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Best Binoculars for Archery

Sep 26, 2022Archery Equipment

Archery takes place in a wide variety of different areas, sometimes outside and other times at ranges indoors. No matter the case, it is important to have a good pair of binoculars for archery. A versatile pair of binoculars will help you with many aspects of archery, and will come into play more often than you think!

Buying Binoculars for Archery

Everyone participates in archery for various reasons, but the need for a good pair of binoculars is there no matter what. Whether for fun, practice, or competition, there is a visual aspect to archery as you shoot at various ranges. Once arrows are sent downrange, they can be hard to see in the targets. With binoculars, you can use them to better view your shots and make adjustments as necessary. That being said, not all binoculars are ideal for this use. There are a number of factors you will want to consider before buying binoculars for archery, such as:

Indoor/Outdoor Binoculars

One of the first considerations for binoculars is where you will be primarily using them. For only indoor use, you may not need binoculars with as much magnification power or clarity. This is due to shots generally being at closer range and the lighting being good. Outdoors, however, can be a very different story. You may be taking much longer shots and in low light situations. If this is the case, you will want different binoculars than those that might only be suited for indoor use.

Binocular Sizes

The size of your binoculars does a few different things. First, it will determine how much magnification you get. Larger binoculars have larger lenses and glass, so they will be larger and heavier in size but allow you to see further. This larger size of lens will also determine how bright or dim your binoculars are. Larger lenses allow more light to pass through them, making the picture brighter depending on the size you are using. This could be extremely important while shooting outdoors, especially when lighting conditions are not always ideal.

Binocular Weight

Speaking of weight, you may be having to hike long distances or simply not want to deal with heavy binoculars. Binocular weight will correlate to their physical size and magnification. This should be an important consideration depending on your intended needs and preferences. Most compact binoculars will weigh around a pound or less, while larger binoculars can weigh up to four or five pounds. If you only shoot indoor competitions then weight may not be a big deal. Those shooting extensive outdoor competitions or archery hunting may take weight into more consideration.

Binocular Power

The power refers to the amount of magnification that you get when you look through the binoculars. Some archers may only need something as little as 8x power binoculars, while others who are shooting longer ranges may require up to 15x power. The power that you need may also depend on whether or not you are shooting indoors or outdoors and if you intend to handhold the binoculars or use them in conjunction with a tripod. The power is also extremely important if you also intend to hunt with your binoculars, as more power is often required.

Binocular Build

Binoculars not only come in a variety of different sizes but come with many different builds and features as well. Some binoculars will be built to be more rugged and durable, while others may be built with glass quality and clarity in mind. Many binoculars will have special coatings on the lens to prevent things like fogging or scratches, while other models may not feature any extras like this.

Binocular Comfort

One of the last things to consider is comfort. Some binoculars are easier on your eyes than others. Some may be better suited for those with glasses, while others can seem impossible to look through with any kind of eyewear. You want to find a pair of binoculars that are as comfortable as possible for you. The more comfortable they are, the more you will be prone to use and enjoy them.

Best Binoculars for Indoor Archery

Vortex Diamondback Bincoulars

Vortex Diamondback 10x42mm Binoculars

Vortex is a very well-known optics brand, and their Diamondback line of binoculars is great for indoor archery use. The 10x power is more than enough to allow you to see your shots. They are extremely lightweight despite being 10x42mm binoculars and are very compact. Designed with hunters in mind, many indoor archery shooters have found these binoculars to be everything they need due to their size and ergonomics.

Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD Binoculars

Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD 8x42mm Binoculars

Leupold optics are produced right here in America, and their quality is amazing. The BX-1 McKenzie HD binoculars are a proud testament to the performance you can expect from Leupold, and the 8x power is the perfect size for indoor shooting. The resolution and clarity are further enhanced by all of the extra features and ergonomics of these lightweight binoculars. They also come in at a great price point for the quality you will be receiving.

Vanguard Endeavor ED II Binoculars

Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8x32mm Binoculars

The smallest pair of binoculars on our list, the Endeavor ED II’s by Vanguard are incredibly small, compact, and lightweight. The 8x power is still more than enough to clearly see anything you need to and the 32mm lenses have no problems with indoor lighting. Despite their small size, these binoculars have more features than most with dual-coated lenses, rubber-coated metal eyecups, and excellent eye relief.

Bushnell Powerview 2 Roof Prism Binoculars

Bushnell Powerview 2 Roof Prism Binoculars

One of the most budget-friendly options here on our list, the Powerview 2 binoculars from Bushnell do a great job with indoor applications. Not only are they very lightweight, but they have more than enough magnification with their 8x power. The large adjustment wheel makes them easy to adjust while on the fly and their small size and weight make them easy to hold for hours on end should you need to!

Burris Droptine Binoculars

Burris Droptine Binocular

Available in 8x and 10x power, the Droptine by Burris is a unique and elegant design that is perfect for indoor use. While it was made for whitetail hunters, any archer will love its sleek design and amazingly comfortable grip and eyecups. These binoculars are very easy on the eyes and can be looked through for hours without any fatigue. Their glass quality is also excellent considering their fair price tag.

Best Binoculars for Outdoor Archery

Vortex Viper HD Binoculars

Vortex Viper HD Binoculars

Another great pair of binoculars from Vortex, their Viper line of optics are a step up from their Diamondback line. This means they are much brighter and crisper, and therefore much better suited to outdoor use. They also come in a few different sizes (8x, 10x, 12x,) so you have plenty of options to choose the model that best fits your needs. Still lightweight and comfortable to hold, these binoculars provide excellent quality at a great price point!

Swarovski El Binoculars with Swarovision

Swarovski EL Binoculars with Swarovision

Sometimes archers may want to be using the best of the best, and hands down this would be any optics from Swarovski. Their EL binocular line is the best on the market and has the price tag to prove it. Although they are extremely expensive, there is nothing else that compares to their overall clarity, resolution, and light transmission. Extremely bright and clear, these binoculars can be used for anything. The 10x power is perfect for many outdoor situations and you can choose from 32mm or 42mm lenses.

Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars

Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 Binoculars

For those that want quality similar to Swarovski without the giant price tag, the Zeiss Terra ED line of binoculars is a great option. Produced in many of the same regions as Swarovski and other brands, the glass quality in these binoculars is top-notch. Their compact size and ergonomics may even be a bit better than the EL binoculars from Swarovski, and these binoculars come in at a fraction of the price!

Barska Blackhawk Binoculars

Not everyone wants or needs to spend a fortune on binoculars, however, and that is where the Barska Blackhawk binoculars come into play. These budget-friendly binoculars are rugged and durable, ensuring that water or dirt will not affect them. The thick rubber armor may add a little to the overall weight, but it makes them very tough and comfortable to hold for long periods of time. The 10x power comes in two options with 25mm or 42mm lenses to give you some variety.

Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD Binoculars

Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD Binoculars

A relatively new line of optics from Leupold, the Santiam HD binoculars from Leupold come in 8x, 10x, and 15x power options with even more choices for lens size. Designed with hunters in mind, they are perfect for giving you bright and clear images in any type of lighting condition. They can be easily mounted to a tripod thanks to Leupold’s easy mount system and of course come with an excellent warranty from Leupold that protects against any accidents or damage.

Final Thoughts

Binoculars may often go overlooked when it comes to archery, but they can be a very important piece of gear. Not only will you be able to better see your shots, but you can further adjust your shooting to become even better. If you intend to shoot regularly, a good pair of binoculars can be an excellent investment!

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