Best Compact Binoculars for Hunting

How We Tested

I put the most popular compact binoculars through two different testing protocols and looked at their overall product features.

Primary Test

I tested the binoculars using a USAF 1951 1X target. These targets are often used with a formula to calculate the resolution of an imaging system. I printed these targets out on letter-sized paper and looked at the four rows of lines and numbers. My test was to try to read the numbers in the different systems. They were shown as -2, -1, 1, and 0. I tested them at 50, 100, and 200 yards.

All the binoculars in the test were 10-power. To be fair, putting a 25-mm objective lens against a 32-mm objective lens is not a test of equals, but there were some surprising results. Smaller objective lenses aren’t expected to be as bright as larger objectives.

Secondary Test

The secondary test involved looking at a stop sign from a mile away to see if I could read the letters at that distance.

Both tests were done on an overcast day. I figured this better simulated the twilight conditions when wildlife is most active.

How I Tested Magnification

I also tested to see how much power was needed to read the 0 at 50 yards with the variable power on my most powerful optic, a Bushnell Forge spotting scope with 15-45 power. To read the 0, I needed 30 power.

Both Vortex and Bushnell provided 8-power samples for testing. The lesser power gives a better field of view. It was possible to read the -2 numbers at 50 and 100 yards. It was tougher to read the -1 than with 10 power, but it was legible.

What Makes Compact Binoculars Different?

To understand the comparisons between the products, it’s necessary to look at the inner workings of the optics inside the binoculars. The main types are Porro prism and roof prism binoculars. It’s easy to tell which is which by looking at the construction. Porro prism is the original binocular design, with the objective lenses offset from the eyepieces. Roof prism binoculars have the objective lens in line with the eyepiece. The optical difference is the prism inside. The difference between roof prisms and Porro prisms in binoculars comes down to their optical design, size, durability, and image quality. Each has advantages depending on what you’re looking for in a pair of binoculars.

Roof Prism Binoculars

• Design: The prisms are aligned in a straight line, allowing for a compact and slim design.
• Size & Weight: More compact, lightweight, and streamlined—easier to carry and store.
• Durability: Better waterproofing and dust resistance due to fewer external moving parts.
• Image Quality: Roof prisms generally provide a narrower field of view compared to Porro prisms. However, high-end roof prism models use phase-corrected coatings to enhance sharpness and contrast.
• Price: High-quality roof prism binoculars require expensive coatings and precision alignment, making them more costly than comparable Porro models.
• Best for: Hunting, hiking, birdwatching, and general outdoor use where portability and durability are priorities.

Porro Prism Binoculars

• Design: The prisms are offset in a zigzag pattern, creating the classic binocular shape with wider barrels.
• Size & Weight: Larger and bulkier due to the design.
• Durability: More vulnerable to impact damage, and waterproofing is generally less effective compared to roof prisms.
• Image Quality: Offers a wider field of view and better depth perception at lower costs. They also tend to provide a brighter image because of higher light transmission.
• Price: Less expensive for similar optical quality compared to roof prisms.
• Best for: Wildlife observation, marine use, astronomy, and situations where image quality and brightness are more important than portability.

Objective Lens Size in Compact Binoculars

The other important distinction with binoculars is the objective lens size (the lens next to your eye when you look through the binoculars). Compact binoculars have objective lenses that are less than 32 millimeters in size. The larger the lens, the more light gets let through. However, glass quality, coatings, and prism quality also play a role in light transmission. Generally, the more expensive the binoculars, the more optical clarity the glass offers.

Why Field of View (FOV) Matters in Compact Binoculars

Field of view (FOV) is a crucial factor when selecting compact binoculars, especially depending on how you plan to use them. Since compact binoculars often have smaller objective lenses (typically 25mm-32mm), they can sometimes have a more restricted FOV compared to full-size models. Here’s how FOV impacts different uses:

1. Tracking Moving Objects – A wider FOV makes it easier to track birds, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects like deer in the woods or a bird in flight. Narrow FOVs can make it harder to locate and follow moving targets.

2. Scanning Large Areas Quickly—Whether you’re glassing a hunting field, watching a sporting event, or sightseeing, a wider FOV allows you to take in more of the scene without constant repositioning. This is very important when scanning for game while hunting.

3. Ease of Use – A narrow FOV can make it harder for beginners to locate objects, especially at higher magnifications (e.g., 10x vs. 8x). A wider FOV makes it easier to acquire targets quickly.

Objective Lens Size and Magnification

The relationship between Magnification and Objective Lens Size in Binoculars is an important consideration when selecting an optic. Binoculars are labeled with numbers like 8×25 or 10×42. These numbers tell us:

• The first number (8x or 10x, etc.) is the magnification—how many times closer the image appears.
• The second number (25, 32, 42, etc.) is the objective lens (front lens) size in millimeters.  This determines how much light the binoculars can gather.

Here is How They Work Together

1. Larger objective lenses (bigger second number) equals more light collected equals a brighter image.

   • A 42mm objective lens gathers much more light than a 25mm lens, making it better in low light (dawn/dusk).
   • Compact binoculars usually have 25mm to 32mm lenses, which makes them lightweight, but they don’t perform as well in dim light conditions.

2. Higher magnification (bigger first number) equals more zoom but a darker and shakier image.

   • 8x magnification (8×25 or 8×32) gives a wide field of view and a stable image.
   • 10x magnification (10×25 or 10×32) zooms in more but is harder to hold steady and slightly darker.

Best Compact Binoculars Reviewed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Best Uses of Compact vs. Full-Size Binoculars?

Compact binoculars have smaller lenses (≤25mm) and are lightweight, typically offering magnifications like 8×25 or 10×25. They are ideal for hiking, hunting, casual wildlife observation, and sporting events due to their portability. In contrast, full-size binoculars have larger lenses (≥42mm) and are bulkier, commonly featuring magnifications such as 8×42 or 10×42. They are best suited for hunting and birdwatching in low light, stargazing, and long-range clarity in marine or safari settings.

What’s a Good Field of View (FOV) for Compact Binoculars?

The author considers a wide field of view (FOV) to be 350+ feet at 1,000 yards, making it suitable for general outdoor use. A standard FOV ranges from 280 to 350 feet at 1,000 yards, providing a balanced option for most activities. A narrow FOV, below 280 feet at 1,000 yards, is better for detailed viewing but less ideal for scanning large areas.

What are the Trade-offs on Wide FOV vs. High Magnification?

Higher magnification (10x or more) results in a narrower FOV, making it harder to track objects. Conversely, lower magnification (8x or less) offers a wider FOV, making it easier to scan and track. An 8x magnification with a wide FOV often strikes the best balance for activities like hunting, hiking, or birdwatching.

Which Prism System Should You Choose – Roof vs. Porro?

The author recommends Roof prisms for those needing a compact, durable, and high-performance option suitable for outdoor activities like hunting or hiking. On the other hand, Porro prisms provide better optical performance at a lower cost, although they tend to be bulkier.

What is the Best Magnification for Compact Binoculars?

The best magnification for compact binoculars largely depends on your intended use. The author considers an 8x magnification to be the best all-around choice, offering a wider field of view, a more stable image, and a brighter view in low-light conditions. In contrast, a 10x magnification provides more detail but can be harder to hold steady and offers a narrower field of view.

What is the Best All-Around Binocular Size?

8x binoculars are recommended for those prioritizing stability and a wide field of view. If you seek more detail and are okay with a slightly narrower field of view, 10x binoculars would be suitable. Although they are less common, 6x or 7x binoculars may work for extreme compactness and ease of use.

Bonus Tip

For added convenience, consider using custom lanyards to carry your binoculars. You can choose various patterns, such as camouflage, to match your outdoor style and enhance the carrying experience.