Best Binoculars Under $200 For Deer Hunting
Derrek Sigler 09.12.19
One thing all deer hunters can agree on is the importance of knowing exactly what you’re shooting at. Is that a buck or doe? Is it a buck you want to take? You need to know for certain. Good binoculars are an essential part of the deer hunter’s toolbox. Everyone needs the best binoculars they can afford. Many hunters feel that the best binoculars are too expensive. The cost of binoculars has been coming down, however, and now you can get a great pair for less than you think. Here are our picks for the best binoculars under $200 for deer hunting (and links where you can buy them).
Editor’s Pick – Vortex Crossfire HD 12×50
Vortex is a brand you could easily see more than once on this list. They took the optics world by storm with amazing quality and reasonable costs. One of the best for the money is the 12×50 Vortex Crossfire HD binoculars. They have a high definition optical system and fully multi-coated lenses that provide clear, bright views with precise detail and reduced eye strain. The waterproof Crossfire HD binoculars are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside and they are purged with nitrogen gas. Finding a good 12X bino for under $200 used to be a myth. Now Vortex makes it fact. At just $179.99, these are easily one of the best binoculars under $200 for deer hunting.
Leupold BX-2 Acadia 10×42
Yes, you can get Leupold binos for deer hunting! Not only are they available for less than $200, Leupold’s BX-2 Acadia Binoculars combine truly high-end optical performance and extreme reliability. Leupold’s Twilight Light MAX Management System delivers bright images, even during low-light conditions like dusk and dawn. The unique prism design brings premium optical, edge-to-edge clarity that makes what you see bright and clear with colors that pop. The precision focus adjustment is quick and easy to use. These are made with high-impact aluminum housing with a textured armor withstands rough treatment. As you would expect, they are waterproof and fog proof with a full lifetime guarantee. At just over $180, you can own Leupold quality. How could we not include these on a list of the best binoculars under $200?
Bushnell Engage DX 10×42
One of the great things these days comes from companies bringing new technologies to lower price points. Bushnell is one of those companies, and they have a brand-new binocular that is under $200 and is perfect for deer hunting. The Engage DX is pretty sweet. This pair in 10X42 is a perfect combination of performance, capability, and affordability with a lifetime warranty to boot. The Engage DX has an all-metal chassis, fully multi-coated optics, and they come with Bushnell’s EXO Barrier. The EXO Barrier bonds to the exterior lens surfaces, and repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris. That is a big deal when you’re deer hunting in some harsh conditions. They are water and fog proof with a textured rubber armor to make sure you don’t drop them when you’re scoping out that trophy buck.
Nikon Prostaff 7S 8×42
A lot of us who get the opportunity to test a wide range of optics always say the same thing about Nikon. The company always has a way of being the sleeper pick in lower-priced products. They have done so again with the Prostaff 7S 8×42 binoculars. These are one of the best binoculars under $200 for deer hunting – hands down. They have all the features you’d expect in a true hunting binocular with clear rugged optics and glass, nitrogen purging and of course they are water and fog proof. When we talk about eye strain and the importance of clear optics with binoculars, everyone who tries these out always comes away impressed. You will too.
Hawke Nature-Trek 8×42
Hawke is an English optics company with a U.S. base of operations in Indiana. They test a lot of their products with true Midwest deer hunters. Their Nature-Trek series were originally aimed at the bird watching crowd, but deer hunters have come to really appreciate the clarity and value. These binos have a price under $150, and still have a BAK4 roof prism, multi-coated optics and a sturdy, water and fog proof body. When your budget is pinched, but you want good binos, take a serious look at Hawke.
