diamondback also boasts being waterproof and fog proof. A durable construction which withstands recoil and impact. Includes glass pak harness and backed by their unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP warranty.
To view an extensive description of these binoculars or if you wish to purchase these Vortex Diamondback binoculars you can view them here https://amzn.to/3JujmJS (Amazon).
Zeiss Terra 8 x 42
If you are prepared to increase your budget, the undeniable quality of the Zeiss Terra binoculars would be a fantastic choice of binocular to add to your deerstalking equipment. Zeiss boasts a compact and attractive design with an almost indestructible housing. Robust, reliable and easy to use, waterproof and lightweight.
Zeiss also includes a carry case, straps and a two year warranty. To view an extensive description of these binoculars or if you wish to purchase these Zeiss Terra binoculars you can view them here https://amzn.to/3UpdM1F (Amazon).
Hontry 8 x 42
We have added a sixth pair of binoculars to our list. The Hontry 8 x 42 binoculars are what we would consider to be a budget range. If you have a smaller budget, these Hontry binoculars are perfectly adequate for deerstalking. Fully waterproof and fog proof with a rubber outing covering for durability. Comes complete with carry bag and neck strap.
To view an extensive description of these binoculars or if you wish to purchase these Hontry binoculars you can view them here https://amzn.to/4b3Vjgp (Amazon).
So that completes our recommendations for six sets of binoculars that vary in price range, all of which are perfectly adequate to include in your deerstalking kit. You don't necessarily need the most expensive pair of binoculars on the market, but they should be fit for purpose and suitable for your personal requirements. We particularly like the Vortex Diamondback binoculars with their lifetime warranty, which we think, speaks volumes for their confidence in quality.
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